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thedrifter
05-27-09, 06:09 AM
Women Marines, helping heroes

5/26/2009 By Lance Cpl. Meloney R. Moses , Marine Corps Base Quantico

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —A sweet aroma lingered in the atmosphere as they swirled various types of wine in their glasses, taking small sips in between laughter.

The VA-1, Women Marines Association chapter members gathered over wine and lunch at the Potomac Point Winery, May 17 during a “Helping Heroes” benefit.

May was thought to be the most appropriate month to outreach and honor wounded women warriors because of Mother’s Day and Memorial Day; these holidays represent women, who are also mothers, who have served their country faithfully, explained Dorothy Gordon, the president of the WMA, VA-1 Crossroads chapter.

“WMA is a retired, former and active-duty association for women,” said Gordon.

This first annual network luncheon concluded a weekend-long effort of visiting with wounded women Marines, in the surrounding areas.

During the luncheon, a group of nine former Marines discussed some of their achievements, as well as their role as women in the Marine Corps.

The efforts of the WMA are geared toward “providing resources and support to women wounded warriors, who have integrated back into the community or remain active duty,” said Gordon.

After lunch, Debi Beutel, the team captain for the VA-1 women Marines team for the Race for the Cure, auctioned a few small items as she presented information for the cause including items that could be purchased in support.

The 2009 Susan G. Komen Global Race For The Cure is a movement dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

All donations made from the purchased items at the luncheon, will go toward the race for the cure, explained Beutel.

These funds will combine with other donations including those made at the race June 6 in the District of Columbia, and will potentially fund screening, treatment and education programs through the National Capital Area Grants Program.

So far, about 50,000 people are registered to run the 5k race.

For more information about, or to donate to the race for the cure visit http://ww5.komen.org/. For information about the VA-1, WMA visit http://www.womenmarines.org/, and for local chapter events contact Gordon at 540-207-9174.

Correspondent: meloney.moses@usmc.mil

Ellie