FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
MCA's professional events continue to be a major highlight of MCA's professional development program. If the location and your schedule allow you to attend, I think you'll enjoy hearing what the leadership of the Corps has to say. The latest list of events schedule is always posted on MCA's web site here.
On 27 August, our MCA Luncheon at Camp Lejeune features SgtMaj Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps as our guest speaker and we expect there to be "standing room only" so I urge you to visit our web site now to register for this event. Additionally, in Arlington, VA on 25 September, we will hold the MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner. Co-hosted by Headquarters Marine Corps, Installations and Logistics Division, the dinner serves as the venue to recognize the professional achievements of the Corps' top performing logisticians. The Marine officer, enlisted, civilian and logistics unit of 2007 will be presented with their well deserved awards. Mark your calendars now!
MCA's Awards Program is the largest provider of awards, Corps-wide, to recognize the professional success of Marines. YOUR membership dues directly support the program making possible recognition like that presented at the Ground Logistics Awards Dinner, and many others, possible. Our Awards Program recognizes the accomplishments of over 7,000 Marines annually through your support. MCA encourages your continued support through continued membership and, as we would like to expand the program, we also ask your help in encouraging your Marine buddies who are not members to join us today!
We have some great news we want to share with you. MCA's flagship magazines, the Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck, continue to address the Corps' important issues and tell the Marine Corps story with professionalism, accuracy, and a positive flair. We feel so strongly that our readers need BOTH magazines to stay connected to the Corps that we recently changed our subscription policy to give ALL of our members, ONLINE access to both magazines. This greatly increases the value of your membership in the Professional Association for all Marines and I strongly encourage you to check out the ONLINE editions for the special features only available in the online format. The "look" of the ONLINE magazines is exactly the same as the print editions but includes easily accessible archives extending back to 1916 and also feature hot-linked "key words" that allow additional reading on numerous, interesting topics.
Finally, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a little over 3 months away and fast approaching. I hope you will attend a Ball in your area and, for those of you that are organizing Birthday Balls, I urge you to consider using MCA's Birthday Ball Catalog for the Ball supplies you need to make your event truly memorable! Click here to check out this year's catalog.
As always, thanks for your support and do 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 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!
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.
Membership in THE Professional Association for ALL Marines is the best way to stay connected to the Corps and has the added benefit of letting you support well-deserving Marines while you do it!
Your membership dues directly support the MCA Awards Program, which provides awards for professional and academic achievement to over 7,000 Marines each year! As the largest awards provider in the Corps, chances are that if you know a Marine who got an award, MCA's Awards Program provided it with support from your membership!
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 and 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 over 24% over our regular membership price, 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. Additionally, 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: http://www.mca-marines.org/joinrenew.asp.
New members mention code NEMTN708. Renewals mention code REMTN708.
Readers of the August Leatherneck will benefit from the initiative of Marine combat cameraman Sergeant Jeremy Giacomino--his superb photographs of 1/9 leathernecks in Ramadi prompted the September article by LCpl Casey Jones: "From 'Ambush Alley' to Peaceful Ally: 1/9 Marines Win Local Support in Ramadi." The article, plus Giacomino's photos, clearly illustrate the successes in Iraq. Also in the August Leatherneck is a report on 26th MEU's realistic urban training in Indiana which proved timely for local residents when extremely bad weather caused the MEU to "turn to" on flooding. Cpl Jason Miles article, "Relief in Elnora: Marines Join the Indiana National Guard in Fight to Save Imperiled Town" is complimented by SSgt Bryce Piper's video of rescue ops which can be accessed through our digital edition or at www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/elnora. These articles, plus a personality piece on Notre Dame football great, John "Jack" Chevigny, who was killed on Iwo Jima; an informative piece identifying the WWII Marine who posed for a well known Norman Rockwell print; a report on Marines training in Morocco; and an update on the relocation of the Corps' most famous restaurant, The Globe & Laurel, run by retired Major Rick Spooner and his wife Gloria, round out our August offerings. We know you will enjoy reading about Marines in action.
In August the Gazette features an article that illuminates the new concept of the Security and Cooperation MAGTF (SC MAGTF). Clearly we will not do business in the future as we have done in the past. However, several other articles propose alternatives to ensure our organization and operational concept meet the changed threats we face. We believe you will find the August issue to be both enlightening and provocative. Join the debate and respond to the proposals either on the Gazette discussion board at mca-marines.org/gazette or by e-mail or letter. The future of our Corps should be debated and the Gazette is your forum to do so.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
What is an association without members? And, the more members we have, the more resources we have for supporting Marines! So, here is an incentive for you to stick with us. Renew your membership early when renewal time comes up we will give you a chance to win some great Semper Fi Cologne!
Here is the deal... Renew by the 10th of the month after receiving your FIRST membership renewal notice and we will automatically include your name in a drawing to win a bottle of highly popular and fine smelling USMC Semper Fi Cologne.
Our lucky June winners are:
Invoice Category: Gerald Ross, USMC Vet of Royal Oak, MI
Renewal Category: SSgt Mark Fiedler, USMC of Dublin, OH
Congratulations to our winners and we hope you enjoy the cologne. Even if you didn't win you can still get some Semper Fi Cologne for yourself! Just click on the logo above!
www.usmccologne.com
Marine Corps Association ONLINE Store
MCA's ONLINE Store carries the best professional reading of interest to Marines and features the complete USMC Professional Reading Program list, as well as detailed histories of the Corps. We also offer reading on hot topics like the war on terror, counter insurgency warfare, leadership and a host of other subjects. MCA's ONLINE Store has what Marines need to read!
Browse our ONLINE Store from the comfort of your home! Check it out at:
WWW.MCA-MARINES.ORG
Featured Gifts and Professional Accents
with Marines in mind for July:
PEN & KEYCHAIN GIFT SET
Rendered in shiny gunmetal our 5 piece Pen & Keychain gift set features, pen, roller ball pen, practical, spring loaded money clip, a sturdy key chain and an elegant professional business card holder all tastefully engraved with the USMC emblem.
104103
Member Value Price: $35.96
Non-member Price: $39.95
BOOKENDS
Our smoothly polished, black marble column style bookends are heavy enough to keep your growing book collection supported, feature the USMC emblem in gold on both pieces and make a perfect and practical accent to your professional library. This is a special order, non-returnable item, which requires 2-3 weeks for delivery.
103845
Member Value Price: $134.06
Non-member Price: $148.95
FRAMED CROSSED FLAGS PRINT
Framed hardwood print of colorful crossed flags flanking the Eagle, Globe & Anchor perched above an inspirational quote about the essential nature of what it means to earn the title "United States Marine."
103567
Member Value Price: $72.00
Non-member Price: $80.00
MAIL & KEY CABINET
A practical, as well as attractive accent piece, our hardwood Mail Cabinet features a muted color USMC emblem screened on the door and includes six key hooks and a shelf to store mail inside. Approximate dimensions are 12 1/4" x 4" x 18 1/4"
103764
Member Value Price: $54.00
Non-member Price: $60.00
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.
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
(24-7-365)
1- 888-237-7683
THE MARINE SHOP
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave*
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
*Currently Co-Located with MCA's Quantico Bookstore due to Renovations at 715 Broadway St.*
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!
Congratulations to all newly promoted Marine Majors and SSgt's!
The Marine Corps took your measure and promoted you, NOW its time for us to take your measure and outfit you in an Evening Dress uniform worthy of your accomplishments!
The Marine Shop offers member value pricing to all MCA Members.
If you need employment or someone responsible to employ...
MCA's Career Center Can Help!
Click here to Check It Out NOW!
MCA's Career Center has exciting new jobs in the USA and Overseas posted every day as well as a large and constantly growing resume bank from highly experienced Marines who seek responsible employment. If you are looking for a job or looking for a successful Marine to fill a position, let MCA's Career Center help you with your professional needs!
Featured Jobs for July:
Click on the link to check them out in detail
Military Advisors-Weapons Intelligence Teams - Overseas - NEK Advanced Securities Group
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2930362
Material Handler - North Wales & USA - TEVA Pharmaceuticals
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2928552
Pre Deployment Cultural Specialists - 29 Palms, CA - Professional Solutions
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2928035
MAGTF Simulations Analyst-Fires - 29 Palms, CA - Mobius Industries, LLC
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2923898
MCA PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCA sponsors professional events in the Washington, D.C. area and in the vicinity of all our MCA Bookstores as a means of providing Marines with unique professional development opportunities.
NOTE that we were forced to change the dates of several of our scheduled events as indicated below:
MCA Bookstore
Camp Lejeune, NC
Colonel Joseph Alexander, USMC (Ret)
Author of Utmost Savagery and
Through The Wheat
Marston Pavilion
Camp Lejeune, NC
Guest Speaker - Sgt Maj Carlton Kent,
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
(Changed from
18 Sept)
MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
(Changed from
20 Aug)
MCA-MCCDC Dinner
Clubs at Quantico, Quantico, VA
Guest Speaker - TBA
MCA Ground Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps
One of the most important benefits of MCA membership is your subscription to one or both of MCA's flagship magazines, Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette. Both of these magazines help you to stay connected to the Corps and keep you abreast of the current issues affecting Marines today. A great benefit, it 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 Member Value Pricing at MCA's bookstore, ONLINE Store and Marine Shop on our extensive selection of books, specialty gifts and uniforms. Membership also enables access to great deals from 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.
Many thanks to Thrifty Car Rental for sponsoring our June magazine Electronic Magazine Publications message!
How will you spend the years ahead? That may depend on the long-term care insurance you choose today...
Like most people, you probably recognize the need for long-term care insurance. It's not simply "nursing home" coverage, but insurance that helps assure you of continued independence as you age - without depleting the personal assets you've worked hard to acquire. But choosing the right protection from the many plans available can be a daunting task.
Long Term Care Resources has partnered with the Marine Corps Association to offer a comprehensive Long Term Care Program. MCA members are entitled to a special discount on certain LTC plans available through this program.
Call Long Term Care Resources today to receive a free MCA Long Term Care Planning Kit. To speak with an authorized LTC Specialist in your area, please contact LTCR Toll Free at (800) 616-8759 or click here for more information.
Are you looking for a great way to save some money on tuition for you or your children? Look no further than MCA's special program with Grantham University. You'll save up to 25% on the tuition hours and earn a first rate education at the same time.
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.
Marine Corps Association Platinum Plus® MasterCard® with WorldPoints®
Rewards Centered Around You.
Welcome to a world that revolves around you.
The WorldPoints credit card gives you a world of choice.
Exceptional services at every spin. Reward points at every turn.
* No annual fee
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* Online access and 24-hour service
* Access to the MyConciergesm service, a unique personal assistance service
* Introductory 0% APR for Balance Transfers*, Check Cash Advances, and Direct Deposits through your first 15 billing cycles. (These transactions are subject to a 3% transaction fee, no less than $10. Intro APR will end if late or overlimit. Payments are applied to lower rate balances first.)
Earn 1 point for every $1 in net retail purchases
5,000 Points = $25 cash Cash
12,000 Points = $100 Old Navy Gift Card Gift Card
25,000 Points = Round-trip airline ticket within the 48 continental U.S. states.
Apply Here!
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; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; Kollsman; L-3 Titan; MDS-PRAD Technologies Corporation; Microsoft; Motorola; Nammo Talley; Navistar; Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Rockwell Collins; SAIC; SRA International; Stanley, Inc.; Tandberg; Telos; Tesoro Corp.; Tompkins Builders; 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
The Marine Corps has many important needs for which taxpayer-appropriated funds may not be used and that is where non-profit organizations like the Marine Corps Association fill a critical role. A key case in point is the MCA Awards Program. This program is totally funded by member dues and sponsor support and gives the Marine Corps the resources to recognize the professional achievements of Marines in a large variety of worthy circumstances.
Annually, the MCA Awards program provides leadership, performance and academic recognition to over 7,000 deserving Marines and sailors with funding provided by member and corporate sponsor support.
MCA Awards Program presentations
Additionally, another key initiative shouldered by the Association, the MCA Professional Events program provides professional development opportunities with key Corps and national level leaders with partial funding provided by 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.
Special Thanks to General Dynamics C4 Systems for agreeing to provide three brand new computers for use at the Marine Shop for use by patrons to browse MCA's flagship magazines ONLINE while they wait for uniform fittings. The computers will be operational for patron use when the Marine Shop conducts its Grand Reopening in September 2008!
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
What is his name and where is the hall named for him?
Q. This irascible and somewhat unstable but brilliant strategist had a fondness for strong drink, won a Navy Cross for heroism at San Domingo and wrote a visionary plan for amphibious operations in the Pacific that became the cornerstone for the later war effort against Japan. Sent on a reconnaissance mission to the Pacific prior to World War II, he was never heard from again and his disappearance is shrouded in mystery and controversy. One of the Corps' under sung heroes, a hall used for war gaming is named after him at a prominent USMC education center.
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 June trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Congratulations to BGen Thomas Draude, USMC (Ret) for being the first correct answer!Q. Born in Puerto Rico, this controversial figure later became a proven Marine combat leader who unceremoniously cut in front of a substantial but bogged down Army unit to capture a castle during a major campaign towards the end of a war.
Who is he, what is the name of the castle and where is it located?A. MajGen Pedro Del Valle, fighting to seize Shuri Castle during the battle for Okinawa
COMMENTS? 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 and let the current flow!
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