I spent my early days on a cotton farm in West Texas and my teen years in El Paso. After graduating from college and being miserable as a teacher, I applied for and received a direct commission in 1973 into the Women’s Army Corps.
After basic training, I was assigned to the Adjutant General Corps. Unlike women before me, all my assignments would be in personnel and administration and later in public affairs, my second specialty. I enjoyed my assignments. One that stands out was working with Soldiers and civilians as the Chief, Administrative Services at Fort Carson, to ensure that all the units were supported. I will never forget sitting in the Joint Operations Center taking notes as the military attaché in the Philippines persuaded Ferdinand Marcos and his family it was time to depart for Hawaii. My last assignment as the J1 for Task Force Provide Promise allowed me to use all I had learned.
I LOVED my 21 years in the Army. It took my family and me to AL, CO, IN, MD, KS, VA, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia and Germany. I LOVED to travel, meet new people, and learn about other cultures so the Army was right for me.
We honor you, Marilyn White.