Maj. Gen. Angela Salinas prides herself as being the first woman Marine to command a recruiting station. Salinas commanded Recruiting station Charleston, W. Va. Aside from that, Salinas was the first woman Marine to command Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.
Salinas takes pride in her accomplishments, but remains humble and never forgets to let her junior Marines know how much they mean to her and the success of her career.
“Every little glimmer in every little corner of the [chevrons] we wear is because of our young enlisted Marines,” said Salinas, who is currently the director of Manpower Management. “I have worked with some of the best young Americans who served this nation. I owe it all to them.”
Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer, of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, presided over the ceremony, speaking very highly of Salinas.
“We are absolutely well served by Gen. Salinas,” said Zilmer. “I’m going to make the Marine Corps a whole lot stronger by promoting this Marine.”
Salinas was accompanied to the ceremony by her mother and two sisters, who had the honor of pinning on her second star.
“Family is very important in your success,” said Salinas, who also presented her mother and sisters with a bouquet of flowers.
Salinas enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974 and was selected for the Enlisting Commissioning Program in 1977.
Salinas spent 36 years on active duty and has commanded at every rank in locations such as Parris Island, S.C.; Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and 12th Marine Corps District, San Diego, Calif.
“I remind myself everyday that it’s a privilege to serve as a Marine,” said Salinas. “I will serve for as long as the Marine Corps will allow me to. My goal is to continue to take care of my Marines and ensure that I exhibit all the qualities that the Marines deserve from their leaders.”
-Correspondent: meloney.moses@usmc.mil