Courter joined
Civil Air Patrol as a senior in high school. She served as
Michigan Wing Commander from 1999 to 2002. She also served as the female senior advisor to CAP's National Cadet Advisory Council. On August 7, 2008, during the 2008 Civil Air Patrol National Board and Annual Conference, Courter was elected to remain as Civil Air Patrol's National Commander. She was promoted two days later at the conclusion of the conference. ==References==