Our Mission
Honor, inspire and empower past, present and future women Marines.
The Corporation
Where The Difference Begins, Inc is a closely held corporation founded in November 2009. It is incorporated in the state of Delaware with a registered office in North Carolina. It was founded by four sisters, CWO2 Tammie Martin USMC, MSgt Terry "Tina" Barrett USMC (Ret.), MSgt Tracy Maust USAF (Ret.), and Tanya M Bell.
The Name
The inspiration for the name, Where The Difference Begins, comes from General Robert H. Barrow, the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Barrow’s favorite assignment, for which he would have sacrificed his general’s stars if the choice had been his, was as commander of Marine recruit training program at Parris Island, South Carolina. Said Gen. Mundy:
"From his earliest days in the Corps, he gained the firm, and oft articulated belief that it is people who make the difference. Tanks, ships, airplanes and rifles are all important tools; but without the right people, they’re useless. Even numbers didn’t count with him. A favorite saying was, ‘In battle, it’s not how many show up … it’s who they are.’
"He believed that fairly ordinary young Americans -- properly molded by the Corps into Marines – are different, and in times of trial, make the difference. He put a sign over the entrance to Parris Island that stated, simply: ‘Where the Difference Begins’.”
"[Parris Island] was his favorite post, and appropriately, its headquarters today is named for him: "Barrow Hall”. He became Commandant of the Corps in 1979, and would continue until retirement four years later to shape his Corps, and to perpetuate the unique culture and character that comes with being a Marine.”
The Concept
The motivation behind the site was to create a place where women Marines could come together to support, mentor and motivate each other. Additionally, the site would also be a great resource for those women who aspire to be United States Marines.
When the three of us enlisted in the military, there was a lot of factual data pertaining to women in the military of a historical nature. The information that was available at that time, still exists today, and continues to provide vital knowledge to woman in the military. It is imperative that we understand, appreciate and never forget the tremendous and inspiring history of the women whose shoulders we stand on today.
At the time Tina and Tammie enlisted, and throughout their career, they felt that an interactive site that offered information on women in the Marine Corps would be beneficial. An interactive site that would include, among other things:
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an overview of recruit training from a woman’s perspective.
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for some of us, advice on how to handle the stress of being away from home for the first time.
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a forum that offered counsel and sage advice to help with the day to day issues facing women in the Marine Corps.
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a resource for woman interested in joining the Marine Corps. Being afforded the opportunity to directly connect with a woman Marine who has served or is serving would set our future women Marines up for success.
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a platform to inspire others through YOUR story.
Because of this, we wanted to create a community where women Marines could find these features and more. Whatever the reason that brought you to our site, we would like to thank you for your service and sacrifice. We look forward to experiencing this journey with you.
Semper Fidelis!
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