R 041405Z MAR 21
MARADMIN 116/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2021 NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 100-9/12MAR87/WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH//
REF/B/PUBLIC LAW 90-130/08NOV67/AMENDMENT TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS//
REF/C/HISTORY OF THE WOMEN MARINES/WOMENMARINES.ORG//
POC/A. QUINONES/SGT/MRA (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN: 278/EMAIL: ANTHONY.QUINONES@USMC.MIL//
POC/M. J. SHEPPARD/CIV/UNIT MRA (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN: 278/EMAIL: MARC.SHEPPARD@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Since proclaimed by Public Law 100-9 in 1987, March is observed as “National Women’s History Month.” During this month, we take the opportunity to honor all women and to acknowledge their ongoing contributions to the success and development of our Nation. The 2021 observance theme is: “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.”
2. Since 1918, women have answered the call to serve the Marine Corps and their country, doing so with distinction and honor. MajGen Angela Salinas served in the Marine Corps from 1974 to 2013 and achieved several firsts for women throughout her service. In 1989, she became the first female to command a recruiting station during the challenging, peace-time, recruiting environment leading up to Operation DESERT STORM. The Texas native’s continued top-tier performance resulted in her assignment as the first woman to command a Marine Corps recruiting district. In 2006, upon her promotion to the rank of brigadier general, she assumed the duties as the first female Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region. BGen Salinas led her team with fairness, firmness, dignity, and compassion during the time when Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego exclusively trained male recruits. In 2009, she assumed the position as the Director of Manpower Management for Manpower and Reserves Affairs. Promoted to the rank of major general in 2012, she served her final year on active duty in that post, and in 2013, retired from that post after 39 years of military service.
3. MajGen Angela Salinas currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. While spending most of her career in uniform, her list of accolades includes more than military honors. In 2013, Latina Style magazine honored MajGen Salinas with the Life Achievement Award at the National LATINA Symposium. Latina Style seeks to empower, develop, and highlight Latina professional working women, entrepreneurs, and military personnel throughout the country and engages with the Marine Corps Outreach Program for both the annual symposium and outreach awards. More information is available on their website at https:(slash)(slash)latinastyle.com.
4. During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions women - military, veteran, and civilian - have made to our country and Corps.
5. Commanders are encouraged to conduct online programs and to promote remote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities where onsite activities are not feasible during COVID-19 restrictions.
6. Release authorized by BGen J. G. Woodworth, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//