As #WomensHistoryMonth ends, we honor retired Sgt. Maj. Yolanda Mayo.
Mayo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986 and served in engineer, administration and public affairs roles. During her career, which spanned both active duty and the Marine Corps Reserve, she twice deployed on combat tours to Iraq.
“One of the things that was constant in every job I’d ever done was taking care of Marines,” said Mayo, reflecting on her service in 2019. “I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve loved serving with the Marines I’ve served with.”
Today, Mayo continues her dedication to the Corps through a leadership role with MCCS. Additionally, Mayo volunteers her time with charitable organizations such as Combat Female Veterans & Families United, and organizations that provide assistance to homeless veterans.
In 2019, Mayo was recognized as North Carolina Female Combat Vet of the Year, a further demonstration of how she serves as an inspiration for future generations of Marines, and across her community.
I don’t like how the writer uses the word Combat in Story. All War Veterans are not Combat Veterans, and I don’t see the ribbon on her chest. It takes away from the woman who are Combat Veterans, and they are out there now. Just my opinion.
If you don’t like it then stay off the website just stay off the newsletter
First, I’m really glad to see this blog back after a month long hiatus; I was really afraid it was gone for good this time and that would have been a sad situation.
During my career in The Corps I had the opportunity and pleasure to serve with many BAMS (Beautiful American Marines, or whatever) on several occasions. Some were outstanding, most mediocre, and then some were a royal pain in the ass. But then, it was about the same with the male Marines with whom I served, sweat and survived many a life threatening situation. In reality, they were all the same, both male & female, patriotic young folks who for one reason or another decided to enlist and serve. Hell, I almost married a WM in 1971; thank god for rapid deployments. Murray, great minds must think alike, because I noticed the same thing as you did. The SgtMaj was recognized by the Combat Female Veterans & Families United, yet wears no Combat Action Ribbon. I think that it is time to admit the today’s Marine Corps is not the same one in which most of us served during the mid-to-late 20th century. I first noticed this a few years back when I was visiting the PX at MCB Quantico. I seen a rack of jungle utilities and was curious as to how much they cost. As I sifted through looking for my size, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the had large elastic panels in the front, and suddenly it hit me that they were for maternity utilities for pregnant WMs. Well Toto, we’re not in Kansas any more. I guess that’s why they call us “The Old Corps.” Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
That’s awesome…congrats. I do have a question for the Sgt major. I had a drill instructor in 83 named Sgt mayo. I was wondering if you might be related to him. He left us partway through with plt 1100.
I graduated in Dec of 83 and them went on to the school of music at was with the drum and bugle corps out at 29 palms until I got out in 90.
CONGRATULATIONS UPON YOUR “OFFICIAL RETIREMENT” FROM THE CORPS & THANK YOU FOR THE MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, HELPING TO PROTECT THE FREEDOMS ALL AMERICANS SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR !!!
OORAH, SEMPER FIDELIS, & KEEP EVERY SHOT INSIDE THE 10-RING.
I have to agree with you (Top and Murray), no CAR. Smart woman though; engineer, admin, public affairs. After my tour on the Drill Field at P.I. I got picked up by Capt. Bill Vincent in the Public Affairs Office at P.I., and he recommended me for staff NCO in my fourth year in the Corps. I don’t think that would’ve happened if I had gone back to Recon or and infantry unit. The point is, it all depends on where you are and who you know.
Why don’t you guys with the negative comments just stay off the newsletter nobody needs negative
Donald Keeler, this is not 1939 Nazi Germany. Last time I checked we were still allowed (for how long who knows) to voice our opinions as Americans. Hmmmm, Cancel Culture at work here, huh?
Thanks Mike, I was going to state the same thought, and I didn’t say anything negative in my post. I just stated facts and my opinion. There are now these days, Woman Marines (Cpl. and under) without limbs who are Combat Vets and rate wearing the Ribbon. No I don’t like that they give metals to ware on your chest, it’s their way of glorifying war, but don’t claim what you don’t rate. Murray 1371 in country Dec66 to Aug 68 back in May 69 to Aug 69 went with 1/9. 2/9, 3/9, 2/26 and others on many operations.
0331 Mike: Amen!!!! Hallelujah!!!!! My sentiments exactly!!! In the Marine Corps I served in, if you didn’t earn it, you don’t have the right to wear it……and that goes for titles as well as decorations. She may have served for 20+, but if she didn’t take cover from enemy fire, and then return fire, she doesn’t have the right to be called a “combat Marine”. She should have corrected the author, herself. It’s the same thing as someone calling ANY OF US “ex” Marines. It’s not as bad as “stolen valor”….which is a real, criminal offense, punishable by a term in prison, but she should have corrected the author, and/or situation, herself……especially considering how much time she served, and the rank she achieved. She should know better. I know it doesn’t always happen, but we’re SUPPOSED to practice “leadership by example”.
I sincerely, honestly, appreciate her lengthy, honorable, service, as well as the volunteer work she does now. But if she didn’t exchange fire with the enemy, she’s not a combat Marine. This was drilled into me, preached, and hammered home to me since day one when I was just a “pooley” waiting to go to boot camp. Political correctness be damned. Positivity, or negativity be damned. For those of you disregarding this, or are more concerned about PC, or someone’s “negative comment”, you bring dishonor to the Corps as a whole. If you want to engage in cancel culture, you disgrace the oath you took, (an oath that has no expiration date), to defend the USA, and the Constitution…both of which stand for FREEDOM!!!!
Political correctness spits in the face of freedom. Woke ideology tramples freedom into the dirt. By embracing PC, woke ideology, communism, and socialism, you piss on the graves of every service member who has ever worn this countries uniform. You’re also pissing on the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights, for that matter. Donald Keeler, by embracing PC, woke, and cancel culture, you disgust me!!!! And it makes me sick to my stomach to think that we wore the same uniform, (meaning, U.S. Marines, I assume). If you wore some other uniform, (or none at all), then that explains a lot. If you are a Marine, and presently on active, (or reserve), duty, then that also explains a lot.
At first, I originally wasn’t going to say anything at all. But as I read the comments, and thought more, and more about it, the more upset I became. It finally got to the point where I could no longer keep silent. What PC, and woke, is doing to this country, is NOT what I swore to defend!!!! And I know for a fact that I do NOT stand alone.
For those of you who’re still reading, I’m sorry this got so long. I didn’t mean for that to happen. It just worked out that way.
Let’s go Brandon.
Thanks for explaining what I can’t.
All Marines Matter!! Semper Fi
Again I’m Late to the ball game. I did noticed that the Col. didn’t have one either. If I remember right you needed one to enhance your SRB, maybe that’s changed. Thanks to Top and Murray. After such a long hiatus, I hope everyone is in good health.
Thank you Jerold, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Hermanson is out of line ! I was in from 1967-1983 and after 3 tours in VN, I had several combat ribbons/awards on my chest. Just because you have certain medals, it doesn’t make you any better than anyone else.
God Bless ALL of our Marines !
Gregory, not sure but I think they only issue the combat ribbon once not every time you’re in battle.
I must assume you have the Silver Star and the CMH they are the only other for sure Combat Metals that I know of, the Bronze Star is also give for non Combat reasons. Sorry if I am out of line. Just facts, I could be wrong. Murray 1371 Dec66 to Aug68 back inMay69 to Aug69 went with 1/9, 2/9, 3/9, 2/26 and others many operations.
Semper Fi. Once a Marine always a Marine. Great job and keep up the work you are doing for the Marines in need.
Bronze Star, Navy Commendation, Navy Achievement can all be awarded for Valor in combat. It is signified by attaching the Combat “V” (for Valor) which is part n parcel of the Citation.
Many significant Marines never saw combat & many who saw combat were never recognized as significant.
All are Marines. All are Outstanding (IMHO).
What negative comments. No CAR is accurate, nothing negative about that.