MCA TODAY Newsletter July 2006 Marine Corps Association Since 1913... Tradition and Service TM Publisher of the Leatherneck and Gazette www.mca-marines.org _____________________________________________________________ FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO Dear MCA Member, We've all heard about the various issues regarding electronic data security that could directly affect those of us who serve or who served. That news caused us to take pause and review our Marine Corps Association's data handling and security. With these recent security lapses and information identified by the MCA staff within the CAN-SPAM laws, we decided to freeze our electronic communications. We took this action in order to validate that our data security practices were reasonable and that due diligence was applied in being good stewards of the information that you entrusted to us. At no time was any data at risk. The MCA staff identified a few practices that needed to be redefined along the lines of the CAN-SPAM requirements. With reasonably quick fixes, we are confident that we can resume our e-communications at this time. Additionally, we are reviewing a longer term solution in terms of permission-based e-marketing that will put us among the leaders in e-communications practices. MCA is committed to providing quality support, publications, products, and, above all, service. Protecting the trust you bestow upon us is taken very seriously. We appreciate having the opportunity to serve you. This week marked the transition in the Marine Corps Gazette editor's office. On Monday, we bade farewell to Jack Glasgow after his six years at the helm of the magazine. All will miss him. John Keenan has swiftly moved to make his mark as the next editor. John is actively engaged in bringing to fruition the magazine redesigns initiated by Jack. Comments taken from the reader surveys and member focus groups are being incorporated. We think, in the main, that you will be pleased with the changes coming in the November issue. We are also moving forward with our efforts to make your monthly magazine available on the Web. We've also added some depth to our team by hiring retired Sergeant Major Lonnie Martin as our Director of Enlisted Development. He is responsible for ensuring MCA's programs provide the needed support to our enlisted members and the Corps at large. A fast mover, Lonnie has already been working to improve how we're addressing this part of the membership. As always, we value your active support and appreciate your comments and rudder guidance. Semper Fidelis, Les Palm Major General, USMC (Ret) President and Chief Executive Officer _____________________________________________________________ CONNECT TODAY... with YOUR Marine Corps Association YOUR Professional Association Your membership includes a subscription to the magazine of your choice: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck. Stay up-to-date with your Corps through the association devoted to providing professional development and select services to Marines. CONNECT TODAY... and receive 15 issues for the price of 12! PLUS your membership qualifies you for discounts on our books and Marine related gifts. You will automatically receive our seasonal catalogs for your shopping convenience. And if you sign up for Easy Pay renewals, we'll add a free month to your subscription. Join or Renew online: https://www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx New members mention code NEMTN706. Renewals mention code REMTN706. ______________________________________________________________ LEATHERNECK Leatherneck Magazine is proud to expand its online content by adding the Historical Division, HQMC podcasts of its observers' impressions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Go to http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/index.htm to hear the first of the series of podcasts. ______________________________________________________________ NEW GAZETTE EDITOR ARRIVES The new Marine Corps Gazette editor, Colonel John Keenan, USMC (Ret), is aboard and working hard to make several improvements to the Gazette in response to the feedback provided by members. Formerly the C2 chief at the MAGTF Staff Training Program, Col Keenan is hard at work shaping the magazine for both print and online editions. The future of the Marine Corps Gazette is looking brighter than ever. Marine Corps Gazette ÉHelp shape the future of the CorpsÉwrite! ______________________________________________________________ MAGAZINE COVERS AND BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE NOW MCA carries most issues and covers from the past 10 years. Back issues are $5.95 each and covers are $2.00 each. Shipping & Handling is included in the price. Order by calling 1-800-336-0291 or send a request to customercare@mca-marines.org. Please specify which item, month and year desired. ______________________________________________________________ MCA MEMBERSHIP... THE VALUE IS GROWING As MCA Members, you know that your most important benefit is your subscription to either Leatherneck Magazine or the Marine Corps Gazette. Included with the price of membership comes the valuable member 10% discount on all MCA retail and event charges; the VeteranÕs Group Insurance program, the MCA MasterCard, free archive retrievals, and discounted access to events and other partners, such as Semper Fi Travel, Dell and Apple Computer discounts, and more. As we modernize the magazines and website, we will be moving more information and content to the website as well as offering webcasts of our events to members. WeÕre looking for ways to increase the value of membership to you. As you speak with others, we appreciate your encouragement of other Marines, active, former or retired, to join the professional association for all Marines. Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. These arenÕt just words; they drive what we do every day at the MCA. We would appreciate your passing this email on to anyone you think would benefit from membership. Join or renew online. (https://www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx) We appreciate your continued membership. ______________________________________________________________ MCA PUBLISHES COL MCCOY BOOK, THE PASSION OF COMMAND: THE MORAL IMPERATIVES OF LEADERSHIPÑAVAILABLE NOW! https://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=Passion+of+Command&id=0940328372 Col Bryan McCoy has written a superb primer on how to prepare an infantry battalion for battle. He preaches the basics, the blocking and tackling of warfighting. A quick read and well worth the effort for anyone preparing Marines for battle. It is available NOW at the Bookstores or online. ______________________________________________________________ MCA SUMMER AND BIRTHDAY BALL CATALOGS Ñ HOT SUMMER DEALS AVAILABLE NOW! Your copy of the MCA Summer Gift Catalog should have arrived in the mail. If not, please fill out our online catalog request form (http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/CatalogRequest.aspx) and we will send one quickly. This catalog contains many new items as well as the Birthday Ball Catalog insert. We encourage you to review these catalogs for Marine apparel, books, and other gifts. The Birthday Ball Catalog is focused on the celebration of the 231st Birthday, but is useful to anyone conducting a Marine celebration to make it truly Marine, be it Mess Night, Dining In, or a gathering of friends over dinner. We know that you have other options and we appreciate your shopping with the Association. ______________________________________________________________ Have you read the latest online articles from Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette? Click on your magazine choice to read them now. Leatherneck: http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/current.htm Gazzette: http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/gaz.html ______________________________________________________________ MCA BOOKSTORE: https://secure.mca-marines.org/onlinestore/ To Order, Call toll free: 1-888-237-7683 Visit one of our four locations: QUANTICO, VA - 715 Broadway Street - and mail order - 703-640-0136 CAMP LEJEUNE, NC - Building 84, Hadnot Point Exchange Annex - 910-451-7500 CAMP PENDLETON, CA - Vandegrift Avenue, Building T-1100 Main Exchange Complex - 760-385-0383 PARRIS ISLAND, SC - Bldg 283, Boulevard De France - 843-522-9440 Christmas in July MCA Book Store specials IVORY ORNAMENT Item #: OR008 Ivory colored ornament with USMC Emblem in black. 2 1/2" in diameter. Regular $11.00 Member $10.00 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=OR008&id=OR008 PEWTER ORNAMENT Item #: OR408 Pewter ornament comes with red ribbon for hanging boxed to give as a gift. Approx. 2 1/2" x 2". Regular $11.00 Member $10.00 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=OR408&id=OR408 USMC LIGHTED CHRISTMAS TREE STATUE Item #: M22126 USMC lighted Christmas Tree. 10.5" in diameter x 14" high. This tree is covered with teddy bears dressed in all kinds of uniforms, there are also Eagle, Globe & Anchors spread throughout. Regular: $124.49 Member $112.49 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=M22126&id=M22126 ORNAMENT Item #: OR001 Spiral glass ornament America's Finest. Approx 5 1/2" tall. Regular $12.00 Member $10.80 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=OR001&id=OR001 MARINE CORPS NUTCRACKER Item #: N1477 14" high in Dress Blues. Regular $25.99 Member $23.39 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=N1477&id=N1477 ORNAMENT Item #: OR009 USMC Emblem painted ball ornament with Flag raising on reverse side. Comes boxed in a fabric gift box. Regular $14.00 Member $12.60 http://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/search.aspx?keyword=OR009&id=OR009 ______________________________________________________________ MCA GROUND LOGISTICS AWARDS DINNER -- August 17, Crystal City, VA http://www.mca-marines.org/profdev/logisticsawards_dinner.htm The Marine Corps Association (MCA) and Headquarters Marine Corps Installations and Logistics (I&L) will co-host the 2d annual Ground Logistics Awards Dinner on August 17, 2006 in Crystal City, Virginia. The purpose of this event is to recognize the achievements of the CorpsÕ outstanding ground logisticians and logistics organization over this challenging past year. Awards will be given to: 2005 Officer Logistician of the Year 2005 Enlisted Logistician of the Year 2005 Civilian Logistician of the Year 2005 Logistics Unit of the Year With significant experience gained from recent battles, the event also serves to provide a forum to discuss key issues pertaining to the combat service support elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Go here to register: http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/USMC/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events&event=2033059.0 We'd like to thank our sponsors: Gold: Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Raytheon Silver: Booz | Allen | Hamilton, IBM, ITT, IR Technologies Bronze: Boeing, CACI, DHS Systems, EDO Professional Services, Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh Truck, SRA International, Stanely Associates, Telos and VSE Corp Name Badge: Navy Federal Credit Union and Stanley Associates Wine: IR Technologies Program: SupplyCore For sponsorship information, contact Lisa C. Williams at l.williams@mca-marines.org. ______________________________________________________________ DEFENSE FORUM WASHINGTON -- September 5, Crystal City, VA http://www.mca-marines.org/profdev/DFW.htm 5 September 2006 Crystal Gateway Marriott The Marine Corps Association (MCA) and United States Naval Institute (USNI) are co-hosting the 5th annual Defense Forum Washington on September 5, 2006 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, Crystal City, Virginia between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. The 2006 theme is "Implications of the Long War on Naval Expeditionary Capabilities and Forces." During this event, strategies and policies that drive the operations on the ground will be examined. With senior leaders such as, General Abizaid and Admiral Giambastiani, along with several contrarian panel members, we expect a full day of thought-provoking discussions. This event, formerly known as FORUM, always attracted an involved audience actively exchanging ideas with the panels. This event promises to be no different. For more information and to register go to www.mca-usniforum.org, For sponsorship information, contact Lisa C. Williams, Director of Professional Development, at 800-336-0291 X 360 or l.Williams@mca-marines.org. Thanks to our sponsors: Continental Breakfast: Oshkosh Registration: General Dynamics ______________________________________________________________ RETIREE/PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON -- August 2, Camp Lejeune, NC http://www.mca-marines.org/profdev/lejeune_luncheon.htm MCA is proud to present the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Michael W. Hagee as the guest speaker at the MCA Retired/Professional Luncheon at the Paradise Point OfficersÕ Club, on August 2 between 11 a.m. Ð 1:30 p.m. Register online and be included in this great event. Go here to register: http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/USMC/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events&event=2034438.0 Thanks to our sponsors: Bank of America, DHS Systems, Vital Signs ______________________________________________________________ MCA GROUP BENEFITS http://www.mcainsurance.com/ Receive CASH BENEFITS for Your Hospital Bills You can't avoid times when you become hospitalized or ill. Luckily the Marine Corps Association Endorsed Hospital Income Plan (https://www.mcainsurance.com/hip_prerequest.asp?id=5) can help you cover your expenses at a time when you need it most. These cash benefits are paid directly to you! Daily hospital benefits Double Benefits for Intensive Care Ð for up to 14 days Emergency Room Benefit No medical exams required! Cannot be singled out for cancellation or a rate increase, regardless of changes in your health Your spouse is also eligible Online enrollment! (https://www.mcainsurance.com/hip_prerequest.asp?id=5) Of course, as an MCA Member, you are GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE as long as you are between the ages of 18 Ð 64. Why challenge the odds and leave yourself or your family financially exposed? Go here (https://www.mcainsurance.com/hip_prerequest.asp?id=5) to receive more information, and see how this plan can help alleviate the financial burden should you become hospitalized. ______________________________________________________________ SEMPER FI TRAVEL http://www.semperfitravel.net/ Blue Skies Ahead... and Online A Travel Benefit for the Men and Women of the Marine Corps A testimonial was received about the ease of booking travel through SEMPER FI TRAVEL. "It was easy to use and gave me all the information and options that I needed to make our vacation decision. The itinerary delivery over email was prompt and after comparing other sites, the prices beat all the others." Retired officer's spouse. Check out http://www.SemperFiTravel.com and see the numerous special deals available. Whether you know where you want to go, or are looking for a package, Semper Fi Travel can make that booking decision easy. ______________________________________________________________ COMPUTER SAVINGS APPLE Apple Member Purchase Program Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP). With the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP), you can purchase Apple products at a substantial savings for your own personal use. This includes items like the popular iPod music player and our award winning PowerBook, iMac, iBook, screamingly fast Power Mac G5 and MacBook Pro. Members will also enjoy savings on Apple software and other third-party products, including a multitude of speakers, cases and other accessories made for your iPod. MCA members receive: - Special MCA member discounts on Apple products, including iPods - Free standard shipping on all orders over $50 - Free laser engraving on all iPods - Quarterly promotions - Online custom product configuration Members go here (https://www.mca-marines.org/OnlineStore/promotion/apple.aspx) to log-in to visit the MCA/Apple Government MPP online store and receive your discount. Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (and mention that you're an MCA member). DELL COMPUTER DISCOUNTS Dell also gives quality discounts to MCA members. With school coming back soon, these offers might be hard to pass on. G here for the current promotion: http://www.mca-marines.org/mcaToday/images/Dell_July06.pdf Visit http://dell.com/ghc/flyer or call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492 ______________________________________________________________ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS PROGRAM -- MAY AWARDS During the month of May, the Professional Development Department provided over $5,012.19 in books, plaques, certificates and awards to active-duty Marines. Your membership supported: The schools, academies and units requesting these items included: Drill Instructor School, San Diego, CA; SNCO Academy, Camp LeJeune, NC; MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA; SNCO Academy, Camp Pendleton, CA; SNCO Academy, MCB Hawaii; National Map & Imaging Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA; Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, SC; MC Engineer School, Camp LeJeune, NC; SNCO Academy, Quantico, VA, I MHG, Iraq. Corporal's Course packages were provided to: HQBN Alpha Company, 29 Palms, CA; MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA. Congratulations to the following Marines and Sailors who received quarterly and yearly awards during the month of May: Marine of the Quarter LCpl Rodolfo Hernandez, Jr., MATSS-1, NAS Meridian, MS LCpl Brandon K. Simmons, MATSG-21, NAS Pensacola, FL NCO of the Quarter Sgt John D. Keys, Site Support Staff, Washington, DC Sgt Melvin L. Farmer, MATSS-1, NAS Meridian, MS Sgt Timothy E. Gardner, MATSG-21, NAS Pensacola, FL Senior Sailor of the Quarter HM1 Luis C. Mendoza, USN, 1st MLG, Camp Pendleton, CA HM1 Theresa Somers, Naval Health Clinic, Quantico, VA HM2 Joseph E. Sablada, MWHS-1, Okinawa, Japan Junior Sailor of the Quarter HM2 Luis F. Amador, USN, 1st MLG, Camp Pendleton, CA HM3 Jared Hansen, Naval Health Clinic, Quantico, VA HM3 Colin J. Arthur, MWHS-1, Okinawa, Japan Blue Jacket of the Quarter HN Kyle D. Whiteman, USN, 1st MLG, Camp Pendleton, CA Instructor of the Quarter SSgt Cedric D. Foster, Sgt's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii GySgt Clarence A. Davis, Sgt's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii SSgt Avis D. Tolliver, Sgt's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii GySgt Lyle D. Robinson, Sgt's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii SSgt Larry R. Learn, Sgt's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii Sgt Garry B. Goss, Cpl's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii Sgt Carlos Crespo, Cpl's Course, SNCOA, MCB Hawaii United States Naval Academy Awards MIDN Caleb M. Reed, USN, the MCA Academic Award MIDN Evan L. Shockley, USN, the MCA Academic Award MIDN Timothy A. O'Keefe, USN, the General Charles C. Krulak, USMC Award MIDN Kevin B. Semler, USN, the Major General Ben H. Fuller, USMC Award Higgins, Roebling & Stoner Awards Major Wendell Leimbach, Jr., the Andrew J. Higgins Award GySgt Edwin Holloway, Jr., the Eugene M. Stoner Award Mr. James Westerholm, the Donald Roebling Award Col B. G. CASS Writing Awards Major Matthew A. Day, 1st Place Winner for: "The Case for Creating a Combat Tracking Team (CTT) Capability Within the U.S. Marine Corps" Major Vincent J. Yasaki, 2nd Place Winner for: "U. S. Military Transformation in Japan: Can It Be Done?" Expeditionary Warfare School Capt Adam T. Gross, the Capt Larry K. Shipman Memorial Award Capt Brodie R. Carmichael, the Major Walter M. Murphy Memorial Award Capt Larry W. Vines, the LtCol Earl "Pete" Ellis Memorial Award Capt Gregory Gordon, 1st Place, MCA Professional Speaking Award Capt Charles Readinger, 2nd Place, MCA Professional Speaking Award Capt Jason Borovies, 3rd Place, MCA Professional Speaking Award Cpt Bryan Blair, US Army, Joint Svc. Student, the Capt Patrick M. Rapicult Memorial Writing Award Capt Sandor Fabian, Hungary, International Student, the Capt Patrick M. Rapicult Memorial Writing Award Capt Brett T. McGinley, 1st Place, EWS Professional Writing Award Capt Gregory J. Pawson, 2nd Place, EWS Professional Writing Award TBS-India Company CWO2 Cecil R. Beltran, Honor Graduate & Leadership Award WO Tony E. Bieren, Academic Award WO Adam M. Bergeron, Military Skills Award If you have any questions or would like more information about the MCA Awards Program. Please go here or send an e-mail to awards@mca-marines.org. ______________________________________________________________ EVENTS RECAP THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS: Gold: Battelle & General Dynamics C4 Systems Silver: EDS Bronze: Armor Holdings, Pioneer Services, & Sikorsky RETIREE LUNCHEON The Spring Retiree Luncheon (formally known as the Retired Officers' Luncheon) was held on Wednesday, 17 May 2006 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The speaker of the hours was none other than LtGen Bernard Trainor, USMC (Ret). Gen Trainor recalled accounts from his new book, Cobra II: The inside story of the invasion and occupation of Iraq . Gen Bernard Trainor recalled the inside story of how the war was actually planned and fought. Gen Trainor autographed his book at the luncheon as well as held a PME and book signing at the MCA Quantico location on Thursday, 18 May 2006. The Spring Retiree Luncheon, formally known as the Retired Officers Luncheon, was open to both retired Officers and Enlisted Marines,. Over 150 attendees enjoyed good food and good company. To view pictures from The Spring Retiree Luncheon go here: http://www.mca-marines.org/profdev/retiree_luncheon_dc.htm ______________________________________________________________ MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS: http://www.mca-marines.org/profdev/events.htm BOOK SIGNING 27 July 2006 1300 - 1900 MCA Bookstore, Parris Island, SC Richard S. Lowry author of Marines in the Garden of Eden MARINE CORPS ASSOCIATION GROUND DINNER MCA GROUND DINNER DIVISION AWARDS 21 September 2006 Crystal Gateway Marriott, Alexandria, VA Go here to register: http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/USMC/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events&event=2033866.0 RETIREE LUNCHEON Washington, D.C. 5 October 2006 Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA Speaker: Gen James L. Jones, Jr., U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Go here to register: http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/USMC/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events&event=2033922.0 PME & BOOK SIGNING 11 October 2006 Panel Discussion, followed by Q&A 1600 - 1730 Ellis Hall, Quantico, VA Gary W. Toyn author of The Quiet One: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen and the Battle for Iwo Jima Forward by Senator Bob Dole, Introduction by Senator Orin Hatch. For MCA Corporate Sponsor information, contact Lisa C. Williams, Director of Professional Development, at 800-336-0291 X360 or l.williams@mca-marines.org. ______________________________________________________________ FEATURED MCA CORPORATE SPONSORS MARINE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION http://www.marinefederal.org Marine FCU was chartered in April of 1959. Our humble beginnings É a chicken-wired area in one of the warehouses aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Under the watchful eye of our volunteer Board of Directors, we have grown to be a large, full service institution dedicated to the financial success of our members and a proud civic partner in our communitiesÉeastern North Carolina and the Quantico, Virginia area. Belonging to Marine FCU means not only membership but also ownership of this financial cooperative. SUPPLYCORE http://www.supplycore.com SupplyCore has steadily become one of the leading integrated suppliers offering web-based procurement of maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) materials for DoD components, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines as well as other federal government organizations. SupplyCore holds several Prime Vendor contracts through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) under which SupplyCore can provide a broad spectrum of products including hardware, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, office equipment, building materials, safety, power tools and material handling equipment. In addition to the Prime Vendor contract, SupplyCore offers tens of thousands of products and services through GSA. Founded in 1987, SupplyCore has offices, warehouses, and cross-docking facilities around the world to efficiently service its clients and to expedite orders as efficiently as possible. SupplyCore has established local supply chains in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait to supply military personnel in the CENTCOM region. ______________________________________________________________ MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION Where and why did Marines land in Russia in 1918? The first person to e-mail the correct answer to Bill Hughes at b.hughes@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive Mission:Essential Challenge Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck! Congratulations to LCpl Adam J Mendoza of Emeryville, CA, for being the first one to correctly answer "On May 22, 1912, Marine Corps 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reported for flight training. He soloed after only two hours and 40 minutes of instruction (in a Wright Bros. Model B-1), and became Naval Aviator No. 5. In his honor, May 22 has become the official Òdate of birthÓ of Marine Corps aviation." to last month's trivia question, "THIS 1stLt became the first Marine pilot after soloing on THIS day. In his honor the date has become the official date of birth of Marine Corps Aviation." ______________________________________________________________ Editor's Note: We inadvertently misspelled Col KeenanÕs name in the May MCA Today. We apologize to all for the inconvenience. Semper Fidelis! Bill Hughes Director of Marketing & Communications MCA Today Editor comments@mca-marines.org Marine Corps Association TM www.mca-marines.org 715 Broadway Street - Quantico, VA 22134 - 1-800-336-0291