FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
MCA continues to present high profile professional events for the benefit of Marines and our members and, coming up in July, we are fortunate to feature General David H. Petraeus, Commander U.S. Central Command as the guest speaker at our Marine Corps Association Foundation Annual Dinner in Arlington. This event will clearly be the highlight of MCA's 2009 professional event program and we are anticipating unprecedented turnout at this unique opportunity. In that light, I encourage all of our members and MCA Today readers to attend this event, if at all possible, and to register for it early before all the reservations are taken.
On 6 August, LtGen Ronald S. Coleman USMC, Deputy Commandant Manpower and Reserve Affairs, will be the featured speaker at our second MCA luncheon of 2009 at Camp Lejuene. I encourage our members and readers in the Camp Lejeune area to attend, and bring a friend!
I invite all of our members to regularly visit MCA's dynamic professional event schedule to keep abreast of the events we have lined up. While many of our events, and particularly our annual Awards dinners tend to be scheduled far in advance, some events such as book signings are more a target of opportunity and are frequently scheduled with only a few weeks notice. Visiting our website regularly will keep you from missing an important event!
Click HERE to visit our professional event schedule and after you check it out I invite you to surf around the rest of MCA's homepage to see all the new features and great deals for our members. We hope you will consider making MCA's website your permanent homepage whenever you logon to your computer, or at least save our site as one of your "Favorites" to make it easier for you to visit regularly.
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
MCA's Special Grantham University Promotion!
MCA is pleased to report that we will hold a silent auction for a paid, 4-Year degree program at Grantham University. Details will be announced on MCA Today and also on MCA's web site in July! This could be the opportunity of a lifetime for some lucky someone seeking to get a college degree inexpensively! Keep reading MCA Today and check our website Here!
MCA Bookstore Sidewalk Sale at Camp Lejeune, MCA's Camp Lejeune Bookstore is hosting a large Sidewalk Sale starting Thursday, July 16 and running through Saturday July 18, 2009 from10:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day. The sale will be held outside the Bookstore at the Exchange Annex at Hadnot Point at Camp Lejeune.
The sidewalk sale features DEEP DISCOUNTS on clearance and discontinued items and something for Everyone! The public is cordially invited. We hope to see you and we hope you will bring a friend.
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!
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.
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.
NEW Offer for Washington, D.C. Area Vehicle Owners from TireVan
TireVan, DC area's only mobile tire installation service, is offering members of the Marine Corps Association a FREE membership in their car care program known as TireVan Advantage. This program could not only help keep our members and their families safe but also help caring for their car easier and less expensive.
TireVan provides A Better Way to Get New Tires. You can select from virtually any brand of tire brand made, purchase over the phone at 877.847.3826 or through www.TireVan.com at guaranteed low prices and then relax as TireVan's highly trained technicians bring your new tires to your car and professionally install them on the spot!
When you need new tires, membership in TireVan Advantage will net you a 20% installation discount (savings not available to the public). But membership is valuable even when you don't need new tires, by giving you access to money saving benefits such as automotive recall monitoring service which keeps you up-to-date on important safety and non-safety recalls issued by the auto manufacturer, important state inspection reminders and inflation/tread wear reminders. Independent websites charge as much as $50-$100 per year for similar services, all of which are available to Marine Corps Association members through TireVan free of charge!
Sign up today at www.advantage.TireVan.com and use enrollment code: MA477ES
ADVERTISE IN MCA TODAY! With over 44,000 monthly readers, MCA Today is a valuable advertising resource. If you would like a promotional ad for your business or organization in MCA Today send us your request to promotions@mca-marines.org .
A strong connection to the Corps is important to Marines. The most informative and enjoyable way to stay connected is through membership in the Professional Association for ALL Marines!
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. The focus of both of these magazines remains fixed on the Marine Corps and all of its activities and regularly reading both magazines is a great way for keeping that connection to the Corps strong.
Deployed Marines have special needs. They don't need extra weight or delays in mail delivery. To help them, MCA developed flexible membership options, which provide continuous support even during operational deployments. Specifically, MCA's ONLINE-ONLY membership gives ONLINE access to BOTH magazines anywhere in the world via the Internet, and includes all other membership benefits at a generous savings of about 24% off the print edition subscription rates. Active duty Marines should seriously consider this membership option when they join or renew.
Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette feature articles of real interest and value to Marines. With professionally relevant, interesting and highly illustrated articles written largely by Marines, both magazines keep Marines informed of current professional issues and the continuing Marine Corps story.
The Online editions of the magazines include the same editorial content as the print editions but provide valuable enhancements only possible in a web-based format. These include searchable archives extending back to1916, audio and video feeds, graphic slide shows, interactive discussion boards on controversial issues that ANY reader can join and hot linked key words, facilitating additional reading on favorite topics. And remember that Every subscription option includes ONLINE acess to Both magazines!
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.
Enjoy reading the June edition of your MCA magazines online this month. Don't forget that if you have an iPhone, G1, or other phone with Internet access, you can read your magazines on your phone as well!
This truly makes your online Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette magazine available at the tip of your fingers!New members mention code NEMTN609. Renewals mention code REMTN609.
In the July Leatherneck, we are a bit heavy on history -- our articles present a mix of Marine battles, including Fallujah in 2004, the Vietnam War and World War II. We add an interesting look at a Marine turned professional boxer (Mac Foster), a selection of photos from the bottom of our readers' footlockers and a tip of the hat to the Marines in Dublin today to round out the magazine. In the digital Leatherneck edition, you will be able to see additional photo slideshows for both the article on the Fallujah and the Dublin article, so be sure to check out the digital edition.
Some Great shots from Leatherneck's Current Photo Slideshow:
The July Gazette contains articles across the spectrum of tactics, theory of war, career management and looking back to the future. Articles include ideas on training proficient Squad Automatic Weapons gunners, utilization of a company level intelligence cell, plugging the gap in your fitness reports and an evaluation of how the Combined Action Program in Vietnam could be a useful tool in today's fight. Aviators and non aviators will find the article on integrating manned and unmanned aircraft interesting and thought provoking. The debate on the changing nature of warfare continues with another view of "Fifth Generation Warfare." Also a review of a new Iraq War memoir, Joker One, gives a small sample of a great read.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
We value our members highly and the more members we have, the more support we are able to provide Marines through MCA's professional development and awards programs! Helping your professional association in our mission of supporting Marines is a great reason for joining and remaining a member but here is another reason for you to keep your membership active!
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 widely prized USMC Semper Fi Cologne. We hold two drawings with two winners each month so your odds on winning are pretty good!
Congratulations and Welcome Back to Our lucky May winners:
Maj Philip E Pyle of Hermann, MO
MSgt P N Swain USMC (Ret) of Lizton, IN
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.
Featured Gifts For Marines!
NAPOLEON III MANTLE CLOCK
At 14" wide by 6" high, our finely finished mantle clock features a wide, easy to read clock face and a gold Marine Corps emblem gracing the front. Visit MCA's ONLINE store for details on how to personalize your clock!
103181
Member Price: $170.55
Non-Member Price: $189.50
HUMIDOR
In finely joined and exquisitely finished rosewood, our elegant Humidor holds a collection of up to 150 of your finest cigars and features a humidification system to preserve them in optimal condition for your personal enjoyment.
500645
Member Price: $179.96
Non-Member Price: $199.95
WOOD DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
A welcome addition to your Marine trophy room, our stately Director Chair includes appealing satin finished arms and features an eye-catching USMC emblem engraved on the back.
101397
Member Price: $490.00
Non-Member Price: $535.00
COIN DISPLAY END TABLE
In finely joined cherry with solid brass hardware, our coin display end table features a hinged top with glass viewing window and a velvet lined coin insert. A made to order item, it drop ships from manufacturer in 3-4 weeks.
103950
Member Price: $359.19
Non-Member Price: $399.10
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
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
Check out the 4th of July Special At MCA!
June 15th Through July 4th 2009
Featuring 10% Off on All U.S.
and USMC Flags
In Person At The MARINE Shop and the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune!
Show Your Love of Corps and Country this Independence Day with a Flag from MCA!
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!
Established in 1962, the Quantico, Virginia based 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!
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.
We Also Do Professional Medal Mounting!
MCA Cordially Invites YOU to visit The MARINE Shop in person and Online:
The MARINE Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.net
The MARINE Shop offers Member Value Pricing to all MCA Members on select items.
MCA Career Center
We Help Marines with Employment Needs!
We also help employers find the BEST possible employees – MARINES…
Click here to Check Out MCA's Career Center NOW!
We post new jobs regularly and constantly refresh our resume bank with the resumes of qualified Marines. If you are looking for a job or for a successful Marine to fill a responsible position, start with MCA's Career Center!
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 June:
Logistics Procurement Coordinator - Kaseman LLC - Dunn Loring, VA,
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3139675
Manager, Business Development and Program Support - M2 Technologies, Inc. - Stafford, VA,
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3139657
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3136608
MCA PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCA professional events in the Washington, D.C. area, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, and other areas, include both dinners and luncheons featuring top Marine, and civilian leaders as guest speakers who present their candid views for the benefit of MCA members and guests in unique professional development opportunities. We also present "Meet the Author" book signing events showcasing authors who write about Marines, national security and a range of issues of interest to Marines.
MCA cordially invites you to attend our professional events whenever you are able. Visit our web site here regularly to stay abreast of the schedule and for additional information. Here is our current schedule:
MCA Annual DinnerCrystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General David H. Petraeus USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command
MCA Luncheon
Marston Pavilion
Camp Lejeune, NC
Guest Speaker - LtGen Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant - Manpower and Reserve Affairs
Book Signing
The MARINE Shop
Quantico, VA
1600 - 1800
Colonel Bruce F. Meyer, USMC (Ret) author of
Fortune Favors the Brave
MCA Ground Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCA C4 Awards Dinner
Crystal City Hyatt
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCA CORPORATE SPONSORS
We thank our sponsors for their generous support of MCA's Professional Events and Awards Programs
Appropriated funds are not appropriate for a number of important Marine Corps needs. In that regard, 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 us with the resources to recognize the professional achievements of a large number of Marines for criteria formally established by the Marine Corps.
Large in scope, the MCA Awards Program provided leadership, performance and academic awards recognizing over 8,600 deserving Marines and sailors in 2008.
The MCA Professional Events Program is another example of a program that is heavily supported by corporate sponsors who provide MCA with the resources to host professional development opportunities for Marines and our members with key Corps and national level leaders.
MCA welcomes corporate 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 IT Services Corporation, Smartronix, USAA, Navistar
Silver: MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies, L-3 Titan
Bronze: AFCEA; Agility Logistics; AMSG; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems;
CA, Inc.; Cisco; Columbia Group; CTC; CSC; Deloitte Consulting; DSC; EG&G; Exeter; Geico; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; JWF Defense; Kollsman; Leupold; Motorola; Navistar;
Professional Solutions; 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
MCA extends a special thank you to Geico for helping to sponsor the April 2009 Single Marine Program Conference!
Your subscription to Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette is your key member benefit but membership also includes other important benefits such as 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 Camp Lejeune Bookstore. Member Value Pricing gives you exclusive and generous discounts on MCA's professional reading, specialty gifts and on many uniform items at The MARINE Shop.
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 listen to our members. 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 riskyour 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
MCA's program with Grantham University is a GREAT deal for Marines and, especially for MCA Members for a several reasons:
- Cost -- MCA members save up to 24% on tuition and educational materials fees, which is a substantial savings.
- Eligibility for the program includes MCA member dependents as well as the member.
And 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 facing long 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
Q. This native born American was raised in France, spoke 5 languages and joined the French foreign legion in the early stages of WW-II where he was wounded and captured fighting the Germans. Escaping he returned to the United States, joined the Marine Corps and was eventually commissioned. Assigned to the Office of Strategic Services he parachuted into France to lead the free French resistance fighters. Very well decorated for his bravery by his country as well as by the French and British, his awards included two Navy Crosses, the Legion of Merit, five-awards of the Croix de Guerre from France and he was also appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. His clandestine exploits led to two Hollywood motion pictures about his life. Who am I?
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 May trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q. Who was the only Marine officer to command a Navy warship and what was the name of the ship?
A. Marine Lieutenant John Gamble is credited with being the first and only U.S. Marine to command a
Navy ship. Lt Gamble was part of the crew of the Essex during the War of 1812. The Essex cruised in the Pacific ocean whaling grounds and captured so many ships that she ran out of Navy officers to post on them. Capturing the 10-gun Letter of Marque, Greenwich, Captain David Porter of the Essex posted Lt Gamble as the captain. Lt Gamble later captured a prize of war in his own right when he took the 14-gun raider Seringapatam the largest prize taken during the cruise.
Congratulations to GySgt Martin MacGown, USMC (Ret) of Winslow, Maine for being the first with the correct answer.
As an interesting aside, one of our readers pointed out that Sgt George Stephenson of the Confederate Marines briefly commanded the commerce raider CSS Sumter during the Civil War. The ship was abandoned at Gibraltar with a small detachment commanded by a midshipman. When the midshipman was killed by a sailor, Sgt Stephenson briefly succeeded to command.
Many thanks to Delroy Cline of Greencastle, Pennsylvania for providing this interesting historical footnote from a web site about Confederate Marines: http://csmc-photos.org/history.htm
COMMENTS? Tell us what would you like to see in MCA Today. Send your comments and suggestions to: comments@mca-marines.org. We love to hear from our readers and members!
MCA MAILING LIST.Get yourself and your buddies on the MCA Today mailing list! 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