FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
In upcoming news for those of you in the greater Washington D.C. metro areas, we hope you will be able to join us for our Winter MCA Luncheon on Thursday, 26 February featuring BGen Michael M. Brogan, Commander Marine Corps Systems Command as the guest speaker. Our first professional event of the new year, it should prove to be quite exciting. Click on our Professional Event Schedule Here to register for the event.
Let me wish you and yours a happy and prosperous new year throughout 2009. Now that 2008 has ended I think it is important to reflect on some of the year's positive achievements and milestones as we chart our course through the new year.
First, MCA's Flagship Magazines improved significantly in value and effectiveness in supporting our mission of providing professional development and fostering the spirit of the Marine Corps. Both magazines increasingly take advantage of the truly innovative features offered by the world wide web on their respective web sites and in their ONLINE Magazine editions. Including vivid graphics, hot linked key words for additional reading, accessible archives, Podcasts, discussion boards and consistent, high quality content, Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck provide unparalleled value and support to Marines world wide! See for yourself at the Gazette and Leatherneck home page links included in the magazine sections displayed below.
Second, MCA's Professional Events have become "Must Attend" events for Marine professionals wherever we conduct them. In 2008, audiences grew substantially at our professional dinners, luncheons, and Meet the Author events as MCA members, and Marines took advantage of these opportunities for camaraderie and social interaction as well as the opportunity for close exposure to the views of the best leaders from our Corps and nation. I encourage all of our readers to check out MCA's event schedule regularly and to come to as many of our events as possible. You won't be sorry.
Thirdly, we completed a highly creative renovation to MCA's Flagship Store -- The MARINE Shop, in 2008 in order to present Marines and our members the kind of store that we feel they deserve. Additionally, we initiated major improvements to the supporting business information systems that oversee MCA's commercial operations to bring our members, customers and Marines more responsive support.
With these achievements in place, your professional association is poised to capitalize on an increasingly bright future. With support from our loyal members and our hard working staff, we plan to do even better in 2009!
MCA deeply appreciates and values each and every member we have. And we need more. As a way of getting more members, I ask each of you join with me in trying to recruit at least one more member each, in 2009. If every member did that we would double our membership this year, which would be a truly remarkable achievement! So... Help another Marine stay connected by recruiting them as a member of MCA -- THE Professional Association for ALL Marines!
As always, thanks for your support and do let me hear from you by emailing MCA at comments@mca-marines.org.Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Professional Association for ALL Marines Salutes Our Members
2008 was a very exciting and productive year for the Marine Corps Association and each of you can be proud of the positive contributions your membership has made towards MCA's mission of supporting Marines!
We thank each of you for your support of MCA's PME and Awards Programs for Marines, for your patronage of The MARINE Shop and MCA's ONLINE Store, and for your ideas and suggestions to make YOUR professional association better!
Thank You for Making Us Your Professional Organization
We Truly Appreciate You!
Advertise in MCA Today! MCA Today has over 37,000 loyal readers each month and is a great place to advertise. If you would like us to include a promotional ad for your business or organization in a monthly edition of MCA Today send your request to promotions@mca-marines.org.
SPECIAL SAVINGS ALERT - Walt Disney World Special Ticket Offer for the Military Community
Available to all active duty and retired military, Walt Disney World is offering deeply discounted ticket packages during the period 4 Jan -- 23 Dec 2009. Click HERE for details.
The Corps has always commanded the affections, loyalty and abiding interest of those who have earned the title "MARINE". Staying connected to the Corps and its ongoing activities is important to Marines. The very best way to stay connected to the Corps is to join The Professional Association for ALL Marines -- The Marine Corps Association!
Your membership includes a print or online subscription to one or both of MCA's flagship magazines: Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of U.S. Marines and /or Leatherneck, magazine of Marines. There are no better periodicals for keeping Marines in touch with the Marine Corps and all of its activities.
MCA recognizes the special needs of Marines who regularly face extended deployments and problems with late mail delivery. Accordingly, MCA has developed flexible membership options to provide uninterrupted membership support. Specifically, MCA offers ONLINE-ONLY memberships, an option allowing ONLINE access to BOTH magazines, and includes all regular membership benefits at up to 24% off the print edition membership rates. With this option deployed Marines won't worry about late mail delivery and can access both Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette online from anywhere in the world. All active duty Marines should strongly consider this option when they join or renew their memberships.
As an additional option to respond to economic challenges that are affecting so many, MCA recently introduced a 6-month membership option, which gives you a subscription to Leatherneck magazine and all MCA benefits at a significantly reduced cost.
While you get a lot with an MCA membership, it is important to note that your membership also allows you to GIVE Back! Your membership dues, directly supports the MCA Awards Program, which provides incentive awards and professional recognition to over 8,600 Marines annually for professional and academic achievement. MCA is the largest awards provider in the Corps. If you know any Marine who received a leadership, performance or academic award, chances are that MCA's Awards Program provided it with support from YOUR membership! We encourage you to join YOUR professional association if you are not a member now. Call MCA toll-free at 866-622-1775, EMAIL us at mca@mca-marines.org, or go online at: http://www.mca-marines.org/joinrenew.asp.
New members mention code NEMTN109. Renewals mention code REMTN109.
Many of our Leatherneck readers have asked for more history articles so, in the upcoming February issue, our tribute to Vietnam veterans is "The 'Flaming I' at Getlin's Corner." This one describes the bravery and sacrifice of the men of Company I, -- The Flaming I -- 3d Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment, in a short period of time, 30-31 March 1967, during Operation Prairie. It's intense.
The February issue of the Gazette contains articles that will both inform and challenge. The wide spectrum of articles includes views on conducting current operations more effectively, advice for those about to assume command, and recommendations on reform in training and education for intelligence officers. The feature article is a reminiscence of one squad's time in combat on Iwo Jima. February marks the 64th anniversary of this epic battle and it is appropriate to look back at the struggle on that small volcanic island that gave us one of the iconic representations of the Corps.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
The more members your professional association has, the more we thrive and the more resources we have available for supporting Marines! But, here are a couple of incentives for our members to stick with us.
Renew your membership early when renewal time arrives and you get a chance to win some great smelling Semper Fi Cologne! If you renew by the 10th of the month after receiving your FIRST membership renewal notice we will enter your name in a drawing to win a bottle of highly popular USMC Semper Fi Cologne. And, to increase your odds we hold two drawings with two winners each month.
Our lucky December winners are:
SSgt Floyd L. Stedham of Bartlett, TN
Maj Jeffrey James Doran of Stafford, VA
Congratulations to our winners! AND, if you didn't win you can still get some Semper Fi Cologne for yourself! Just click on the logo above!
AND there is more! EVERYONE who renews their membership early is eligible for a $15.00 discount from FTD. Details on how to access your discount will be provided on your print edition magazine cover wrap on the February edition of your magazine and is also detailed NOW on the Leatherneck and Gazette home pages after your member log in.
Marine Corps Association ONLINE Store
MCA's ONLINE Store carries the best professional reading of interest to Marines and also features specialty gifts for Marines. From high quality apparel displaying Marine logos, to prints, plaques, jewelry and other items, we have what Marines want.
Browse our ONLINE Store from the comfort of your home! Check it out at:
WWW.MCA-MARINES.ORG
Last Minute Gifts for Marines
WEDGE SET
Including 3 finely balanced wedges tuned at 60, 56 and 52 degrees, our heirloom golf set features a cherry finish presentation box screened with the Marine Corps emblem and "Semper Fidelis" etched on the lid. This special order item drop ships directly from the manufacturer and requires 2-3 weeks for delivery.
103654
Member Price: $179.10
Non-Member Price: $199.00
PIANO WOOD BOOKENDS
Keep your professional books standing tall and looking proud with our mahogany finished, piano wood crafted bookends. Each 5 3/4" x 3 3/4" piece features a brilliant, gold, USMC emblem medallion to showcase your pride in the Corps!
103835
Member Price: $108.00
Non-Member Price: $120.00
MANTLE CLOCK
Lovingly crafted in rich Piano wood and finely finished, our Mantle Clock is in the finest Napoleon III style and displays an embedded USMC emblem in fine gold and an easy to read white clock face. At 14" x 6" x 2", this showy clock will be the focal point of any mantle.
103181
Member Price: $170.55
Non-Member Price: $189.50
FRAMED BULLDOG PRINT
A Marine bulldog in impeccable dress blues flanks the Marine's Prayer on our matted and gold framed print to make a showy yet reverent accent piece for your wall. Dimensions - 31" x 21" Gift wrapping is not available for this product.
102611
Member Price: $179.10
Non-Member Price: $199.00
Marine Corps Association Book Stores
To order, Call ( Monday - Friday 0800-1630)
Toll Free: 1-888-237-7683
Fax: 703-630-1446
Email: customercare@mca-marines.org
Visit the MCA Book Store at Camp Lejeune and our Flagship Store -- The MARINE Shop at Quantico!
Click Here for Addresses
NEED HELP WITH RETAIL OR MEMBERSHIP PROBLEMS?
If you experience problems with our Online Store, with telephone orders or with your membership, the following phone numbers can get you the assistance you need:
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
1-866-622-1775
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
1- 888-237-7683
THE MARINE SHOP
MCA's Flagship Store!
The MARINE Shop is THE most prestigious provider of Marine uniforms and accessories in the Corps. If you want to look your professional best let our expert staff equip you with the highest quality and most precisely tailored uniforms available anywhere!
Whether you need the best Marine uniforms, the most current professional reading or a special gift a Marine will treasure
The MARINE Shop is where you want to shop!
MCA Cordially Invites YOU to visit The MARINE Shop in person and Online:
In Uniform or in Mufti -- The MARINE Shop Helps Marines Look Their Professional Best.
Kevin Bacon star of Taking Chance (February 2009 Release) in Service Alphas fitted by The MARINE Shop!
The MARINE Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
The MARINE Shop offers member value pricing to all MCA Members on select items.
MCA Career Center
Marines Looking for Jobs...
Employers looking for the BEST possible employees -- MARINES...
We Help Them Find Each Other!
Click here to Check It Out NOW!
We regularly post exciting, new U.S and Overseas jobs at MCA's Career Center and we constantly update our large database filled with resumes from highly experienced Marines seeking responsible employment. If you are looking for a job or for a successful Marine to fill a position, this is where you want to look!
Marines AND their dependents are welcome to use MCA's Career Center free of charge and don't have to be MCA members to do so!
Start Your Search with MCA's Career Center!
Featured Jobs for January:
Click on the link to check them out in detail
Systems Integrator - Tysons/Oakton VA - Trans Quest Federal Systems
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3056241
President and CEO - Quantico, VA - Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3056378
Senior Manager/Business Development - Reston, VA - DHS, Raytheon
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3055855
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility Security Officer - Arlington, VA - ITT
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3059148
MCA PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCA sponsors "must attend" professional events with top Marine, and civilian leaders as guest speakers. We hold luncheon, dinner and book signing events in the Washington, D.C. area and in the vicinity of our MCA Bookstores to provide Marines with unique and memorable professional development opportunities.
MCA Luncheon Springfield Hilton,
Springfield, VA
Guest Speaker - BGen Michael M. Brogan, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command
C4 Awards Dinner
Hyatt Crystal City,
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCA Ground Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott,
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
Your most important membership benefit is your subscription to one or both of MCA's flagship magazines, Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette. Both magazines help you to stay connected to the Corps and keep you informed about current issues facing Marines. A great benefit - it just got better, because no matter what kind of print or Online subscription option you chose, MCA NOW gives you ONLINE access to BOTH magazines as well.
Membership comes with other benefits including Member Value Pricing at MCA's stores, including The MARINE Shop -- MCA's Flagship Store, our bookstore at Camp Lejeune, as well as at MCA's ONLINE Store. Member Value Pricing means MCA members receive exclusive member discounts on our extensive selection of professional reading, specialty gifts and on many uniform items. Membership also enables access to great deals from well-known companies who provide our members with computer discounts and special deals on credit cards, insurance policies, rental cars, travel and educational programs.
Check out the links below for additional information. AND, help us help you! Tell us what other member benefits you would like us to offer. Email us at promotions@mca-marines.org with your suggestions.
MCA's New One-Stop Shopping Center SAVES YOU MONEY! For super deals on a HUGE range of consumer products try out MCA's One-Stop Shopping Center Today! Including access to Name Brand clothing, electronics, apparel, pet supplies, travel and a range of other sought after products, MCA's One-Stop Shopping Center is a portal that connects YOU with great deals ONLINE that you can't get through the companies' websites, offering convenience and significant savings to the shopper who uses it. And the good news is, when you use the service, you not only SAVE money on high quality products but your purchase directly helps support MCA's Awards Program which provides professional recognition to Marines all over the Corps. You can't beat that. Click on the link above to check it out today!
and more!
FTD -- MCA Featured One-Stop Shopping Center Company for January
It's ALWAYS a great time to give or receive flowers but with the holiday season coming, it's an even better time! And with FTD you can always count on the widest range of the most beautiful, the freshest and best arranged flowers available. And, Jus tin time for Valentine's Day -- MCA Members get a 15% discount when using FTD from our One-Stop Shopping Center! Click the Logo to Check out FTD today!
How will you spend the years ahead? That may depend on the long-term care insurance you choose today….
Like most people, you probably recognize the need for long-term care insurance. It's not simply "nursing home" coverage, but insurance that helps assure you of continued independence as you age - without depleting the personal assets you've worked hard to acquire. But choosing the right protection from the many plans available can be a daunting task.
Long Term Care Resources has partnered with the Marine Corps Association to offer a comprehensive Long Term Care Program. MCA members are entitled to a special discount on certain LTC plans available through this program.
Call Long Term Care Resources today to receive a free MCA Long Term Care Planning Kit. To speak with an authorized LTC Specialist in your area, please contact LTCR Toll Free at (800) 616-8759 or click here for more information.
Are you looking for a great way to save some money on tuition for you or your children? Look no further than MCA's special program with Grantham University. You'll save up to 25% on the tuition hours and earn a first rate education at the same time.
TUITION SAVINGS IDEA - A great way to save even if you or your children are enrolled at another school is to take some of those college courses on-line - instead of all of them at a brick and mortar university! And, did you know you can save money on testing and time in the application process as well at Grantham because they don't require either the ACT or the SAT in the admissions process!
COMPUTER SAVINGS
The ultimate all-in-one iMac desktop computer is now even faster and offers the most powerful graphics ever available in an iMac. At speeds up to 3.06GHz, the latest-generation dual-core Intel processors powering iMac are faster than ever, offering greater performance for everything from enhancing photos to playing games and more.
Dell also gives quality discounts to MCA Members. Throw out your clunky old PC and make way for a kicking new Dell.
Visit www.dell.com/USMC or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS
The Marine Corps Association Sincerely Thanks Our Sponsors For Their Generous Support!
---------------------------------- PREMIER DIAMOND: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER SILVER: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER
BRONZE: ----------------------------------
------------------- And to our Individual Event Sponsors: -------------------
Platinum: Nammo Talley
Gold: Harris, Smartronix
Silver: EMA, MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: AFCEA; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; Cisco; ClearedJobs.net; Columbia Group; CTC; CSC; DCS; Deloitte Consulting; DSC; EG&G; eNTEGRITI; Exeter; Force Protection; Geico; Gyrocam; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; Kollsman; L-3 Titan; Microsoft; Motorola; Nammo Talley; Navistar;
Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Rheinmetall; SAIC; Shee Atika Tech; Sodexo; SRA International; Stanley, Inc.; Tandberg; Taser; Telos; Tesoro Corp.; Tompkins Builders; Wackenhut Services;
Whitley, Bradley & Brown, Inc.; W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Corporate Sponsors: First Citizens Bank; Logis-Tech; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Spectrum
The Marine Corps has many important needs for which taxpayer-appropriated funds may not be used and that is where non-profit organizations like the Marine Corps Association fill a critical role. A key case in point is the MCA Awards Program. This program is totally funded by member dues and sponsor support and gives the Marine Corps the resources to recognize the professional achievements of Marines in a large variety of worthy circumstances.
Annually, the MCA Awards program provides leadership, performance and academic recognition to over 8,600 deserving Marines and sailors with funding provided by member and corporate sponsor support.
Additionally, another key initiative shouldered by the Association, the MCA Professional Events program provides professional development opportunities with key Corps and national level leaders with partial funding provided by corporate sponsors. MCA welcomes your company's support and involvement in our 2009 Marine Corps Association events schedule.
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Our December trivia question generated a lot of interest again this month with a ton of almost correct answers. See our answer below for details of what actually happened. Many thanks to all who participated. Here is your January question.
Q. In the air my name is Lightning. As a different incarnation held in the hand when not encased in leather my name is Walther. In a third incarnation, for Marines in the pursuit of preparing expeditionary culinary delights I am an indispensable pocket sized device named for a legendary actor who never served in the Marines but played several iconic roles that forever associates him with Marines. What is the common designator number of these three distinctively different items, what are each of the items and who is the actor associated with the device used by Marines and its purpose?
A.
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive MCA Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
Our MCA Coins are truly unique. We hear the National Enquirer is considering deep-sixing their long running blue dot in lieu of pictures of our coin!
AND, if you like our monthly trivia contest, you will love the trivia contest on Leatherneck's Home page. Click Here to visit it today and start playing.
Here's our November trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q. Dr. Grant tries to call Dr. Sattler while in the process of trying to keep from drowning or being eaten in the process but he only reaches young Charlie who gets distracted watching Barney on the tube while en-route to tell his mother. Later, the survivors barely make it to the beach to find Dr. Sattler figured the situation out and made rescue efforts-which bore fruit. Who shows up on the beach at the end to help save the day, what do they arrive in and what movie is this?
A. A detachment of Marines shows up in at least 3 Amtracs which storm up the beach and establish a security perimeter just as the intrepid paleontologists and family members run from the marauding velociraptors in the forest and on to the beach. Several U. S. Navy helicopters fly overhead during the assault landing and land to extract the explorers. The movie was Jurassic Park III.
Congratulations to Joe Godina, Marine veteran of San Marcos, Texas for being first with the correct answer!
COMMENTS? MCA Today improvement suggestions are always welcome. Send your comments and suggestions to: comments@mca-marines.org and we will strongly consider incorporating them. What would you like to see and what do you not like about MCA Today? Let us know so that we can serve you better.
MCA MAILING LIST.Stay Connected! Get yourself AND your friends on MCA's mailing list! It's EASY to do! Send us the names, mailing and email addresses for those you would like us to add to customercare@mca-marines.org. We would love to send all your nominees their own copies of MCA Today each month to help them stay connected.
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org