Official Publication of the Women Marines Association
Fall 2003 Jan/Feb/Mar 2009
Serving our members since 1969
Vol. 28 No. 14 Vol. 34 No.
The Loss of Another Gem: Nita Bob Warner
Word has certainly spread that we have dent in 1976, she was burdened with fol- college alma mater, Hendrix College in lost yet another treasure and one of our lowing a decision that had been made two Conway, AR. It is awarded annually to a most cherished members. years before: that the WMA student with demonstrated academic ability Past National President convention in 1978 was go- and/or financial need as well as acceptable Nita Bob Warner reported ing to be a cruise conven- personal character and leadership traits. for final muster just in time tion. And if you ever get to WIMSA, there's for reveille, passing away at She went to Miami to check a chair in the theater with her name on it 0430 on 4 December. Some out the different cruise ships. thanks to contributions from those who would say that would be just While debating on how many served with her. There is another article in like LtCol Warner, arriving spaces to reserve, a cruise this issue about Nita Bob and one of those in time to fall out with her director asked her why she friends who passed 10 days after she did, beloved Marines. Others didn't just take the LtCol Doris Klemight say she fulfilled the whole ship. Nita Bob berger, written wish of every recruit who agreed, bought out the by Pat Goss who ever said "I'd rather die 1,000-passenger ship served with both than get up at 0430 again!" for 850 passengers and of them. And yet others might say signed the contract. She was 92 that the late SgtMaj Mary When asked about colwhen she passed Nita Bob at the Minnesota Sabourin arrived, evaluated lateral, she put up the away after sufconvention the situation and requested five family farms she fering a stroke at a commanding officer of LtCol Warner's owned in Arkansas. Many sleepless It never mattered where she the nursing center caliber. nights followed, but in the end, the went, Nita Bob always drew a where she resided, crowd Me, I'd just rather say, "Damn." cruise was a huge success, WMA achaving moved to For those of us who have been in WMA tually made money, giving birth to a trea- Florida when she retired in 1966. Born in for awhile, you couldn't think of WMA and sury and Nita Bob kept her farms. Told you Hoxie, AR, she was buried next to her parNOT think of Nita Bob. When I was con- the Force was with her. ents in January. The family suggested dotacted about the WMA throws we now have At a later convention, one request from nations to WMA's Scholarship Fund in lieu in National Merchandise, the first person I Nita Bob at a business meeting garnered of flowers. thought of was Nita Bob and $1400 to be put toward the conWe're going to how much she'd love one. vention issue of the newsletter. miss you and your In my early days in the Nita Bob was 26 with a Mas- stories and your association, then National ter's degree in physical educa- smile and your wit. President Dottie Durkin tion and teaching at a small colSemper Fidelis, used to kid with her and lege in Arkansas when a male Nita Bob. ask, "what's a Nita Bob " Marine recruiter showed up on Sondra Metzger I've come to the conclusion campus looking for her. Eleven that Nita Bob was someone and a half weeks at Mt Holyyou never forgot once you oke and Camp Lejeune and met her. She loved life. She she was a commissioned offiLtCol Nita Bob Warner, loved HER life and Marines cer. After serving as a phys ed USMC (Ret) in every clime and place. instructor and company comShe was immensely proud mander for female recruits, she of how far women have went to Motor T school. A tour "Nita Bob was one of the finest people I come in the Corps. From at MCAS Santa Barbara, CA, have ever known. I met her when I was her knowledge and wisdom Don't you just love the shirt followed, with a tour at MCAS very new in WMA and she went out of to her sea stories...you alEl Toro afterward, where she her way to be welcoming and helpful. I ways came away from your meeting with served as Motor T officer and squadron once called her Colonel and she told me something. For the younger Marines, you'll commander for 800 women. understand when I say Nita Bob Warner Many tours followed until she retired in she was 'just' Nita Bob. She had a great sense of humor and I always felt comfortwas WMA's Obi-Wan Kenobi. And yes, the 1966 as a lieutenant colonel. Force was with her. In 2003, she established the LtCol Nita able with her. ~ Dorothy Durkin When Nita Bob became National Presi- Bob Warner Endowed Scholarship at her

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