WMA Mational Chaplain Melinda Townsend was born in Denver, CO and raised primarily in the north-central area of New Mexico (Española, Santa Fe and Taos). She spent 3 years living in Aguascalientes Mexico as a teenager giving her a wonderful cross-culture living experience and fluency in Spanish. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in…
Bettie Glassey Life Member WA-3 Bettie Glassey was nominated by Peggy Reiber. Reiber states: I would like to nominate Bettie Glassey, WA-3 President as our member of the week. She has been a life member of WMA and has served as President for WA-3 for over 10 years. In addition to all she does for…
By: Valerie Johnson When I joined the Women Marine Association, it brought a new form of life to me Valerie Johnson In 1984, something spectacular happened, I became one of the 8% women called the United States Marines. I am the daughter of two very loving parents who expect nothing less except excellence from me.…
In the last quarter of 2021, WMA National President, Rhonda Amtower invited all members to get involved in their communities. Amtower encouraged WMA Chapters and WMA Members at large to help fill food pantries the support our communities in which they live. Many answered the call. VA-3 Hampton Roads chapter led the pack. They collected…
244th Marine Corps Birthday This time of year, all Marines no matter where we are around the globe take this opportunity to stop and celebrate the unique history of our Corps. Whether we are still serving on active duty or we are Veteran Marines, we continue to reach out to renew the ties that bind…
AREA 1 NEWS! By Jamie DePaola It has been a very busy few months in Area 1 since the 2016 Convention as we’ve been preparing for the Inaugural Connecticut Veterans Day Patriot Race in November. The WMA is co-hosting the event with the American Legion, the VFW, and the DAV. When all is said and…
Marine Corps Women Reserve Marine Base San Diego 1943-1946 By Rick Huenefeld and Barbara McCurtis ‘Free a Man to Fight’ – the call to arms in February 1943 when the Women’s Reserve (WR) of the United States Marine Corps was activated. The first WR reported to Marine Corps Base (MCB) San Diego in…
Jamie DePaola, WMA National Board Member, Area 1 Director participated in the panel discussion, “What it means to be a woman in the military” Jamie B. DePaola Served January 1975 to February 1999, both active duty and reserve in the 01 Administrative MOS and retired as a Battalion Sergeant Major for 6th MT, 4th FSSG. Other…
Women Marines Association Bridge to the Future The 29th Biennial Women Marines Association (WMA) Convention and Professional Development Conference was held in Portland, OR. The theme, Bridge to the Future, highlighted the host city of Portland, Or., and the great strides women have made in the Corps in the past and our movement forward as…
First Women Marines By Ansley Wegner Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2007 Camp Lejeune prides itself as the home of the Montford Point Marines, the Corps’ first black enlistees, and the first large unit of female Marines, known as the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. The first female Marines, 305 in number, enlisted in…
Women Marines Association 