An unrehearsed fashion show in Los Alamitos celebrates women’s military service. Sponsored by GI Hope and Amvets, the event is designed to create the returning veterans feel welcome and special.

Until two weeks ago, Lindsay Higgins was resting on friends’ sofas and park benches.

However on Sunday evening, the 25-year-old former soldier donned a swirling black and cream evening gown and glided down the runway at an improvised fashion show in Los Alamitos celebrating women’s military service.

“I felt resembling I could be a model,” she said, beaming.

The event seized at the California Wok restaurant was organized by GI Hope and Amvets, which advocate for veterans and assist them locate services such as transitional housing, career advice, and mental health and substance abuse treatment.

“It’s very essential to us that our women veterans feel special, feel gorgeous and feel honored,” said Kenya Lawson, who runs GI Hope.