Making History Since 1918

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.  — History was made in 1918 when Opha Mae Johnson became the first woman to join the Marine Corps. Since then women Marines have been making history, and the Women Marines Association has been preserving and promoting the history of these Marines.

Approximately 20 women gathered at The Club At Quantico for the Women Marines 67th Anniversary commemorative luncheon.

Since 1943, the Women Marines Association, comprised of active-duty and retired women Marines, has fostered and encouraged the spirit of comradeship among women. The non-profit association also conducts programs for charitable and educational purposes and much more.

“The association shows you that we are a bond of sisters and we help each other,” said Dorothy Gordon, the president of the WMA, VA-1 Crossroads Chapter. “Most importantly, it’s about mentorship.”

One of the oldest Marines providing mentorship was 73-year-old retired Gunnery Sgt. Mary L. Dodd, who enlisted on June 16, 1956.

Dodd shared stories about the most difficult part of being a woman Marine in 1956: “Putting up with sexual harassment, which is still a problem today,” said Dodd. “You kind of kept those things to yourself unless someone tried to assault you. I think it will always be an issue.”

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On a lighter note, one of Dodd’s humorous experiences was during recruiting duty in Columbia, S.C.

“It was early winter and someone asked me, “Lady why did you give me this parking ticket?’ and I said ‘I’m sorry sir, but I’m not a meter maid,” laughed Dodd. “In the early 60’s, we just didn’t have that many women in the service.”

Today, women make up 6.2 percent of the Corps. Although women as young as 17 are joining, there was an absence of junior Marines at the luncheon.

“We need young Marines to get involved because we have such a small population of women. We need to be supportive,” said retired Col. Jenny M. Holbert, who served more than 30 years.

At the luncheon, several vendors, including some comprised of retired women Marines and women affiliated with the Marine Corps, showcased their business to help raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. At the end of the luncheon, raffle tickets, vendor fair and donations helped raise more than $200 for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The fund provides financial aid and quality of life assistance to service member and their families.

“Women who are in uniform today will pave the way for women Marines in the future,” said guest speaker Sheryl E. Murray, a senior executive service member currently working as the assistance deputy commandant of Manpower and Recruiting Command. “We have made tremendous progress,” said Murray, who served 32 years in the Marine Corps.