“Once a Marine, always a Marine”

Veterans Day Nov. 11


SULPHUR – Dorothy Currie is a doting grandmother, a substitute religious education teacher and a member of the choir at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She also served as a U.S. Marine. 

In the 1970s, Currie, who is originally from Hawaii, joined the Marines when she was age 21. She had three uncles who fought in World War II, one of which lost his life in service.  

She said what attracted her to the Marines was the movie “Sands of Iwo Jima” and hearing the Marine Corps Hymn.

“Both gave me goosebumps. I thought loyalty, service and honor were for me. It made me proud to be an American.” 

Currie served the Marines in Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Okinawa, Japan; and Camp Pendleton, Calif., and visited the Philippines until her medical retirement.   

She said the Marines helped shape who she is, and her faith helped guide her through a difficult period that included the loss of three infant children. 

“I always felt God had my back and was always in my heart,” she said.
Currie said she considers the parish congregation like family, and Father Aaron Foshee, pastor, has made the parish a “home.” 

“I would like to extend a personal invitation for all to take part in the Holy Eucharist at our new communion rails. It is such a blessing to take a moment to thank God for his many gifts.”   

Rosalina Aglialoro-Holye, parish secretary at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, said Dorothy, “is so involved with the Church, she is a beautiful soul. … She does many small things around the church with great love.” 

Currie and her husband Larry have five children and six grandchildren. Larry is originally from Oklahoma and converted to Catholicism in 2019. 

When asked if she recommends the U.S. Marine Corps for young people, especially young women, she said, “Yes! It makes you grow up and have a spirit of camaraderie that stays with you the rest of your life. I have the most wonderful memories of those days. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi.”

Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.