Our latest Molly Marines (Center), PFC Carmen Hatton (Maroa, IL) and Pvt Sair Rodriguez-Macias (Indio, CA) recently graduated Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, SC. With them for the ceremony and are WMA SC-1 members (L-R): Linda Priest, WMA Molly Marine Liaison, PFC Tori Christen, SSgt Corrine Lorge, and PFC Jocelyn Gonzales
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 Hatton and Pvt Rodriguez-Macias who have received this distinction. Semper Fidelis, ladies!
PFC Carmen Hatton from Maroa, IL, Company O, Platoon 4026, Graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp 3 September 2010
“I joined the United States Marine Corps for the purpose of defending our Constitution, the American way of life. I want to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Others joined for college, some for the sense of belonging, and some for the pride of serving ones country. However, some of my fellow recruits joined because they had nowhere to go, no family to turn to.
We started out here as individuals; as selfish, disrespectful recruits. However, as phases one, two, and three have blown by, we have slowly come together as a team, as a family. My sisters and I have endured very humbling, challenging, and wonderful experiences together.
We’ve helped each other through it all under the guidance of all those involved in our training. The lessons learned here at Parris Island have prepared us for the fleet and ultimately for the rest of our lives …”
Pvt Saira Rodriguez-Macias from Indio, CA, Company O, Platoon 4027, Graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp 3 September 2010
“As I look around, I see the desire and passion growing in each of my sisters. The stride of every recruit has gone from ordinary to extraordinary and unstoppable.
Because of challenges and obstacles placed in front of us, we no longer fear the unknown and look at it as stepping stones to a fulfilling future.
In every one of us there lies a Molly Marine from the quietest person to the loudest.
There’s a reason why we’re here. We already took the first step that makes us different from other women, and that is becoming United States Marines.
Today, I stand with my fellow sisters proud to be here and proud to say we accomplished our mission. The first of many we will have, but it isn’t over yet. As United States Marines, we stand ready to perform and defend our country, Corps, and core values. The eagle, globe and anchor is a symbol of our dedication and many years to come as the world’s finest, strongest, fighting force: United States Marine Corps.”