Federal Way native Rebecca Messex, a sergeant in the Marine Corps, is one of the many amazing women in the Federal Way community the Mirror highlighted for International Women’s Day and Women’s History month. The Mirror asked Messex questions about her work and message to girls who aspire to be in her field:
Q: What is a typical day at your work?
A: I work in the home of the Commandant at Marine Barracks Washington 8th and I live in Washington DC. It is the longest occupied historical home in DC. On a typical day I preserve the household and handle antiquities that must be sustained according to the Historical Preservation Laws, maintain the numerous uniforms according to the Marine Corps Uniform Standards and Regulations, prepare gourmet meals, and plan and execute dinner parties and parades with foreign dignitaries, other general officers, and guests up to 400 people.
Q: How long have you worked in this field?
A: I have been in the Enlisted Aide Program since January 2018.
Q: How did you get into this type of work?
A: I had been in the Marine Corps for four years prior to coming into the Enlisted Aide Program. I was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan as a food service specialist working in a mess hall as an assistant mess hall manager. After being screened and interviewed by senior enlisted aides, I was selected to come to the Enlisted Aide Program in May 2017.
Q: Why do you enjoy your job?
A: It gives me an opportunity to pursue my aspirations in culinary arts and hospitality. I also get the opportunity to meet amazing and influential people from all over the world to include foreign nationals, all the chiefs from every branch of the military, Joint Service Chief General Dunford, and Former Secretary of Defense General Mattis. I have also had the privilege of meeting celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine.
Q: What is your message to girls who hope to be in this field one day?
A: You have to pursue your goals and dreams with tenacity. The only person who can keep you from achieving them is yourself. Be hungry for it and be humble.
