Sergeant Helyn Kevrick

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Helyn Kevrick, otherwise known as "Sarge"!

 

Towards the end of World War I, Opha May Johnson enlisted to become the first female Marine in 1918. Then, in 1943, with World War II raging on, the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established, and by war's end, over 23,000 female Marines had served their country. In 1948, women were finally given the right to serve in active duty status, whether a war was on or not. And in 1955, two women attended the Marine Corps Drill Instructor School for the very first time! Helen, or "Helyn" as she prefers it, was part of that pioneering duo. And "Sarge" is still just as gung-ho now as she was then. Her love for The Corps and Semper Fi has remained steadfast and true.

 

When considering the military, Helyn's first inspiration was her Uncle Bud, who served in the Coast Guard and took Helyn under his wing during her tumultuous childhood. Soon, inspiration turned into determination! Helyn didn't let a recruiting poster seeking "A Few Good Men" deter her from joining the Marines. Soon, she found herself on Parris Island being barked at by someone she didn't expect, a female Marine Drill Instructor. Within two years, Helyn wouldn't be on the receiving end of commands; she'd be giving them as "Sarge"!

 

www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Women-in-the-Marine-Corps/

 

(00:00) Disclaimer

(01:21) Introduction

(43:26) Closing