May 26, 2026
WASHINGTON – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) mourns the loss of Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women's Memorial and a lifelong advocate for women veterans, who passed away last week. A former Army nurse who served in Vietnam, Evans devoted decades of her life to securing national recognition for the thousands of military women who served during the war. Her tireless efforts culminated in the dedication of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in 1993 near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., forever honoring the women whose service and sacrifice had too often gone unrecognized.
Evans was also a proud VFW Life Member of VFW Post 4393 in Helena, Montana, whose commitment to veterans extended far beyond her own military service. In recognition of her extraordinary leadership and advocacy, the VFW awarded her the organization’s prestigious Commander-in-Chief Gold Medal of Merit. Through her public advocacy, education efforts and unwavering determination, Evans brought national attention to the vital role women played in Vietnam as nurses, intelligence specialists, air traffic controllers and support personnel. Her work helped generations of women veterans gain the visibility, respect and recognition they earned through their service.
VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, the organization’s first woman national commander and a retired Army nurse and member of the Women’s Army Corps, reflected on Evans’ extraordinary legacy and the profound impact she had on veterans across generations.
“The courage and compassion of Vietnam nurses brought comfort, healing and hope to countless service members in the midst of war,” said Whitmore. “Diane Carlson Evans epitomized that care to soldiers in Vietnam. Founding the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., Diane ensured the legacy of the women who served during that time would never be forgotten. We will never forget you, Diane. Thank you for your service.”
The VFW extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, fellow veterans and admirers of Diane Carlson Evans. Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations and remind the nation that the contributions of women veterans are inseparable from the story of America’s military history.