03/10/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2023 11:02
Today's #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Carol A. Mutter, the first woman in the military to attain a three-star rank.
Carol A. Mutter dedicated almost 32 years of her life to a career in the Marine Corps. Growing up on a sharecropping farm in Greeley, Colorado, Mutter eventually became the first female in the military to be nominated by the President for three-star rank.
Mutter was inspired by her high school math teacher, and so she pursued a B.A. in Mathematics Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1967. After graduating, she was commissioned as a Marine officer. She continued her education, eventually attaining an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, along with an M.S. and honorary doctorate from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.
Throughout her career, Mutter traveled substantially and was stationed throughout the world, including:
Within the next few years, Mutter became a pioneer for women in the military with a list of firsts:
After almost 32 years of service, Mutter retired in 1999 to pursue leadership in memorial foundations and Veteran resource associations. She has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. For her service, she received the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with bronze star, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars.
We honor her service.
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You're in luck! VA's #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It's easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to [email protected] with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Writer: Sarah McDonald
Editors: Marisa Bunton, Mary Margaret Brennan
Researcher: John Bergstrom
Graphic Designer: Saul Leon