CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Logistics Group attended the 2nd Annual Women in Leadership Forum at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 29, 2019.
Among the panel were seven senior members across the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, with six of them being women. All had a long list of military accomplishments willing to share their experiences, good and bad.
“Being a woman will not hold you back from anything you want,” said 1st Sgt. Shannon Perry, first sergeant for Bravo Company, 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force.
The forum, scheduled during Women's History Month, focused on empowering female service members by providing tools and guidance from senior leadership who have been in their shoes.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Denise Mull, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 25, spoke about her personal journey as a woman in the military and how stability at home translates into a strong work environment.
“My husband is my rock,” said Mull. “He knows what I need and takes so much pressure off me so I can come to work and give me very best to my Marines. He truly empowers me to be a better me.”
Although the panel was made almost entirely of women the lessons learned and resilience earned applies to all Marines. The topics discussed included being a single parent, raising children in military, how to withstand pressure and remaining resilient as a family.
“Mark Twain once said, ‘Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right,’” said Col. Boyd A. Miller, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 27.