When Lt. Col. Rhonda C. Martin was just 19, she accidentally stepped into a Marine Corps recruiting office while on her way to apply for the Peace Corps. According to a service press release last week, that chance decision turned into a distinguished 42-year military career — making her the longest-serving active-duty Marine. She began her journey as an administrative specialist before rising to the role of drill instructor, at a time when women were still not allowed to wear the Marine Corps’ iconic campaign cover. Reflecting on her career, Martin highlighted the progress she witnessed — and contributed to — in opening doors for women Marines. “It’ll be tough, but I’ve had 42 years of doing what I love, and I’m leaving at a time when the Marine Corps is stronger than ever,” Martin said.