We are
the Women Marines Association
We Are Strong
The Women Marines Association is proud to be the only charitable organization for and about women Marines. WMA is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization and a member of the National Marine Corps Council and maintains a liaison with Headquarters Marine Corps. Being a woman in the Marines is an honor and privilege and reflects the strength and courage of women Marine veterans and those who are currently serving.
The Women Marines Association was established in Denver, CO, in 1960 to ensure that our legacy and history as women Marines would continue to be shared and the accomplishments and milestones influence the next generation of Marines. WMA is committed to remembering and appreciating all women who have worn the uniform and earned the title of Marine. WMA is united by our comraderie and service to others and our chapters and members across the nation work on community programs that support our military personnel, our women Marine veterans, their families, and the communities in which they live. We see no boundaries and reach across all areas where there is a need.
WMA Vision Statement
The Women Marines Association (WMA) will be the veterans’ organization of choice for female Marines (past, present, and future) looking for camaraderie, mentoring, and support.
WMA MISSION STATEMENT
To preserve and promote the history and traditions of women in the Marine Corps from World War I to the present; to conduct programs for charitable and educational purposes; to promote the welfare and well-being of elderly, disabled, and women Marine veterans, as well as women currently serving in the Marine Corps; to provide entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized veterans and members of the Armed Forces of the United States; to sponsor or participate in activities of a patriotic nature, particularly those that perpetuate the tradition and esprit de corps of the United States Marine Corps; and to foster the spirit of comradeship of women who have served or who now serve in the United States Marine Corps, regular or reserve components.
Brand Pillars
We Connect
We Serve
We Celebrate
We Stand
WMA NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Professional background:
Retired LtCol, USMC (1 June 1981 to 30 September 2006)
– Military highlights:
Aide to LtGen Carol Mutter (1996-1997), Class President, Command and Staff College (1998-1999), Protocol Officer for the Marine Corps under 32d CMC (1999-2001); Commander, Personnel Administration School, Camp Johnson, NC (2002-2004); Top Level School graduate (2001-2002) Consultant, IBM Manpower and Reserve Affairs Governance analyst (MI Division) Branch Head, Family Readiness Branch, Manpower and Reserve Affairs
– Fiscal and manpower management oversight of over 450 Family Readiness
Officers and Marine Corps Family Team Building employees at the Marine
Corps Installations, to include a staff of 12 civilian employees
Contractor, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Quantico, Virginia
Fully retired, September 2022
Education:
BA, Social Work
MS, Military Security Strategy, Command and Staff College, Quantico
MS, National Security Strategy, National War College, Ft McNair
Women Marines Association Experience:
Life Member since 1996
Active VA-1 Chapter member since 2005
Active WMA Working Group member since January 2020
Designated as Plans and Policy Committee chair in July 2020
Designated as 1VP in June 2021
National President, Women Marines Association (2022-2024)
Currently:
National President, Women Marines Association
– Lead an 8-member Board of Directors under a new governance structure
– With the Director of Finance, completely revamped the current budget and investment processes to allow for more visibility and clarity on incoming and outgoing payments/investments
-Held quarterly Board meetings (virtually)
-Requested review of National membership processes with the Director Membership, began membership drive in February 2024
-Reached out to other Marine Corps associations: Marine Corps University, Heritage Foundation, Marine Corps League, and Marine Corps Association, to form partnerships and collaborative efforts
– With Virtual Inc. assistance, began collaborative efforts with Bunker Labs (entrepreneurship) and Cyversity Inc (cyber) for opportunities for WMA members
-Renewed Marketing efforts from low key to high speed: bigger presence at Marine Corps Exposition
– Ensured Women of the Corps Collection was closed down after legal issues caused WMA to retake ownership. The history collection now belongs entirely to WMA and will be housed out of Jacksonville, NC. More history displays will be available, which will increase WMA’s presence.
– Researched and began an initiative to have WMA become a FederallyChartered organization.
Personal:
Married to LtCol (USMC Ret) Steve Crittenden, 3 children: Zeph (Marine LtCol, 53K pilot), Michael, and Maddie. One grandson, Matthew. My three four-legged friends: Friday, Millie, and Moley. I am from Darien, CT.
We settled in Stafford, VA in 1991 after my husband retired and I moved around as a geo-Marine to finish my USMC career.
NJROTC Instructor, June 2006 – May 2022
• Successfully increased retention rate from 46% to over 80% which resulted in an
overall increase in unit retention.
• Responsible for issuing and tracking merchandise for over 150 personnel.
• Instrumental in the successful restructuring the organization
Leadership Structure.
• Revamped the supply system worth $250,000 and Administration
Department which resulted in 95% Increase in accuracy.
• Developed a tracking system for returned merchandise.
• Revamped the promotion system to include new incentive programs.
• Implemented a Basic Leadership program for over 150 people.
• Developed a detailed Training Plan and cost management for the Basic
Leadership program.
• Responsible for inputting all information into data base.
• Responsible for all accounts receivable for the unit.
• Developed a budget to account for quarterly income and payments.
Women Marine Association Experience
President IL-2, VP FL-13, Area 3 Director
• Assisted in the resolution of Chapter issues.
• Built a great rapport with the chapters in my area and Area 2.
• Assisted in the establishing over 5 chapters within Area 3.
• Hosted an Anniversary event that included the Florida chapters and the National
President.
• Assisted in the revamping of the Board of Directors job descriptions.
• Chair of the Policy Committee
• Area 2 Interim Director
Education:
B.S. Degree – Management/Human Resources
Park University, Parkville, MO 2004
A.S. Degree – Management
Park University, Parkville, MO 2002
Areas of Expertise
Processes & Procedures
Tenacious and Resilient
Training and Development
Clerical and Administrative Support
Finance and Logistics
Personal Skills
Strong personal ethics and integrity.
A clear, persuasive and personable communicator.
Creative, lateral thinker, able to constructively build and grow long lasting relationship.
Articulate, poised and an excellent communicator.
Having clarity and sound judgment.
Self-motivated and eager to take ownership of responsibilities.
Having a natural drive with a loyal, strong, and proactive work ethic.
Capable of working alone & under own initiative at times, within strict and specific time scales.
Proven motivational and leadership skills.
A team player with an enthusiastic attitude.
The Director of Marketing and Communication oversees:
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Website
• Social Media
• Newsletter
• National Marine Corps Council
• HQMC Liaison
• Convention Content
Work Experience
1974-1975 Active Duty Marine Corps High Voltage Electrician
1977- 1983 Marine Corps Reserves Base maintenance and Admin
1982-1985 Villiage Clinic Receptionist, Front Girl, Dr. Assistant
1985- 2016 General Motors Journeyman Pipefitter/plumber/steamfitter
WMA Experience
Joined WMA in 1978.
On the chapter level have been chapter president, VP, and Secretary several times.
On the national level Public Affairs Officer since 2000, graphic designer on many projects, Interim Area director, WebMaster since 2006, Chair of the Electronic communications team. Work with various directors as needed. Work with chapters and forming chapters.
Other Volunteer Work
Michigan Military Veteran Hall of Honor – Director, WebMaster and graphic designer
Awards
WMA National Service Award x2
Michiganian of the Year 2006
Michigan Congressional Citation for Volunteerism
DAR national and state award for volunteerism
MCL Citizen of the Year, State and National
Family:
Married to Jeff Merritt for 36 years. We have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Drawing, gardening and being with my family are some of the most important things to me.
The Director of Finance oversees the following:
• Finance
• Budget
• Accounting
• Audit
• Taxes
• Investments
Retired Marine First Sergeant with over 22 years of military service in both active and reserve components. Held
both secret and top secret clearances. Excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with
personnel of various technical skills and leadership levels. Comfortable making difficult decisions in stressful
situations. Specialized training in recruiting, career retention and advanced leadership and management, sales and
customer service.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2012-Present; Military Outlet of Ocala; Owner
• Maintain the day to day business operations of bank accounts, payment processors, accounts payable/ receivables, purchasing inventory, payroll and sales tax. Quickbooks and Excel Spreadsheet.
• Manage customer contracts and purchase orders
• Maintain compliance with local and federal laws
• Manage over 100 vendor accounts as well as $50K in inventory items 2010-Jan- 2012; Celestar Corporation; Corporate Recruiter
• Experienced in cold-calling, sourcing and interviewing Candidates.
• Experience with using various Applicant Tracking Systems as well as various Job Boards.
• Well versed with MS Office suite (especially Word, Outlook, and Excel) and the internet for sourcing and researching.
• Outstanding Phone and People Skills as well as an approachable presence and demeanor for Face-to-Face interaction.
• Utilizes internet job boards, networking organizations, advance internet sourcing, employee referrals and unique sourcing strategies to fill job vacancies.
• Multi-tasker, well organized, self-manages and focuses on detail to effectively monitor and process candidates in a timely manner.
• Participates in special projects and community functions as needed.
• Maintains an awareness of changes in the marketplace on a local and national level while recommending new avenues of approach to recruitment efforts.
• Participates in on-site events including but not limited to career fairs, information sessions, networking opportunities, open houses, and other events as needed. 2010-2011- ADS Inc; Regional Account Manager
• Responsible for servicing 18 customer accounts that span the East Coast and Mid-West
• Manage an inside sales team
• Work with over 200 manufacturers for testing and equipment evaluation
• Travel to client locations on a regular basis
• Work closely with company Vendor Relations, Marketing, Contracting and Purchasing divisions
• Manage vendor visits, quotes, shipping dates and follow up of all sales
• Working knowledge of government procurement procedures
• Continuous business development with new clients creating 1 million dollars in sales over six months 2008-2015- US Marine Corps Reserves; First Sergeant
• Advisor to the Company Commanders at various units on all Enlisted Marines matters
• Responsible for leading and mentoring over 1000 enlisted Marines in their professional military education and personal development
• Supervise Staff Non Commissioned Officers, assist in their leadership development and provide appropriate oversight ensuring that all tasks and orders are completed
• Manage the promotion and retention process of enlisted Marines, providing input to their performance evaluation and comparative rankings
• Make recommendations for meritorious promotion boards
• Responsible for implementing corrective and disciplinary actions as necessary
• Conduct formal and informal performance counseling of enlisted Marines 2008-2009- Jacobs Technology at USSOCOM Assistant Benevolent Coordinator,
• Advocate for wounded warriors by providing coordination of assistance from multiple benevolent organizations outside Department of Defense
• Organized and coordinated the Care Coalition Annual Conference that included the participation of over 300 stakeholders
• Work with Public Affairs and Protocol Organizations to promote the Care Coalition’s mission
• Developed a program for continuous tracking of all Benevolent Organizations donations and assistance for Wounded Warriors and their families, totaling over one million dollars 2008-2008- Jacobs Technology, Talent Acquisition Coordinator
• Employed various recruitment tools and applications in identifying, selecting and recruiting of candidates
• Verified applicant background, screening out significant numbers and ensured identification of “best fit” candidates
• Ensured the accuracy of new job descriptions and that they remain relevant within the organization’s applicant tracking system
• Maintained recruitment status and progress tracking reports
• Provided support in maintaining necessary applicant flow records as required by Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs requirements and provided support to the Human Relations department as needed
2006-2008- US Marine Corps, Agency Program Manager
• Served as the Senior Advisor to the Department Head and assisted with the accountability of more than 190 Marines along with more than 500 personnel administratively attached to the command
• Directly supervised 10 junior enlisted Marines and promoted their leadership skills development
• Successfully managed four deployments/retrogrades of the Command to the Middle East
• Executed authority to approve Defense Travel System (DTS) requests
• Managed the Command Government Purchase Card Program to include training, certifying and auditing 26 accounts on a monthly basis to ensure that all are in compliance with Department of Navy Standards
• Supervised quarterly Command required training and maintained a 98% completion level
• Managed monthly testing/screening of Command Drug and Alcohol, Demand and Reduction Program
• Provided counseling and support as the Substance Abuse Counseling Officer
2003-2006- US Marine Corps, Career Retention Specialist
• Responsible to the Department Head for administering the Career Retention/Planning Program
• Conducted interviews to qualify Marines for extensions and reenlistments and developed a tracking system to manage the process that lead to improvements in the responsiveness of the Career Planning Program
• Coordinated the reenlistments and extensions for approximately 100 Marines.
• Received Navy Commendation Medal after achieving 300% increase in reenlistments 2002-2003- US Marine Corps, Marine for Life, Hometown Link Program Manager
• Identified and contacted transitioning Marines before separating from active duty and determined specific support requirements as needed/required
• Developed a resource network of contacts and information for the Tampa, FL area, establishing relationships with civilian/community leaders, businesses and agencies
• Served as the Community Outreach Liaison between the community and the Marine Corps Reserve Unit in Tampa, arranging over 30 static displays and color guard details for various events
• Worked closely with the Marine Corps Casualty Branch and arranged 77 funerals for veterans in the local Tampa area
• Served as the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer during the 2003 Presidential Mobilization of 4th Assault Amphibious Battalion
2000-2002- US Marine Corps, Recruiter
• Identified, contacted and screened large volumes of candidates using various recruitment tools
• Coordinated, scheduled and conducted interviews and ensured the quality of contracts
• Developed and organized daily and monthly production plans
• Produced 66 new contracts during this period with a monthly average at 2.42 contracts out of an APR of 3.0 per month, resulting in a meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant
1991-1992- Base Contracting, Camp Lejeune, NC
1991- Contracting and Purchasing Course, Lowry AFB, Colorado
1986-1990- Warehouse and Supply Administration- Parris Island, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Battalion and Depot Supply
EDUCATION:
• St Leo University
Associates in Liberal Arts, 2010
Bachelor in Business Administration, 2012
Director of Member Services 2022 – 2024
WMADirMembers@womenMarines.org
WMA Life Member
Director of Member Services oversees:
Member Database
• Member Experience
• Chaplain
• Chapter Members
• Members at Large
• Education & Training
BIO
Adrianne D. McLarahmore (GySgt USMC Ret.) born October 2, 1962, in Pontiac, MI. Enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 19, 1982 and retired January 31, 2002. Served as a Supply Administration and Operations Marine. During her 20 year career, she was stationed in Okinawa (twice), Cherry Point, NC, Barstow, CA, Abilene, TX, and Camp Lejeune, NC. Served in supply activities at all levels; unit, Division, Headquarters, Marine Corps Property, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Base and Independent-Instructor duty, With a final tour as NCOIC, Advanced Officer’s Course (Associate Instructor) at MCSSS Supply School, Camp Lejeune. Her awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4th Award) National Defense Service Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal and many other Certificates of Commendations/ Achievements.
After retirement, she returned to Michigan and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BS/Business Management and Masters Business Administration. Adrianne began working with the Army in 2004 and has held the following positions; Supply Technician (Financial Management Office), Supply Specialist, Logistics Management Specialist, Plans Specialist, Support Agreement Manager and Financial Management Analyst in Resource Management at the USAG-Detroit Arsenal in Warren, MI. She was a Baldrige Examiner for the State of Michigan Quality Council, which uses the Baldrige Criteria for Performance to increase continuous improvement in business. Additionally, she managed the Garrison’s Lean Six Sigma Program.
In 2013, she transferred to the John D. Dingell Medical Center, Veterans Administration where she served as the Financial Program Analyst in the Managerial Cost Accounting Office, responsible for the accuracy of all the payroll, supply, purchasing and contracting data for the entire facility, that was processed for delivery to Congress. In 2020, returned to the USAG-Detroit Arsenal as a Management and Program Analyst, responsible for the collection and visualization of data, customer service data, and continuous improvement programs.
Served successfully as the WMA National Treasurer, 2016 – 2018 received National Service Award for confirming the public charity status of WMA, stopping WMA from becoming a private foundation during that tax period. Filing the 990 e-postcards for all chapters, with none losing their 501 (c) 19, executed the budget, and seamlessly switched the publisher and mailing location of ‘Nouncements.
Utilizes all elements of the Microsoft Office suite of programs; Word, Excel, Powerpoint, MSTeams and PowerBI. She is presently the treasurer of WMA, MI2 Chapter. Has 41 years of experience manipulating and analyzing financial/supply data and reports.
The Director of Administration is responsible for the following:
• Bylaws & Standing Rules
• Plans & Policy
• Chapter Admin
• Administrative Support
• SOPs
• State Compliance
Over 15 years of experience providing administrative assistance to both executives and business units. Excellent communicator, with keen organizational, multi-tasking, and technical skills. Action-oriented, known for thriving in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Veteran Organizations
American Legion District 14 Adjutant & Deputy Commander
PA2- Tun Taven Women Marines
Warriors for Life
Victory for Veteran’s
22 and None
Operation Redwing
Keystone Women Foundation
Woman of Berks County Veteran Group
Woman Marines Association
EDUCATION
Administration University of Phoenix- associate degree, Arts & Science and Business
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
United States Marine Corps – Honorable Discharge, 1996-2000
The Director of Programs oversees the following:
• Merchandise Sales
• Scholarships
• WMA History & Archives
• Matching Funds/Grants
• VAVS
• AWARDS:
-MCJROTC
– Molly Marine
– Julia Hamblet Award
I was born in Massachusetts the oldest of seven children. My father was the lighthouse keeper (1948-1950) of Boston Lighthouse on Little Brewster Island, which sits in Boston Harbor. This was my first adventure.
Military background:
- Marine Corps active duty from 1965-1968, drilling reservist from 1975-1985, active duty again from 1985-2001. Retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.
- Administrative Chief, Legal Services Court Reporter
- Small Computer Systems Operator
- Earned Naval Aircrew Wings
- Awards include Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Service Awards include Good Conduct (7), Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (SHG), Kuwait Liberation Medal (K).
Professional background:
- Worked as the Administrative Officer for NOAA’s, National Weather Service, Aviation Weather Center in Kansas City.
- Returned to the Marine Corps as a civilian Marine working for Programs & Resources Department, Technology Services Organization, Total Force System Division, TFS Mission Support Branch. Testing the MCTFS system as an IT Specialist.
Education:
No formal education other than high school. My experience and tons of military training and civilian training is the crutch of my school of hard knocks education. Sometimes just being the best at what you do is better than any degree, and I was paid well.
Women Marines Association:
- Life Member since the early 1990s
- Former Area 5 Director
- National Secretary
- Serve on the following committees:
- Scholarship
- Nomination
- Convention Coordinating/Planning, and as Convention Treasurer (3)
- SOP & Bylaws
- MO-2 MO-KAN Chapter Treasurer and former President
- Serve on the following committees:
Previously served as a Board member of Kansas City’s Korean War Veterans Memorial, a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion, and the VFW.
Currently, I think I’m fully retired but I am busier than ever and work just as hard for our Association which I hold near and dear to my heart. I have three children and five grandchildren. I travel quite a bit.
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The following go to the Membership Team: membership@womenmarines.org
- WMA Chapter Officer Information: To include changes to any officers of the chapter. Please check to ensure that all dues are current and current information is provided.
- Member Changes: Please submit any changes to your contact information (mailing address, email, and next of kin).
- Death of a WMA Member: Send the name of the deceased, including first name, last name, maiden name, service name, name and address of next of kin (e.g. son, daughter, friend, husband, etc.) or submit online.
- Communication Preference/s: If you want to receive ‘Nouncements in hard copy vs. the default of electronic.
Women Marines Association | 401 Edgewater Place Suite 600 | Wakefield, MA 01880
Donations to any of the WMA Funds: You can donate quickly and easily here or send check to:
Women Marines Association | 401 Edgewater Place Suite 600 | Wakefield, MA 01880
• Donations are accepted in memory of or in honor of a loved one and other options listed online. Unless otherwise specified, donations received will go into the WMA General Fund.
• Consider making monthly donations via the “I Pledge” program.
To share/submit information on Chapter Activities:
For inclusion in WMA ‘Nouncements send to the Editor at editor@womenmarines.org
For the WMA groups, the WMA blog or Facebook send to PRO@womenmarines.org
GOVERNING DIRECTIVES
WMA 990s
WMA PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS
Genevieve M. Dooner ^: 1960-1962
Helen Hannah Campbell ^: 1962-1966
Helen E. Moore ^: 1966-1968
Olga C. Bullock ^: 1968-1972
Ruth Hammond Broe ^: 1972-1974
Theresa “Sue” Sousa: ^1974-1976
Nita Bob Warner ^: 1976-1978
Jewell S. Schultz ^: 1978-1980
Mary G. Knapp ^: 1980-1984
Virginia Allred ^: 1984-1988
Helen H. Laukes ^: 1988-1992
Sarah N. Thornton ^: 1992-1994
Dorothy C. Durkin: 1994-1998
Doris R. Keane: 1998-2000
Carol A. Mutter: 2000-2004
Lucille “Lou” Teixeira ^: 2004-2005
Paula Sarlls: 2005-2008
Rhonda LeBrescu Amtower: 2008-2012
Betty Moseley Brown: 2012 – 2018
Rhonda LeBescu Amtower: 2018 – 2022
^:Deceased
CONTACT WMA
- For general information requests: WMA@womenmarines.org
- Membership questions, to include updates to member contact information: Membership@womenmarines.org
- For questions and comments regarding the new governance structure: Listening@womenmarines.org
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Be a part of our ongoing mission to support active Marine Corps women, those returning to civilian life, and military veterans.