They (women Marines) don't have a nickname, and they don't need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere, at a Marine post. They inherit the traditions of the Marines. They are Marines.
—General Thomas Holcomb, 17th CMC, (1936-1943)

The aim of every woman is to be truly integrated into the Corps. She is able and willing to undertake any assignment consonant with Marine Corps needs, and is proudest of all that she has no nickname. She is a “Marine.”
—Colonel Katherine A. Towle



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (23 June 1997) - Capt. Sarah Deal, the first female Marine Corps helicopter pilot, flies a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter from HMH-466, MCAS Tustin, California, over Camp Pendleton while training during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ '97. KERNEL BLITZ is taking place off the coast of Southern California and Camp Pendleton to train Navy and Marine Corps personnel in amphibious operations.


MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (1 October 2002) - Although some recruits arrive at recruit training without even knowing how to swim, they must take to the water in full battle gear with a 40-pound pack and an M-16 rifle.



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA (13 May 2004) - Cpl. Molly A. Muldoon, inspects the mid-wing of a V-22 Osprey for discrepancies. Muldoon is assigned to Marine Tilt-rotor Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, becoming the first woman Marine to qualify as a V-22 Osprey crew chief on 3 May 2004.


CAMP AL ASAD, IRAQ (20 May 2004) - Cpl. Amanda J. Ruhsam, a parachute rigger from the 1st Air Delivery Platoon, spreads out the canopy of a Sherpa precision cargo parachute system. "You have to think about what you're doing. If you mess up even the slightest thing, it messes the mission up," said the 20-year-old native of Palm Desert, California.



USS BELLEAU WOOD, PERSIAN GULF (16 July 2004) - Cpl. Patricia Ruiz and LCpl. Brandy Guerreo help load weapons and gear down the chain, to the rear of the Landing Craft Utility as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) offloads in Kuwait.


MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA (7 September 2004) - LCpl. Laura A. Clark, support equipment technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reaches deep into an NC-10 generator to repair a broken component in Al Asad, Iraq. The 21 year-old from Tucson, Arizona., is one of the Marines of the MALS-16 ground support equipment section and is responsible for helping repair essential aircraft-related equipment.


NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (22 October 2004) - Marines from 6th Communication Battalion, Brooklyn, N.Y., prepare for an upcoming color guard presentation. (From right to left) LCpl. Leanne Bohach, Cpl. Liza Nicholas, Sgt. Geralyn Rolon, and LCpl. Elizabeth Quinones make up the first all-female Marine color guard the battalion has ever had.


MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (7 November 2004) - Drill Instructor, Sgt. Walquiria Tamm, a Paterson, New Jersey native, instructs recruits to recite their general orders. Tamm said some recruits arrive at Parris Island with a positive attitude. Others, she noted, require more work to instill a "passion and love for the Marine Corps."



ASH SHAFIYAH, IRAQ (12 November 2004) - LCpl. Brandy L. Guerrero, a radio operator assigned to the Communications Detachment, Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Service Support Group 11, 11th MEU (Special Operations Capable), gives a kiss to an Iraqi baby waiting to be examined during a Humanitarian Assistance Operation (HAO) in the village of Ash Shafiyah, Iraq. The HAO provided medical and dental treatment to more than 115 Iraqis.


CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JAPAN (22 November 2004) - Pfc. Laura B. Crabtree (left) provides security for Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 7-ton trucks during convoy operations here.


CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (31 December 2004) - Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, 20-year-old Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Cpl. Melissa R. Wade puts her students through a rigorous one-hour session of cardio kickboxing at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq. The Marine base is home to the headquarters for 1st Force Service Support Group and different aviation squadrons from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine units from Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in southern California. Wade, an aviation electronic technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, conceived the idea of putting her "Turbo Kick" instructor certification to good use when she saw some of the other recreational activities offered for the Marines, sailors and soldiers stationed here.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: HollywoodMarine,

Nice pics. Thank you Hollywood.

Thanks Hollywood. Your a peach!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, HOLLYWOOD!!

I, for one truly appreciate your effort here.

Semper Fidelis,
Cyn~

This is the recruiting poster that was popular when I was in the Corps:



BTW - If anyone is interested, I posted some info about the Lioness Program in the Women in the Military Forum - Women in Uniform: Above and Beyond the Call of Duty a while back.

Ok, I don't believe that youngin' on the left in that last picture was a MSgt. Much too young. Other than that, nice pictures.

When I was stationed at Lejuene in 1988, I participated in a photo shoot for Marine Recuitement posters. We were mostly pictured doing the peripheral activities the base had to offer, Skeet Shooting, at the beach, on the pier, etc.

I wonder if any of those pictures still exist? We were never given copies of them.

IDk, she is kind of Demi Moore-ish, and that woman just does not age!

UTAPAO, THAILAND (12 January 2005) — LCpl's Jennifer Paredes and Stephanie Boyer strap communication lines together during Operation Unified Assistance. More than 18,000 service members with combined Support Force 536 are working with international militaries and non-governmental organizations to aid the people affected by the devastating tsunamis in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Paredes and Boyer area assigned to the 7th Communications Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (14 January 2005) — Cpl. Kate Utterback, a depot military policeman, gained newfound motivation after she earned honor-graduate status at Corporals Course in December.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (20 January 2005) — Cpl. Cassandra L. Holbrook, 20, a native of Grays Harbor, Wash., and assistant team leader with the Female Searching Force, conducts a routine search of a female Iraqi at one of Fallujah's humanitarian aid sites.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (20 January 2005) — Cpl. Christina M. Long, 23, a native of Cuyahoga, Ohio, and assistant team leader searches an Iraqi woman entering Fallujah. The Female Searching Force searches every woman entering the city to ensure they are not trafficking drugs, weapons, or anything else that could be considered harmful or illegal within the city.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (20 January 2005) — LCpl. Nicole Harden, 21, provides security for her fellow Marines with Combat Service Support Battalion's Company C during a vehicle-mounted, .50-caliber heavy machine gun, live-fire exercise at a range north of Al Asad, Iraq, designed to improve their defenses against roadside attacks and keep their knowledge of the weapon sharp. When she's not teaching ballet classes in Illinois, Harden serves as an electrician with the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, a reserve unit out of Peoria, Illinois.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (3 February 2005) — LCpl. Summer S. Shearer prepares to ambush a convoy in a training exercise held by Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Medical Battalion.



MARINE FORCES RESERVE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUSIANNA, (8 February 2005) — Cpl. Melissa Ann Charity Bieda performs with the Marine Forces Reserve Band during the Zulu parade. “We work every day for a couple of weeks straight when it comes close to Mardi Gras,” said Bieda. “You're on your feet for at least eight hours a day.”



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINIA (11 February 2005) — Cpl. Nicole M. Allen, a Marine Security Guard student, recovers from the effects of oleoresin capsicum spray exposure, during the cool-down portion following the Marine Security Guard OC spray reaction course.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (22 February 2005) — Then recruit Amy Elizabeth Krogman, a former U.S. Army sergeant, completes the squad combat re-supply course of the Crucible.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (22 February 2005) — Then recruit Amy Elizabeth Krogman, tactically moves her squad to the combat re-supply course of the Crucible. Krogman spent six years in the Army and after deploying to Iraq and observing the Marines in theater, decided to join the Marine Corps.



MARINE CORPS BASE KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN (2 March 2005) — Pfc. Nicole R. Ella shouts out the base that the mail is headed to so fellow Marines can load the mail onto the correct truck at the Consolidated Postal Facility. The 13 Marines working at the CPF must memorize the addresses of almost 300 units in order to quickly determine which base the mail will be sent to. Ella is an operations clerk with the CPF, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (4 March 2005) — Cpl. Stephanie L. Ullman, (third from left) Regimental Combat Team-1, 1st Marine Division, recieved a combat meritorious promotion in Fallujah, Iraq. Congratulating her are members of her team; (Left to right) Sgt. Erin D. Black, Sgt. Lori B. Luna and LCpl. Alicia D. Waters at a entry control point. Col. Michael Shupp, Commanding Officer of Regimental Combat Team 1 promoted Ullman.



CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA (11 March 2005) — A color guard, comprised of female Marines from various units on Okinawa, posts the colors to commence the celebration of the 25th anniversary of National Women's History Month and 62 years of women in the Marine Corps at the Butler Officers' Club aboard Camp Foster.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (11 March 2005) — Cpl. Nicole C. Anderson, avionics technician, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-269 stands in front of one of the "Gunrunners" AH-1 Cobras. The Gunrunners arrived in Al Asad February 1 and will provide security and stability operations for the Global War on Terrorism through September.



CAMP SAMAESAN, SATTAHIP, THAILAND (22 March 2005) — LCpl. Katherine E. Pontillo shoots an azimuth from a high-gain satellite. A clear azimuth must be shot in order for the field radios to receive a clear signal. Radio operators set up a communications network as part of a rehearsal for Exercise Cobra Gold ’05. Pontillo is a field radio operator with the Combined Marine Forces Headquarters, Cobra Gold.



SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (29 March 2005) — The San Diego Council Navy League hosted the 2005 Naval Services Enlisted Women of the Year awards at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse in San Diego.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (4 April 2005) — As a female Marine attached to Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, LCpl. Megan L. Phuhl can't always go out on missions with her male counterparts. Instead, she had an equally important job of searching Iraqi women and children at a checkpoint in the city of Fallujah. The Harrisburg, Virginia native enjoys her job because of the interaction with the Iraqi nationals. Searching Iraqi women and children is a job only the female Marines can do. Phuhl loves her job so much she usually volunteers herself to work on her days off.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (5 April 2005) — Sgt. Kristine A. Streng, sergeant of the guard for the security platoon here and a native of Powhatan, Virginia, stands guard at a watchtower overlooking an entrance to the tactical command center compound. Streng and the Marines of the security platoon are members of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band. During times of war, Marine Corps bands and band members double as a security element for their commanding officer.



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINA (13 April 2005) — SSgt. Julia Watson, a student at the Small Arms Weapons Instructor School, explains the course of fire during her static live-fire range exercise. Watson, who graduates from the course Friday, is one of the first women to graduate from the SAWIC course. Although there is one known female known to graduate the course before Watson, the exact number to graduate is uncertain. SAWIC, is the highest marksmanship course available to Marines and teaches Sergeants, Staff Sergeants and Gunnery Sergeants how to instruct other Marines on more advanced marksmanship skills.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (18 April 2005) — SSgt. Christina Soto, an operations chief for Communication Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), concentrates while doing crunches. Soto, a native of Bridger, South Dakota, attends aerobics classes instructed by MGySgt. Marcia J. McLaurin, while deployed.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (22 April 2005) — Siblings Cpl. Nicole Eberle, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward) and LCpl. Scott Eberle, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, take some time out from their duties to share a few laughs before the Lance Corporal redeployed with the MEU from Iraq.



IWO JIMA, JAPAN (29 April 2005) — LCpl. Melissa J. Warthen, Combat Service Support Detachment-36 fiscal clerk, collects sand from an Iwo Jima beach.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (3 May 2005) — As meteorology and oceanography Marines, Cpls. Michelle L. Gottschalk, of Island Lake, Illinois, and Victor Rodriguez, a Chicago native, work together to get accurate and timely weather information out to Camp Fallujah. Attached with G-2, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), the Marines know their job is an important part of completing the mission in Iraq.



RECRUITING STATION HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA (7 May 2005) — Senior Drill Instructor SSgt. Patricia A. Wilson, native of Buffalo, New York, stands tall as she waits for the safety brief to conclude. Wilson was one of three Marine Corps drill instructors who were invited to participate in Recruiting Station Harrisburg’s Annual Pool Function. The purpose is to familiarize the future Marines with boot camp and to allow them to learn about teamwork and camaraderie.



RECRUITING STATION ALBANY, NEW YORK (7 May 2005) — Drill Instructor Sgt. Jennifer N. Kelton, Female Readiness Platoon, Special Training Company, Support Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, corrects Poolee Capowski for incorrectly addressing a Marine during Recruiting Station Albany's first annual Poolee Field Meet.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (19 May 2005) — Cpl. Steinnum Truesdale, a native of Reykjavík, Iceland, displays her Purple Heart Medal she received for injuries sustained in an anti-tank mine blast during a vehicle convoy operation in Al Anbar province, Iraq 2004.



CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT (20 May 2005) — LCpl. Nicole L. Johnson, an operations clerk for MEU Service Support Group-26 surfs the web at the internet cafe at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.


NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (27 May 2005) — Sgt. Aixa G. Escobar, a Weehawken New Jersey native, assigned to 2nd Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, introduces herself to a class of students at the High School for Graphics and Communication Arts in New York City by writing her name on the chalk board. Escobar was one of several Marines who visited local high schools to discuss life in the Marine Corps. The visits were part of the 24th MEU's effort to help the recruiting while on liberty during New York City's Fleet Week.



AL ASAD, Iraq (6 June 2005) — LCpl. Heather L. Moulton, a welder and native of Parma, Ohio, with the machinist and welding shop, Combat Logistics Battalion-2, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), uses a plasma torch to cut metal beams for use as supports as the four-Marine shop builds a custom designed cable trailer. The shop creates, repairs and fabricates metal items to suit the needs of Marines throughout Western Iraq.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (9 June 2005) — Capt. Vernice G. Armour, a Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-169, was filmed for an upcoming documentary aimed at helping recruiting. Armour is the U.S. military's first black female combat pilot.



CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, IRAQ (9 June 2005) — Cpl. Teresa T. Fernandez received a combat meritorious promotion this month for her work as a 2nd Marine Division Headquarters Battalion armorer. She is one of only a few Marines responsible for the maintenance and repair of several units’ weapons.



CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, IRAQ (9 June 2005) — Cpl. Melissa Kilpatrick, an intelligence analyst with the 2nd Marine Division, poses with her boss LtCol. Andrew Gillan, for a photo with her newly awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal certificate for her work in Operation Iraqi Freedom.



FALLUJHA, IRAQ (10 June 2005) — Cpl. Catrina Lansberry on duty at the female search area.



AL QAIM, IRAQ (13 June 2005) — Cpl. Kelly Rohrer, an electrician assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-271, Detachment Al Qaim removes an oil filter from a diesel generator while conducting preventive maintenance. Rohrer, a native of Austin, Texas, learned from the other Marines in her section and is proficient in their military occupational specialties. All the Marines in the utilities section cross-trained to learn each other’s jobs. She is one of the four Marines in the detachment’s utilities section.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (13 June 2005) — Cpl. Catrina Lansberry, a member of the Female Search Force attached to Regimental Combat Team-8, looks through handbags of Iraqi women at the female search area of an entry control point. Female searchers screened women and children coming through an ECP, mindful of the cultural sensitivities of the Iraqi people.



AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ (16 June 2005) — LCpl's Rebecca and Michael Nance, 20 and 21-years-old respectively, reunited here recently. So far from home, yet so close together. Rebecca, a mechanic attached to Combat Logistics Regiment-25, and Michael, with Marine Wing Support Group-27 in Al Asad, Iraq, are siblings from Moline, Illinois. Michael is serving his second deployment, while his sister is in the middle of her first. Michael joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and Rebecca joined the Marine Corps reserve in 2003.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (17 June 2005) — Sgt. Tera C. Landreth, 2nd Radio Battalion, II MEF, laughs in joyous embarrassment as she is greeted by her mother, June J. Landreth, after arriving home from Iraq. The battalion arrived home after serving 10 months in Iraq.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (22 June 2005) — LCpl's Qian Ramirez and Gene Palmer, bulk fuel specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron-371 pull a hose to the fueling point at the forward arming and refueling point.



AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ (22 June 2005) — Sgt. Valerie Belue, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Squadron-775 poses in front of a UH-1N Huey here. Belue enlisted in the Marine Corps to work and fly on UH-1N Hueys.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND (28 June 2005) — 1stLt. Jennifer Bahe (center) stands next to the Marines who made her a Marine. 1stSgt. Vonda Jones, Oscar Company 1stSgt., was her instructor at Officer Candidate School, and Capt. Regina Carbonary, Oscar Co. series commander, was her drill instructor when she was a recruit. Bahe reported to Parris Island and encountered the Marines at 4th Recruit Training Battalion, when she became as an Oscar Co. series commander.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (1 July 2005) — Los Angeles native, Pfc. Amy E. Crego, a maintenance administrative clerk with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-764, put her job as an auditor with one of the largest international accountancy firms in the United States on hold to join the Marine Corps. Crego is a 2002 graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves in November 2004.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (6 July 2005) — Cpl. Nicole L. Hodina, procurement management specialist, works on developing a contract. The Marines of the Camp Fallujah Contingency Contracting Office make sure entities like clean water, air conditioners and generators are available here.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (18 July 2005) — Husband and wife, Cpl.'s Michael D. and Nicole L. Hodina stand for a photo while deployed. Michael, noncommissioned officer in charge of special products at the Supply Management Unit and Nicole is a procurement specialist for the SMU, Combat Logistics Regiment-25, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward). Nicole is a native of Steen, Minnesota, and Michael hails from Indianapolis.



FALLUJAH, IRAQ (19 July 2005) — Cpl. Michelle Gottschalk searches a female Iraqi at a checkpoint in Fallujah. Gottschalk, a METOC technician with II Marine Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was chosen to be on the team comprised of female Marines from various units in Iraq. The Marines treat the women with respect and often learn Arabic phrases and words to relate to the local population.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (28 July 2005) — LCpl's Cori L. Bratley and Stephanie M. Chicoj rush into the brush of Camp Pendleton's 53 Area, taking part in the second day their command's training.



MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, HAWAII (4 August 2005) — GySgt. Emasoila C. Norbrey, network operations chief, pauses to pay her respects to SSgt. Charles L. Stehle IV, who passed away 30 July 2005. Norbrey, who worked with Stehle, spoke at the memorial service held at the Sunset Lanai.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (7 August 2005) — Finding a jump start in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Christina M. Crider, 25, serves as a tactical network server specialist with Headquarters Company, 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward). After completion of her enlistment in January 2006, the Alliance, Nebraska, native, plans to pursue a career in real estate.



SANGA-SANGA, PHILIPPINES (9 August 2005) — Sgt. Nicole D. Swam, native of Hutchinson, Minnesota, assembles a table with the help of Cornelio L. Garnace, a member of a Filipino non-government relief organization. Swam, the Marine Service Support Group 13 Engineering Detachment noncommissioned officer-in-charge, said by building desks and tables, she felt she was helping out children in the village. “We're helping out the kids,” she said. “That’s a good thing.”



AL ASAD, IRAQ (19 August 2005) — LCpl. Jessica M. “Bama” Hereford, an avionics technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-266 and native of New Market, Alabama, secures a bundle of wires after repairs. The Fighting Griffins returned from a deployment to Afghanistan less than a year ago.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (19 August 2005) — Sgt. Brittany L. Greenhalgh, intelligence communicator, G-2 Section, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), followed in the footsteps of her family’s heritage and enlisted in the military shortly after graduating from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 2000.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (26 August 2005) — Cpl. Kelly J. Kowalsky, a native of Colver, Pennslyvania, searched females and gathered crucial information while embedded with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division earlier in her deployment. “My job with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment was to search the females and to help the intelligence guys with site exploitation,” said Kowalsky, an intelligence specialist with G-2 section, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward).



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (9 September 2005) — LCpl. Fabiola Escobedo, awards clerk from the depot adjutant office, throws combination punches at a heavy bag at The Boxing Club about a mile away from the MCRD.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (22 September 2005) — GySgt. Patricia R. Smith is court reporter with 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, California. Her current job is a result of a lateral move or change of military occupational specialty from the Marine Corps Band in 2002. Two years later, she graduated the Virginia School of Technology , a civilian school in Norfolk, Virginia. Although the graduation requirement on the stenograph machine is 180 words per minute, Smith types 225 wpm. She is one of few Marines to accomplish the civilian graduation requirement. Now Smith invites others to the courtroom, regardless of MOS, to join one of the most rewarding military occupational specialties in the Marine Corps.



CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JAPAN (23 September 2005) — LCpl. Christina J. Humphrey received the Purple Heart Medal for the wounds she suffered in Iraq, during a ceremony on Camp Courtney. Humphrey was returning from Fallujah, Iraq, as a member of the Female Search Force attached to Regimental Combat Team-8, when a vehicle collided with their 7-ton truck June 23. The attackers’ vehicle contained an improvised explosive device that detonated upon impact. The 22-year-old Chico, California native, sustained burns and an injury to her back during the attack that killed six Marines and wounded 13. Humphrey is a motor transport operator with Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.



CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, RAMADI, IRAQ (25 September 2005) — Cpl. Jessica L. Curtis, the communications chief for Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division checks the operation of a radio. Curtis has logged more than 6000 miles on the roads here and is responsible for ensuring that the Marines driving in the convoys can talk to each other to coordinate their movements. Curtis also maintains the systems in each vehicle that block and prevent the detonation of roadside Improvised Explosive Devices.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (4 October 2005) — Capt. Jessica M. Moore, an AH-1 Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-167, poses in front of one of the aircraft she pilots. Moore was named one of the 2005 Military Women of Merit by San Diego's North County Times.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (4 October 2005) — Niceville, Flordia native LCpl. Erin Liberty, received a Purple Heart. An ammunition technician with Ammunition Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group, sustained several injuries when an improvised explosive device blew up near her convoy near Camp Fallujah, Iraq, 23 June.



CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, IRAQ (5 October 2005) — Married couple 1stLt.’s Heather and Donald Traves had the privilege of seeing each other while deployed here. Heather Traves is a communications officer with 2nd Intelligence Battalion, and Donald Traves is the commanding officer of Disbursing with Headquarters and Service Battalion, both with 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward).



MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA (7 October 2005) — Sgt. Holly Askins, Pvt. Azucena Ledesma and Pfc. Marissa Keeter, Marine Communications-Electronics School, A Company, suffer together through the Flex-Arm Hang competition at the MCCES field games.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (20 October 2005) — GySgt. Rose M. Noel raises her right hand to take the Oath of Enlistment administered by BGen. Robert E. Milstead, Jr., 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) commanding general. A single ceremony marked Noel’s Purple Heart presentation and final reenlistment.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (20 October 2005) — BGen. Robert E. Milstead, Jr., 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) commanding general, congratulates GySgt. Rose M. Noel after presenting her the Purple Heart. Noel was injured at Al Asad, Iraq, by indirect fire. Despite her wounds, she demanded to be returned to her duties.



MARINE CORPS AIR COMBAT GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA (26 October 2005) — 2ndLt. Jennifer Root from the Headquarters Battalion Gold Team, prepares to shoot in the kneeling position at the 200-yard line in the Rifle Team Match. The Annual Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Intramural Rifle and Pistol Matches were held from Oct. 17 to 28. Winners from the matches are going to represent MAGTF in the Western Division Matches in the spring.



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, ARIZONA (28 October 2005) — 1stLt. Katherine A. Spicer, supply officer, Marine Wing Support Squadron-374, holds back the helmet of 2ndLt. Christy A. Pachall, squadron adjutant, as she fires a M240G medium machine gun with elements of Engineer Company during a training exercise at Graze Range, Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, in support of the Weapons and Training Instructor course.



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA (29 October 2005) — Cpl. Tara D. Smith, combat correspondent, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, runs during the 30th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Smith was the first female Marine to finish the 26.2-mile race with a time of 3:12:00.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (2 November 2005) — Married couple Cpl. Abigail E. Grant and Sgt. Shaun L. Grant enjoy their time together after having the chance to see each other. Abigail E. Grant is the operations watch noncommissioned officer for Combat Logistics Regiment-25, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), and Shaun L. Grant is a platoon sergeant for Motor Transportation, II Marine Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force.



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII (4 November 2005) — Pfc. Deidra Postemski, range coach, Combat Service Support Group-3, stands with a ready box at the Kaneohe Bay Range aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Postemski loves coaching other Marines and gets a lot of satisfaction qualifying roughly six to nine Marines every week.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (10 November 2005) — LCpl. Megan Leavey, 22, military police dog handler, 2nd Military Police Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), restrains her German Shepherd explosives and patrol trained working dog , Rex. Leavey and Rex spend many hours a day together, either training or searching vehicles on base and in the city, where Rex sniffs out explosives and other contraband.



CAMP FALLUJAH (16 November 2005) — LCpl. Joyce N. Fundweburk stands guard. Female Marines from various units within Combat Logistics Brigade-8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stand at the gates of Fallujah to ensure the city remains safe by checking female Iraqis for dangerous materials. Fundweburk is a supply warehouseman with CLB-8, 2nd MLG.



CAMP FALLUJAH (16 November 2005) — LCpl. Riki M. Aguirre watches an Iraqi women approach her. Female Marines from various units within Combat Logistics Brigade-8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stand at the gates of Fallujah to ensure the city remains safe by checking female Iraqis for dangerous materials. Aguirre is a field radio operator with Headquarters and Service Company, CLB-8, 2nd MLG.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (22 November 2005) — LCpl. Shannon M. Flaherty, a 23-year-old, CH-53 avionics technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-466, deployed to Al Asad with the Wolfpack of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, in September. Her father, Chief Warrant Officer-3 James M. Flaherty deployed to Fallujah in April. The 52-year-old infantry and engineer veteran works for II Marine Expeditionary Force’s command element, traveling to sites across Iraq to assist in base planning. The Marines recently had a chance to spend time together in Al Asad, Iraq.



BAGHDADI, IRAQ (6 December 2005) — Cpl. Jessica G. Untalan, administration clerk, Command Element, 31st MEU and Sgt. Kim H. Bahti, administration chief, Military Police Company B, 31st MEU, deliver medical supplies to a Baghdadi clinic as part of a Civil Affairs operation. The mission utilized many of the female members of the MEU in able to assess the condition of two Iraqi schools for girls in order for coalition forces to aid the schools.



AL ASAD, IRAQ (15 December 2005) — Cpl. Jessica M. Hereford, an avionics technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-266, stands next to a CH-46 helicopter at Al Asad, Iraq. During Operation Liberty Express, she left the flight line to help the women of Iraq vote and secure rights for themselves in a free society.



HUSAYBAH, IRAQ (15 December 2005) — LCpl. Amber J. Anderson, 19-year old native of Escanaba, Michigan, searches an Iraqi woman in the Iraqi city of Husaybah while LCpl. Gabriela Altamira provides security. Islamic culture requires that Muslim women be searched only by women. The vote today is being held in order to elect a permanent Iraqi government.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: HollywoodMarine,

The picture of the two chicks at Camp Korean Village, where'd you get the photo from? Does it say what TCP they were Lioness' at? They look similar to two of the WM's that searched hajji women at TCP 2 in Ar Rutbah.

Outstanding pictures sistahs! I have very few from the time when I was on AD.

CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (13 January 2006) — 22-year old Cpl. Tasha M. Monz is on her third deployment to the Middle East. Monz, assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) serves as the battalion commander's radio operator.



MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA (17 January 2006) — LCpl's. Janna E. Marrinier, Sam Luevano and Sgt. Douglas R. Null, of the Provost Marshal’s Office Special Reaction Team, deliver a telephone for negotiations during a hostage scenario training exercise at the Vista Del Sol housing area.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (20 January 2006) — Marines acting as protestors provide training for Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, based out of Camp Pendleton, during a consulate security training exercise during Joint Task Force Exercise 06, Jan. 13-25 aboard the U.S.S. Peleliu and throughout Camp Pendleton.



FORWARD OPERATING BASE HIT, IRAQ (22 January 2006) — Before the convoy departs, 2ndLt. Lindsey Bellomy, one of the mobile combat service support detachment commanders with Marine Service Support Group-22, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), briefs the convoy route to Marines and sailors using a terrain model at Forward Operating Base Hit, Iraq. The 22nd MEU (SOC) is currently in Iraq's Al Anbar province conducting counterinsurgency operations with an Iraqi Army battalion under the tactical control of the 2nd Marine Division.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (25 January 2006) — Cpl. Claudia L. Ramirez awaits orders from the Corporals Course chief instructor. More than 25 Marines from different sections within 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) received their Corporals Course certificates. The course was held over a period of eight days and was comprised of uniform inspections, sword manual, drill, physical training and numerous hours of academic instruction. Ramirez is an operations clerk with Communication Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd MLG (Fwd).



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (28 January 2006) — 22-year old LCpl. Diana L. Kavanek, an electrician with Service Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), endured many challenges during her one-year deployment to Iraq.



MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION DALLAS, TEXAS (8 February 2006) — Sgt. Jillian Linnet recieves a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from MajGen. Walter E. Gaskin, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiting Command at ceremony in Orlando, Florida.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (13 February 2006) — The Camp Lejeune Women's Varsity East Team prepare to take the court against the Fort Bragg, N.C. Women's team in a two-game series. The Camp Lejeune Team won both games later in the day.



INDIO, CALIFORNIA (20 February 2006) — French Horn player Cpl. Amy Long and the rest of the band’s brass section blow out the funk during “Semper Fi”.



CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN (4 March 2006) — Marines push the ceremonial cake down the aisle at the Kinser Surfside on Camp Kinser during the 3rd Annual Women Marine Celebration. The celebration, hosted by Marine Corps Bases Japan, marked 63 years of women in the Marine Corps.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (7 March 2006) — Cpl. Christine L. DeCaprio, an administrative clerk and military police with 2nd Military Police Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. DeCaprio served 10 months in Iraq being the only female in the platoon. She accomplished so much her superiors awarded her with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a combat meritorious promotion to her current rank.



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA (14 March 2006) — First Female Flies Osprey. Capt. Elizabeth A. Okoreeh-Baah, Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron 263 schedules officer and Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Training Squadron-204 student, poses in front of an MV-22 Osprey, the day after marking her first flight in the Osprey and the first time a female has piloted the tilt-rotor aircraft.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (15 March 2006) — LCpl. Crystal M. Balm, 19, from Otho, Iowa; Cpl. Angela M. Villanueva, 20, from Trenton, N.J.; and Cpl. Sergio A. Luna, 22, from Brownsville, Texas organize supplies that will leave for various bases throughout Iraq. The mission requires the Marines to work with the utmost attention to detail to support anywhere from 400 to 1,200 individual requests for equipment daily. Every day in Iraq, the 1st Marine Logistics Group sends out combat logistics patrols that leave the relative safety of the base to deliver supplies to Marines throughout the Al Anbar Province.



FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA (20 March 2006) — Cpl. Alison Fasano (right), New Haven, Connecticut native, swings a right hook at Army Pfc. Raelina Shinn during a recent bout. The pair made history by being the first female boxers to fight in the Armed Forces Boxing Championships.



MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, GEORGIA (23 March 2006) — SSgt. Shannon Van Pelt proudly conducts the Albany Marine Band. Van Pelt is the first female enlisted conductor of the local band. She’s been selected to lead another Marine band within the next few months.



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINIA (23 March 2006) — 2ndLt. Allison Anderson, a student and graduate of The Basic School, has accepted an important roll as one of the first Marines in the Corps’ Mentoring Program.



ZAWIA, IRAQ (27 March 2006) — Maj. Julie Schaeffer, of Sister Bay, Wisconsin, shakes hands with an Iraqi girl during a visit to the Al Ahid School in the town of Zawia, near Fallujah, Iraq. The 3rd Civil Affairs Group, Detachment 2, Team 3, now attached to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment delivered 55 boxes of school supplies, toys and clothing donated by students from Gibraltar High School and community members from Fish Creek, Wisconsin, to help the less fortunate in Iraq.



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN (27 March 2006) — LCpl. Melissa J. Klancer, maintenance management clerk and native of Valparaiso, Indiana, sprays an F/A-18 Hornet with pressurized water during nuclear, biological and chemical training.



CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN (7 April 2006) — Cpl. Stephanie M. Mendez recently earned the title of III Marine Expeditionary Force's Marine of the Year for 2005. She was also named the United Service Organizations' Marine of the Year on Okinawa for extensive volunteer work.



CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (8 April 2006) — Cpl. Sara J. Placencia, a disburser with the 1st Marine Logistics Group, pays her last respects to Cpl. David A. Bass during a memorial service. Bass, a disbursing pay agent, was killed 2 April 2006 when the vehicle he was riding in flipped over during a flash flood near al-Asad airbase.



CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ (19 April 2006) — 2ndLt. Crystal Speckmann discusses the details of an eight-hour shift with Sgt. Mario Sanchez. The communications provided by the Marines in the Direct Air Support Center are vital in the coordination of aviation support for ground forces. According to Speckmann, air support control officer, the mission of Marine Air Support Squadron-3 is to procedurally control aircraft and approve all requests for air support. The Marines work tirelessly for eight hours or more coordinating medical evacuations, direct air support, air traffic deconflictions, tactical air strikes and many other air missions.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA (20 April 2006) — Pfc.'s Shannon LaVine, left, and her sister, Nicole LaVine, stand tall and proud beside their father, Chief Warrant Officer-3 Lauren LaVine during Family Day. The two are ready to carry on their family's tradition of serving in the Marine Corps after their father retires next year.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (21 April 2006) — Sgt. Aixa Escobar kneels down next to the memorial of a fallen Marine as she sheds tears in remembrance of a fallen Marine who made the highest sacrifice during a tour in Iraq fighting the Global War on Terrorism. Many family members and Marines gathered together to honor their fallen family members and comrades.



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINIA (11 May 2006) — LCpl. Katie Polk, a military working dog handler with Marine Helicopter Squadron-1 security, stays beside Alex, her patrol and explosive detecting dog.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (11 May 2006) — Cpl. Grace M. Kelly, practices a Marine Corp Martial move on fellow supply clerk, Cpl. Matthew J. Hickenbottom outside of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Support Group warehouse here. Kelly, a former top-ranked boxer is still recovering from past injuries, but participates in some physical training programs.



PATTAYA, THAILAND (17 May 2006) — LCpl. Jamie Larson, a motor transportation operator with Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group-31, plays with children at the playground of the Pattaya Orphanage during a community relations project support of Exercise Cobra Gold 2006. Larson, along with about 30 other Marines and sailors with the MSSG performed repairs on the orphanage and spent quality time with the children. An important aspect about the community relation project was that the interaction between the children and the MSSG personnel played a very positive and significant role in the children's lives and the facility's personnel. The MSSG is the combat service support element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).



PATTAYA, THAILAND (17 May 2006) — Cpl. Tracy Reneau, an administration clerk with Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group-31, paints a wall at the Pattaya Orphanage during a community relations project in support of Exercise Cobra Gold 2006. Reneau, a native of San Jose, California, and about 30 other Marines and sailors with the MSSG provided repairs to the orphanage and spent quality time with the children. The MSSG is the combat service support element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).



1ST MARINE CORPS DISTRICT, RSNY, GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK (19 May 2006) — Sgt. Christine Yohannan, a drill instructor on weekend loan from Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, points a poolee from Recruiting Station New York in the right direction. Yohannan was one of two drill that instructors prowled the playing field, looking for the next poolee to chomp on. With no competitions scheduled on the first day of the Cup, the drill instructors had plenty of time to tear through each and every poolee as they made their way to each recruiting sub station.


AL ASAD, IRAQ (30 May 2006) — Cpl. Laura B. Ramsey, a legal services specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron-3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was accepted into the Naval Academy Preparatory School and plans on following in her father's and stepfather's footsteps by becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. military. "I am very nervous. I have been out of school for two years and I think it is going to be hard to get back into it. That is why I wanted to go to prep school so that I can be ready for the academy,