KYMA EXCLUSIVE: Women Warriors

The Marine Corps makes up 14% of the military. Of that, only 8% of those enlisted are women, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

” I represent my last name on my chest, but I also represent the Marine Corps. Just like my dad did, ” said Sergeant Cauble .

While others carry themselves with pride.

” It makes me feel elite, ” said Sergeant Bunn .

Others joined because life-changing events shook the world.

” There was a lot of turmoil in the world, like overseas in Iraq and Kuwait. I would watch the news at the time and I would see there were people my age overseas doing amazing things in the military, ” said Gunnery Sergeant Polkinghorn .

They all have different stories but work daily at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma.

Sergeant Cauble is a dog handler at MCAS Yuma.

“I am a dog handler and chief trainer,” said Sgt. Cauble . “Everyone who comes on this installation, the dogs are here for their safety.”

Sgt. Bunn strategizes to protect the base.

” My name is Tabitha bunn . I’m a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I’m an accident investigations chief, ” said Sgt. Bunn . “I plan a lot of where we’re going to do patrols that day.”

One of her jobs is to plan ahead for events that include traffic.

“A lot of my time is spent making plans and implementing them with my younger Marines,” said Sgt. Bunn .

Other’s work in administration, striving to ensure the marines they serve alongside are taken care of when they are deployed and when they get married.

Service is always at the forefront.

“I get to see a smile on them that we get to take care of whatever they’re asking for,” said Sgt. Harris-Joseph.

While others are controlling the air space.

“I’m on my fourth enlistment right now,” said GySgt Polkinghorn .”As the training chief for air traffic control, I have to oversee the training of all the marines here on MCAS Yuma for air traffic control.”

She explained her role.

“I manage what positions they’re going to be on, whether it be in radar or in the tower,” said GySgt Polkinghorn .

Other women work with the Single Marine Program.
” I’m the H&HS SMP president, ” said Corporal Whelan .

A program that gets marines out into the community.

” We go over things for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or different activities that the SMP offer. We also go over some of the issues with the quality of living. In the barracks when people are saying they don’t have ac or they think they should add these things to make the barracks more exciting, ” said Cpl. Whelan .

Above their job, is the pride they feel for the progress they’ve made.

” We’re all marines. There’s no female. There is no male. We’re just marines. We have the same standards across the board, ” said GySgt Polkinghorn .

And the lessons they will never forget.
” My experience has been so great and challenging and to think back over the obstacles that I have been able to get over. I know if I can do it, anyone can pretty much do it, ” said Sgt. Harrison. ” If I can at least leave some type of footprint and leave my stamp in the Marine Corps. Then I’ve done my job. ”

As the saying goes, ” Once a Marine, always a Marine. ”

“Being a marine pretty much means everything to me,” said Sgt. Bunn .