After graduating from West Point in 1982 with a degree in general engineering, Donna Peterson went on to become a helicopter pilot, a maintenance test pilot and the Chief of Protocol for the free world's largest military installation, garnering numerous awards for her performance along the way. She has been honored as an "Outstanding Female Veteran of Texas" and has been presented honorary memberships to both the Korean Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America for her support of veterans groups and veterans rights. An accomplished speaker, she has appeared on national television programs including Nightline, World News Tonight and CNN. She accepted a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve and was promoted to the rank of Major.