Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
8th and I
"The Oldest Post of the Corps"
Photo Information

Outgoing staff non-commissioned and commissioned officers are bid farewell during a "play-off" at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2015. The "play-off" is a tradition at the barracks that begins with three songs performed by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Staff NCOs and officers line the parade deck and salute as the outgoing staff NCOs and officers walk past. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Varney/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Christian Varney

Farewell to the FRO

27 Aug 2015 | Cpl. Christian Varney Marine Barracks

After two faithful years of service to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the Family Readiness Officer, Holly Lane, is leaving the Barracks.

As the FRO, Lane was directly responsible for the Unit Family Readiness Program, the mission being to assist Marines and their families by keeping them well informed and well equipped to improve the quality of their personal life, thus ensuring the Marines are mission ready. She is the friendly face of the Barracks.

She organized and oversaw many events for the instillation. She orchestrated Marine attendance at several White House visits such as the annual Christmas tree lighting, Mother’s Day Brunch with the First Lady, and the White House Trick or Treat. She also orchestrated several events at the Barracks such as, “Screen on the Green”, the commanding officer’s monthly farewell social and assisted with the Barracks’ Octoberfest. She also did events such as parade snacks for the Marines of Alpha and Bravo Companies, prior to the parades on Friday nights.

“Working with Holly was great,” said Master Sgt. Craig Harris, the battalion operations chief. “She truly wanted the best for the Marines of the Barracks and their families.”

Born in Arizona, Lane attended Arizona State University and studied Political Science. She has worked as a White House staff assistant and was a FRO for two years with the Air Combat Element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Force. She also worked on the Romney campaign in 2012 as a pre-event coordinator.

Across the Marine Corps, Family Readiness Programs with civilian directors, not in direct support of operational units, are being replaced with active duty Marines due to downsizing and budget cuts, said Lane.

“I am excited this job is ending because it gives me an opportunity to leave a job that I loved without quitting,” said Lane. “I am really going to miss the Barracks.”

Lane plans on taking some time off between jobs traveling throughout the country, taking a road trip to Arizona, flying to Hawaii and finally spending a month in Australia. When she returns she plans to go back to working on political campaigns.

Replacing Lane will be Master Sgt. Enrique Hernandez, Headquarters and Service Company, and Gunnery Sgt. Alexandria Sales, United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

“Holly has been an asset to the Barracks helping Marines and their families,” said Lt. Col. Justin Dunne.