WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Defense partnered with Latina Style Magazine, Sept. 9, to honor the Corps' senior Hispanic female during the 2nd National Latina Symposium awards luncheon entitled, "The Power of One."
More than 600 special guests and military service members gathered at the Marriott Metro Center in Washington, D.C., to salute Latinas from each armed service who has inspired others through their actions and accomplishments. Marine Colonel, Angie Salinas, chief of staff, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), Quantico, Va., was one of six female service members, from each of the U. S. Armed Services, who were honored at the event.
Government officials in attendance included Latina Congresswomen Grace Napolitano and Illena Ros-Lehitinen and Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity; Clarence A. Johnson, Principal Director, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity. During opening remarks, Johnson lauded the award recipients for their dedication to service and called upon the audience to see them as Hispanic role models that can effect the Hispanic population in the military and civil service.
"Yours is a legacy that makes us proud and that gives us reason to pause in appreciation," Johnson said. "Thank you for your continued service, dedication and contributions. Through your personal example and our expanded organizational efforts, we can increase the number of Hispanics in the Federal government and in particular in the Department of Defense - but we must move forward together if we are to succeed."
Salinas received the Latina Style Award for her accomplishments, which included her involvement in Mujer Adelante, an organization in southern California dedicated to teaching young hispanic women empowerment through education. For Salinas, setting a positive example for all Marines has been a result of just being a good Marine leader. "I'm honored to have been selected to represent the Marine Corps among the latina leadership within DOD. I have been fortunate to have had the many opportunities I have had in the Corps but I benefited most by blending my Hispanic culture with my Marine Corps career. I'm a better Hispanic because I'm a Marine and a better Marine because I'm Hispanic. I represent the many many Hispanics who serve in our Corps. I'm delighted organizations like Latina Style Magazine reach out to DOD to recognize a few who represent the many."
Colonel Salinas has literally led the way throughout her career. One of her career highlights was as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, for III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan where she was responsible for all operational plans. She was the first female Marine to command a Marine Corps recruiting station, serve as a combat service support ground monitor, and to command a recruiting district. While leading the 12th Marine Corps Recruiting District, the eight recruiting stations under her command met and exceeded monthly recruiting goals throughout her entire tour.
For Latina Style executives, Salinas' achievements make her a positive role model for the contemporary Hispanic woman and gives her the opportunity to spread the Marine Corps' message of instilling its core values of honor courage and commitment.
"For women like Colonel Angie Salinas and those being honored today, living the military life is a testament to Hispanic resilience and service to country," said Robert E. Bard, President and CEO of Latina Style. "And nobody can question that the Marine Corps is the service that can reinforce the principles that make this country great - the same principles that are found in many Hispanic homes."
Latina Style Magazine showcases Latinas' achievements in all areas of endeavor, including business, corporate America, science, education and civic and political affairs. Although in its 10th year of publication, this is Latina Style's 1st year honoring Hispanic females in the military. Last year's symposium honored Latinas who were attending the nation's military academies.