FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
It has been a busy and exciting month for the Association's Professional Events Program with three well-attended MCA professional dinners in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
MCA thanks General James F. Amos, USMC, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, our guest speaker and awards presenter at the 6th Annual MCA C4 Awards Dinner on 13 May. Additionally, we again offer our sincere congratulations to all of the well deserving Marines who received their 2008 C4 awards at the dinner. The Awards presented during the dinner included the highly coveted Gray, Shea, Littleton and Hamilton awards for C4 excellence.
I would also like to thank LTG Lloyd Austin, USA, for taking the time from his busy schedule to be our featured speaker at the 19 May Combat Development Dinner held annually to explore evolving concepts in modern warfare. His remarks were well received.
We rounded out May with the 6th Annual MCA Ground Awards Dinner to honor some well deserving Marines in the ground community for superior achievement in 2008. The Marines of the Year for each of the four Marine Divisions were on hand for presentation of their awards along with the recipients of the Leftwich, Chambers and Hulbert Trophies for Outstanding Leadership. MCA thanks General Al Gray, USMC (Ret) 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, for serving as our featured speaker and awards presenter.
Coming up in July, MCA is fortunate to present General David H. Petraeus, USA, Commander U.S. CENTCOM and one of the principle architects of the controversial Iraqi "Surge" strategy as the guest speaker at the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Association Foundation Annual Dinner. We feel this dinner will generate considerable interest and we urge our members and those interested to register early to make sure of a reservation.
MCA's professional events continue to be "Must Attend" events for Marines within driving distance. I urge all of our members to visit the schedule at the MCA website often to keep abreast of events. And while you are there, surf around a little to check out all the changes and great deals on our home page. Don't forget to check out the online editions of MCA's flagship magazines too. Click HERE to visit MCA's home page.
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
OLD NAVY's NEW MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Old Navy, makers of fine casual apparel, now feature a monthly Military Appreciation Day on the first of every month at all of their stores. They offer a 10% discount to all active, retired and reserve military personnel and their family members who present a valid Military ID card on the first of every month as a means of expressing their appreciation to those who serve with honor and courage daily.
The offer is not valid at oldnavy.com and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.
AMAZON.COM
Do you regularly shop online at AMAZON.Com? If you do, we invite you to access their website through the new AMAZON.Com portal on MCA's home page. A GREAT place to shop for books, apparel, tools and a whole lot more, NOW, any purchases made there when you access their site via the MCA home page gives a small percentage of the purchase to MCA and helps your professional association. MCA uses the funds received to support our Awards and Professional Development Programs.
MCA's New Website Feature SAVES YOU MONEY! For super deals on a variety of popular consumer products try out MCA's One-Stop Shopping Center Today!
and more!
Including access to Name Brand electronics, apparel, pet supplies, travel, and a host of other in-demand products, MCA's One-Stop Shopping Center connects YOU with great deals ONLINE. And, when you use the service, you not only SAVE money but your purchase also directly helps support MCA's Awards Program. Click on the link above to check it out today!
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 deep discounts on ticket packages during the period 4 Jan - 23 Dec 2009. Click HERE for details.
ADVERTISE IN MCA TODAY! With a monthly readership of over 44,000, MCA Today is a great place to advertise. If you would like a promotional ad for your business or organization in a monthly edition of MCA Today send your request to us at promotions@mca-marines.org .
You have to EARN the title Marine! Never an easy task, once earned, the title is an enduring source of pride and identity for every Marine. Because of that, keeping a strong connection to the Corps is important to ALL Marines. The most effective, informative and enjoyable way to stay connected is through membership in The Professional Association for ALL Marines -- The Marine Corps Association!
Membership includes a print or online 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. These are the absolute best publications for keeping Marines in touch with the Marine Corps and all of its activities.
Deployed Marines have special needs and don't need extra weight or mail delays. To help them, MCA developed flexible membership options to provide uninterrupted support even during the disruption of deployment. Specifically, MCA's ONLINE-ONLY membership provides ONLINE access to BOTH magazines from ANYWHERE in the world a Marine can access the Internet, and includes all other membership benefits at a generous savings of about 24% off the print edition rates. All active duty Marines should strongly consider this option when they join or renew their memberships.
Both Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette feature articles of real value to Marines, written largely by Marines. Professionally relevant, interesting and highly illustrated, both keep Marines abreast of current professional issues and the unfolding Marine Corps story.
With the same editorial content as the print editions, our Online editions provide enhancements only available in a web based format. These include complete, searchable archives extending back to 1916, audio and video feeds, graphic slide shows, interactive discussion boards on a wide range of ongoing controversial issues that ANY reader can join and hot linked key words, facilitating additional reading on favorite topics.
Your membership dues, directly supports the MCA Awards Program, which provides incentive awards and professional recognition to now over 8,600 Marines annually for professional and academic achievement. MCA is the largest awards provider in the Corps thanks to support from YOUR membership!
If you are not a member of YOUR professional association, we invite you to join! Call 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 NEMTN509. Renewals mention code REMTN509.
We believe that we have something of interest for every element of the MAGTF in June's Gazette. Aviation is one of the hallmarks of the Corps, and this month we have an article that should be of interest to aviators on unmanned systems and another on the Joint Strike Fighter. Logisticians will be interested in the update on Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps. If your interest lies with the ground combat element, there are several articles to pique your interest. There are other articles in this month's issue, both in print and on the web that you may find interesting and worthy of your time. It is OK to pick and choose what you read in the Gazette. Our hope is that in balance we are keeping you connected with the Corps and providing you with information for your professional growth and mission success.
Your June Leatherneck highlights the additional Marine "boots on the ground" in Afghanistan with a feature article on Embedded Training Team 2-7 and several short pieces in the "War on Terror" department. The "long war" has the Corps with major commitments on two fronts, but the "engagement" activities continue in other regions, such as the Philippines, Africa and South America, so look to Leatherneck on the Web ( www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck ), as well as the print and digital editions of the magazine, to stay abreast of Marines around the world.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
Member dues provide The Professional Association for All Marines with the resources for important programs that directly support Marines! The more members we have, the more support we are able to provide! Helping MCA in our mission of supporting Marines is a great reason for joining and remaining a member but here is another reason for you to stick with us -- SEMPER FI Cologne!
Renew your membership by the 10th of the month after receiving your FIRST renewal notice and your name goes into a drawing to win a bottle of the ever-popular USMC Semper Fi Cologne. And, with two drawings with two winners each month your odds just got better!
Our lucky April winners are:
Mr. Edward F. Burch of Wild Rose, Wisconsin
Mr. Donald W. Jardine of San Francisco, California
Congratulations to our winners!
Remember... you can still get some Semper Fi Cologne for yourself if you did not win our drawing! Just click on the logo above!
The Marine Corps Association's New
ONLINE Store
MCA's ONLINE Store carries the best professional reading of interest to Marines, including all in-print titles in the USMC Professional Reading Program and also features a wide range of specialty gifts for Marines. From high quality apparel with Marine logo's, to prints, plaques, jewelry and other items, we have what Marines want.
WWW.MARINESHOP.NET
Featured Gifts For Marines!
GOLF 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
GOLF BAG
Now for a golf bag as bold as your golf swing! In distinctive scarlet and black with standout silver trim, our sturdy bag is constructed of tough 420D nylon and features a voluminous size with 8 assorted pockets (including two fur lined valuables pockets) to hold EVERYTHING you need to prevail on the links. Comes with a comfortable, padded strap and an effective rain hood to protect your clubs. "USMC" is vividly embroidered on the front and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor showcases the back.
103775
Member Price: $179.96
Non-Member Price: $199.95
WATCH
Our two-tone, Gold and Silver Pulsar watch is the perfect dress accent for a Marine. Featuring a gold colored Eagle, Globe and Anchor on an easy to read, white face this watch is rugged, keeps highly accurate time and includes an adjustable clasp closure.
103859
Member Price: $151.20
Non-Member Price: $168.00
THE LAST STAND OF FOX COMPANY
Grim and gritty action, heroism and self-sacrifice in the bitter winter of November 1950 during the 1st Marine Division's legendary retreat from the Chosin Reservoir. The fast paced story of the First Marine Regiment's Fox Company fighting a seemingly hopeless rear guard action against thousands of surrounding Chinese and of their gallant rescue. Marines at their BEST -- You won't be able to put it down!
0871139936
Member Price: $22.50
Non-Member Price: $25.00
FOOTLOCKER
Our heirloom quality Marine footlocker stores a career's worth of memorabilia and pushes the nostalgia trigger. Featuring well joined hardwood construction, a wood burned Marine Corps emblem on the top, sturdy leather strap handles on the side and a lift out tray with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, our footlocker will quickly become your favorite heirloom. 18" x 11 3/4" x 9 1/2".
101620
Member Price: $88.20
Non-Member Price: $98.00
Marine Corps Association Books
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 or 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.
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!
Long prized by discerning Marines for providing the finest uniforms and accessories, the MARINE Shop, is THE choice for Marines seeking to look their professional best. Established in 1962, the Quantico, Virginia based MARINE Shop maintains an enviable reputation for applying only the finest and most exacting workmanship to the best in uniform materials.
Acquired by the Marine Corps Association in early 2007, the MARINE Shop joins the Professional Association for All Marines as part of a strategic partnership aimed at providing the highest quality and most comprehensive support possible to Marines.
MCA Cordially Invites YOU to visit The MARINE Shop in person and Online:
The MARINE Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
Check Out Our Huge Selection of Specialty Gifts, Professional Reading, Marine Uniforms and a Whole Lot More ONLINE at:
www.marineshop.net
The MARINE Shop offers Member Value Pricing to all MCA Members on select items.
MCA Career Center
Helping Marines Find Jobs -- It's What We Do!
We also help employers find the BEST possible employees -- MARINES...
Click here to Check Out MCA's Career Center NOW!
We post new U.S and Overseas jobs regularly and we constantly refresh our rapidly expanding resume bank with the resumes of highly experienced Marines. If you are looking for a job or for a successful Marine to fill a position, this is where you want to start!
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!
Featured Jobs for May:
Click on the link to check them out in detail
Acquisition Logistics Subject Matter Experts - ITT - Quantico, VA
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3124395
Employee Benefits Contact Representative - MCCS - Quantico, VA
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3124412
Controls Technician - TRANE - Timonium, MD
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3117635
Account Executive, Network News - KSHB-TV - Kansas City, MO
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3117068
MCA PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCA holds professional events in the Washington, D.C. area, at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and other select areas. Including both dinners and luncheons, our events feature top Marine, and civilian leaders as guest speakers who provide their candid perspectives for the benefit of MCA members and guests in hard to match professional development opportunities.
We also present popular book signing / "Meet the Author" events which showcase authors who write about Marines, their battles, and the contemporary issues affecting Marines and national security. MCA professional events provide Marines with unique professional development opportunities and have become "Must Attend" events for all Marines within driving range. Here are some of the prominent guest speakers and authors MCA has featured recently:
MCA Luncheon
Marston Pavilion
Camp Lejeune, NC
Guest Speaker - LtGen Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant - Manpower and Reserve Affairs
MCA Annual DinnerCrystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General David H. Petraeus USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command
MCA Ground Dinner
TBD
Guest Speaker - TBD
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS
We sincerely thank our sponsors for their generous support of MCA's Professional Events and Awards Programs
Taxpayer-appropriated funds are inappropriate for a number of important Marine Corps needs. That is where a non-profit, organization like MCA fills an important supporting role. The MCA Awards Program is an excellent example. Totally funded by member dues and sponsor support, the program provides MCA with the resources to recognize the professional achievements of a large number of Marines in wide categories established by the Marine Corps.
A large program that reaches many, the MCA Awards Program provided leadership, performance and academic recognition awards to over 8,600 deserving Marines and sailors in 2008.
The MCA Professional Events Program is another example of a program that is heavily supported through corporate sponsors who provide MCA with the resources to host professional development opportunities with key Corps and national level leaders.
MCA welcomes your company's support and involvement in MCA's professional event schedule.
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.---------------------------------- PREMIER PLATINUM: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER DIAMOND: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER SILVER: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER
BRONZE: ----------------------------------
------------------- And to our Individual Event Sponsors: -------------------
Gold: Harris, Smartronix
Silver: MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies, L-3 Titan
Bronze: AFCEA; Agility Logistics; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; Cisco; ClearedJobs.net; Columbia Group; CTC; CSC; Deloitte Consulting; DSC; EG&G; Exeter; Geico; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; Kollsman; Motorola; Navistar;
Professional Solutions;
R. Phillips Enterprises; Rheinmetall; Stanley, Inc.; Tandberg; Taser; Telos; Tesoro Corp.; Tompkins Builders; Trader Construction; Wackenhut Services
MCA extends a very special thanks to ITT for the extra efforts they made sponsoring and supporting the 13 May MCA C4 Awards Dinner.
Your subscription to Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette is your most important, but NOT your only membership benefit. MCA membership also comes with other valuable benefits including Member Value Pricing at all of MCA's stores, including The MARINE Shop -- MCA's flagship store at Quantico, Virginia and ONLINE, as well as at our bookstore at Camp Lejeune. Member Value Pricing means exclusive member discounts on our extensive selection of professional reading, specialty gifts and on many uniform items.
Membership also gives you access to great deals from well-known companies who provide our members with computer discounts, special deals on credit cards, insurance policies, rental cars, travel, educational programs and a whole lot more. Check out the links below for additional information.
We are flexible and we listen to our members. 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.
Avoid the common loopholes in civilian programs:
4 MCA Life Insurance Plans perfect for active duty, Reserve and retired Marine Corps families
Nailing down solid life protection isn't easy for Marine Corps families. Civilian companies seldom cover military duties. Civilian companies seldom cover military duties and usually exclude acts of war.
But the MCA made sure you could add the life coverage your loved ones need... with 24-hour worldwide protection -- even when you're on active duty or in the Reserves.
- MCA's 10 Year Level Term Life Plan -- Now you can set up solid Life Insurance Protection for your loved ones with MCA's 10-Year Level Term Life Plan. This plan gives you up to $250,000.00 in coverage with two important guarantees:
- Coverage Stays Locked In For 10 Years. No matter what changes in your career or health, you can rest assured that the coverage you set up today will be the same coverage that is still standing by your loved ones a decade later.
- Rates Stay Locked In For 10 Years. Your MCA group rates start out at a good deal based on the strong buying power of more than 90,000 Members. But the MCA took that financial advantage even further by negotiating your 10-Year Rate Lock (that means that your rates on day 1 will be the same for the whole 10 year term).
- MCA's 50+ Life Plan -- A great way to combat the life coverage gaps created by inflation and age-related benefit cutbacks in employer or other life insurance plans. Specifically designed for MCA Members over age 50, simplified enrollment privileges mean there are no medical exams required. *This Plan is subject to approval.
- MCA's 2-in-1 Life Plan -- For young Marine Corps families. You can cut your life insurance costs up to 50% because one plan helps to protects both you and your spouse for one affordable price.
- MCA's Group Term Life Plan -- Take advantage of MCA group rates! And help add to your family's future financial security by up to $100,000 in term life benefits. Plus, MCA has added $25,000 lump sum Accidental Dismemberment coverage.
Whether you're setting up a solid safety net for your loved ones... or looking to add to the life coverage you bought years ago, MCA's exclusive Life Plans are a great deal for you. The immense buying power of more than 90,000 Marine Crops Association Members helps you save money with affordable group rates.
Check out MCA's life plans today.
All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued.
Underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089
MCA's program with Grantham University provides a tremendous opportunity for Marines seeking to further their education with a first rate academic institution. It's a GREAT deal for a number of reasons:
First, it is inexpensive -- MCA members save up to 24% on tuition and educational materials fees, which is a substantial savings.
Second, eligibility for the program includes MCA member dependents as well as the member.
Third, Grantham University academic programs are flexible and portable, offering a wide range of academic majors at the Associate, Bachelors and Masters levels with all programs conducted entirely ONLINE at the convenience of the student. Take the course load you want, when you want and wherever you are. For Marines who constantly face long operational deployments that would disrupt a traditional education program, Grantham University is a first rate program that supports Marines and their dependents with the opportunity 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 kicking new Dell.
Visit www.dell.com/USMC or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Here is the question for the May contest.
Q. Who was the only Marine officer to command a Navy warship and what was the name of the ship?
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!
And here is our April Trivia contest question and the answer:
Q. Asked by a journalist if they were retreating, this reserved and rather scholarly appearing legend of the Corps replied with some asperity "Retreat hell! We're just attacking in another direction."
A. Major General Oliver P. Smith USMC during the Korean War while the Marines were surrounded and breaking out of the Chosin reservoir area.
Who said it and when and what was the occasion or situation?
Congratulations to Colonel John Pope, USMC (Ret) of Northern Virginia for being first with the correct answer. As Colonel Pope was our winner just a couple of months ago we decided to give some one else a chance for this contest so CONGRATULATIONS also to Glenn E. Johnson of Shortsville, NY who provided the second correct answer and who also provided this month's trivia question above. We are sending Colonel Pope a couple of our new poker chips since he already has an MCA Coin.
COMMENTS? What would you like to see in MCA Today and how can we better serve your interests here? Send your comments and suggestions to: comments@mca-marines.org. We would love to hear from you!
MCA MAILING LIST. Give your buddies the opportunity to get MCA Today each month! It's easy to do and a great way to stay connected to what is going on in the Corps! Just send us the names, mailing and email addresses for those you would like us to add to customercare@mca-marines.org and we will include them.
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org