Mary-dith Tuitt of Dorchester was honored for her work serving women veterans like herself last month at the Massachusetts State House, where she received the 2024 Deborah Sampson Award from Gov. Healey and Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago at the annual Women Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony.  

The award, named after a American Revolution hero who disguised herself as a man and served in the colonial army, honors women who embody heroism, fidelity, and courage and go above and beyond in helping women veteran like themselves.

Tuitt spent 14 years in the US Navy as a jet mechanic, on active duty and in the reserves. She worked as the program manager of the Veterans Outreach Center, a program of Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, and now serves as president of the National Association of Commissions for Women, vice chair of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and commander of the William E. Carter American Legion Post 16 in Mattapan.