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Representing The Fewer & Prouder...Serving Since 1943

Molly Marine October 7, 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943.  A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Carol Viray and Private First Class Rebecca Clark, who've been recognized as Molly Marines. 

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PFC Rebecca Clark, Platoon 4031, N Company, Lakebay, WA

"For me the physical, mental and emotional training for boot camp started long before I stepped foot on those infamous yellow footprints. I was raised in the foster care system and, at a young age, learned the importance of self reliance. My younger brother and I were moved around quite a bit during the first decade of  my life but there is no doubt in my mind that every moment we experienced, in every household we were placed, prepared me for the challenges I face today. In all honesty, I thought I was prepared for boot camp. It wasn’t even 24 hours into being on this island that I realized how wrong I was. Phase One was rough; I didn’t realize that drill instructors could yell for so long… and so loud… Many mornings the only thing that kept me going was realizing that the recruit next to me was still going and my stubbornness wouldn’t let me quit. As the hours turned into days and days into weeks my mindset went from “if she can do it then so can I” to “there is no way in hell I am leaving her behind." It is amazing how strong the bonds that you develop in boot camp are. This wonderfully dysfunctional family I have spent the last few months with will be one that I will never forget. All 70 of my new sisters know more about me than most of my friends back home. No matter how strict the drill instructors are I know that there will never be a team of women who can push me to my limits, day after day, and still encourage (in their special drill instructor way) me to keep going. These girls have seen me at my worst, they’ve seen me broken and yet they still chose me for the Molly Marine award. I cannot express how honored I am."

Private Carol Viray, Platoon 4030, N Company, Jacksonville, NC 

"...As boot camp progressed, my attitude began to change.  I began to talk to the other recruits and know them at a personal level. I began to walk in their shoes and understand why they act the way they do.  I noticed that I wanted to help other recruits because I was disturbed to see them struggle.  They became my family that I did not want to disappoint them.  My sisters are part of my transformation into a Marine.  I gave myself the role of a helping hand. This self-responsibility grew into a desire for more self-improvement.  I began to strive to be the best recruit that I could be...I will make mistakes but I am determined to learn from them.  That is what the platoon sees in me, I believe. It is not that I am “Molly Marine” but it is my fortitude to be like Molly Marine."

Molly Marine 11 May 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943.  A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Michelle McEvoy and Tiffany Baker, who've been recognized as Molly Marines. 

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PFC Michelle A. McEvoy, Platoon 4015, O Company, Wood Dale, IL

"I was chosen as Molly Marine for my efforts of motivating my platoon and being someone that everyone can look up to. I’ve tried to set high goals for my platoon so that recruits would push themselves to be the best. When my fellow recruits see that one recruit can do something with 100 percent effort, they put out that much effort as well. This encourages recruits because we know that if someone didn’t step up and set these standards, it would be a domino effect and no one would put forth the effort. As Molly Marine, I have shown discipline and this has set the example for not only my fellow recruits to follow, but for me to follow as well. Even in times when I wanted to give up, I knew that I couldn’t because that would show my weakness to the platoon and others would think it would be okay to quit on themselves as well. Motivating the platoon helps recruits push through because they can see that we are all pushing through the same pain as a team. To me, Molly Marine is that female in the Corps that everyone should strive to be. I was chosen as the Molly Marine and the only thing I can hope to do is continue to set the example, give all I have, motivate others in the fleet and inspire other females to become a Molly Marine, whether they get recognized for it or not."

 

PFC Tiffany L. Baker, Platoon 4014, O Company, Sigourney, IA

"Every recruit that stands on the infamous yellow foot prints has a reason for doing so. For some it’s educational benefits, others it’s the pride of belonging to the most elite fighting force in the world. But, for a select handful, the reasons run as deep and wide as the Marine Corps’ honored and respected history. It’s within these recruits that the true meaning of esprit de corps comes shining through…there is only one Molly Marine from the beginning to the end. For her, leadership comes naturally and it’s obvious. It’s a different type of leadership from the typical, in your face, Marine Corps way. She leads with her heart and mind working as one. She may not always be physically superior or be the top shooter. But what she lacks there, she more than makes up for in courage and enthusiasm. When there’s an obstacle, she’s the first to give encouragement and a solution to the problem at hand. She uses personal experiences to relate herself to her peers and proves that ambition, drive and patience are enough to conquer any and all challenges. The Molly Marine is a leader. She never withholds knowledge and is constantly seeking self-improvement. She knows her peers and constantly looks out for their well-being by always putting herself last. She’s always dependable and loyal. Above all, she has the endurance to stay mentally, physically and morally reliable. She exemplifies all traits that encompass our core values. She holds the respect of her peers by having the courage to admit her faults and the strength to overcome them gracefully."


Molly Marine 15 April 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943. A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Jessica Wolfe and Brittany May, who've been recognized as Molly Marines.

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PFC Brittany R. May, Platoon 4012, N Company, Snellville, MA

"I remember the first night I arrived, stepping off the yellow footprints and making my way back into the classroom to meet the other recruits. I did not know it then, but they would soon be the young women that I have grown so close to in Platoon 4012. As we were sitting there in silence, some were scared, and some were confused. I, on the other hand, was still, calm and collected…and I was made the guide. I accepted my responsibilities and performed to the best of my ability, not only for my Senior Drill Instructor, but for my fellow recruits as well. Every day was a challenge, I had to move, think, react twice as fast as the rest of the platoon just to be on the same page as everyone else, and even then it was not enough. I did my absolute best to put the platoon before myself. . I appreciate their respect for me, and the guide position, and it is an absolute honor to be platoon 4012’s Molly Marine."

PFC Jessica L. Wolfe, Platoon 4013, N Company, Austintown, OH

"I was just another face on campus, another daughter, sister, or aunt. Of course, I had a purpose in the civilian world but I always knew something was missing. After realizing I needed to follow my dream to join the military I began training myself both physically and mentally, trying to imagine what I was about to get myself into. My preparation seemed as if it lasted forever and the anticipation ate me alive. I constantly thought about the challenge that was ahead of me and couldn’t wait to face it, but beyond wanting the challenge, beyond my desire to attain real leadership, was the fact that I knew I was called to serve my country. It was time and what better service than the best; the United States Marine Corps. It wasn’t long before I caught on to the routine and realized how selfish we all were acting. I started stepping it up, helping out, and communicating more with recruits on free time, which started a trend within the platoon. I started to notice more teamwork and fewer individuals. It was through those acts of selflessness that we developed into a team; a sisterhood. When we march on the parade deck, it’s the sound of every step we take together, the rhythm we create that unites us. DI SSgt Madrid said it best, “we march as one team, one blood, one beat.” The chills that ran through my body after hearing her words will always inspire me in so many ways, but most of all, it hit every heart in this platoon. My blood, sweat and tears, OUR blood sweat and tears got us here and I’m ready to keep on giving. I’m more than willing to do all that it takes to receive that Eagle, Globe and Anchor. This is my true purpose, to be here, to train and learn everything essential to become a United States Marine. I can’t wait for the day when I can finally say I’ve earned the right to defend this country, to fight for our freedom and to know the true feeling of what it’s like to be a part of the best."

Molly Marines 9 March 2011

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PFC Abigail M. Krause, Platoon 4008, O Company, Stacy, MN

"Just 13 weeks ago, I was a simple teenage girl curious about where the future would lead me. Now, as I stand here today, I find myself surrounded by a group of women whom I can call sisters. These sisters of mine; Platoon 4008 have given me honor of the Molly Marine Award.

Perfection- many may strive to achieve perfection. However, throughout time people discover that perfection is merely a symbol of the quote, “Shoot for the moon and you will land amongst the stars.” The United States Marine Corps, based off the core values of honor, courage, and commitment was brought into my life because of my big brother. At first, I was upset with the thought of him being a Marine. After joining in on the motivational PT sessions at the recruiting office, I began to understand what had caught my brother’s heart. That is when I decided the Marine Corps was an exceptional choice for me. Throughout boot camp, I have learned that perfection is just a fragment of my imagination. However, if there was such a utopia, it is my belief that teamwork, a positive attitude, and healthy boost of motivation will go a long way. I have found that even if a person is far from perfection, hard work will give you the tools to succeed.

A Molly Marine stands tall and bold in all situations thrown her way. A tough situation does not lead her off track but strengthens her in every way. To be a Molly Marine, a person needs to be fully dedicated to the Marine Corps and to themselves.  Honor, courage, commitment is what she lives by, in front of a crowd or behind closed doors, she remains true to the person and  the Marine she is. She sets the example for all to emulate and stays consistent and corrects her deficiencies."

PFC Ke'Erica R. Allen, Platoon 4009, O Company,  Hampton, GA

PFC Allen died Feb 5, 2011, of Meningitis, during Marine Corps recruit training at Parris Island. Prior to their graduation, the recruits of Platoon  4009 nominated Ke'Erica as their Molly Marine. Representatives from the Women Marines Association presented her family with the award. The following essay was written by her platoon.

"Molly Marine is a female Marine who best exemplifies esprit de corps. She embodies the traditional core values: Honor, Courage and Commitment. PFC Allen possessed all of the characteristics of being a Molly Marine. She was a motivating, inspirational leader and truly embodied our Marine Corps core values.

Molly Marine was a model statue for recruitment during World War II. She inspired hundreds of female Marines. PFC Allen was just as inspirational. She always had uplifting, reassuring things to say. She helped many recruits in her first platoon and in FRP overcome tough and challenging times and get their mindset back to their goals. PFC Allen would spend countless hours of her free time to encourage and work with her fellow recruits. One recruit recalled PFC Allen saying to her, “our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”  She was a hard worker and always put her best foot forward. PFC Allen had honor: she prided herself on working towards being a United States Marine. She had courage, and never showed her weaknesses. She was committed, she never gave up, and she pushed through her discouragements and kept her eyes on the prize. She worked hard for what she wanted and she wanted to be a United States Marine.

Standing 10 feet tall, head held high and forever remembered, PFC Ke'Erica Allen, Molly Marine."

Molly Marine Feb 23, 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943.  A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Bentz and Delashmutt, who've been recognized as Molly Marines.

 
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PFC Amanda M. Bentz, Platoon 4006, N Company, Battle Ground, WA

"Boot camp is many things.  Countless analogies and general statements have been made and the transformations that are made.  I believe that boot camp is about perspective.  Each person experiences it differently and learns a lot of lessons.  Throughout the course of training, one of the greatest things for me has been helping other people in my platoon.  Helping them come to the realization that boot camp is only as hard as you make it. This lesson was one that was hard learned for me.   I arrived at Parris Island on October 26th 2010, over a month before my platoon picked up.  I spent that time in FRP.  While I was there I saw countless recruits give up on themselves.  Out of all the girls that I was there with only one or two actually made it out.  There were many times I was tempted to give up, and even when I did get back in to training, I knew the hard part wasn’t over yet. Motivation is one of the most important things in life.  No matter how talented you are, you cannot succeed if you are not motivated to do your job well.  In boot camp, motivation can make or break a recruit. Attitude and Motivation go hand in hand.  It’s impossible to stay motivated if you don’t care about anything.  My platoon chose me to be the Molly Marine because even when things got hard I [was] there to help them and motivate them.  The platoon [saw] how much I love the Marine Corps and want to be part of it.."

 
PFC Kristi N. Delashmutt, Platoon 4007, N Company,  Stockton, CA

"Following dreams and doing what is right in order to better yourself and all those around is not easy. As a squad leader, when it comes to leading my fellow recruits and trying to set the example, I think back to the things that motivate me and what I am truly passionate about, music, family, and my Drill Instructors. Finding the right motivation can be the one thing that will pick you and your team up from a hard fall. That is what I, as a recruit, strive to do on my journey to becoming a United States Marine."

Molly Marines 21 January 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943.  A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps.

Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Ramsey and Magana-Saldivar, who've been recognized as Molly Marines. The new Marines completed recruit training and march across the parade deck in Parris Island, SC, January 21. Please join us in welcoming PFCs Ramsey and Magana-Saldivar to the World's Finest!

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Oscar Co Molly Marine Recipients 19 January 2011   LtoR:  PFC Maria J. Magana-Saldivar, Reno, NV; Linda Priest , WMA Molly Marine Liaison, USMC 1966-1975; PFC Hannah  L. Ramsey, Scottsdale, AZ

PFC Hannah L. Ramsey, Platoon 4002, O Company, Scottsdale, AZ 
"Graduating Marine Corps recruit training and becoming one of the few and the proud is an honorable achievement in itself, but there are additional honors that allow few to graduate with distinction.  Guide and squad leaders are chosen leaders who keep the platoon working as a cohesive unit.  The qualities they possess are highly valued in the fleet and in normal civilian lives.  The Iron Women are those who show higher physical ability than other recruits around them.  To graduate at the top of your platoon is an outstanding achievement granted to the Honor Graduate.  All of these are ways to distinguish the bare minimum recruits from those who go above and beyond.  As a Molly Marine, you are recognized by the other recruits as someone who exceeds the basic standards of a recruit. ...  A Molly Marine has integrity, sets the example, and helps others before helping herself.  She is dedicated to doing what is right even when no one is looking.  Integrity is the leadership trait which describes a Molly Marine the most, she exemplifies it, by doing what is right and always being honest and having the courage to admit when she is wrong no matter what the consequences are.  She upholds herself above the standard and is completely reliable.  She always has the intestinal fortitude to follow her moral compass, and her integrity is her prize.  Without these qualities she would not be living within the Marine Corps standards."

 

PFC Maria J. Magana-Saldivar, Platoon 4003, O Company, Reno, NV
"'Discipline is the instant willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority, self-reliance, and teamwork, ma’am.' When I arrived at Parris Island, I did not know that the weeks to come would change my life and change me as a person. The things I have learned here will be instilled in me forever. Since the first day I have given 110% and have helped my sisters in need and those who lacked motivation. I try to do my best and be a good leader and set the right example at all times. I hold true to my heart honor, courage, and commitment and will continue to display those values in everything I do. [A Molly Marine] is a symbol of what the Marine Corps standards are and what every Marine should be."

Molly Marines 5 January 2011

The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943.  A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Sain and Rubio, who've been recognized as Molly Marines. PFCS Sain and Rubio completed recruit training January 5. Due to the weather, these Molly Marines were recognized during a ceremony in their squad bay. (In the first photo, note the lean drill instructors in the back and the 45 degree angles on those racks!)

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PFC Mallorie L Sain, Platoon 4000, N Company, Point Clear, AL

"I found out the hard way to keep my head down, scream at the top of my lungs, and move faster than I ever had before.  I started understanding that everything is done for a reason at boot camp, and never to question the Drill Instructors. As long as I did what I was told in the amount of time allotted I would make it through the training.  ...after Platoon 4000 won Pugil Sticks III and Initial Drill, I ran to carry the Series Guidon and felt my sense of pride swell.  Recruits around me started to turn to me for direction and support.  I was always taught to put others before myself and stay true to my word.  My mother has made me into the person I am today and instilled in me the strength to become a Marine.  It is a huge honor to be chosen as Molly Marine. ... The proudest day of my life was when I receive an Eagle Globe and Anchor.  I will inspire  give back to my country, and fight for the freedom so many Americans take for granted, to join the United States Marines."

PFC Elizabeth Rubio, Platoon 4001, N Company, El Paso, TX

"Head down on a bus creeping toward destiny, listening to the breaths of the 70-something other civilians on board, a solemn sense of unity grips us even then.  Our heartbeats pound rapidly together.  That feeble connection developed into something more concrete as those civilians on that bus began to transform through a painfully slow process, where mistakes were corrected immediately and frequently. The whole situation played kindly to those who kept their heads down and did what they were told, and did it fast. I have never felt comfortable “blending into the crowd” nor did I make a conscious decision to do so.  I  just happened to be average.  I came across my share of challenges during recruit training—just as any other recruit has—but I tried to take all the training, and everything taught, to heart. … Now, as before, on that bus ride a lifetime ago, we have … come together, and by the end of training, our hearts … beat as one.  I … stand proudly as just an average face in a [great] platoon."

Female Engagement Team platoon commander speaks about the FET mission in Afghanistan

First Lieutenant Quincy Washa, platoon commander for the Female Engagement Team with Regimental Combat Team 1, speaks about the challenges, triumphs, and goals for her team in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The FET comprises female Marines from California-based units, and travels throughout the province to interact with Afghan men, women, and children. These Marines are responsible for gathering information related to security, development, and governance for their assigned area, while respecting Afghan cultural norms. The FET attaches to an infantry unit, and works as a go-between for male Marines and the local female population. Washa's team deployed in September, and is scheduled to stay through early next year.

Dual active duty life — one family’s story | Marines.mil

DECEMBER 9, 2010
By: Cpl. Nichole Werling

Dual active duty parenting takes planning, organization and teamwork. It is not easy, but neither is anything else about the Marine Corps.

Raising a family in the military can provide unseen benefits for the family unit, including children learning to take responsibility at an early age. I have found that along with the benefits, there are also near constant sacrifices on the family, especially the children, I did not face when I was working in the civilian sector.

When both parents work outside the home, especially in the military, there comes a point when they have to sit down and realistically assess their lifestyle to figure out where they can minimize stress in order to have more quality family time.

Some say dual active duty parents face the same challenges that other working parents face, and although some are similar, in my experience, it has been an interesting transition from working outside of the home to being an active duty Marine.

My husband and I have three children, ages one, six and eight, and the switch from civilian to Marine brought some dynamics into our lives I had not considered before I joined. Our day starts early by necessity. My husband and I have to be up and awake by 3 a.m. every day, and the kids must be dressed and out the door by 3:30 a.m. so we can get them to the sitter’s house and my husband and myself to physical training on time.

Unfortunately, as early as our day starts, it ends even later. By the time we pick the kids up from the sitter and get home, it is typically 7:30 p.m. We usually have just enough time for dinner before we have to get the kids in the bath and put them to bed. We also have to decide who gets the majority of sleep.

It may sound odd, but think about this: a teething, fussy baby or sick child requires constant monitoring and attention. They will not usually sleep through the night. We have to discuss our following work day so whoever has the more urgent tasking can get the most rest.

Communication is vitally important. Before I joined the Marine Corps, there was no need to pay attention when my husband would tell me he had barracks duty or would be out doing field training. I would miss him that night, but it didn’t impact me in any major way because my job started later in the morning and I knew I would be off work at the same time as usual. Now, we need to know if we have duty the same night (has not happened yet, but it could), and I have to be able to let my chain of command know if an issue comes up because he is unable to get the children.

We talk a lot about our day on our commute. My husband knows what my job is and he knows the Marines in my shop. I know the same about him. We talk through our successes and frustrations at work, so by the time we get home, our minds are clear and we can focus on the family.

The other thing to take into consideration is what we can let go to make family a priority. Due to our limited family time, we do not have our children enrolled in every sport or class that comes their way. They are allowed to choose one activity at the beginning of the school year to be involved in, and that is it. They cannot choose an additional activity, nor can they drop the one they are in until the school year is out. That way, they learn that time and money are something valuable; not something to be squandered dabbling.

Being prepared is key, and having a routine helps us navigate the chaos...Read More Here

Female Marines prepare for deployment, mission

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December 05, 2010
A dozen women sit huddled on the floor of a narrow carpeted room.

Half are Afghans, their faces half-shrouded by scarves as they speak through an interpreter. Half are female Marines, who have shed their Kevlar helmets but remain armed with flak jackets and rifles.

In a discussion led by the Marines, they talk over dates and chai about their children and exchange information about the needs of the village: Do you have enough school supplies? Is your water clean? What are your hopes for the future?

Then, a head appears in the doorway.

“All right, guys, we’re going to go ahead and index this exercise for time reasons,” 2nd Lt. Katherine Lisi said.

The Marines began to regroup as the Afghan women dropped scarves from their faces and began to gather up the tea refreshments.

Sgt. Habiba Abida pulled out a small pink camera case.

“Facebook!” she said, motioning for a few of the Afghan women to pose and smile.

What had taken place wasn’t a shura in an Afghan village, but it was just about as close as you can get without leaving North Carolina.

This week, the Marine female engagement team attached to Regimental Combat Team 8 trained aboard Camp Lejeune in a military operations in urban terrain town, a simulated environment complete with native Afghan roleplayers, realistic city layout, and the threat of hidden explosive devices at every street corner.

The FET began to train as a unit just last month, its seven members hailing from a variety of units, with specialties ranging from logistics to cryptologic linguistics...Read More Here

 

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