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Pat Murray commended for lifelong service

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Pat Murray's dedication to the Marine Corp has been a lifelong passion. She served with the women of the Marine Corps and spent most of the war years as a parachute rigger in El Centro, Calif. (Contributed photos)
Pat Murray’s dedication to the Marine Corp has been a lifelong passion. She served with the women of the Marine Corps and spent most of the war years as a parachute rigger in El Centro, Calif. (Contributed photos)
By the close of the war in 1945, Murray had earned the rank of Sergeant.
By the close of the war in 1945, Murray had earned the rank of Sergeant.

SACRAMENTO – Patricia “Pat” Murray is the 36th Assembly District’s Woman of the Year, Assemblymember Steve Fox announced Thursday.

“Pat Murray is one of the best loved people in our community for the simple reason that she brings joy to every person she meets,” Fox stated in a news release. “She has made it her life’s mission to bring happiness to many, many veterans in the Antelope Valley and we are proud to call her our Woman of the Year.”

Fox will present a resolution to Murray at the Museum of Art History in Lancaster on April 18 at 3 p.m.

Murray was 24 years old when she heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. She boldly marched into service with the women of the Marine Corps and spent most of the war years as a parachute rigger in El Centro, California.

By the close of the war in 1945, Murray had earned the rank of Sergeant.

Murray’s dedication to the Marine Corp has been a lifelong passion. She became a member of the California Marine Corps League in 1967. In 1980, Murray became a Charter Member of Marine Corp League Detachment 930, and she remains actively involved with this group.

At 96, Murray is believed to be the most senior Marine veteran in the Antelope Valley. She still participates in local veterans' events.
At 96, Murray is believed to be the most senior Marine veteran in the Antelope Valley. She still participates in local veterans’ events.

Most recently, she also joined the American Legion 348. At the age of 96, she is believed to be the most senior Marine veteran in the Antelope Valley.

Murray can often be seen conducting the “laying of the wreaths” at veterans’ ceremonies around the Valley.

“Mrs. Murray is an absolute force of nature,” added Fox. “The fact that she still is so cheerfully dedicated to the service of her fellow veterans is an outstanding example of the fact that age is only a limit if we perceive it to be.”

For more information, visit www.asmdc.org/fox.

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Filed Under: Lancaster, Palmdale

5 comments for "Pat Murray commended for lifelong service"

  2. Mrs Murray has be an inspiration to so many, My son included as she faithfully came to Young Marine meetings to assist the kids and staff. I only wish i had her drive, she is a great and awesome woman!! Congratulations it is much deserved.

  3. Pat Murray is one of the gems of the Antelope Valley. She is worthy of every honor that could be bestowed on her. I’m glad my daughter got to meet a woman of this caliber and so ahead of her time.