Maryann Hites is a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant who served for 23 years after joining the Air Force in 1973 during the final years of the Vietnam era. Throughout her military career, she served at assignments across the United States and overseas, including England, Germany, Korea, and Belgium. While stationed at RAF Alconbury, England, she became the installation's first female vehicle operator.

Following her military retirement in 1996, Maryann pursued a career in nursing, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). She has worked in a variety of healthcare specialties and remains committed to serving others through both her profession and volunteer work.

Today, Maryann is active with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the North Carolina Memorial Day Parade Committee. As President and Founding Member of U.S. Military Women Veterans, she is passionate about building a strong, unified network of women veterans that provides support, mentorship, connection, and advocacy throughout the Triad region.

"We need to stand up and be counted for our contributions."

Krista Beaver began her military career as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Candidate and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capital University School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout her Navy service, she served at duty stations in Illinois, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Tennessee, supporting military healthcare operations during the Vietnam era, the Gulf War, and Desert Storm.

During her military career, Krista worked in general medicine at U.S. Naval Hospitals, participated in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Hugo in partnership with the American Red Cross, and trained Navy Corpsmen for deployment alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. She retired from the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant (LT/O-3), Nurse Corps.

Following military service, Krista continued her dedication to helping others through healthcare and case management, earning a Master of Science in Operations Management and becoming a Certified Case Manager. Most recently, she assisted veterans seeking qualification for home health services through her work with Home Instead Senior Care.

Today, Krista remains active in her community through veteran organizations, foster care initiatives, church service, and volunteer work. As Projects Coordinator and Interim Chaplain for USMWV, she is committed to honoring the service of women veterans and ensuring their voices, experiences, and contributions are recognized and valued.

"My desire for USMWV is to honor and recognize the contributions of female veterans, past, present, and future, who have served in the United States Armed Forces."