Mary Saunders

Mary L. Saunders (born November 7, 1947) is a retired Major General from the United States Air Force. She was named to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 2012.

She was born in Nacogdoches, Texas and grew up in Houston. Saunders began her career at the Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas; she received her commission as a second lieutenant and began service in 1971. She earned a BSc in social work from Texas Woman's University and an MA in guidance and counselling from Rider College. Saunders attended Squadron Officer School and Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base and the National Security Leadership Course at Johns Hopkins University. She was the first female officer to serve as Director of Transportation for the United States Air Force. Each year three Distinguished Service Chapter awards and the Excellence in Leadership Award scholarship are presented in her name.