Photo By Sgt. Rachael Moore | Female Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group pose in...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - At one point during the Marine Corps’ lifespan, women served in less than a handful of military occupational specialties. Rather than allowing the restraints of inequality to take part a in her life, one woman proved otherwise the strength and magnitude of females in the Marine Corps.
The first female general officer in the Marine Corps, retired Brig. Gen. Margaret A. Brewer, passed away Jan. 2 at the age of 82.
With an extraordinary career ranging from platoon commander at officer candidate school to the first director of public affairs, Brewer carved a path of opportunities for females in the Marine Corps.
The 2nd Marine Logistics Group has a total manpower of 7,670 Marines, with 848 being women. That 11 percent encompasses a group of women who work hard, stand tall, and lead from the front. Without Brewer, they may never have had the opportunity.
First Sgt. Brenda Chrismer, first sergeant of Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd MLG, has served more than 20 years in the Marine Corps. She is a master at her craft and is devoted to developing her Marines.
“She just kept breaking that glass ceiling and showing who she was,” said Chrismer regarding Brewer, “then allowing others to see what she can bring to the table and provide to the Corps and to our country.”
Because of female leaders like Brewer, the Marine Corps has accepted all genders in the workplace; Chrismer only sees Marines and expects the same amount of effort no matter the sex, she said.
For Master Sgt. Marla Edwards, inspector chief for the 2nd MLG, being able to serve more than 23 years is another primary example of the thriving female leadership in the Marine Corps. Edwards remembers her introduction to the Marine Corps, and how new females Marines’ experiences differ today.
She commented that when Brewer came into the Corps, she learned how to get out of a car not how to shoot a rifle and when Edwards was in boot camp she learned how to wear make-up.
“I am harder on females normally, because I know what it has taken for us to get here,” she said.
Due to leaders like Brewer, Chrismer and Edwards, women in the Marine Corps have a clearer path toward progressing through the ranks. These women continue to lead the way for Marines to better themselves and accomplish the mission.
Female Marines today are able to compete alongside men while being held to the same standard. Just like everything else encompassed in Marine Corps traditions, women will never forget where they came from and who did it first.
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.16.2013 09:12 |
| Story ID: | 100584 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,373 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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