Ep 20. Served Like a Girl

Served Like a Girl is the twentieth episode of the nineteenth season of the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Independent Lens. In this compelling episode, viewers get an insight into the experiences of women veterans who have returned from serving in the US military.

The episode is set against the backdrop of the annual Ms. Veteran America competition, a pageant-like event held to bring attention to the plight of homeless women veterans. The program takes viewers on a deeply emotional and inspiring journey through the lives of five women competing in the event, each with a different personal story to tell about their struggles, triumphs and journey towards recovery and redemption.

Told through the eyes of these women, the episode explores the challenges and obstacles they face as they try to reintegrate into society after serving in the military. From PTSD to homelessness, unemployment and physical injuries, these brave women have to contend with a range of issues that are often compounded by a lack of support and understanding from society at large.

One of the central themes of the episode is the way in which these women use the Ms. Veteran America competition as a platform to raise awareness around the issues facing women veterans. Whether it's through creative dance performances, moving speeches, or moments of quiet reflection, viewers get to see how these women harness the power of the competition to tell their stories and engage with their communities.

As the episode progresses, viewers get to know each of the five women on a deeper level. They learn about their backgrounds, their military service, and the challenges they faced upon returning home. From Angelica, a former Army sergeant who is now struggling with PTSD and homelessness, to Nichole, an Air Force veteran who is using the competition as a way to overcome the loss of her best friend in combat, each woman is given a chance to share her unique story.

In addition to following the women as they prepare for the competition, the episode also touches on the broader issues facing women veterans in the US. Viewers learn about the alarming number of homeless women veterans, the hurdles they face in accessing healthcare, and the challenges of finding gainful employment after years in the military.

Overall, Served Like a Girl is a moving and at times heart-wrenching episode that shines a light on the experiences of women veterans in the US. Despite the many obstacles they face, these women are a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. By sharing their personal stories with viewers, they stand as an inspiration to us all.