Oscar Company Platoon 4006 and 4007
25 February 2015
The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” on 10 Nov, 1943. A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions women have made to the Corps. She proudly stands for endurance, the book she holds records our history, the binoculars allow her to see into the future and she looks up steadfast facing all that comes her way. Molly has become a symbol of Esprit de Corps for all women Marines. Before graduation from boot camp, the recruits are asked to name one fellow recruit within their platoon who best exemplifies being a Marine. Here, we celebrate our newest Marines
Molly Marine
Platoon 4006
Private First Class Janine S. Pedroza
“You may not be where you want to be today, but you are one step closer than you were yesterday.” A Marine is held to such high standards that failure is not an option. A Molly Marine mentors and guides her fellow Marines to uphold and exceed these high standards on a daily basis.
The significance of standing on those yellow footprints with adrenaline rushing through your veins as you realize you are about to train to become part of the United States most notorious fighting force is overwhelming. Three months of training can mentally, physically and emotionally break ones mindset. A Molly Marine commits herself in building courage in her fellow Marines to overcome and conquer their struggles; supporting her peers as they transform into United States Marines. She has the heart to keep others going after they have given up on themselves.
A Molly Marine exemplifies the ideal and leads by example. She carries herself with confidence, taking honor and pride in the uniform she wears. She constantly perseveres to overcome every obstacle that she encounters. I’ve encountered many struggles as I grew up. As I matured, I decided to not stress over things that I can no longer control. Those obstacles shaped the individual that I am today. No matter how many times you get knocked down or face challenging obstacles, there’s always time to get back up and start over. As new marines, we know we are now the foundation of the next generation. Together we will strive to uphold the legacy and proud tradition of the Marine Corps. As we continue to better ourselves, we continue to better our country as well. Even now as a new Marine, a Molly Marine will continue to mentor and guide her fellow Marines to reach their goals. “You may not be where you want to be today, but you are one step closer than you were yesterday.”
Molly Marine
Platoon 4007
Private First Class Savannah M. Chase
“I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American,” as stated by Daniel Webster perfectly depicts the mindset of a Molly Marine. A Molly Marine follows the values and traditions of the Corps and country with honor, courage and commitment. She is a patriot; a Marine who leads by example, remains faithful to her peers and herself, and consistently demands upon herself and others. A Molly Marine always honors the brave Marines who served before her. She is entirely committed to the Corps and her country. Courageously so, a Molly Marine has the moral, mental and physical strength to do what is right regardless of the situation or obstacle she faces. She is a Marine who is whole heartedly committed to the United States of America, Marine Corps, and her brothers and sisters in arms.
Along with possessing the Marine Corps core values, a Molly Marine possesses the Fourth Battalion, Battalion Commander’s command philosophy of confidence, accountability and pride. She sets the example for future generations. She’s confident in a way that depicts the Marine Corps for what it truly is: the best. Her confidence is depicted in the way she carries herself in all situations. She’s an accountable individual; she is responsible for her own actions and the actions of those around her. Lastly, a Molly Marine is a proud female. She takes pride in the Marine she is, the country she is from and the Corps she belongs too.
Since arriving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, I’ve been exposed to countless female Marines, all of which I consider to be Molly Marines. Each has exemplified a high standard of Marine that I can only strive to become. Each portrays honor, courage and commitment, as well as confidence, accountability and pride. The Marines I’m surrounded by are the Marines that I strive to be. A Molly Marine is not just a perfect example of what a Marine should be, but a tradition that every Marine should uphold. It is the tradition that I will always strive to pass on to the future generations of Marines. “This nation shall remain the land of the free, so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis
