FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
Spring is proving very dynamic for MCA and I am pleased to report some exciting news to our members. First, I take great pleasure in announcing that the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway, USMC has accepted our invitation become the Honorary President of the Association. In his acceptance letter, General Conway wrote:
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that the Marine Corps Association does on behalf of our Marines. The Association is truly invaluable to the professional development of Marines and the preservation of our Corps' traditions. It would be my honor to accept your invitation to serve as Honorary President."
MCA welcomes General Conway as our new Honorary President and looks forward to working with him and benefiting from his insight and perspective.
In other good news, on 5 April, MCA staff met with the leadership of Military Historical Tours Inc. to renew our strategic partnership an additional two years. For 20 years MHT has provided unique travel opportunities to sites of significant military interest all over the world and has served over 15,000 satisfied customers, many of whom are Marines. MCA's strategic partnership with MHT provides a 10% discount to MCA Members on MHT historical tours and cruises. Click here visit their website for the latest battlefield tour and cruise schedules.
MCA professional dinners continue to be “must attend” events. The MCA Ground Dinner, on 29 March, was particularly well attended and featured the well informed insights of Lt Gen John Sattler, USMC, Director for Strategic Plans & Policy, the Joint Staff, who spoke candidly about the new surge strategy being implemented in Iraq. Lt Gen Sattler’s remarks definitely kept audience interest and provided for a spirited Q&A session. Click here to read visit the MCA website summary of the event.
Break out your day planners for a couple more great MCA Events. For those of you in the Camp Lejeune area, save 26 April for the Regional MCA Luncheon with guest speaker Lt Gen Ronald Coleman, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. And, in the Washington D.C. area, join us, and our co-host, HQMC C4 Division, on 15 May for the 4th Annual MCA C4 Awards Dinner and watch some deserving C4 Marines and supporting civilians get recognized. The guest speaker for the Awards Dinner is General Alfred M. Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps and a noted C4 subject matter expert. Don't miss out! Click here for the MCA website schedule to get detailed information and to register.
Have you visited the MCA website lately? We just added a new MCA Donations Program section on our home page to streamline your efforts to donate to the MCA programs that directly help Marines the most. Click here to see how your donation helps the MCA Awards Program provide well deserved recognition to our finest Marines.
The Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck, MCA's signature magazines, continue to explore the significant issues facing Marines and tell our story with unique insight, interest and excitement. The Online editions of both magazines showcase specialty features not available in print media. I urge all of our members to view the Gazette online and participate in the constantly unfolding professional debate in the new Gazette Discussion Board. Leatherneck's March Podcast features a discussion with the Commandant of the Marine Corps on his plan for meeting the Marine Corps end-strength increase.
As always, thanks for your support of the professional association for all Marines.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
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Drop the paper editions of Gazette and Leatherneck and go ONLINE-ONLY. Save the environment as well as 15% on your renewal when you select the ONLINE-Only Gazette and Leatherneck subscription options. The online editions provide exactly the same content as the paper magazines, but with additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words spread throughout the content allowing further reading on a wide variety of interesting topics. Choosing the paper editions of either or both of MCA's flagship magazines allows access to the online versions as well.
The Marine Corps Gazette is the professional journal for ALL Marines and is now accessible in its entirety ONLINE so our members and subscribers can read it any time and anywhere that they can access the Internet.
We are excited about the May edition of the Marine Corps Gazette. We feature several articles showcasing Marine aviation including how to employ Marine Air more effectively in current combat operations. There are also interesting and provocative articles about rethinking the concept of forward naval presence and also winning back public support for military operations in the war on terror. Other articles take on the current awards system and the "No Beer" policy in a combat theater. We look forward to viewing the pyrotechnics in the Gazette's online Discussion Board after the May edition hits the street and we urge all of our readers to participate in the ensuing professional debates there.Leatherneck, "Magazine of the Marines," continues its mission of telling the Marine Corps story - yesterday, today and tomorrow - in the upcoming May issue with a photography essay on the Marine airfields in Vietnam and how they look today; an update on the status of the Marine Special Operations Command in light of recent mainstream media coverage; an overview of the Corps' two drill instructors' schools that are gearing up to provide additional DIs to meet needs associated with increasing end strength; a profile article on Marine veteran Jim Lehrer (our digital edition will allow readers to see and hear Lehrer's stirring speech at the opening ceremonies for the National Museum of the Marine Corps); a special Memorial Day tribute article and even more from the war in Iraq.
We think you will enjoy this May issue - and if you are not a subscriber, it's not too late to get on board. Call toll-free 866-622-1775, or go online at: www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx.
Through the month of July, members who renew their membership by the 10th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. Our lucky March winners are:
In the Invoice Category, our winner is: Mr. L.D. Bowden from Jefferson City, MO.
In the Renewal Category, our winner is: Mr. Leonard G. Curry from Jefferson Valley, NY.
Congratulations to our winners! Enjoy the cologne.
www.usmccologne.com
Visit one of our four locations:
QUANTICO, VA
715 Broadway Street
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
The MCA Overstock Extravaganza Continues Until 31 May 2007
Click Here To Check Out Some GREAT Deals !
To order, Call (Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST) Toll Free: 866-622-1775
OR
Check Out Our ONLINE STORE
Featured Items for April
LADIES WRISTWATCH
Simple, understated elegance is the key to the classiest ladies accessories and this ladies watch proves the point. The perfect casual accent to grace a ladies wrist, our thin line, ladies, watch gleams in 18 Karat gold plate and softly hugs the wrist in genuine, lizard-grained leather. Sleek looking, the face subtly displays a rich looking gold USMC emblem and stylish, easy to read black hands. The precise Swiss movement keeps accurate time so you can keep well ahead of your busy social schedule and look gracefully elegant doing it. A GREAT gift for that special lady in a Marines life.
101354
Non-Member Price: $109.50
Member Price: $98.55
*All Prices Subject To Change.
MINI DESK SET
Finely crafted in rich cherry finished wood, this useful jewelry box personifies subtle dignity. Featuring a handy mirror on the inside lid and the USMC Emblem flanked by flags it looks sophisticated and its convenient size; 7.5 X 6.5 X 2.5" safely stows all your uniform accessories and jewelry. Or, for sheer decadence and conspicuous consumption, use it as a ready service locker for your contraband cigars.
103451
Non-Member Price: $90.00
Member Price: $81.00
BEER GROWLER
BEER - Arguably the best invention in the last 7,000 odd years since the Sumerians invented it as a food supplement and leisure enhancement device. And, it just keeps getting better with the proliferation of quality microbreweries everywhere. Now here is a really cool complement to the whole concept of Beer -and even the name - "Growler" is cool... a RE-USEABLE Beer container that your favorite Micro Brewery will fill with your favorite Pale Ale, Pilsner, Stout, Bitter, Bock, Laager... Whoa - SO many types that you will need a bunch of growlers just to keep up. In case the 2-liter capacity was not enough to motivate you into high trajectory orbit, we slapped an Eagle, Globe and Anchor on one side and "Semper Fi" on the other. As a host gift for a Super Bowl, World Series, NASCAR or WWF championship party, this breaks the mold.
101919
Non-Member Price: $39.99
Member Price: $35.99
Want an MCA Gift Catalog?
Call 1-888-237-7683 (Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST) or e-mail customercare@mca-marines.org to get yourself, your friends, your family or ANYONE else you like, on our catalog mailing list.
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 is the Corps' most prestigious provider of professional Marine uniforms and accessories and has been helping Marines look their professional best since 1962.
The Marine Shop welcomes Charlie Company, TBS and looks forward to serving their needs.
Visit our website to see the professional products and services we offer.
Good News! After a long delay, our popular Sword Plaque is Back in Stock at The Marine Shop! Crafted in well finished walnut, the plaque features a raised gold Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and allows for the eye-catching display of both the sword and scabbard. Showcase your heirloom sword with a Sword Plaque from The Marine Shop today (stock #0691-62 -- $105.00).
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
Click here to visit the dynamic MCA website where changes and updates are made daily! While visiting the homepage, check out our Schedule of Events section to view the latest in MCA sponsored events. We have something for EVERY Marine on our website. Access our Gazette and Leatherneck homepages and check out a sample ONLINE only version of these flagship magazines. Check out the MCA Awards program and learn how this program offers meaningful recognition to thousands of deserving Marines each year. And MUCH, MUCH MORE!
With a growing bank of resumes from transitioning Marines, the MCA Career Center continues to grow in influence with new companies seeking Marine employees. Marine job seekers do NOT have to be MCA members to post their resume with the MCA Career Center. Any Marine who posts with the Career Center will have full access to search all of the jobs and can apply, too. The MCA Career Center exists to support Marines so ALL Marines are welcome. If you are a transitioning Marine searching for employment, check us out First!
Companies and businesses seeking high quality employees to work for them, can't do better than a highly motivated, competent, responsible and reliable Marine and the MCA Career Center can help you find them.
Introductory rates are still available so contact us now with your job openings. We offer unlimited job postings and resume searches for 3, 6, and 12-month increments and we offer significant discounts for members and MCA sponsors! Employment advertisements purchased by participating companies help support the MCA Awards program which provides recognition to deserving Marines. Check out the MCA Awards program here.
Here is a quick snapshot of just one of the available jobs posted on the Career Center in April:
MPRI an L-3 Communications Company seeks a Strategic Communications Professional.
Requires demonstrated background in strategic communications, preferably at a major command level. Position involves planning, drafting planning documents, research and evaluation services to support implementation of a Public Affairs Program. The position is in the Wash DC/Metro area, offers excellent compensation and a benefits package including 401K, Health, Life insurance and stock options.
Click on the Career Center to get details on the position summarized above, to post your resume, review the jobs, or to post a job for your company.
MCA sponsors a range of interesting events that support Marines and, of course, our members. Here is a list of some of the key events coming up. Visit Here for the current schedule and Here to learn about the kinds of events MCA sponsors.
If you are unable to attend one of our MCA book signings but would like to get a signed copy of one of the books, call one of our bookstores. The bookstore staff can arrange your book purchase, author autograph and then ship it to you. Phone numbers for each of our bookstores are provided further below. Don't miss out just because you can't attend!
MCA Luncheon -- Camp Lejeune
On Thursday, 26 April 2007, the Association will host an MCA Luncheon at the Paradise Point Officer's Club at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Guest Speaker for the event will be Lt Gen Ronald Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. For more information and reservations, please visit our website.
Book Signing at Camp Lejeune
On Wednesday, 18 April 2007, MCA will host Colonel Wesley L. Fox, USMC (Ret), author of Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune from 1130-1230. For more information, contact the bookstore staff at (910) 451 7500 or visit the MCA website.
Book Signings at Quantico, Camp Lejeune & Camp PendletonMCA will host Sgt Maj Brad Kasal, who is the subject of the book My Men Are My Heroes: The Brad Kasal Story as told to author Nathaniel R. Helms. The book traces Sgt Maj Kasal's career and details the combat action at the battle of Falluja, Iraq which led to his being awarded the Navy Cross. For more information, visit the MCA website. Here is the schedule:
Tuesday - 1 May 2007 - 1130-1400 - MCA Bookstore Quantico
Wednesday - 2 May 2007 - 1130-1300 - MCA Bookstore Camp Lejeune
Friday - 4 May 2007 - 0930-1130 - MCA Bookstore Camp Pendleton
MCA C4 Awards Dinner -- Washington D.C. Area
On Tuesday, 15 May 2007, the Association and HQMC C4 Division, will co-host the 4th Annual MCA C4 Awards Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. The guest speaker is General Alfred M. Gray, USMC (Ret), 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. The event features award presentations to the most deserving Marines, civilians and support units in the C4 Community for the year.
Awards presented during the Annual MCA C4 Awards Dinner
Changing jobs? Have a recent college graduate in your family?
Don't risk your financial future by going without medical benefits!
Whether you're waiting for a new employer's health insurance to kick in...
Or one of your children no longer qualifies for your current health coverage...
There's no doubt that going without medical benefits - even for just a few weeks or months - could risk your entire financial future. But as an MCA Member, you and your family now have an easy-on-the- budget solution.
For just dollars a day, you can request the comprehensive benefits of the MCA-sponsored Short Term Medical
Program. Designed as a "bridge"
that lasts only a few months (generally
all you need until your new employer or private health benefits begin), this special MCA-endorsed coverage helps protect your loved ones against the shocking medical bills of an accident or sudden illness.
Plus, the MCA Short Term Medical Program guarantees your right to see the doctor of your choice so there are no worries about whether your current physician "participates" in the program.
Don't risk your family's finances by going without medical coverage ... even if it's just for a few short weeks or months.
Click here to learn more about the MCA Short Term Medical Program or call 1-800-368-5682 for more information.
The
MCA World Points Platinum Plus MasterCard is available to MCA Members.
Click here for more information and to apply.
MBNA's recent merger with Bank of America means additional member
benefits to you. Greater financial options for your consideration will
be forthcoming. We will soon be offering American Express cards to our
members. Look for more information in upcoming issues.
Semper Fi Travel is the premiere travel service for the Marine Corps Association (MCA); a unique partnership between MCA and nuTravel, Inc. (nuTravel), designed to provide MCA members and their families with exclusive online and offline (live travel agents) leisure travel benefits.
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage
of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP).
Apple Member Purchase Program for MCA members includes:
Up to 17% off select Apple products
Free laser engraving on any iPod
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more
Online custom product configuration
Members click here 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 also gives quality discounts to MCA Members. Spring cleaning rapidly approaches!!!! Throw out your clunky old junk and make way for a kicking new Dell.
Visit dell.com/ghc/flyer or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:
PLATINUM GOLD:
PLATINUM SILVER:
PLATINUM
BRONZE:
Individual Event Sponsors:
Gold: Boeing, Oracle, Raytheon, Smartronix
Silver: Taser, EMA, ITT, CACI, IR Technologies, MITRE
Bronze: AT&T, Bell Helicopter/Textron, Alion Science & Technology, BAE Systems, CISCO Systems, Deloitte Consulting, General Dynamics, IBM, Exeter, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Marine Federal Credit Union, Pacific Marine Credit Union, Professional Solutions, R. Phillips Enterprises, Raytheon, Sprint, Stanley Group, General Dynamics ATP, Keane Federal Systems, L-3 Titan, Oshkosh Truck, Rolls Royce, Talley, Tandberg, Telos, Wackenhut Services, Inc.
Special thanks to: Supply Core and The Meltzer GroupThe Marine Corps depends on MCA support for programs for which appropriated funds cannot be used. In turn, MCA's professional development support of Marines depends on corporate sponsorships. We hope you will encourage your company to get involved in 2007 Marine Corps Association events. For more information on how to become an MCA corporate sponsor, please contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.
EDO Corporation is proud to be a Marine Corps Association sponsor. EDO possess the experience, knowledge and expertise to address the dynamic challenges Marines face in complex operating environments with leading-edge technology and specialized expertise.
EDO is expediting delivery of state-of-the-art battlefield communications systems, the TSM (Transition Switch Module) and JECCS (Joint Enhanced Core Communication Systems). We are also working to double the ordinance capacity of the F/A-18 with dual-carriage BRU-55 "smart" bomb racks. EDO antennas, essential to all wireless communication, can be found on most military and commercial aircraft; and EDO interference-cancellation technology in the EA-18G Growler ensures communications connectivity under the most severe jamming environments.
These examples just scratch the surface. EDO has a wide range of leading products that serve all branches of the military. Product groups include: Defense Electronics, Communications, Aircraft Armament Systems, Undersea Warfare, Integrated Composite Structures, and Professional and Engineering Services. You can look to EDO for smart technology, light equipment, and responsive systems that will enhance your agility and performance. Look to EDO for solutions; for additional information visit our website at: www.edocorp.com .
CALIFORNIA, MD (March 16, 2007) -- Smartronix, Inc. teamed with subcontractor SAIC, was awarded a one-year base contract with four one-year options to provide network operations, defense, and logistics support to the Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Command (MCNOSC) at Quantico, VA. The contract, including all options, is worth $64 million. The MCNOSC operates and defends the global Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) which supports Marines and civilians at base, post, station, and forward deployed sites worldwide. Smartronix will continue to provide a broad range of technical, network engineering, and operational services pertaining to responsibilities inherent in the execution of the MCNOSC mission. These highly specialized services include Network Operations Support; Information Management Support; Telecommunications and IT Systems Services; Systems Engineering, Architecture and Design; Critical Infrastructure Protection; Expeditionary Support; Mainframe Information Systems Services; Enterprise-Land Mobile Radio; and Computer Network Defense.
When asked about the significance of this award, John Parris, Vice President for Corporate Strategy said "This award strengthens Smartronix position as a leading provider of enterprise network, information, and security architecture services. We are honored and thankful to be provided the opportunity to support the United States Marine Corps and look forward to our second decade of partnership with the MCNOSC."
Smartronix is a global professional solutions provider specializing in Networking and Systems Management, Information Systems Security, Application Integration and Development, Software and Hardware Engineering, and Business Management Services. Smartronix is headquartered in California, MD with operating offices in Virginia (4), North Carolina, Florida (2), Alabama, Ohio and Arizona with 500 employees throughout the US and at strategic locations in Korea, Japan, Qatar, and the Philippines. The company has been recognized as one of the fastest 50 growing companies in the Greater Washington area and one of the top 500 nationally as ranked by Washington Post and Inc 500 media, respectively. For further information regarding Smartronix' history, employment opportunities, corporate capabilities, contract vehicles, and products; visit www.smartronix.com or call 301-737-2800.
Q: One of my makers sounds like the name of a ranch in reverse while another sounds like the name of a Roman hero. One of my early predecessors was famously carried at a Texas church during the late unpleasantness with one of our southern neighbors some years back. What am I ?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive Mission Essential Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
Here is the March trivia question reprinted for ready reference:Q: Very short, dark and handsome Marine pilot who lived large as a thespian fighting bulls, playing pirate and serving the British Raj. What is my name and in what manner did I do each of these deeds?
A: Tyrone Power was a top actor and Hollywood Star when WW II broke out. He joined the Marine Corps and served as a pilot. He played a bullfighter in Blood and Sand, a pirate in The Black Swan and a half-caste British officer in King of the Khyber Rifles.
Congratulations to Frank Emigh from Jacksonville, Alabama. We had many responses that identified Tyrone Power but Frank's was the only answer that correctly identified all of the movies referenced.
COMMENTS? Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org
MCA MAILING LIST. Would you like to be on the MCA Email mailing list? Send your name, address and email address to customercare@mca-marines.org. Nominate your friends while you are at it...
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org
