"As the battalion commander of the unit, I was the first woman and first nurse to ever hold that position. It was quite an awesome responsibility." (Audio Interview, 6:02)

Karen Gruber Trueblood

War: Persian Gulf War Era, 1990-2001; Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, 2001-present Branch: Navy; Navy Unit: 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group Service Location: Great Lakes, Illinois; Portsmouth, Virginia; Alaska; Guatemala;; also: Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia; Kuwait; Iraq Rank: Captain Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, PA

Among Navy Captain Karen Trueblood's many accomplishments--which include raising one son and a set of triplets--is her deft command of the US Marines 4th Medical Battalion. The first woman and nurse to hold that position, Trueblood felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to care not just for those in her command, but for the Marines and sailors she treated. After enlisting in 1977, Trueblood experienced combat for the first time in the Persian Gulf War. But it was her service in the Global War on Terror that made the biggest impression on her. The significance of her position couldn't contrast more with the woman of Iraq, who have never known true freedom. Karen Trueblood continues to serve her fellow soldiers and sailors as executive director of the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which provides services to homeless veterans and their families.