Women Marines: The Fewer and Prouder
Dispatches from the Semper Fi Sisterhood
The 2024 Women Marines Association Convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend.
The United States Marine Corps was founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1776.
In 1812, Lucy Brewer enlisted as George Baker and served three 1-year tours against the British. Females officially served during WWI with Opha Mae Johnson becoming the first in 1918.
In February 1943, the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was founded when Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. One year later, the USMCWR grew to 15,000 members. After WWII ended in 1945, the USMCWR was disbanded and most of the women went back to civilian life. The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was passed in 1948, which authorized women to continue to serve in the military.
The Women Marines Association began when a group of female Marines gathered in Denver in 1960 to share their unique experiences, ones that those in the civilian world couldn’t relate to.
A sisterhood was born.
When I got out of the military, I folded my uniforms, packed them in a footlocker, shoved the experiences in the bottom drawer of my psyche. I had served my time, and I was ready to get on with life.
I reconnected with my military past after I turned 50, and I joined the Marine Corps League and the Women Marines. I went to my first WMA Convention in Denver in 2010, where I was installed as the WMA National Membership Secretary.
My experiences at those early conventions were priceless. I met a WWII Marine who joined because her husband had been killed on Iwo Jima. And at the 2014 Kansas City, Missouri convention, I met this trailblazer.
SgtMaj Grace Carle was the 6th and final Sergeant Major of the Women Marines from 1974 through 1976. As Gen Holcomb, the 17th CMC said, "They (women Marines) don't have a nickname, and they don't need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere, at a Marine post. They inherit the traditions of the Marines. They are Marines."
During this year’s Opening Banquet, a color guard from a local Marine detachment presented the colors.
SgtMaj Tony Black, 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps now the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was the special guest at the Opening Banquet.
Missing Warrior Table.
The blue uniforms we were issued during my 1976 boot camp.
My Marine Corps Marathon guardian angel, Major Megan McClung, one of the 10 female Marines killed in action.
Some of the many female Marine uniforms worn over the years.
The conventions aren’t all pomp and circumstance. They are about reconnecting with other Marines you might have served with and enjoying being back in the presence of Marine sisters.
As someone who served in the 1970s who wasn’t allowed to do the job I was trained for, I’ve enjoyed being in the presence of young trailblazers who aren’t limited by their gender. All career fields are now open to females.
On Sunday, the last day of the convention, a Memorial service was held in the afternoon.
Two female Marines entered the ballroom to stand guard while the service was conducted.
Special tribute was given to our “Founding Mother” Theresa “Sue” Malone Sousa who passed in 2023. Sue was Life Member #4 and left a legacy of service.
The screen scrolled mentioning all those who have passed in the two years since our last convention.
The ten Marines on the poster below are Marine sisters who’ve been killed in action.
May our deceased Marine sisters and Loyal Escorts (our auxiliary) rest in peace.
Semper Fidelis
We Have The Watch
The Closing Banquet provided one last opportunity to connect, share a meal, and end the night singing The Marines’ Hymn.
Look out Michigan, we’re coming your way in 2026.
What a wonderful way to connect with women and a shared history. Hope you enjoyed Atlanta.
What a sisterhood! It looks like a touching convention, Deb! I'm glad you were able to attend!