FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
Let me wish you all a happy and prosperous 2010 from everyone here at MCA!
Our professional event schedule is off to a great start this year with our first professional dinner, The 6th Annual MCAF Ground Logistics Awards Dinner, approaching on 11 February in Arlington, VA. This awards dinner serves as the opportunity to recognize the professional achievements of the Corps' top performing logisticians and also features our Commandant, General James T. Conway, as the guest speaker. I invite and encourage you to register for the event as soon as possible. To reserve your seat for this well attended event, visit our web site HERE. Remember to keep up with our updated events schedule and to register for those events you can attend.
In January, we unveiled the new digital editions of Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette. They have a refreshing new look, are much easier to navigate and feature improved content access and one click social networking and much more. Take a moment and experience the pleasure and convenience of reading the digital editions of MCA's flagship magazines today! Try out all the exciting new features by clicking Here for Leatherneck and Here for Gazette. We are not resting on our laurels... In February we will complete a similar, exciting upgrade to MCA's homepage, so make sure you keep visiting the MCA website Here.
As always, thanks for your support and please let me hear from you. You can do that by emailing MCA at comments@mca-marines.org.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
MARINE CORPS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
The Marine Corps Association Foundation is the association's charitable organization and it enables supporters to make tax-deductible donations in support of important programs helping our Marines like the MCAF Awards and Professional Events Programs.
Visit MCAF's website HERE: ( link to http://www.mcafdn.org/ ) to learn more about the Foundation and our Marine support programs.
Click HERE (Link to http://www.mcafdn.org/donation.asp ) to learn how you can make a tax deductible donation and how to join MCAF as an individual or corporate member!
Here is our toll free number and mailing address: 877-4MY-MCAF (1-877-469-6223)
MCAF
PO Box 1775
Quantico, VA 22134
Own Your Very Own Leatherneck Cover Art and Help MCAF!
Thanks to Leatherneck Magazine for donating this painting to MCAF. Now we are going to auction it off!
The painting is by noted aviation artist Jason Breidenbach who has painted the aviation scenes gracing the May 2009, Aviation Issue covers of Leatherneck magazine for the last three years in a row. This painting is a hand painted, 16" x 20" original depiction of the borrowed Sopwith Camel flown by U.S. Marine Lt Edmund Chamberlain in his July 1918 victory over a German Albatross on the day he became an ace by shooting down 5 planes in a single engagement! Read the exciting story in the May 2009 edition of Leatherneck and see more artwork by Jason Breidenbach which accompanies the article.
Bidding starts at $75.00 and will close on 5 February 2010 with the painting going to the highest bidder. Bids will be accepted by phone (703-640-0144) or email (mcaf@mca-marines.org).
Proceeds from the winning bid will be used in MCAF's Awards Program to recognize the professional achievements of deserving Marines.
Be On the Lookout!
The Semper Fi notecards have been mailed (3rd Class) to all members and should be in your mailbox by the end of the month. They look great with a large, gold, Eagle, Globe and Anchor embossed prominently on the front. We hope you use and enjoy them.
MCA Membership -- THE Best Way to Keep Your Corps Connection Strong!
Membership includes a subscription to one or both of MCA's magazines: Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of U.S. Marines and /or Leatherneck, magazine of the Marines. Marines are the focus of Both magazines and reading both regularly is an enjoyable way of staying informed.
Deploying Marines can't afford extra weight and don't deserve problems with missed mail. To overcome this, MCA offers a flexible membership option, which provides continuous access even during overseas deployments.
Our ONLINE-ONLY membership provides ONLINE access to BOTH magazines, and includes all other membership benefits at savings of about 24% off the print edition subscription rates. Marines who face operational deployments should strongly consider this easy option when joining or renewing.
No matter what subscription option you chose, you get ONLINE access to BOTH magazines at no extra charge!
Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette are full of articles of real value to Marines, written largely by Marines. Both feature relevant, and well-illustrated articles that keep Marines informed on the key issues and the continuing Marine Corps story.
The online editions include the same material as the print editions but provide features only available from the web environment. These features include searchable archives back to1916, audio and video feeds, exciting photograph slide shows, interactive forums on controversial issues that ANY reader can join and hot linked key words, allowing additional reading on topics that interest you.
We invite you to log on to the digital versions of Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette and check out all these special featurestoday!
Not a Member?
Membership Running Out?
Call toll-free at 866-622-1775, or go online at: http://www.mca-marines.org/join.asp.
New members mention code NEMTN0110. Renewals mention code REMTN0110.
While your February Leatherneck continues an ongoing focus on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, among the additional features are two that we found particularly appealing: "Shot Down in Korea: The Bill Henson Story," and, "Mississippi No More: Drill Instructors School, MCRD San Diego." No Marines have forgotten the Korean War. We recall the heroics in our daily examinations of Marine Corps history, but it is good to narrow the look to a specific event or person--in this case, evading capture. Let us know what you think: leatherneck@mca-marines.org.
Also, we have not recently updated readers on how DIs are made, so our "hats" are off to the DIs this month. These articles and more are coming soon in our digital edition and in the printed issue.
Of course, February marks the 65th anniversary of the assault on Iwo Jima. In your Feb. magazine, we include a short tribute to mark the historic occasion and encourage all who possibly can to attend The Iwo Jima Association of America's Iwo reunion and symposium, 18-21 Feb., at the Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, Va. See www.iwojimaassociation.org,
As a "commercial" for our March Leatherneck--standby for action! March brings the premiere of the HBO series, "The Pacific." All that we've seen whets the Marine appetite for more. So, we're going to help satiate the hunger with the upcoming issue. We'll include features on the making of the HBO series, an article on one of the principal Marine characters, Eugene Sledge, and a look at employment of machine guns in the first half of last century--this in tribute to GySgt "Manila John" Basilone and Platoon Sergeant (later colonel) Mitch Paige--both earned the Medal of Honor employing heavy machine guns on Guadalcanal.
The February Gazette contains articles from across the spectrum of the MAGTF. At the tactical level "You Are Going to Afghanistan" provides sage advice for those preparing to deploy. In a rejoinder to a previous article "Where is Our Kilcullen?" a reader writes that he is among us. The Corps recently published its "Marine Corps Service Campaign Plan." This blueprint for the future is explained in this month's pages. The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle has been a topic of much discussion. In this month's issue a writer asks; do we need it? In addition on the web, at www.mca-marines.org/gazette, you will find a link to a tribute on the 65th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, replete with articles and a slide show. Stay up to date or review our storied past in this month's Gazette.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
Our members are the life of the Association and we want even more so that we can better support Marines through our professional development and awards programs! Supporting Marines and keeping your connections strong are the key reasons to join but here is another incentive.
Renew your membership by the 10th of the month after your FIRST renewal reminder and your name goes into a drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. We have two drawings a month to increase your chances!
Congratulations and Welcome Back to Our lucky December winners:
MSgt Brion E. Thomas USMC of Twenty Nine Palms CA
Mr Ralph E. Sleep of Fairbanks, AK
Tired of Annoying Renewal Notices?
Want to Eliminate the drudgery of Renewing?
Now You CAN with EZ Pay!
We introduced the EZ Pay system so that members can authorize MCA to charge your designated Credit Card automatically every time your subscription expires. It's a snap to set up and totally eliminates the hassle of going through the membership renewal process each time it lapses.
More importantly, with EZ Pay it means you ALWAYS have access to both of MCA's Flagship magazines!
Click HERE to find out more about EZ Pay.
SPECIAL NOTICES
amazon.com
Much MORE than just Books... And did you know that purchases you make at Amazon.com when you access their site from the portal at MCA's homepage gives a percentage of your purchase to the MCA Foundation to help support our Awards and Professional Development Programs?
Advertise With US! If you would like a promotional ad for your business or organization in MCA Today, send us your request to promotions@mca-marines.org. MCA Today has over 44,000 monthly readers and is a valuable advertising resource.
The Marine Corps Association's ONLINE Store
Featuring all the in-print USMC Professional Reading Program titles, and a large selection of other professional reading of interest to Marines, MCA's ONLINE Store also offers a large range of unique specialty gifts for Marines. We have what Marines want and need!
Showcase Gifts for December
USMC Onyx & Mother of Pearl Ring
A study in showy contrasts, our stylish ring features a shiny gold Eagle, Gold and Anchor set against beautifully contrasting black onyx and luminescent mother of pearl with flanking diamond accents. Comes in male and female sizes and is also available in 14kt or 18kt gold. Call Customer Service at 888-237-7683 for pricing options.
103467
Price: $480.00
Men's Eagle, Globe & Anchor
Ring Black Onyx
Hand crafted of finely detailed gold in 10Kt gold set against a hand cut, polished black onyx face our men's ring for Marines stands out and catches the eye. Call our Customer Service department at 888-237-7683 for pricing options for 14Kt or 18Kt options.
103469
Price: $699.00
Silver Cross with Gold Eagle, Globe & Anchor Necklace
Our silver-plated cross features a gold-plated brass Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem suspended from an 18" silver-plated necklace.
101537
Member Price: $40.50
Non-Member Price: $45.00
Black Leather Bomber Jacket
In supple black leather our vintage bomber style jacket is just the accent you need to look sleek and commanding. Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem on the left breast to ratchet up the pride and motivation.
500198
Member Price: $207.95
Non-Member Price: $229.95
The Pacific
HBO's new series, The Pacific, starts on 14 March and traces the World War II experiences of authors E.B. Sledge and Robert Leckie along with renowned Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, John Basilone through their island hopping campaigns and epic battles. Read all about them from the books from which much of the series is based.
Get them all at MCA's promotional discount:
(All three books - 104499)
With the Old Breed (Sledge)
Helmet for my Pillow (Leckie)
Hero of the Pacific (Brady)
Member Price: $40.46
Non-Member Price: $44.95
(Note that Helmet for My Pillow will not be available until 2 February so MCA will not ship these packages until after that date)
Browse from the comfort of your home:
www.marineshop.net
Marine Corps Association Stores
To order, Call ( Monday - Friday 0800-1630)
Toll Free: 1-888-237-7683
Fax: 703-630-1446
Email: custom@mca-marines.org
Visit the MCA Book Store at Camp Lejeune or The MARINE Shop at Quantico!
Click Here for Addresses
Special Valentine's Day Promotion at MCA's Camp Lejeune Bookstore!
From now until Valentine's Day, get an additional 10% off ALL Tiffany style jewelry, ALL Jane Wayne Gear and on a wide range of cooking accessories at our bookstore at Camp Lejeune. Everyone is invited but if you are in the Camp Lejeune area, you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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
Discerning Marines Come to Us to Look Their Professional Best!
The MARINE Shop in Quantico, Virginia is THE most prestigious provider of Marine uniforms and accessories in the Corps. Whether you need the best Marine or Marine Corps League Uniform, current professional reading or a special gift a Marine will treasure The MARINE Shop is your first choice!
The MARINE Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.net
MCAF PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCAF special events provide valuable professional development opportunities for Marines by featuring top Marine, other service and Department of Defense leaders who provide insights on issues of significance to Marines. MCAF events include themed dinners, awards dinners, luncheons, PME presentations and forums and "Meet the Author"/Book Signing events.
We invite you to visit our web site here to view our current schedule. We also invite you to attend our events if you are able.
Here are some upcoming highlights from our latest schedule:
Book Signing
The MARINE Shop
Quantico, VA
Col Timothy J. Geraghty, USMC (Ret) author of Peacekeepers at War: Beirut 1983 -- The Marine Commander tells His Story
MCAF Annual Ground
Logistics Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General James T. Conway,
Commandant of the Marine Corps
MCAF Luncheon
Paradise Point O'Club
Camp Lejeune, NC
Guest Speaker - LtGen John F. Kelly,
Commander, Marine Forces Reserve
MCAF Annual C4 Awards Dinner
Crystal City Hyatt
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General James T. Conway, USMC
Commandant of the Marine Corps
MCAF Annual Ground Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
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MCAF CORPORATE SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support of the MCAF’s
Professional Events and Awards Programs
The Marine Corps has needs that public funding does not cover. The MCAF Awards Program is an example. Totally funded by member dues and sponsor support the MCAF Awards Program provides the financial resources needed to properly recognize the professional achievements of a large number of Marines in a large range of categories established by the Marine Corps.
The Program provided leadership, performance and academic awards to deserving Marines and recognized more than 8,000 -- primarily enlisted - Marines and sailors for professional achievements in 2009.
---------------------------------- SEMPER FIDELIS SPONSOR: ----------------------------------
The MCAF Professional Events and Marine Unit Professional Book Library Programs are further examples of programs that help Marines which are primarily funded by corporate sponsors.
The Marine Corps Association Foundation welcomes corporate support for our programs and invites potential sponsors to contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org for more information.
---------------------------------- PREMIER PLATINUM: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER DIAMOND: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER GOLD: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER SILVER: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER
BRONZE: ----------------------------------
------------------- And to our Other Sponsors: -------------------
Platinum: Panasonic
Gold: CTC, Harris IT Services Corporation, Navistar, Smartronix, Oracle
Silver: Agility Logistics, AMSG, MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies, L-3 Communications, Rheinmetall
Bronze: AFCEA; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems;
CA, Inc.; Cisco; Claxton Logistics; Columbia Group; CSC; Deloitte Consulting; DSC; Exeter; Honeywell; JWF Defense; Kollsman; Motorola; Professional Solutions; Silver Companies; R. Phillips Enterprises; R&W Construction; Tandberg; Taser; Telos; Tesoro Corp.; Thales Communications; Tompkins Builders; Trader Construction; Wackenhut Services
Marine Corps Association Foundation Corporate Members:
ClearedJobs.net; CSC; JWF Defense; Modus Operandi; K2 Solutions; BRTRC;
Publisher's Press; Lincoln Military Housing; Trijicon, Inc.; Logis-Tech; ANSER; and CNA
Become a Corporate Member today by calling 877-469-6223.
Special Thanks to Hewlett Packard for donating 20 laptop computers and 3 printers to wounded Marines in January
MCA membership begins with a subscription to our flagship magazines, Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette and offers much more.
Member Value Pricing offered at MCA's Online Store, our MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune and at The MARINE Shop at Quantico, Virginia is another valuable benefit. Member Value Pricing gives you exclusive discounts on all of MCA's professional reading and specialty gifts, and also on most uniform items at The MARINE Shop.
Exclusive deals from well-known companies who provide discounts on computers, special rates on credit cards, insurance policies, rental cars, travel, educational programs are additional benefits that help Marines and our members. Check out the links below for additional information on these benefits and more.
What would YOU like us to offer? Email us at promotions@mca-marines.org with your suggestions.
Grantham University's exclusive MCA members program is especially advantageous for several reasons:
- MCA members save up to 24% on tuition and educational material fees!
- Member dependents are ALSO eligible for the membership discount.
Grantham University's programs are both flexible and portable and offer a variety of academic disciplines at the Associate, Bachelors and Masters levels. Programs are conducted entirely ONLINE and at the convenience of the student. Take the courses you want, when you want and wherever you are.
For Marines on operational deployments that preclude participation in traditional education programs, Grantham University provides a first rate option that allows them to continue their education anywhere in the world.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 bright new Dell.
Visit www.dell.com/USMC or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q. Where would one find an ancient guild makers mark of two triangles joined together on two distinctive and renowned pieces of Marine Corps officer and NCO equipment and what does the mark mean?
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!
Here's our November trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q. Where are these locations and what do they have in common?
A. These are the fortress of Chapultapec in Mexico City, Shuri Castle in Okinawa and finally the Citadel at Hue in Vietnam, ALL major fortresses Marines have assaulted and subdued at great odds.
Congratulations to Tom Faryniarz of Wyandottte, Michigan for being the first outside MCA with the correct answer! Actually, Walt Ford, editor deluxe of MCA's own Leatherneck Magazine was at work when the December edition of MCA Today was released and provided the correct answer about a nanosecond after that email hit the web. We gave him a coin too!
Too Good to NOT Pass Along Many thanks to MCA Today supporter Major Wiley B. Channell, USMC (Ret), for passing along this amusing anecdote about a Marine pilot in Iraq. He advised that it might not be true but our position is if it isn't true -- it ought to be!
Conversation overheard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz
while flying from Europe to Dubai . The conversation went like this...
Iranian Air Defense Radar: "Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself."
Aircraft: "This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace."
Air Defense Radar: "You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!"
Aircraft: "This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!"
Air Defense Radar: (no response .... total silence)
COMMENTS? Send us your suggestions for MCA Today to: comments@mca-marines.org. We would love to hear from you!
MCA MAILING LIST. Send us the names and email addresses of your comrades to customercare@mca-marines.org and we will include them on our MCA Today address list each month.
Semper Fidelis!
Robert Rubrecht
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org