FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
MCA's 5th Annual MCA C4 Awards dinner was another "must attend" event and the Commandant of the Marine Corps was on hand to help recognize the achievements of the Corps's top performing C4 Marines. Pictures of the award presentations and other pictures from the evening's awards dinner are available on our website, the MCA home page HERE.
The Marine Corps' ranks have always been filled with the highest quality people who choose to serve our Corps and Country. One of the most satisfying roles the Marine Corps Association plays in support of the Marine Corps is to provide recognition to Marines at events like the C4 Awards Dinner and other professional events and occasions focused on recognizing the achievements of other Marine communities as well. The MCA Awards program positively affects thousands of Marines annually and is directly supported by member dues augmented by sponsor support. I thank all of our members and our sponsors for their support.
I am pleased to announce that MCA now includes support of the Chambers Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Awards Program. Named in honor of Colonel Justice M. Chambers who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry at the battle of Iwo Jima and presented annually to a company grade officer serving with the 4th Marine Division or 4th Force Service Support Group, the Chambers Award recognizes outstanding leadership and is the preeminent award for company grade officers serving with the Reserve component. The Chambers Award will be presented to the selected award recipient in December at the MCA Ground Awards Dinner.
MCA is co-sponsoring a new event this year. I cordially invite you to join us at the MCA Ground Combat Element Luncheon. We are excited with this new format, which will feature LtGen Richard F. Natonski, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations providing a brief on current ground combat element issues and priorities followed by a "State of the Division" brief by each of the four Marine Division Commanding Generals. With so much of the Corps' top ground community leadership present we anticipate an exciting and informative event. You don't want to miss it. Click HERE to view more information and to register for the event and click HERE to view our complete schedule of dynamic MCA events. Registrations online do end at noon, Friday 23 May.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
The easiest way to stay connected to the Corps and to also support Marines while you do it, is to be a member of the professional association for all Marines!
Membership includes a print or ONLINE-Only subscription to MCA's flagship magazines: Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of U.S. Marines and/or Leatherneck, magazine of Marines.
A print subscription gets you timely delivery of the print edition of the magazine you selected AND gives you access to BOTH magazines online at no extra cost! With our new ONLINE-Only subscription, you automatically get ONLINE access to BOTH magazines as well!
Choosing the Online-Only subscription option saves money. As it saves you 15% we urge all members to switch to online delivery of your magazines when renewing.
MCA's online magazines provide the same content as the print editions, but have exciting additional features including hot linked key words and searchable archives that allow further reading on select subjects. With the Online magazines you now have access from anywhere in the world and at anytime you can reach the Internet -- so being deployed is not an obstacle to reading your subscription WHEN and WHERE you want to and you don't have the hassle of missing your magazine due to late mail deliveries and you don't have to change your address when you move for continued access! For Marines who are constantly being deployed, this is the way to go!
Membership also qualifies you for MCA's member value pricing discount on all books and gifts at all MCA bookstores, at our Online Store and also at MCA's newest acquisition the Marine Shop.
If you are not a member now it's not too late. Call toll-free 866-622-1775, or go online at: https://www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx.
Don't forget that Father's Day is coming up next month on 15 June. A gift subscription to Leatherneck and/or Marine Corps Gazette is a great gift suggestion for any Marine dad! Sign him up today!!
New members mention code NEMTN408. Renewals mention code REMTN408.
The June issue of the Gazette contains a seminal article on how the Marine Corps proposes to fight the "Long War" by radically reorienting our deployment posture and creating MAGTFS built around an infantry battalion to partner with allied nations in the littoral arc of instability. The concept is bound to and should engender debate. In addition, there are two reviews of recent books that detail the crucible that formed the modern day Marine Corps - World War I. June is the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood and it is appropriate to focus on those Devil Dogs who did much to create the legend of the Corps. The online edition of the Gazette has been revamped with additional content. For example the article on reorganizing the rifle company is linked to articles from the 50's, 70's, 90's and current decade on the same topic. In addition articles are linked to our discussion board to facilitate debate on the articles. Please visit our website at http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/ to participate in an online debate.
Leatherneck's upcoming June issue commemorates the 90th anniversary of the battle in which the Corps gained international recognition as a fighting force to be reckoned with: Belleau Wood. June's Leatherneck includes a cover painting of the battle inside the wood by Frank E. Schoonover, a feature article, "The 96th Company at Bouresches," by retired Colonel Dick Camp and a special personality piece on little-known Medal of Honor Marine Gunnery Sergeant Fred Stockham, by retired Col Bill Anderson. Add to this a review of the long-awaited history of the Marines in WWI, "Through the Wheat" by the late Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons and Col Joe Alexander, and this issue is something you will treasure for its history. Additional features include an article on Marine security guards in Algiers and a special piece on "American Idol" Marine, Josh Gracin, which includes a video accessible from the digital edition and our Web site: www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck. Looking ahead, in July, Leatherneck will bring you features on Chi Chi Jima of WWII and a unique article on two young Marines who attended PS 76 together in Queens, N.Y., and went on to earn Medals of Honor in Vietnam. Stay with us, you'll enjoy the ride.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
Here is a GREAT idea! Renew your membership early when renewal time comes up and we will give you a chance to win some fine smelling cologne!
Renew by the 10th of the month after receiving your FIRST membership renewal notice and you will automatically get included in a drawing to win a bottle of highly popular and fine smelling USMC Semper Fi Cologne.
Our lucky April winners are:
Invoice Category: Corporal Bernard M. Ogg, USMC Veteran of Independence, Missouri
Renewal Category: LtCol John F. Whittle, USMC (Ret) of Barstow, California
www.usmccologne.com
Marine Corps Association Book Stores
To order, Call ( Monday -- Friday 0800-1630) Toll Free: 1-888-237-7683
Visit MCA's Book Stores at Quantico, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and Parris Island.
Click Here for Addresses.
MARINE RIFLEMAN: FORTY-THREE YEARS IN THE CORPS (HB)
The gritty story of Marine legend, leader and Medal of Honor recipient, Colonel Wes Fox who served Corps and country as an infantryman for 43 years.
1574884255
Member Price: $25.15
Non-Member Price: $27.95
DECANTER SET
Our heavy crystal decanter set comes with two rocks glasses and feature a colorful USMC emblem on each. Elegance with a special Marine flair!
104064
Member Price: $68.04
Non-Member Price: $75.60
FIVE PIECE PEN & KEYCHAIN GIFT SET
The perfect set of accoutrements for a gentleman, our five piece set comes complete with a pen and a Rollerball pen engraved with "U.S. Marine Corps" and also includes a practical key chain, a handy money clip and a business card holder all tastefully engraved with the USMC emblem.
104103
Member Price: $35.96
Non-Member Price: $39.95
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 NEWEST ADDITION!
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
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.
Visit our web site to see the extensive inventory of uniforms, accessories, formal and informal wear and specialty gifts we offer!
Years ago we used to call boots clodhoppers but our lightweight boots by Bates are anything but and will keep you light on your feet, cool and comfortable in either a jungle or a desert environment! With a slip-resistant sole to give you the traction you need, our boots feature breathable, waterproof suede and come with a removable insert for easy cleaning and drying.
Jungle Desert, Lightweight Boots
Non-Member $125.00
Member $112.50
The Marine Shop offers member value pricing to all MCA Members.
Are you a transitioning Marine who needs a job?
OR...
Are you a company who needs a responsible employee?
We Can Help!
Click here to visit MCA's Career Center!
Marines AND their dependents who seek employment are welcome to use MCA's Career Center free of charge and don't have to be MCA members to do so!
Featured Jobs for May:
Click on the link to check them out in detail
Physical Securities Specialist - Washington, D.C. - http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?=2892695.32
Logistics Analysts - Mechanicsburg, PA http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?=2892578.32
Counter IED Trainers/SME's - Iraq - http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?=2890753.32
MCA PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCA sponsors a variety of events in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and in the vicinity of all our MCA Bookstores as a means of providing Marines with unique professional development opportunities.
Springfield Hilton, Springfield, VA
Overview on Ground Combat Element issues facing the Marine Corps by LtGen Richard F. Natonski, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations followed by State of the Divisions brief by the Commanding General of each Marine Division.
MCA Bookstore, Quantico, VA
Jeff Shaara, author of
The Steel Wave: A Novel of World War II
MCA Bookstore, Quantico, VA
Colonel Joseph Alexander, USMC (Ret), author of
Utmost Savagery: The Three Days of Tarawa and Through the Wheat
Clubs at Quantico, Quantico, VA
Guest Speaker-TBD
Your subscription to one or both of MCA's flagship magazines is one of the most important membership benefits and directly helps you stay connected to the Corps. And that benefit just got better because no matter what kind of subscription you chose you NOW have ONLINE access to both magazines as well.
In addition to your subscription, membership means other benefits including MCA's bookstore, ONLINE Store and Marine Shop discounts on all books, specialty gifts and uniforms. It also enables access to great deals from some well-known companies who provide our members with computer discounts and special deals on credit cards, insurance policies 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.
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 1-866-340-4360 for more information.
Since 1951, Grantham University has contributed to the formal education of thousands of military service members and veterans. Its degree programs are flexible, portable and designed so you can fit education into your life instead of arranging your life around your education. In a new partnership initiative, Grantham offers all MCA employees, members and their families a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour. Required textbooks and software are covered, at no additional cost to the student, by a Textbook and Technology Grant. Grantham offers associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in a range of academic disciplines. For more information, please visit: www.grantham.edu/mca.
MCA
MASTERCARD AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW....
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 junk 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 GOLD: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER SILVER: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER
BRONZE: ----------------------------------
------------------- And to our Individual Event Sponsors: -------------------
Gold: Harris, Oracle, Lockheed Martin, Smartronix
Silver: EMA, MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: AFCEA; Alion Science & Technology; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; Bell Helicopter; Boeing; CACI, Int'l; Cisco; Columbia Research; CTC; CSC; Deloitte Consulting; DFW Marine Families; Elbit Systems of America; Exeter; FLIR; Force Protection; Fox News; Harris; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; Kollsman; L-3 Titan; MDS-PRAD Technologies Corporation; Merrill Lynch; Microsoft; Motorola; Nammo Talley; Navistar; Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Rockwell Collins; SAIC; Sprint; SRA International; Stanley, Inc.; Tandberg; Telos; Thales Communications; Verizon; Wackenhut Services; The Weekly Standard; Whitley, Bradley & Brown, Inc.; W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Corporate Sponsors: First Citizens Bank; JOEMC; Logis-Tech; Main Street; MCAS Beaufort FCU; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Spectrum
MCA supports programs for which Marine Corps appropriated funds cannot be used. The MCA Awards Program is the best example of this kind of program and provides leadership, performance and academic recognition to over 7,000 deserving Marines and sailors annually with funding provided through MCA membership dues and corporate sponsorship.
Additionally, the MCA Professional Events program provides professional development opportunities with key Corps and national level leaders with partial funding provided corporate sponsors. MCA welcomes your company's support and involvement in our 2008 Marine Corps Association events schedule.
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.
Corrections to the April 2008 edition of MCA Today. The last edition of MCA Today contained several errors which we regret. First, we provided a link to a story in South Carolina's Bluffton Today newspaper about MCA's Parris Island Book Store manager and former Marine drill instructor, Jennifer Bailey. We regret that the link to the paper's story had expired by the time MCA Today was released. Additionally, we referred to Colonel Al Karle, USMC (Ret), MCA's East Coast Area Representative as retired Lt Col Al Karle. We regret the errors in both cases.
Advertise on MCA's Home Page! With over 90,000 members and 75,000 web site visits each month, MCA's web site is a GREAT place to advertise! If you would like a banner ad to get additional visibility for your business or organization on our home page, send your request to promotions@mca-marines.org.
MCA's 2009 Membership Directory. Here's some good news for MCA Members! Last published in 2005, the new 2009 Membership Directory will be published in time for Christmas of 2008! A great way to keep a line on your Marine Buddies who are MCA members and to help them to keep track of you too, they also make a great present!
Our Directory partner, Harris Connect Company, has been contacting MCA members by postcard during mid may and will send out additional postcards at the end of May and in June for orders and to frame individual membership profiles that will appear in the directory. Follow-up phone calls from Harris Connect will start in late June and end on 18 August 2008. Note that 18 August 2008 is the last date that members can verify, update and reserve a copy of the directory. Remember that this year, members can include color photos in the directory.
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q. A pioneering Marine Aviator, I succeeded to command of a large U.S. Army force, the only Marine and aviator to ever command so large an Army force, upon the death of the Army commander who was killed by artillery during a day light inspection tour of the front. Who am I , who did I replace and at what battle or campaign?
A. Who Am I? _________________________
Who did I replace? _________________________
Battle or Campaign? _________________________
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 April trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q. I served as an advisor to the British General who led the invasion of Washington D.C. and was directly responsible for the burning of many public buildings in the fledgling capitol but spared the Marine Barracks reputedly because of their courage at a major battle earlier in the day under the command of Joshua Barney. Later I conveyed the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to exile on Saint Helena and finished my service as Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord. Who am I and what battle led to the Marine Barracks being spared?
A. Name: George Cockburn
Battle: The Battle of Bladensburg
Congratulations to Ricardo C. Pinzon, Jr. of Stafford, VA and Lt George Wisniewski, USN of Arlington, VA, for collaborating together to be the first to respond correctly.
COMMENTS? We value our MCA Today reader's input. What do you like, or not like and what would you like to see in MCA Today? Send your comments and suggestions to: comments@mca-marines.org
MCA MAILING LIST. Would you like us to add any of your Marine buddies to our address list? Send the name, address and email address for those you would like us to add to our mailing list to customercare@mca-marines.org. We will be delighted to send them MCA Today each month to help them stay connected.
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org