Served Like a Girl

Served Like a Girl is a deep and stirring 2017 documentary that gives viewers a fresh, personal perspective on the lives of women who have courageously served in the American Armed Forces. Directed by Lysa Heslov and featuring the lives and stories of extraordinary women like Nichole Alred, Jas Boothe, and Rachel Engler, the film offers a profound view into their service, the struggles they encounter during their transition from soldier to civilian, along with the resilience it takes to rebuild their lives.

Meet Nichole Alred, Jas Boothe and Rachel Engler, three among many whose stories of courage and perseverance are unfolded in this documentary. Each woman brings a unique story, narrative, and texture to the broad canvas of what it is like to be a woman and a veteran in today's world. Viewers are given an opportunity to see how each woman embraces her next mission post-military life.

Nichole, a mother and armed forces veteran, conveys the power of resilience and strength even in challenging situations. She captures the spirit, grit, and determination of women in the armed forces. Jas on the other hand, serves as a beacon of hope for countless women veterans through her operations of a national non-profit that supports homeless women veterans and their children. Her unfaltering commitment to service and her fellow veterans is truly inspiring. While Rachel, a fascinating mixture of beauty queen and battle-hardened medic, brings a distinct view of humanity that broadens the perspective of viewers about women in the military.

These women and more participated in Ms. Veteran America, a beauty pageant organized by Jas Boothe to celebrate women who serve and have served in the military. Far from the typical pageant, this event is a platform for these veterans to share their stories, pays homage to their service, and brings to the spotlight the critical and often overlooked issue of homelessness among women veterans. It's a vital platform for empowering these brave women, recognizing their sacrifice, and raising funds and awareness for female veterans in need.

Served Like a Girl connects viewers to the personal and often unseen world of female veterans. It systematically peels back the stereotypes and misconceptions about women in the military, showing their strength, their struggles, and their unwavering courage. It goes beyond the uniform, laying bare the emotional landscape of its subjects -- everything from dealing with PTSD to facing unemployment, to the challenges of motherhood -- nothing is off the table.

The film remarkably brings out the emotions, with the score by Michael A. Levine and a soundtrack featuring songs by Gwen Stefani, Pat Benatar, P!nk, Christina Aguilera, among others. The choices of music provide a moving and rhythmic backdrop to the narratives being unfolded on screen.

Served Like a Girl is as hard-hitting and visceral as it is warm and relatable. It pitches emotion against reality, showing the true human cost of war not just on the battlefield but long after the fighting has ceased. It is a call to arms, a call to remember the service of these brave women, not just as soldiers, but as mothers, daughters, and wives, who strive to rebuild their lives after their service to their country.

In conclusion, this film goes beyond a mere nod of appreciation; it is a toast to the world these veteran women bravely navigate every day. It is a realm of resilience and determination, of service and sacrifice, a world that deserves our understanding, respect, and care.

Served Like a Girl had its world premiere at South by Southwest and has since been hailed as a vital, eye-opening, and thought provoking take on women in the military in both the film festivals and general screenings where it's been showcased. This is not just a film to pass the time; it is a touchstone for empathy, understanding, and respect for the women who stake their lives for their nation. Their stories are a testament to courage, strength, and the incredible spirit of women who have proudly worn the uniform.