REDSTONE ARSENAL, AL (March 17, 2015) -- While there are a number of trailblazing women who have strived and become the first at so many things, not all heroes have to be the first. Many women earn the title of hero through their service to their nation.
Such is the case with Merle Englebert, a 92-year-old resident at the Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, who spoke to USASMDC/ARSTRAT employees during its Women's History Month observance March 16.
Englebert was born on a cotton farm in Colbert County. She attended Florence Teacher College, now the University of North Alabama, and obtained a teaching certificate. Then in 1943, at 20 years old, Englebert requested her parents' permission to join the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve to be a part of World War II.
"They kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to join," said Englebert, a sergeant who served at Camp Pendleton, Calif., as a postal clerk. "Being there and doing my mission freed up a Marine to do another mission -- actually to do a combat mission."
After leaving the Marine Corps at the end of the war, Englebert went back to college and received her master's degrees in both English and history from the University of Alabama. During this time is when she met her husband, who, according to Englebert, was "of all things, a Soldier."
"We taught for over 30 years together," Englebert said of her deceased husband, who also had a master's degree. "We raised three boys. They're all in their 60s today, and their hair is beginning to grey, but not as much as mine."
In addition to teaching several generations of fourth grade students at Mountain Gap Elementary School, Englebert started a Head Start program in Farley, Ala.
Englebert told those in attendance that she began each day with pushups as part of her physical training that she still performs, and she talked of her pride at being a Marine.
"Once a Marine, always a Marine," she said. "God bless all of our veterans, and I'm going to steal a line from our president, God bless America."
Joining Englebert for the event was Nancy Huff, a fellow veterans home resident. Huff, 90 years old, served as a U.S. Navy cook from Aug. 24, 1944, to July 9, 1946. Following her service, Huff earned her associate degree and worked as a mental health technician in South Carolina.
Women's History Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1981, and in 1987, the celebration was expanded to the month of March.
Related Links:
Women's History Month Flickr photo set
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