Chief Warrant Officer 5 Karen D. Dymora was born on 17 September 1978 in Bern, Wisconsin and joined the Marine Corps on 13 October 1997. Upon completion of recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Private First Class Dymora reported to Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry. After graduation from MCT, PFC Dymora reported to the Correctional Specialist Course, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Upon completion, she attained the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 5831.
In April of 1998, PFC Dymora was assigned to the Base Brig, Quantico, VA and held the billets of Dorm Supervisor and Master Control Non-Commissioned Officer. During her tour, she was promoted twice. In August of 2000, Cpl Dymora reported to Okinawa, Japan for duty aboard the Joint Forces Brig as a Correctional Specialist and as the Administrations Chief. In November of that same year, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sgt Dymora then reported to Camp Lejeune in September of 2001 for duty aboard the base brig, where she held the billets of security platoon sergeant, Indoctrination/Restoration Chief, as well as working in the brig’s legal section as the Legal Chief. In April 2004, Sergeant Dymora was a selected nominee for the meritorious promotion board and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Staff Sergeant Dymora was transferred in January 2005 to Drill Instructor School, MCRD, Parris Island and graduated in March. She was then assigned to Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion and completed seven cycles. In March 2008, she got promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and successfully ended her tour on the drill field. In April 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Dymora reported to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy as a student for the Advanced Course Class 4-08 where she graduated as the distinguished honor graduate.
In July 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Dymora reported to Camp Pendleton, California, for duty aboard the base brig, where she held the billet of Administrations Chief. After completing the Naval Correctional Counselor Course as the distinguished graduate at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio TX in April 2009, she attained the MOS of 5832 and was assigned duties as a Naval Correctional Counselor. In May of 2009, she attended the Mental Health Specialist School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. At completion of this course, she graduated as the distinguished honor graduate. In October of 2009, she was selected for the FY10 Warrant Officer Regular program.
In January 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Dymora reported to The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia for the Warrant Officer Basic Course. In April of the same year, Warrant Officer Dymora reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for duty aboard the brig as a Correctional Officer. Warrant Officer Dymora held an array of duties, ranging from Security Officer, Prisoner Services Officer, Programs Officer, and Executive Officer of the facility.
Warrant Officer Dymora was transferred in April 2011 to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee for duty as a Policy Officer. During this tour, her billet consisted of review, interpretation, development, and implementation of Navy correctional policy. Additionally, she provided advice and guidance to senior corrections officials in all matters at DOD, SECNAV, OPNAV, HQMC, BUPERS, and NPC levels. In August of that same year, she was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.
In June 2014, CWO2 Dymora reported to 2d LEBN, Headquarters and Support Company, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for duty as the Detainee Operations Officer in Charge (OIC). In addition to her duties as the Detainee Operations OIC, she was assigned as the Headquarters and Support Company Commander in Jan 2017. On 1 December 2015, she was promoted to her current rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.
In February 2018, CWO3 Dymora received orders to Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar where she served as the Prisoner Management Department Director and Programs and Industries Officer prior to being assigned duties as Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Installations-West Level II Confinement Facility at Camp Pendleton, California in May 2019. On 1 December 2019, she was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. In July 2022, CWO4 Dymora reported to Headquarters and Support Bn, PMO, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for duty as the Future Operations Officer. In December 2022, CWO4 Dymora was selected to the rank of CWO5, the first female 5804 officer to obtain this rank.
In August 2023, CWO4 Dymora received orders to MCICOM, G-3/5, Law Enforcement Branch, Washington DC for duty as the Head of Marine Corps Corrections. In January 2024, CWO4 Dymora was promoted to the rank of CWO5.
CWO5 Dymora possesses an AA in General Studies from American Military University (with Honors), and a BA in Psychology from American Military University (Magna Cum Laude).
CWO5 Dymora’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars) in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two gold stars) in lieu of third award, Army Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
She has twin daughters, Addison & Ava.