Carol Whitmore was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on Aug. 13, 2025, at the 126th VFW National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. She is the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position.

Carol served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 2013, earning her VFW eligibility by serving in Iraq. 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, among many others.

She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership.