Marie Martinucci
Marie was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. She’s from a large, close-knit family, most of whom stayed in the St. Paul area. After college, she joined the US Army, serving for 24 years in the logistics field, dealing with ammunition, fuel, perishable food, and transportation.
After retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, she met her partner Pam Kozey in Springfield, Virginia, and they recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. They have had a weekend home in Rehoboth Beach for years. Upon retiring from the Army, Marie began working as a contractor for BDM, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allan Hamilton on a variety of Department of Defense contracts in the medical arena.
This past July, she retired for the second time and settled full-time in Rehoboth. Marie and Pam enjoy traveling, visiting with family, spending time with friends, and spoiling their dog Lizzie.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
2016.
What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?
Most of my volunteer efforts have been concentrated at Women’s FEST.
What’s your best volunteer memory?
Working with Bonnie Quesenberry to set-up and tear down sound equipment for concerts at CAMP Rehoboth, and working with Monica during Women’s Fest.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite?
That’s a hard question to answer; I really enjoy all the concerts and I’m getting ready to be involved in Women’s FEST again this year.
If you could go back to the age of 18, what do you know now that you wish you knew then?
How not to take life so seriously.
Do you have an LGBTQ hero?
Rachel Maddow.
The LGBTQ community has made significant progress in the fight for equality over recent years. Did you expect to see this in your lifetime?
No, I did not. I was not sure the country was ready for gay rights. Today, there are still many people who do not know why gay rights or marriage equality are needed. Thank goodness it passed and became law.
Given the current political climate, what concerns you most about the future of the LGBTQ community?
That our rights will be overturned, or watered down to the point where we really have no rights at all.
What advice would you give to the younger LGBTQ community?
Live life fully, love those around you, and laugh. It helps to have a partner who shares your sense of humor, and that you can laugh with.
Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.
Changes...there is a lot of development going on, more and more traffic, and restaurants and shops now stay open year round.
What are you most thankful for?
I am thankful for my partner Pam, good friends, and our dog Lizzie.
Marie, we are forever grateful to you and to all of our volunteers who take time to help when called upon. We hope you will continue to volunteer and be a part of CAMP Rehoboth’s growth going forward.▼
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