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Major General
John M. Paxton transfers the command flag to
Brigadier General Salinas |
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There are times in our lives when we get to
experience moments that we know will stay forever in
our minds – magical moments that fill us with
happiness, pride and joy. Last week, I was
privileged to have experienced not just one, but two
of these magical moments. I will treasure them
forever. I felt so empowered by them that I couldn’t
wait to let everyone know.
These two events were due to the same person, Angela
Salinas. This incredible Latina is a true
trailblazer and a shining example of what we can
achieve if we are willing to eradicate negative
thoughts and strive to always do our best. Angela
Salinas is a woman that exemplifies the qualities we
try so hard to convey through the pages of LATINA
Style: strength, tenacity, commitment, resolve and
honesty. She is a Latina whose unbreakable spirit
has taken her to the very top of her profession.
“My” special moments took place two days apart: the
first in Quantico, Virginia, where Marine Colonel
Angela Salinas became the first Latina ever to be
promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the
Marine Corps; and the second in San Diego,
California, as Brigadier General Angela Salinas
became the first woman in the U.S. Marine Corps to
take command of a Marine base. I was so proud to see
the respect and affection that all the soldiers in
attendance bestowed on her. Generals, Colonels and
soldiers, both men and women, of every ethnic group
and every rank were there to pay their respects. It
was truly inspiring.
As the great traditions of the Marine Corps were
exhibited on the parade field, the culmination of
the ceremony took place when Major General John M.
Paxton transferred the command flag to Brigadier
General Salinas. In her opening remarks as the new
commander of the base, General Salinas welcomed,
first in Spanish and then in English, her family and
friends, her fellow soldiers, and the many
dignitaries in attendance. You’ll be able to read
all about it and about Brigadier General Salinas
when she graces the cover of our upcoming Hispanic
Heritage month issue. In the meantime, enjoy the
pictures of this “magical moment.” We hope to see
her in September at the National LATINA Symposium
in D.C.
In this issue, we also feature New Mexico’s Attorney
General Patricia Madrid, whose bid to become a
Member of the U.S. Congress (she would be the eighth
Latina congresswoman) is becoming a distinct
possibility. If we want to see another strong Latina
in Congress, let’s step up to the plate and offer
her our support.
Finally, this is our 8th LATINA Style 50
issue. This year, McDonald’s has risen to the top.
We celebrate the companies making the list, and we
invite you to read why these companies have things
to offer that you will not find anywhere else.
Robert E. Bard |
