SIX DAYS into Ranger School, I was exhausted. Every second of every day I was on my feet, running through woods or swamps. The Army’s Ranger School is one of the toughest courses in the military.

I was in the first class that allowed women. But, I was like a unicorn. I looked different, sounded funny and was older — a mother. When other soldiers saw me, they didn’t know how to react.

I kept thinking about young women launching their careers. I needed to set the example. Three of us made it through.

Lisa Jaster’s uniform is at the Smithsonian. It will be used to tell her story and other women’s stories of bravery and perseverance.