FROM THE OFFICE OF RHONDA AMTOWER
WMA National President
10 November 2018
243rd Birthday Greeting
Marines and Loyal Escorts,
As we join the celebration of our Corps’ 243rd Birthday we stop to realize that women have been a part of this proud history for 100 years. Since 1918 when Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the U. S. Marine Corps, women have played a crucial role in our Corps’ history. The contributions we made helped to make us an indispensable part of the Marine team.
Being a Marine is not restricted to gender as we are all Marines, serving our Corps with honor and distinction to support Corps values and traditions. We have all earned the title “Marine” regardless of the era in which we served. Since the first woman donned a Marine Corps uniform female Marines have enriched our Corps’ history and enhanced our combat capability. Today women across the Marine Corps continue to serve their nation with honor, courage, and commitment.
I thank each of you for your service in the Marine Corps and your continued service once the uniform came off. Each of you are part of our illustrious history.
Raise your glass this day and give a toast to all Marines who came before you, those who stood beside you and those who continue to walk the path as a United States Marine.
Happy Birthday Marines and Loyal Escorts!
Semper Fidelis,
Rhonda Amtower
National President