Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Brigadier General Angela (Angie) Salinas


Born in South Texas, Brigadier General Salinas first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974. Since then, Brigadier General Salinas has come a long way. She holds the highest ranking for any Latina in the history of the Marine Corps. She is also the first Hispanic woman ever to command a Marine base. She assumed command of the 8th, 9th, and 12th Marine Corps Districts, as well as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif. and the Western Recruiting Region on August 4, 2006.

A graduate of the Dominican College of San Rafael, Calif., she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and went on to earn her master’s from the Naval War College. Her personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star among many others.

Brigadier General Salinas credits her success to her hard work and commitment to high standards. For her, the Marine Corps is more than an institution; it is a family that has given her the opportunity to open the door for others.