Traer native and U.S. Army veteran Carol Whitmore pictured on Wednesday, Aug. 13 in Columbus, Ohio during her acceptance speech as the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) new national commander-in-chief. She was installed as part of the 126th VFW National Convention and is both the first Iowan and first woman to lead the organization. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS/FACEBOOK

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Carol Whitmore of Des Moines and formerly of Traer was elected on Wednesday, Aug. 13 as the new national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of approximately one million eligible combat veterans and military service members from all six branches of the armed forces.

“Standing here today, surrounded by such incredible people – fellow veterans, families and friends – I am filled with a deep sense of pride and humility,” Whitmore said during her acceptance speech. “This is not just a recognition of me, but of all the men and women who have served in our armed forces.”

Whitmore’s election as the VFW’s 117th commander-in-chief occurred at the conclusion of the organization’s 126th National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. More than 10,000 members of the VFW and its Auxiliary converged on the city to conduct the business of the organization, recognize individuals and organizations for excellence, and to elect new leadership for the 2025-26 year.

Whitmore, a North Tama Class of 1973 alumna, is the first woman elected to lead the more than 125-year-old organization. She delivered remarks to those attending in person at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and watching via livestreaming video.

“When I think back on my journey, I am sure it was just like many others – my reality is not necessarily the VFW reality,” she said. “But I was driven by a sense of duty, a desire to serve something greater than myself. And little did I know that decision would shape me in ways I could never have imagined.”

Whitmore, left, pictured during her installation ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 13, in Columbus, Ohio. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS VFW/FACEBOOK

Enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps in 1977, Whitmore’s 36-year military career was marked by significant milestones, from integrating with men into the regular Army to becoming an Army nurse and later serving as a first sergeant for her unit while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was there that she earned her VFW eligibility. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (two), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non-Commissioned Professional Development Ribbon (three), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (three), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, and the Combat Action Badge.

“As we look to the future, I believe that the strength of our veteran community is our greatest asset. We have so much to offer,” she said. “We have lived through adversity, we have faced challenges that many can’t even imagine and we’ve come out on the other side stronger. It’s because of that strength that we are still serving our communities and our nation.”

Whitmore joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership. She has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District, and Department levels, culminating with her election as the VFW Department of Iowa Commander from 2018 to 2019, in which she achieved All-American status. On the national level, she served on the Legislative Committee, the General Resolutions Committee, and on the National Council of Administration from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, she was elected as designee for National VFW Commander-in-Chief for the year 2025, becoming the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position. She is also a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, the VFW National Home, and the American Legion and its Auxiliary.

During her speech, Whitmore emphasized legislative advocacy as a priority for her year, with a focus on fighting to get Congress to grant concurrent receipt for select combat-injured veterans through the Major Richard Star Act.

“Through advocacy, our legislative efforts need to be resolute,” she said. “The [Major] Richard Star Act must pass this year. This effort was started in 2004, and the bill has repeatedly and shamelessly been voted down. Let’s get this done already. Honor the Contract!”

Carol Whitmore, North Tama Class of 1973 alumna and the new national commander-in-chief of the VFW, pictured on Aug. 13 in Ohio following her installation ceremony. Whitmore and her husband Brad reside in Des Moines where a homecoming weekend is planned Sept. 25-28. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS/FACEBOOK

Whitmore also spoke passionately about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission and the key diplomatic role the VFW played in Southeast Asia during the early 1990s.

“More than 30 years ago, it was VFW Vietnam War veterans who led the mission back to the country that cost them so much to extend a hand of peace to their former adversaries. This tremendously brave effort opened U.S. relations with Vietnam and access to the country so DPAA could find and bring home our comrades who were missing in action.”

In addition to Whitmore, other national officers elected were Cory Geisler, an Iraq War veteran from the Department of Wisconsin, as senior vice commander-in-chief, and Glenn Umberger Jr., from the Department of Pennsylvania, who is also a veteran from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as junior vice commander-in-chief. The final day of the convention also saw Adjutant General Dan West and Quartermaster General Marc Garduno reassume their posts.

Whitmore, a retired nurse who attended the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College, is the daughter of the late Henry W. Bonewitz, a member of Traer High School Class of 1938 and a World War II veteran, and the late Loretta Emma (née Wunder) Bonewitz Schnabel, a Dysart 1936 graduate and lifelong member of the Legion Auxiliary. Today, Whitmore and her husband Brad reside in Des Moines.

“To my own family … especially my husband, who stood by me through every challenge, I want to say thank you,” she said as part of her acceptance speech. “Your absolute support has given me the strength to push forward, even on the hardest days. I almost didn’t come to this point. As many of you know, my husband has had a major health change, thanks to Agent Orange, and I was going to stop my journey. But he is so smart, he said you not only have to do this because of your father, and my father, but now do this for me! We fight for those who can’t!!! We advocate on behalf of everyone who served and needs the support of fellow veterans … that’s what we do!!!”

In rounding out her remarks, Whitmore touched on the historic nature of her election.

“I may be the first veteran to have been elected VFW commander-in-chief while wearing a dress … the first female veteran, but I will not be the last. And as I have said while campaigning, I am your comrade by mud, by blood, by dust, by dirt, by sand, by land, by sea, by air … I am a veteran first.”