Army veteran nicknamed ‘Xena’ after daring missions with Green Berets trades combat gear for pinup glamour

Lindsey Schmidt spent nine years in the Army, including time accompanying Green Berets on missions in Iraq.

Now the veteran nicknamed "Xena" is slipping into red lipstick and stilettos to tell a different side of her story.

The Virginia resident is now appearing in the Pin-Ups For Vets’ 21st annual fundraiser calendar for 2027 , which features 13 female veterans from across the country photographed in vintage styles.

"The whole reason I even joined the military was because of 'Saving Private Ryan,'" Schmidt told Fox News Digital.

"So it was a full-circle moment to go back into that World War II era.

And it's so great to see a spotlight on female veterans in this way, especially highlighting femininity." USAF VETERAN WHO DONATED 2 ORGANS POSES AS ‘40S PINUP MODEL "I know a lot of us don't feel super feminine when we're in uniform, but to be a part of this group of women who are so accomplished and have been through a lot of obstacles and challenges, it's really special to be a part of it," Schmidt added.

The award-winning nonprofit, founded in 2006 by California resident Gina Elise , raises money to support hospitalized and deployed troops.

It produces World War II-inspired bombshell calendars featuring veterans as models.

Elise previously told Fox News Digital she was inspired by Hollywood actress Betty Grable, whose swimsuit snap was distributed to GIs during World War II.

Proceeds from the calendar support hospital visits, care packages for deployed troops, ongoing donations of rehabilitation equipment to VA hospitals and goods for homeless veterans and those transitioning to housing.

To date, Pin-Ups For Vets has donated nearly $140,000 worth of rehab equipment to veterans hospitals and military hospitals, according to the organization.

It has also visited more than 25,000 ill and injured veterans at their bedsides in more than 135 hospitals and state veterans' homes.

WATCH: PIN-UPS FOR VETS CALENDAR MODEL HOPES TO INSPIRE YOUNG WOMEN Growing up, Schmidt said she was always deeply patriotic.

But after the Sept.