FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
I am pleased to announce the creation of the Marine Corps Association Foundation. The MCAF is a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation designed to enable MCA to more fully accomplish our key mission through supporting the awards, professional development, unit professional library programs, and other programs that support Marines. As donations to the MCAF are tax-deductible, I encourage all of our readers to visit the new MCA Foundation web site here to read in detail what the foundation will do and I also encourage our readers to consider making a tax-deductible donation on the web or through our recent notepad direct mail appeal.
MCA is also pleased to announce that our former MCA Annual Dinner, renamed the MCAF Annual Dinner, will be held on 30 July and will feature General David H. Petraeus, USA, Commander, U. S. Central Command as our guest speaker. This is an event not to be missed if you live anywhere within reasonable access to the Washington, D.C. metro area and reservations are being filled rapidly so act quickly to reserve your seat by 27 July when registrations will close. Click here to get additional information and to make your reservation.
Additionally, we have a number of exciting opportunities scheduled in the upcoming weeks. On 6 August, we will hold a MCAF Luncheon at Camp Lejeune with LtGen Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs as the guest speaker. On 7 August we will host Colonel Wes Fox, USMC (Ret), Medal of Honor recipient and author of Marine Rifleman and Courage and Fear at a book signing at The MARINE Shop in Quantico. Later in the month, on 27 August, General Tony Zinni, USMC (Ret) former Commander U.S. Central Command and author of Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom and also The Battle for Peace: A Vision of America's Power and Purpose will be at The MARINE Shop for a book signing. On 10 September, Colonel Bruce F. Meyers, USMC (Ret) author of Fortune Favors the Brave: The Story of First Force Recon will also be at The MARINE Shop as well for another book signing. Finally, we are very pleased to feature the Honorable Robert O. Work, Under Secretary of the Navy, as the guest speaker at our MCA Combat Development Dinner at Quantico on 16 September. I cordially invite all of our members and readers of MCA Today to attend as many of these events as possible. Visit MCA's professional event schedule here to view the complete schedule and to get additional information.
Again this month, I encourage our readers to visit MCA's flagship magazines, Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette ONLINE! Get the latest breaking news flashes about YOUR Corps, see exciting picture galleries of Marines world-wide, hear podcast interviews with legends of the Corps and read your magazines online with dynamic and really useful features only available in a web based format. You are missing out if you have not read your magazines ONLINE! You can access them both from MCA's home page here.
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
The New Marine Corps Association Foundation
If you'd like to learn more about our new foundation or make a donation to the Marine Corps Association Foundation, you can now donate online at www.mcafdn.org or by calling 866-622-1775. Thank you for supporting our Marines.
MCAF's Special Grantham University Promotion!
MCAf is pleased to report that we will hold a silent auction for a 4-Year degree program at Grantham University. Details will be announced in MCA Today and also on MCA's and MCAF's web site in August! 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.
MCA's amazon.com Portal
If you regularly shop online at amazon.com we invite you to access their website through the new amazon.com portal on MCA's home page. Offering much more than just books, it is also a great place to shop for casual apparel, tools and a whole lot more.
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 directly helps support MCAF'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.
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 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 .
The most informative and enjoyable way to stay connected to the Corps and abreast of all its many exciting activities is through active and continuing membership in YOUR Professional Association -- The Marine Corps Association!
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 comes with your membership and is invaluable for maintaining your connections. The focus of both of MCA's flagship magazines remains fixed on the Marine Corps and all of its activities. Reading both keeps your connection to the Corps strong.
With a constant operational focus, the Corps continuously deploys Marines for extended periods, creating special needs for those deployed. Deployed Marines can't afford the luxury of extra weight and don't deserve the problems of delays in mail delivery. To help with these issues under the circumstances, MCA developed flexible membership options, which provide continuous support even during hectic 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 savings of about 24% off the print edition subscription rates. Active duty Marines should seriously consider this membership option when they join or renew. And if you do choose a traditional print edition subscription to EITHER, or Both magazines, MCA gives you ONLINE access to BOTH magazines at no extra charge!
Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette feature interesting and timely articles of real value to Marines. With professionally relevant, and highly illustrated articles written largely by Marines, both magazines keep Marines informed of current 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 additions possible only from the web. These features include searchable archives of both magazine's articles 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, allowing additional reading on topics that interest you!
In addition to keeping YOU connected to Marines, it is important to remember that YOUR membership dues directly supports the MCA Foundation Professional Awards Program, which provides incentive awards and recognition to over 8,600 Marines annually for professional and academic achievement. MCA through our new foundation, the MCAF, 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 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!
Your online Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette magazines truly are available at the tip of your fingers!New members mention code NEMTN709. Renewals mention code REMTN709.
In August, Leatherneck provides a comprehensive story on the Marine Corps Shooting Team; a report from Afghanistan by Stewart Nusbaumer who was with "Kilo," 3/8 in Helmand province; an article celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Marine Corps League's "Young Marines" and for our readers who enjoy history, we offer an article on Marine Raiders on Guadalcanal and a short piece by Major Norm Hatch, USMC (Ret), on the origins of the Marine Corps Photographic Service.
We think you will enjoy these, but September is already taking shape. Looking ahead to the September magazine, we'll bring you articles on the major Marine offensive in the Helmand River valley, Operation Khanjar; an innovative update package (Harvest Hawk) for the KC-130J Super Hercules that provides tremendous firepower to Marines on the ground in Afghanistan; a new perspective on Marine aviation and Medal of Honor Marine Christian Schilt in Nicaragua in the 1920s; a look at the Marines at Harpers Ferry on this 150th anniversary of John Brown's Raid; Marine night fighter aviation in the Battle of Okinawa; an update on the ongoing expansion of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and much more. It's an exciting issue.
The August edition of the Gazette contains articles that cover the whole spectrum of the MAGTF. It also includes an important article offering career advice from the monitors. In "MV-22 Escort", Major Douglas Sanders argues that we need to substantially upgrade the self defense capabilities of the MV-22. A frequent author LtCol Mike Grice takes on the idea of Fortress America and weighing down Marines with armor a medieval knight would be proud to wear in "Force Protection and Common Sense." A lot of Marines have speculated that given the current operating milieu combined arms training is not a high priority. Major Samuel Meyer says "not so fast" in his article "Combined Arms in Afghanistan." Read this month's Gazette to stay current in Marine Corps operations or to put a tool in your toolkit to advance your career.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
We value our members and the more we have, the more we are able to support Marines through MCA's professional development and awards programs! Helping us support 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 June winners:
Mr. William J. Burkhard of Brookville, IN
Mr Duane E. Dewey USMC (Ret) of Irons, MI
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 ONLINE Store
MCA's ONLINE Store carries all in-print titles in the USMC Professional Reading Program, as well as a wide range of other professional reading titles of interest and value to Marines and also features a large selection of specialty gifts for Marines. From high quality apparel with Marine logos, to prints, plaques, jewelry and other items, we have what Marines want.
WWW.MARINESHOP.NET
Featured Gifts For Marines!
BRASS USMC ENGRAVED
BLAZER BUTTONS
Let your blazer show off your Marine Corps pride with our USMC Emblem Button Set. Gold-plated brass buttons feature the Marine Corps emblem and comes in a boxed set for gift giving including 3 large buttons and 6 sleeve buttons.
103836
Member Price: $109.35
Non-Member Price: $121.50
23K GOLD PLATED CUFFLINKS
For a distinguished, Marine flair to your best civilian button down shirt, our USMC Emblem Cufflinks are hard to beat. Exquisitely engraved in 23k gold-plated brass and boxed for gift giving, they are a treasure you will always cherish.
101407
Member Price: $30.15
Non-Member Price: $33.50
PULSAR ANALOG WATCH
WITH TWO-TONE BAND
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, the watch is rugged, keeps highly accurate time and includes an adjustable clasp closure.
103859
Member Price: $151.20
Non-Member Price: $168.00
500381
Member Price: $195.00
Non-Member Price: $208.95
500382
Price: $66.80
Check out MCA's 2009
Birthday Ball & Gift Catalog Today!
http://www.mca-marines.org/birthdayball2009.asp
Marine Corps Association Stores
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!
Let Us Help YOU Get Ready for the Birthday Ball!
Professional Medal Mounting is a MARINE Shop Speciality!
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!
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
Helping Marines Who Need Employment!
We also help employers find MARINES to work for Them.
Click here to Check Out MCA's Career Center NOW!
We regularly post new jobs 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 position, MCA's Career Center is a great place 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 July:
Administrative and Training Support Coordinator - Professional Solutions - Camp Pendleton
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3157846
Cisco Certified Network Associate & Cisco Certified Voice Professional - Professional Solutions - Camp Lejeune
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3157764
GCSS-MC Trainer - AMSG - Albany, GA
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3154315
MCAF PROFESSIONAL EVENTS:
MCAF professional events feature top Marine, military 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 present, both professional dinners and lunches, PME presentations, seminars and panel discussions as well as "Meet the Author" book signing events showcasing authors who write about Marines, national security and a range of issues of interest to Marines.
MCAF professional events provide Marines with unique professional development opportunities and have become "Must Attend" events for Marines and MCA members within driving range of where they are held.
We cordially invite 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:
MCAF Annual DinnerCrystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - General David H. Petraeus USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command
Hurry, registration closes on Monday 27 July.
MCAF 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
1400 - 1530
Colonel Wes Fox, USMC (Ret), Medal of Honor recipient and author of Marine Rifleman and also Courage and Fear: A Primer.
Book Signing
The MARINE Shop
Quantico, VA
1300 - 1430
General Tony Zinni, USMC (Ret), Former Commander U.S. Central Command and author of Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom and also The Battle for Peace: A Frontline Vision of America's Power and Purpose
Book Signing
The MARINE Shop
Quantico, VA
1600 - 1800
Colonel Bruce F. Meyers, USMC (Ret) author of
Fortune Favors the Brave
MCAF Ground Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCAF Ground Logistics Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCAF C4 Awards Dinner
Crystal City Hyatt
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - TBD
MCA CORPORATE SPONSORS
We thank our sponsors for their generous support of MCAF's Professional Events and Awards Programs
Appropriated funds are not appropriate for a number of important Marine Corps needs. Because of that, non-profit organizations like MCAF are able to fill an important supporting role. The MCA Foundation Awards Program provides an excellent example. Totally funded by member dues and sponsor support, the program provides the resources to recognize the professional achievements of a large number of Marines in categories designated by the Marine Corps.
Large and comprehensive in scope, the MCAF Awards Program provides leadership, performance and academic awards to deserving Marines and succeeded in recognizing over 8,600 Marines and sailors for professional achievements in 2008.
The MCAF Professional Events Program is another example of a program that is heavily supported by corporate sponsors who provide MCAF with the resources to host professional development opportunities for Marines and our members with key Corps and national level leaders. Here are pictures of some of the guest speakers MCA has had the privilege of hosting as guest speakers at our professional events:
MCAF welcomes corporate support for MCAF's professional event schedule and invites potential sponsors to
contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org for more information.---------------------------------- PREMIER PLATINUM: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER DIAMOND: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER SILVER: ----------------------------------
---------------------------------- PREMIER
BRONZE: ----------------------------------
------------------- And to our Individual Event Sponsors: -------------------
Gold: Harris IT Services Corporation, Smartronix, USAA, Navistar, Deloitte
Silver: MITRE, Impact Resources Technologies, L-3 Titan, Cobham, AMSG, Leupold, Rheinmetall, Agility Logistics, Ciena
Bronze: AFCEA; 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; Motorola; 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, & JWF Defense
Marines at The MARINE Shop using laptop computers donated by General Dynamics C4 to MCA during 1 July 2009 Family Day. Thanks AGAIN to General Dynamics C4 for their generosity!
MCA member benefits include much more than just your subscription to Leatherneck and / or Marine Corps Gazette. Your membership also includes other important benefits like Member Value Pricing at all of MCA's stores, including The MARINE Shop at Quantico, Virginia and ONLINE, as well as at our Camp Lejeune Bookstore. Member Value Pricing gives you valuable discounts on all of MCA's professional reading and specialty gifts and includes discounts on many uniform items at The MARINE Shop.
Exclusive member access to great deals from well-known companies who provide discounted computer prices, special deals on credit cards, insurance policies, rental cars, travel, educational programs and a whole lot more also comes with MCA membership. 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.
How will you spend the years ahead?
That may depend on the long-term care insurance you choose today...
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.
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.
MCAF's Special Grantham University Promotion!
MCAF 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 August! This could be the opportunity of a lifetime for some lucky someone seeking to get a college degree inexpensively! Keep checking your e-mails and reading MCA Today and check our website 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 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 July contest.
Q. A blue diamond arrayed with 5 star points and a central number of unitary value with a famous location centrally imposed. What 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 June trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
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. Colonel Peter J. Ortiz is the answer to our June Trivia Contest. Read a bit more about this fascinating man and his amazing exploits in Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U. S. Marines available from MCA's Online Store, and in person at The MARINE Shop and at our MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune. In addition to being both exciting reading and a detailed, comprehensive history of the Corps, it is also the source of many of our Trivia Questions.
Congratulations to Joe Frazer of Malden, MA. for being the first with the correct answer.
COMMENTS? What would you like to see in MCA Today? Send us your comments and suggestions to: comments@mca-marines.org. We enjoy hearing from our readers!
MCA MAILING LIST. Get yourself and your Marine buddies on MCA Today's mailing list! It is super easy to do - just send us the names 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