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Playboy airman contributes calendar pinup

The former Air Force staff sergeant demoted for her Playboy Magazine spread is now a pinup model for a military-themed calendar.

Michelle Manhart, now honorably discharged, is the cover model of “Camouflage: Pin-up 2008,” a project by the three-years-running “Operation: Calendar” project that donates much of its profits to wounded veterans and their families. The project was started by Manuela Mezzadri, a San Diego model, after spending time with injured veterans.

“You hear a lot about the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Manhart, who claims a large troop following. “But you hear less about the wounded.”

In lieu of wearing clothing, each model was photographed nude with body paint expertly applied to look like swimwear. Manhart appears on a scooter, framed by palm fronds, with a painted-on pink, polka-dotted two-piece.

“We didn’t like the idea of a traditional swimsuit calendar,” Manhart said. “Anyone can do that.”

Each of the 12 female models was painted by career body painter Filippo Ioco. During the San Diego shoot at a public park, some passersby were shocked when told the models weren’t actually wearing clothes, Manhart said.

The calendar can be ordered online at http://www.operationcalendar.org for $12.99.

Manhart, also pursuing a film career, is now filming a Western and a horror movie called “The Taxidermist.”