By Thomas Brennan and Jason Schwartz
A new chapter is being written in the U.S. Marine Corps history as a Boca Raton native becomes the first woman to take over as senior advisor for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Sgt. Maj. Lanette Wright relieved Sgt. Maj. Octaviano Gallegos Jr. as senior advisor for the 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit on March 14 in Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The 45-year-old said she wants Marines, both men and women, to embrace the changing face of the Marine Corps and the broadening spectrum of billets women will fill in the future. Selected for her new billet by an array of sergeants major, Wright feels as though her vast knowledge of both MEU and Marine Air Ground Task Force operations make her well-suited for the role.
“I understand this is historic, but this is about being a Marine leader,” she said. “I’m not new to Marines. I’ve been around them for some time … This boils down to just being a Marine. I’m just honored to have the position.”
While a new milestone for female Marines has been etched into the history books because of Wright’s assignment, she said she feels as though she isn’t responsible for opening doors for her fellow Marines. Rather, she feels as though the Marine Corps gave her an opportunity to succeed by leading Marines. Leading Marines, she said, is a calling and one that she loves to continue answering. The opportunity to be a MEU sergeant major, she said, will allow her to expand her leadership and become a better Marine.
“I am humbled and privileged to take over this position,” said Wright, who lives in Sneads Ferry, N.C. “I don’t want to make this about a woman’s issue. …It’s about taking opportunities and serving the Marine Corps at a higher level.”
The position of being the sergeant major of the 24th MEU could have gone to any of the applicants, she said.
“The thing about sergeant major leadership across the board is that we all train the same and we all educate ourselves the same,” said Wright, who previously served as the senior enlisted advisor at the Command Inspector General office, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
As one of the female Marines serving under Wright, Sgt. Casey Bone, 22, of Vilonia, Ark., said that whether Wright realizes it or not, she is an inspiration to female Marines who one day hope to reach both her level of experience and her stature within the Corps.
“It’s an honor to be with this unit right now,” Bone said. “Not only is it a big deal to have a female sergeant major, but this is my first time working with a female sergeant major. … It’s always a great thing to see things continuing to get better (for female Marines).”
Because of Wright’s service, accomplishments that Bone thought weren’t possible now seem more attainable, she said. Through Wright’s service, she has shown Bone that it is important to always strive for things and never doubt yourself. You can get as far as you want, she said.
Her personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
For the commanding officer of the 24 MEU, Col. Scott Benedict, it was a bittersweet day, he said. On one hand, he said farewell to a sergeant major he served two years with and who inspired, mentored and molded countless Marines. On the other hand, he welcomes Wright, who he expects great things from, he said.
Wright, Benedict said, brings knowledge of MEUs and incredible leadership skills. He added that the Marine Corps demands a lot of its sergeants major but he knows that Wright will step up to the challenge and exceed his expectations.
“You don’t get to become a sergeant major without a lot of experience and skills,” Benedict said. “It really is the epitome of a career and having Sgt. Maj. Wright come on board — I’m looking forward to having another two years of outstanding leadership.”