CELEBRATING AND RECOGNIZING WMA EXCELLENCE
During World War II, the US called on women to become an even larger part of the Marine Corps. In February 1948, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was established. On June 12 in the same year, Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and made women a permanent part of the regular Marine Corps. Since then, women Marines have continually enlisted and transformed Marine Corps history through vast achievements, recognition of valor and honor, and immeasurable accomplishments that showcase their boundless influence.
WMA AWARDS
Ruth and Dick Broe Award – WMA’s Highest Chapter Honor
This prestigious award represents the highest level of achievement for a WMA chapter. It is presented to the chapter that exemplifies exceptional dedication, selfless service, and impactful contributions to the growth and development of the Women Marines Association.
Named in honor of Ruth Broe, Past National President of WMA, and her husband Dick Broe, founding President of the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter, this award celebrates a legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment.
Selection is based on submitted Chapter Activity Reports covering the two years between national conventions. The award is formally presented during the closing banquet ceremony, recognizing the chapter whose efforts have truly set the standard for excellence.
WMA SPECIAL AWARD PROGRAMS
THE JULIA HAMBLET AWARD
The Julia Hamblet Award is named in honor of Colonel Hamblet who twice served as Director of Women Marines. This award is funded by the Lotus Mort Fund, under the management of WMA and in coordinations of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Nominations for this prestigious award shall be submitted for an individual or team (male or female, military or civilian) whose efforts have furthered and preserved the history of women who have earned the title of Marine. Nominees are those who made lasting contributions to preserving and furthering the legacy and history of women Marines through a variety of major and definitive historical efforts, including, but not limited to, the development of historical events or organizations, the creation of historical collections and displays, and published books on the history of women Marines. This award is considered the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award.
Nomination Form is to be submitted to history@womenmarines.org
Learn More about Julia Hamblet
Keep Our Mission In Motion
Your support helps WMA improve life for our fellow Marines and veterans through programs like our WMA Emergency Funds Grant.
WMA National Service Awards – Honoring Unwavering Commitment
The WMA National Service Award (NSA) is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Women Marines Association or the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter. It recognizes an individual whose unwavering support, exceptional dedication, and selfless service have profoundly advanced the mission and values of WMA.
This award is not given lightly. It speaks to a legacy of action—of someone who consistently goes above and beyond, embodying the core values of the Marine Corps while championing the growth, unity, and historical preservation of WMA.
Presented during the closing banquet ceremony at each Biennial Convention, the NSA is a rare and deeply respected recognition. With no more than three recipients per convention, it honors those whose contributions have left an enduring mark on our organization and the legacy of women Marines.
National Service Awardees
1972-1974
• Capt Charles J. Covert, USN (Ret)
• Harriet (Mrs. Harry J.) Creighton
• Fredine (Mrs. Orville) Haynie
• Don Smith
1974-1976
• Richard W. Broe
• Harry Creighton
• Anna “Meg” Dawes
• Emma Holmes
1976-1978
• Florence L. Blanchard
• Ruth H. Broe
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
1978 – 1980
• Virginia Allred
• Southern California
• LEGGS (Charles Todd, Chairman)
1981
• MGySgt Barbara A. Reva, USMC
1980 – 1982
• Helen Hannah Campbell
• Marjorie Miller
1982 – 1984
• Ruth H. Broe (posthumously)
• Mable Otten
• Marie Proulx
• Nita Bob Warner
1984 – 1986
• Olga Bullock
• Florida Gulf Coast Chapter FL-2
• Barbara Pullman, Loyal Escorts
1986 – 1988
• Dorothy Munroe
• Eileen Scanlon
• Lady Marine Rose Chapter (OR1)
1988-1990
• NY Metropolitan Chapter (NY2) Mary G. Knapp
• Nina Fontella Ninas
• Marjorie Bondy Hancock
1990-1992
• Eleanor L. Judge
• Virginia Allred
1992 – 1994
(None)
1994 – 1996
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
• Helen H. Laukes
1996 – 1998
• Doris Keane
• Arla O. Young
• Mary Bacon Hale
1998 – 2000
• Mary A. Sabourin
• Dorothy Durkin
2000 – 2002
• Sondra Metzger
2002 – 2004
• Sarah Thornton
• Mary Ann Merritt
2004 – 2006
• Mary Ann Merritt
• Wendy Woodward
2006 – 2008
• Lillian Cross
• John Holvoet – Loyal Escorts
2008 – 2010
• Carol Mutter
• Patricia Martin
• Nancy Wilt
2010 – 2012
• Kathleen Wright
• Mary Ellen Stone
2012-2014
• Barbara Chagnon
• Valerie Breidenbaugh
• Motor City Chapter (MI-2)
2014 – 2016
• Rhonda Amtower
• Erin Holvoet
• Linda Priest
2016 – 2018
• Jacquline Caputo
• Adrianne McLarahmore
• Rosy Marcelino-Macias
2018 – 2020
• Mary Ellen Stone
• Michael E. Pearce
• Dorothy Stover-Kendrick
Ruth and Dick Broe Award – WMA’s Highest Chapter Honor
This prestigious award represents the highest level of achievement for a WMA chapter. It is presented to the chapter that exemplifies exceptional dedication, selfless service, and impactful contributions to the growth and development of the Women Marines Association.
Named in honor of Ruth Broe, Past National President of WMA, and her husband Dick Broe, founding President of the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter, this award celebrates a legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment.
Selection is based on submitted Chapter Activity Reports covering the two years between national conventions. The award is formally presented during the closing banquet ceremony, recognizing the chapter whose efforts have truly set the standard for excellence.
WMA SPECIAL AWARD PROGRAMS
THE JULIA HAMBLET AWARD
The Julia Hamblet Award is named in honor of Colonel Hamblet who twice served as Director of Women Marines. This award is funded by the Lotus Mort Fund, under the management of WMA and in coordinations of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Nominations for this prestigious award shall be submitted for an individual or team (male or female, military or civilian) whose efforts have furthered and preserved the history of women who have earned the title of Marine. Nominees are those who made lasting contributions to preserving and furthering the legacy and history of women Marines through a variety of major and definitive historical efforts, including, but not limited to, the development of historical events or organizations, the creation of historical collections and displays, and published books on the history of women Marines. This award is considered the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award.
Nomination Form is to be submitted to history@womenmarines.org
Learn More about Julia Hamblet
Marine Corps Junior ROTC/MCJROTC Award
The awards are presented annually to the outstanding JROTC cadet in each JROTC unit nationwide and is chosen by the Senior Marine Instructor (SIM). Whenever possible, a member of WMA volunteers presents this award to the selected cadet(s).
To get more info on Marine Corps MCJROTC, click here to visit their website. For more information contact mcjrotc@womenmarines.org
WMA National Service Awards – Honoring Unwavering Commitment
The WMA National Service Award (NSA) is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Women Marines Association or the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter. It recognizes an individual whose unwavering support, exceptional dedication, and selfless service have profoundly advanced the mission and values of WMA.
This award is not given lightly. It speaks to a legacy of action—of someone who consistently goes above and beyond, embodying the core values of the Marine Corps while championing the growth, unity, and historical preservation of WMA.
Presented during the closing banquet ceremony at each Biennial Convention, the NSA is a rare and deeply respected recognition. With no more than three recipients per convention, it honors those whose contributions have left an enduring mark on our organization and the legacy of women Marines.
National Service Awardees
1972-1974
• Capt Charles J. Covert, USN (Ret)
• Harriet (Mrs. Harry J.) Creighton
• Fredine (Mrs. Orville) Haynie
• Don Smith
1974-1976
• Richard W. Broe
• Harry Creighton
• Anna “Meg” Dawes
• Emma Holmes
1976-1978
• Florence L. Blanchard
• Ruth H. Broe
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
1978 – 1980
• Virginia Allred
• Southern California
• LEGGS (Charles Todd, Chairman)
1981
• MGySgt Barbara A. Reva, USMC
1980 – 1982
• Helen Hannah Campbell
• Marjorie Miller
1982 – 1984
• Ruth H. Broe (posthumously)
• Mable Otten
• Marie Proulx
• Nita Bob Warner
1984 – 1986
• Olga Bullock
• Florida Gulf Coast Chapter FL-2
• Barbara Pullman, Loyal Escorts
1986 – 1988
• Dorothy Munroe
• Eileen Scanlon
• Lady Marine Rose Chapter (OR1)
1988-1990
• NY Metropolitan Chapter (NY2) Mary G. Knapp
• Nina Fontella Ninas
• Marjorie Bondy Hancock
1990-1992
• Eleanor L. Judge
• Virginia Allred
1992 – 1994
(None)
1994 – 1996
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
• Helen H. Laukes
1996 – 1998
• Doris Keane
• Arla O. Young
• Mary Bacon Hale
1998 – 2000
• Mary A. Sabourin
• Dorothy Durkin
2000 – 2002
• Sondra Metzger
2002 – 2004
• Sarah Thornton
• Mary Ann Merritt
2004 – 2006
• Mary Ann Merritt
• Wendy Woodward
2006 – 2008
• Lillian Cross
• John Holvoet – Loyal Escorts
2008 – 2010
• Carol Mutter
• Patricia Martin
• Nancy Wilt
2010 – 2012
• Kathleen Wright
• Mary Ellen Stone
2012-2014
• Barbara Chagnon
• Valerie Breidenbaugh
• Motor City Chapter (MI-2)
2014 – 2016
• Rhonda Amtower
• Erin Holvoet
• Linda Priest
2016 – 2018
• Jacquline Caputo
• Adrianne McLarahmore
• Rosy Marcelino-Macias
2018 – 2020
• Mary Ellen Stone
• Michael E. Pearce
• Dorothy Stover-Kendrick
Ruth and Dick Broe Award – WMA’s Highest Chapter Honor
This prestigious award represents the highest level of achievement for a WMA chapter. It is presented to the chapter that exemplifies exceptional dedication, selfless service, and impactful contributions to the growth and development of the Women Marines Association.
Named in honor of Ruth Broe, Past National President of WMA, and her husband Dick Broe, founding President of the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter, this award celebrates a legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment.
Selection is based on submitted Chapter Activity Reports covering the two years between national conventions. The award is formally presented during the closing banquet ceremony, recognizing the chapter whose efforts have truly set the standard for excellence.
WMA SPECIAL AWARD PROGRAMS
THE JULIA HAMBLET AWARD
The Julia Hamblet Award is named in honor of Colonel Hamblet who twice served as Director of Women Marines. This award is funded by the Lotus Mort Fund, under the management of WMA and in coordinations of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Nominations for this prestigious award shall be submitted for an individual or team (male or female, military or civilian) whose efforts have furthered and preserved the history of women who have earned the title of Marine. Nominees are those who made lasting contributions to preserving and furthering the legacy and history of women Marines through a variety of major and definitive historical efforts, including, but not limited to, the development of historical events or organizations, the creation of historical collections and displays, and published books on the history of women Marines. This award is considered the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award.
Nomination Form is to be submitted to history@womenmarines.org
Learn More about Julia Hamblet
Molly Marine Award
The Molly Marine Award was established in 1969 and given by WMA in the name of Molly Marine. The recipient of this award best exemplifies the Esprit de Corps (Marine Purpose) and ideal of excellence which is the hallmark of all Marines. Candidates are chosen by peers in each graduating platoon.
To find out more about Esprit de Corps, click here.
Marine Corps Junior ROTC/MCJROTC Award
The awards are presented annually to the outstanding JROTC cadet in each JROTC unit nationwide and is chosen by the Senior Marine Instructor (SIM). Whenever possible, a member of WMA volunteers presents this award to the selected cadet(s).
To get more info on Marine Corps MCJROTC, click here to visit their website. For more information contact mcjrotc@womenmarines.org
WMA National Service Awards – Honoring Unwavering Commitment
The WMA National Service Award (NSA) is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Women Marines Association or the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter. It recognizes an individual whose unwavering support, exceptional dedication, and selfless service have profoundly advanced the mission and values of WMA.
This award is not given lightly. It speaks to a legacy of action—of someone who consistently goes above and beyond, embodying the core values of the Marine Corps while championing the growth, unity, and historical preservation of WMA.
Presented during the closing banquet ceremony at each Biennial Convention, the NSA is a rare and deeply respected recognition. With no more than three recipients per convention, it honors those whose contributions have left an enduring mark on our organization and the legacy of women Marines.
National Service Awardees
1972-1974
• Capt Charles J. Covert, USN (Ret)
• Harriet (Mrs. Harry J.) Creighton
• Fredine (Mrs. Orville) Haynie
• Don Smith
1974-1976
• Richard W. Broe
• Harry Creighton
• Anna “Meg” Dawes
• Emma Holmes
1976-1978
• Florence L. Blanchard
• Ruth H. Broe
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
1978 – 1980
• Virginia Allred
• Southern California
• LEGGS (Charles Todd, Chairman)
1981
• MGySgt Barbara A. Reva, USMC
1980 – 1982
• Helen Hannah Campbell
• Marjorie Miller
1982 – 1984
• Ruth H. Broe (posthumously)
• Mable Otten
• Marie Proulx
• Nita Bob Warner
1984 – 1986
• Olga Bullock
• Florida Gulf Coast Chapter FL-2
• Barbara Pullman, Loyal Escorts
1986 – 1988
• Dorothy Munroe
• Eileen Scanlon
• Lady Marine Rose Chapter (OR1)
1988-1990
• NY Metropolitan Chapter (NY2) Mary G. Knapp
• Nina Fontella Ninas
• Marjorie Bondy Hancock
1990-1992
• Eleanor L. Judge
• Virginia Allred
1992 – 1994
(None)
1994 – 1996
• Theresa “Sue” Souza
• Helen H. Laukes
1996 – 1998
• Doris Keane
• Arla O. Young
• Mary Bacon Hale
1998 – 2000
• Mary A. Sabourin
• Dorothy Durkin
2000 – 2002
• Sondra Metzger
2002 – 2004
• Sarah Thornton
• Mary Ann Merritt
2004 – 2006
• Mary Ann Merritt
• Wendy Woodward
2006 – 2008
• Lillian Cross
• John Holvoet – Loyal Escorts
2008 – 2010
• Carol Mutter
• Patricia Martin
• Nancy Wilt
2010 – 2012
• Kathleen Wright
• Mary Ellen Stone
2012-2014
• Barbara Chagnon
• Valerie Breidenbaugh
• Motor City Chapter (MI-2)
2014 – 2016
• Rhonda Amtower
• Erin Holvoet
• Linda Priest
2016 – 2018
• Jacquline Caputo
• Adrianne McLarahmore
• Rosy Marcelino-Macias
2018 – 2020
• Mary Ellen Stone
• Michael E. Pearce
• Dorothy Stover-Kendrick
Ruth and Dick Broe Award – WMA’s Highest Chapter Honor
This prestigious award represents the highest level of achievement for a WMA chapter. It is presented to the chapter that exemplifies exceptional dedication, selfless service, and impactful contributions to the growth and development of the Women Marines Association.
Named in honor of Ruth Broe, Past National President of WMA, and her husband Dick Broe, founding President of the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter, this award celebrates a legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment.
Selection is based on submitted Chapter Activity Reports covering the two years between national conventions. The award is formally presented during the closing banquet ceremony, recognizing the chapter whose efforts have truly set the standard for excellence.
WMA SPECIAL AWARD PROGRAMS
THE JULIA HAMBLET AWARD
The Julia Hamblet Award is named in honor of Colonel Hamblet who twice served as Director of Women Marines. This award is funded by the Lotus Mort Fund, under the management of WMA and in coordinations of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Nominations for this prestigious award shall be submitted for an individual or team (male or female, military or civilian) whose efforts have furthered and preserved the history of women who have earned the title of Marine. Nominees are those who made lasting contributions to preserving and furthering the legacy and history of women Marines through a variety of major and definitive historical efforts, including, but not limited to, the development of historical events or organizations, the creation of historical collections and displays, and published books on the history of women Marines. This award is considered the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award.
Nomination Form is to be submitted to history@womenmarines.org
Learn More about Julia Hamblet