25 July 2010
New Veteran Home Honors Fallen Marine
When the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks put the nation on edge, Holly Ann Charette couldn’t sit by and do nothing. It wasn’t in her nature.
“She felt a deep sense of patriotism and she wanted to make a difference,” recalled her mother, Regina Roberts.
Before long, she enlisted in the Marine Corps, and the former field hockey player and cheerleader from Cranston was on her way to Iraq. Overseas, Lance Corporal Charette served as a mail clerk, carving a reputation as the bearer of good news. But in June of 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy in Fallujah, she became known as the first female Marine from Rhode Island who was killed in Iraq.
“Holly’s huge smile and positive outlook will always be remembered. It was after her passing that it became evident to us how she affected her friends and fellow Marines,” Roberts said.
On Monday, in an emotional ceremony, a home for female veterans in Johnston was dedicated in Charette’s honor.
“Like most Marines, she never should have lost her life. I’m a father and I don’t know what I would do if I lost one of my children,” said Anthony DeQuattro, turning to Regina and her husband Ed, adding, “Know that she died for a noble cause.”
DeQuattro is the president of the Operation Stand Down Board of Directors. Operation Stand Down, which was founded nationally in 1988, seeks to eliminate homelessness among veterans. In Rhode Island, the chapter began to offer permanent housing in 2001, starting right here in Johnston.
“When you sign on the dotted line, you’re promised a lot of things by the government. When you come home – good luck,” said DeQuattro, a Marine veteran himself. “It’s an absolute crime that there has to be a homeless veteran in the United States of America.”
What is unique about this newest Stand Down property is that it is specifically geared for women. One in 10 returning veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and homeless female veterans are a rapidly growing segment. Four women are already moving into the Milton Street home, and two more spaces are ready and waiting.
All of the residents will have access to supportive services, such as case management, substance abuse counseling, job training and medical and psychiatric referrals.
Read more: Johnston Sun Rise - Johnston veterans home honors fallen MarineA scholarship fund has been set up by the Women Marines Association to honor all fallen women Marines. Donations can be made online..click here or a check can be made out to Women Marines Association and mailed to :
WMA Fallen Warrior Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 377
Oaks, PA 19456-0377
7 March 2010
Women Marines Association Announces Essay Contest
The Marine Corps Association, in coordination with the Women Marines Association (WMA) is looking for military personnel - active dutty, retired, reserve or veterans - and civilians employed by the Department of Defense to enter an educational essay contest.
The subject must pertain to women in the Marine Corps, and the article should be no longer than 2,000 words. Submission constitutes the author’s permission to publish; however, there is no commitment that the winning article will be published.
First prize is $500; a Life membership in WMA or a Life membership in the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter (WMA Auxiliary), if appropriate and a one year membership with MCA. Second Prize is $250; a 2 year membership in WMA or a two year membership in the Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter (WMA Auxiliary), if appropriate, and a one year membership with MCA.
Entries must be received no later than July 15, 2010. E-mail entries to w.ford@mca-marines.
org , or mail them to WMA Essay Contest, Leatherneck Magazine, P. O. Box 1775, Quantico, Va., 22134 Atten: Col Ford. Mailed entries must be in CD/DVD format in MS Word.WMA will announce the winners in conjunction with the 26th Biennial National Convention and Professional Development Conference to be held in Denver, Colorado, Sept 3 -7. To learn more about WMA visit www.womenmarines.
org
Women Marine Links
- National Women Marines Assocation Click Here
W.M.A. Liaison Reports