Photo: WMA Molly Marine Liaison, SC-1, Linda Priest, takes a photo with our latest Molly Marines, Pvt Shantay Brown and PFC Carmela Salerno who recently graduated Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, SC.
Our Newest Molly Marines
It was November 10, 1943, when the city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine.” A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly represents the countless contributions female Marines have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. She is named, “Molly Marine.” Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, PFC Salerno and Pvt Brown.
PFC Carmella Salerno from Coppell, TX, Company N, Platoon 4024, Graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp 20 August 2010
“The pride, heroism, dedication, and valor forever attached to the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is too awesome for my nineteen year old brain to process. After telling people about my decision to become a Marine, the first response was always, “Why the Marine Corps?” … I wanted to serve and be a part of something so much bigger than myself. I wanted the sky to be the limit. Here on Parris Island is where we as a platoon were trained with the knowledge and skills and demonstrated the honor, courage, and commitment to go beyond the sky (though many of us spent much of our time in the sand). All in all, I am truly honored to be a part of such rich history and to be nominated out of this wonderful group of young ladies as “Molly Marine.”
I seriously doubt Private First Class me could pick her old self out of a line-up dating back three months ago. A change like no other occurred the second I stepped onto those yellow footprints. To know that Marines currently fighting and risking their lives serving our country stood in that very same spot motivated me to get through Recruit Training with my head held high and motivate my platoon along the way. I was never fully aware of my knack for leadership until coming here and being put to the test. My time spent on the island and everything about the United States Marine Corps has ultimately intensified those traits.”
Pvt Shantay Brown from Crooksville, OH, Company N, Platoon 4025, Graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp 20 August 2010
“Being Molly Marine shows that fellow recruits recognize my effort to put forth maximum effort and one hundred percent of my heart regardless of the task or mission at hand. Starting with basic training I have always put my body and heart into the Marine Corps. I know that I have and always will try to correctly complete any task or mission, holding true to the fact that Marines never fail, never lose, and never give up. Any problem that arises I always do whatever it takes to solve.
…Other recruits have recognized my efforts and passion for the Marine Corps. When I was selected as Molly Marine I began to ask fellow recruits why they had chosen me as Molly Marine. Some of the responses were that ‘I was always helping others …’ My fellow recruits also said that ‘I put others before myself’ and ‘I always set the example and volunteer for everything.’ I am extremely honored to receive this award.”