R 251920Z JUN 18
MARADMIN 352/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/CALL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2018 WOMEN MARINES ASSOCIATION BIENNIAL CONVENTION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM//
POC/M. J. SHEPPARD/CIV/CMC (MPE)/-/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 278/EMAIL: MARC.SHEPPARD@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN announces the 30th Women Marines Association Biennial Convention and Professional Development Symposium, 30 August – 3 September 2018, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington VA 22202.
2.  In 1918, the Secretary of the Navy allowed women to enroll in the U.S. Marine Corps for clerical duty.  Some 300 women entered the Marine Corps to take over stateside clerical duties from battle-ready Marines who were needed overseas.  Women Marines have served selflessly and honorably in every decade since 1918.  Therefore, the 2018 WMA Convention will commemorate 100 years of women proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps (1918-2018).
3.  WMA is a civilian non-profit veterans association comprised of women who have served or are serving honorably in the Marine Corps active or reserve components.  The WMA mission includes preservation and promotion of women Marine history and traditions, awarding of scholarships, and conducting charitable and educational programs in communities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
4.  CMC (MPE) will sponsor a limited number of conference/registration fees and all travel expenses.  Commanders may authorize Temporary Additional Duty for Marines, civilian Marines and Sailors who are attached to Marine units to attend.  Local travel is authorized for members in the local area.  All Marine Corps funded participation will be coordinated through the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management (MPE) Branch.  Reservations will be given on a first-come first-served basis. Marines not funded by MPE, may register and pay for themselves by accessing the WMA website before 21 Jul 2018.  Commanders may utilize PTAD or authorize leave for Marines to attend.  Marines in a PTAD and/or leave status will be required to pay their per diem, travel expenses, and registration fees.  Rental cars are not authorized.
5.  Commands are not authorized to fund additional conference attendees beyond the HQMC funded service members.
6.  Contact MPE POC NLT 1 Aug 18 to obtain conference reservations.
7.  More information can be found on the WMA website at www.womenmarines.org.
8.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
9.  WMA is a non-federal entity wholly independent of the Marine Corps.
10.    Release authorized by SES M. R. Strobl, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Acting.//