80th Anniversary Message
Posted in: Female Marine, History, Marine Corps, Military, USMC, Values, veterans, WMA, Women Marines Association, WWIICelebrating 80 years since the USMC Women Reserves 13 Feb 2380 years ago, the slogan “Free a Marine to Fight” drew 19,000 women to the USMC Women Reserves during World War II. Today we are approximately 18,000 strong. We have moved from performing mainly clerical positions to filling combat infantry MOS slots worldwide. Every generation
80th Anniversary of the Marine Corps Women Reserve
Posted in: Female Marine, History, USMC, Values13 February 2023 – 80th Anniversary of the Marine Corps Women Reserve Since World War II By Rosa Osborn. It is not widely known why we celebrate 13 February as the Women Marines’ Anniversary. Eliminating the obvious, when women were officially authorized to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve, one might ask themself why we
Meet Kassie Diaz
Posted in: Conflicts, Female Marine, History, Iraq, Life After the Corps, Marine Corps, Values, Women Marines AssociationWMA LIFE MEMBER An Interview with Kassie Marie DiazBy Alyssa Diaz Known as the first, and only, female to operate unmanned aircraft as an external pilot for the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, Kassie Diaz also qualified as a Pioneer UAV1 External Pilot in 2002. Additionally, she served as a Corporal
Soldiers’ Angels
Posted in: Life After the Corps, Uncategorized, USMC, veterans, VolunteerThe Women Marines Association is proud to partner with Soldiers’ Angels in taking care of our military members and veterans. Soldiers’ Angels is a national nonprofit headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, founded in 2003 by the family of General George Patton. Through its global network of thousands of volunteers,they fulfill its mission of providing aid,
Rev. Melinda Townsend
Posted in: Life After the Corps, Membership, Military, Personal Stories, USMC, Volunteer, WMAWMA Mational Chaplain Melinda Townsend was born in Denver, CO and raised primarily in the north-central area of New Mexico (Española, Santa Fe and Taos). She spent 3 years living in Aguascalientes Mexico as a teenager giving her a wonderful cross-culture living experience and fluency in Spanish. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in
WMA Member of the Week
Posted in: Female Marine, Life After the Corps, Membership, Military, Personal Stories, Values, veterans, WMA, WMA ChaptersBettie Glassey Life Member WA-3 Bettie Glassey was nominated by Peggy Reiber. Reiber states: I would like to nominate Bettie Glassey, WA-3 President as our member of the week. She has been a life member of WMA and has served as President for WA-3 for over 10 years. In addition to all she does for
The Importance of Belonging to WMA
Posted in: Female Marine, Life After the Corps, Membership, Military, Personal Stories, Values, veterans, WMA, WMA ChaptersBy: Valerie Johnson When I joined the Women Marine Association, it brought a new form of life to me Valerie Johnson In 1984, something spectacular happened, I became one of the 8% women called the United States Marines. I am the daughter of two very loving parents who expect nothing less except excellence from me.
WMA Presidential Initiative 2021
Posted in: Events, Life After the Corps, Membership, Military, Values, veterans, Volunteer, WMA, WMA ChaptersIn the last quarter of 2021, WMA National President, Rhonda Amtower invited all members to get involved in their communities. Amtower encouraged WMA Chapters and WMA Members at large to help fill food pantries the support our communities in which they live. Many answered the call. VA-3 Hampton Roads chapter led the pack. They collected
Women Marines Association Birthday Message
Posted in: WMA244th Marine Corps Birthday This time of year, all Marines no matter where we are around the globe take this opportunity to stop and celebrate the unique history of our Corps. Whether we are still serving on active duty or we are Veteran Marines, we continue to reach out to renew the ties that bind
Free A Man to Fight
Posted in: Conflicts, Female Marine, History, Military, USMC, WWIIMarine Corps Women Reserve Marine Base San Diego 1943-1946 By Rick Huenefeld and Barbara McCurtis ‘Free a Man to Fight’ – the call to arms in February 1943 when the Women’s Reserve (WR) of the United States Marine Corps was activated. The first WR reported to Marine Corps Base (MCB) San Diego in
What it Means to Be a Woman in the Military
Posted in: Military, WMAJamie DePaola, WMA National Board Member, Area 1 Director participated in the panel discussion, “What it means to be a woman in the military” Jamie B. DePaola Served January 1975 to February 1999, both active duty and reserve in the 01 Administrative MOS and retired as a Battalion Sergeant Major for 6th MT, 4th FSSG. Other
Portland 2016
Posted in: Awards, History, Military, Professional Development, USMC, WMAWomen Marines Association Bridge to the Future The 29th Biennial Women Marines Association (WMA) Convention and Professional Development Conference was held in Portland, OR. The theme, Bridge to the Future, highlighted the host city of Portland, Or., and the great strides women have made in the Corps in the past and our movement forward as