Lindsey Schmidt’s Military Journey

Lindsey Schmidt served nine years in the Army, accompanying Green Berets on missions in Iraq. Known as “Xena,” she’s now highlighting a different facet of her life. The Virginia resident, adorned with red lipstick and stilettos, appears in the Pin-Ups For Vets’ 21st annual fundraiser calendar for 2027. This calendar showcases 13 female veterans nationwide, photographed in vintage styles.

“The whole reason I joined the military was ‘Saving Private Ryan,’” Schmidt shared, reflecting on her inspiration and full-circle experience.

Despite feeling less feminine in uniform, Schmidt appreciates being among accomplished women in the calendar. Recognizing femininity while honoring female veterans is significant to her.

Pin-Ups For Vets: Purpose and Impact

The nonprofit, Pin-Ups For Vets, was founded in 2006 by Gina Elise, inspired by Betty Grable’s famous World War II pin-up photo. The organization raises funds to support hospitalized and deployed troops through bombshell calendars featuring veterans. Proceeds aid hospital visits, care packages for deployed troops, rehab equipment donations to VA hospitals, and homeless veterans’ transition to housing.

Schmidt’s Patriotic Passion

Growing up with a deep sense of patriotism, Schmidt was driven to serve after the Sept. 11 attacks. As an Arabic linguist and interrogator, she graduated from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California in 2004.

Initially wanting to learn Russian, she shifted to Arabic, recognizing its importance in 2002. Schmidt reflects on challenges faced during deployment, noting mixed reactions to her presence.

Earning Respect on Deployment

Deploying to Iraq as the only woman in her battalion, Schmidt initially faced opposition. Yet, her persistency earned their respect, demonstrated when a once-critical soldier asked to borrow her helmet. Upon its return, it bore the inscription “Xena,” signaling acceptance.

Accompanying Green Berets on missions, Schmidt’s unique skills allowed her to gather intelligence from women and children, inaccessible to her male counterparts.

Cultural Connections and Interrogation Strategies

Iraqi women recognized Schmidt’s ability to communicate in Arabic, sparking curiosity. She recounts an interrogation where her presence shifted the dynamics, enabling effective questioning.

Appreciating Freedom and Opportunities

Schmidt reflects on the freedoms she treasures, contrasting her experiences abroad. She emphasizes the value of basic comforts, freedom to drive, vote, work, and live independently, appreciating opportunities invaluable to her.

Her modeling role reinforces the message of gratitude for American freedoms, particularly those often overlooked.