Diane Carlson Evans: A Champion for Military Women

Diane Carlson Evans, a former Army nurse, dedicated years of her life to advocating for military women. She passed away from a rare cancer linked to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide.

Evans is remembered for her pivotal role in the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in 1993. She worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to see it completed. Despite initial estimates suggesting the project would take just two years, it demanded extensive efforts. These included delivering speeches, raising funds, and conducting grassroots campaigns.

“It was a simple idea,” Evans reflected, acknowledging the challenges she faced. The process involved overcoming resistance from both bureaucrats and a public that was often indifferent or skeptical.