VFW Post 7507 welcomed two new female members at its last meeting.

Dr. Elaine Niggemann and Laura College are believed the first two female members to have joined the award-winning VFW Post at the same time, according to a press release by Post Adjutant Boe James.

Niggemann was an Army nurse who served in Vietnam, mostly at the Army hospital at Long Binh, leaving the service as a captain, James said in the press release.

After her Army service, Niggemann attended medical school and has now retired from a career as a cardiologist.

Her personal military decorations include the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm device. She also was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

College was an Army human resources officer who served in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, leaving the Army as a major, James said.

Among her personal awards are two Meritorious Service Awards, an Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

College was also awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation. She is the daughter of Don Hervey.

Post 7507 is the local Fountain Hills, north Scottsdale and Verde Communities chapter of the national VFW organization, James said, adding that the Post has been recognized as both an “All American” and an “All State” Post for its service.

The VFW’s mission is to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.

The VFW Post 7507 is located at 9624 N. Monterey Drive., Suite 1. For more information, visit vfwpost7507.org or call 480-836-5520.