FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
Fall is the favorite season for Marines. We all look forward to the great weather and also to the opportunity for camaraderie with fellow Marines celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday. MCA has always been an integral part of this celebration for units large and small and we look forward to performing our traditional supporting role again this year. In addition to providing professional medal mounting services and supplying Birthday Ball party supplies, MCA's recent purchase of the Corps' most prestigious Marine uniform and accessory provider, The Marine Shop, makes our supporting role even stronger this year.
Now an integral part of MCA, the Marine Shop offers our 10% discount to all MCA members. Let MCA and The Marine Shop help you look your professional best at the most memorable ball ever. Check out MCA's website here and The Marine Shop's website here to see how we can help you with your Birthday Ball needs!
The MCA professional event schedule is quite busy in August and September with prominent leaders of our Corps featured as guest speakers at all locations where MCA has a close presence.
On 22 August at Quantico, we will inaugurate our newest professional event, the MCA-MCCDC Dinner. Co-hosted by MCA and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, our dinner features Lt Gen James N. Mattis, Commanding General I-MEF as the guest speaker who will address the theme of combat decision making. Eagerly anticipated, this event is currently reserved to capacity. Click here for more information and contact information to get on the waiting list.
We have 3 dynamic MCA Luncheons in August and September. At MCAS Beaufort on 21 August, we feature Lt Gen Keith Stalder, Commanding General, II- MEF as the guest speaker and at Camp Pendleton on 6 September BGen Richard P. Mills, Commanding General 1st Marine Division as the guest speaker there. In the greater Washington, D.C. metro area our 24 September luncheon has LtGen Richard F. Natonski, Deputy Commandant for PP&O as the featured speaker.
In the Washington, D.C. area on 13 September, we have the 3rd Annual MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner with General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps as the guest speaker and the awards presentation for the Corps top performing logisticians.
I strongly urge all Marines and members in the vicinity of any of these events to attend and to bring a friend. Click here to check out the complete schedule on MCA's web site.
As always, thanks for your support of the professional association for all Marines.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Visit one of our four locations:
QUANTICO, VA
715 Broadway Street
703-640-0136
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
Building 84, Hadnot Point Exchange Annex
910-451-7500
CAMP PENDLETON, CA
Vandegrift Avenue, Building T-1100
Main Exchange Complex
760-385-0383
PARRIS ISLAND, SC
Bldg 283, Boulevard De France
843-522-9440
To order, Call (Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST) Toll Free: 866-622-1775
OR
Check Out Our ONLINE STORE
Featured Items for August:
EARNED SWORD COIN
The simple words emblazoned on this attractive collector's coin effectively capture the Marine Corps ethos and remind us of the proud heritage all Marines share. Featuring a velvet lined display box, this coin makes a great presentation gift and a treasured heirloom.
100433
Member Price: $17.96
Non-Member Price: $19.95
WARS OF BLOOD AND FAITH
The latest from iconoclastic author Ralph Peters, Wars of Blood and Faith forcefully explores the notion that the world is shedding the age of ideological conflict and entering a far more chaotic and violent era of pervasive ethnic and religious strife. Detailing the world's and especially the Middle East's security situation with remarkable clarity, Peters' vision of what it will take to keep the United States safe is comprehensive in scope, and compelling. Tackling a wide range of diplomatic, cultural, geographic and societal issues that affect the security mosaic in the world's most troubled regions, Peters offers a uniquely original perspective on where we are heading that is often contrary to the conventional wisdom. This freshly absorbing book is destined for consumption at one feverish sitting.
ISBN: 081170274X
HARDBACK EDITION
Member Price: $25.15
Non-Member Price: $27.95
CHROME CROSS PEN
Our elegant Cross pen rendered in chrome, features a tasteful Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the pen clip to delight the admiring eye and a slim line design that delights the wielding hand. Get one and improve your sense of style. Use one and improve your penmanship. Great to have but even better to give! Comes boxed for gift giving.
100226
Member Price: $32.40
Non-Member Price: $36.00
*All Prices Subject To Change.
RETAIL OR MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS OR WANT AN MCA BIRTHDAY BALL CATALOG?
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
Retail Orders (Online Shopping)
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
1- 888-237-7683
customercare@mca-marines.org
PAY YOUR INVOICE EARLY & BE ENTERED TO WIN!
Through the month of August, members who renew their membership by the 10th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. Our lucky June winners are:
Invoice Category: LtCol Sean M. Salene, USMC
Renewal Category: LtCol Phillip Leeseburg, USMC
Congratulations to our winners! Enjoy the cologne.
THE MARINE SHOP
The Marine Shop is the Corps' most prestigious provider of Marine uniforms and accessories and has helped Marines look their professional best since 1962.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The Marine Shop now offers the 10% member discount to all customers who are MCA Members.
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
Check out what’s new at the Marine Shop:
Men's 14k Gold Ring:
Member: $593.96 Non-member: $659.95
Women's 14k Glod Ring:
Member: $398.30 Non-member: $442.55
Eagle, Globe & Anchor 14k Charm:
Member: $187.88 Non-member: $208.75
Eagle, Globe & Anchor Sterling Silver Charm:
Member: $60.12 Non-member: $66.80
Stay up-to-date with your Corps through the association devoted to providing professional development and select services to Marines. Your membership includes a subscription to either the print and/or online edition of the magazine of your choice: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck.
MCA recently changed printers in order to better serve our membership with guaranteed earlier delivery of the print edition magazines but members should know that the Online edition of the magazines is ALWAYS ready early. AND, choosing the Online-Only edition for your magazine subscription is a great way to save money.
We urge all members to consider switching to online delivery of your Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette when you renew. You will get your magazine early - and still keep all of your MCA Benefits while saving 15% on your membership! And remember that the online editions provide exactly the same content as the paper magazines, but have additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words throughout the content allowing further reading on a variety of interesting topics. Choosing the paper editions of MCA's flagship magazines allows access to the online versions as well.
PLUS your membership qualifies you for the 10% MCA member discount on all books and gifts.
And if you sign up for Easy Pay renewals, we'll add a free month to your subscription.
Join
or Renew online. New members mention code NEMTN807. Renewals mention code REMTN807.
Our September edition features two interesting and highly provocative articles taking opposite sides in the information operations debate. One argues that we should restrict Marines from "blogging" indiscriminately and the other argues that blogs conforming to information operations campaign guidance and instructions should be encouraged, aided and abetted down to the fire team level. Additionally, there is an interesting article that attempts to define the nature of the war in Iraq. Is it major combat, counterinsurgency, foreign internal defense or some new type of warfare? We hope you will check it out and weigh in on the issues with your own views. Join the debate at Marine Corps Gazette - Click here to visit our online discussion boards at the Gazette home page.
In addition to several short War on Terrorism updates, the September Leatherneck brings you the first of a two-part article on the Vietnam War's Operation Swift (the conclusion will run in October) and a look at the forming of Denig's Demons, the first Marine combat correspondents in World War II. You'll want to know what Sergeant Major Carlton Kent sees as his priorities as the Corps' new sergeant major, so read associate editor and retired MGySgt Ron Keene's interview with SgtMaj Kent to find out.
For more on the history of our illustrious Corps, see and listen to the podcasts on the Leatherneck Web site: http://www.mca-marines.org/Leatherneck/. If you want to see something different or more on a topic, let Leatherneck know at: leatherneck@mca-marines.org.
If you are not a subscriber to either or both of the Marine Corps Association's flagship magazines yet, it's not too late to get on board. Call toll-free 866-622-1775, or go online at: www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx.
CAREER CENTER
The MCA Career Center exists to support Marines. ALL Marines are welcome. If you are a transitioning Marine, searching for employment, check us out First!
The MCA Career center has a rapidly expanding bank of resumes and the center continues to grow in influence with new companies seeking Marines as employees. Marine job seekers do NOT have to be MCA members to post their resume with the MCA Career Center. Any Marine who posts with the Career Center will have full access to search all of the jobs and can apply, too.
Companies and businesses seeking high quality employees to work for them, can’t do better than a highly motivated and reliable Marine and the MCA Career Center helps you find them.
Contact us now with your job openings. We offer unlimited job postings and resume searches for 3, 6, and 12-month increments and we offer significant discounts for members and MCA sponsors! Employment advertisements purchased by participating companies help support the MCA Awards program which provides recognition to deserving Marines. Check out the MCA Awards program here.
Click on the Career Center to get details on the posted positions, to post your resume, or to post a job for your company.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
MCA sponsors professional events of interest to Marines. Here is a list of some of the key events coming up. Visit here for the complete schedule.
MCA Luncheon - MCAS Beaufort, SC
On Tuesday, 21 August, 2007, MCA will host a luncheon at the MCAS Beaufort Officers' Club featuring guest speaker Lt Gen Keith J. Stalder, Commanding General, II-Marine Expeditionary Force.
MCA-MCCDC Dinner - Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA
On Wednesday, 22 August 2007, MCA with MCCDC will co-host the first ever MCA-MCCDC Dinner at the Clubs at Quantico featuring Lt Gen Mattis, Commanding General I-Marine Expeditionary Force as the guest speaker. The theme for the dinner is combat decision making.
Book Signing - Camp Pendleton
On Wednesday, 22 August and Thursday 23 August, MCA will host John Nolan, author of The Run-Up to the Punch Bowl: A Memoir of the Korean War, 1951 for book signings both days at the MCA Bookstore.
MCA Luncheon - Camp Pendleton, CA
On Thursday, 6 September 2007, MCA will host a luncheon at the San Luis Rey Officers' Club featuring BGen Richard P. Mills, Commanding General 1st Marine Division.
MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner - Arlington, VA
On Thursday, 13 September 2007, MCA and HQMC I&L Division will co-host the MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Arlington, VA. The featured speaker is General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps and the purpose of the dinner is to recognize the achievements of the most deserving Marines in the ground logistics field during 2006.
Book Signing - Quantico
On Tuesday, 18 September, MCA will host Ralph Peters author of Wars of Blood and Faith: The Conflicts That Will Shape the 21st Century for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore.
Book Signing - Parris Island
On Thursday, 20 September, MCA will host Eugene Alvarez, author of Parris Island: Once a Recruit, Always a Marine for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore.
MCA Luncheon - Springfield, Virginia
On Monday, 24 September, MCA will host a luncheon at the Springfield Hilton in Springfield, Virginia featuring guest speaker LtGen Richard F. Natonski, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policy and Operations.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS
THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:
PLATINUM GOLD:
PLATINUM SILVER:
PLATINUM
BRONZE:
And to our Individual Event Sponsors:
Gold: Harris, Oracle, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Smartronix
Silver: EMA, MITRE, Oracle, Raytheon, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: Alion Science & Technology; AM General; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; BearingPoint; Bell Helicopter/Textron; Boeing; CACI, Int'l; Cisco; Columbia Research; Deloitte Consulting; EFW, Inc.; Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc.; Exeter; Force Protection; General Dynamics ATP; General Dynamics IT; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; IBM; International Truck; Keane Federal Systems, Inc; L-3 Titan; MDS-PRAD Technologies Corporation; The Meltzer Group; Merrill Lynch; Mitre; Oshkosh Truck Corp.; Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Raytheon C4; Raytheon (Quantico Ofc); SAIC; Sprint; SRA International; Stanley, Inc.; Talley Defense Systems; Tandberg; Telos; Thales Communications; Verizon; Wackenhut Services; Whitley, Bradley & Brown, Inc.
Corporate Sponsors: Bank of America; DHS Systems; Earl's Body Shop; First Citizens Bank; JOEMC; Logis-Tech; Main Street; Marine Federal Credit Union; MCAS Beaufort FCU; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Spectrum; Supply Core
MCA extends a special thanks to the Battelle Corporation for their generous sponsorship of the 10 August Navajo Code Talkers Pentagon visit and PME presentation.
The Marine Corps depends on MCA support for programs for which appropriated funds cannot be used. In turn, MCA's professional development support of Marines depends on corporate sponsorships. We hope you will encourage your company to get involved in 2007 Marine Corps Association events.
For more information on how to become an MCA corporate sponsor, please contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.
In addition to a subscription to one or both of our flagship magazines and member discounts on books, gifts and uniforms at MCA bookstores and the Marine Shop, MCA membership includes access to great deals from a number of well known companies providing our members with travel and computer discounts and special deals on credit cards and insurance policies.
These benefits might not meet your needs or desires. Help us help you! Tell us what type of 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:
3 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. Most plans for the general public 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 new 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.
- 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 protects both you and your spouse for one affordable price.
Of course, MCA leveraged the strong group buying power of more than 90,000 Marine Corps families to negotiate money-saving group rates for you. Plus, you can rest assured that all benefits will be paid in addition to any other life insurance or pension benefits your loved ones may be entitled to.
Check out MCA's life plans today. Whether you're active duty, serving in the reserves or retired from the Marine Corps, MCA's life programs help you lock in rock-solid benefits... without the military exclusions and "act of war" loopholes so commonly found in civilian programs.
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
MCA
MASTERCARD AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW....
COMPUTER SAVINGS
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage
of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP). Save up to 17% off select Apple products
Members click here to log-in to visit the MCA/Apple Government MPP online
store and receive your discount. Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (and mention that you're an MCA Member).
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
WWW.MYMARINECORPSBALL.COM
It is definitely time to start getting ready for the Marine Corps birthday ball now! Check out My Marine Corps Birthday Ball Dot Com to get organized for your ball. If you need birthday ball party supplies, don’t forget to contact MCA for the 2007 Birthday Ball & Gift Catalog with the special birthday ball order form. Call 1-888-237-7683 or email customercare@mca-marines.org to order your catalog today.
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q: The Marines that rode the drop ship down to LV 426 in the belly of a wheeled armored personnel carrier and later fought Regina Horribilis came from what organization?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive Mission Essential Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
Here is the July trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q: Renowned for saltiness, this legendary "jewel" of the Corps was reputed to be "THE" master mortar man of the Corps and sported a highly non regulation goatee. What is his name?
A: Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland "Lou" Diamond, USMC
Congratulations to George Charlton Jr. from Somerdale, New Jersey for being first with the correct answer. The July trivia question sparked even more interest than June's question about the "Mig Mad Marine". We received almost 200 responses and only about 5 of those were incorrect. Way to go TRIVIAPHILES!!!!! Congratulations to you all!
COMMENTS? Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org
MCA MAILING LIST. Would you like to be on the MCA Email mailing list? Send your name, address and email address to customercare@mca-marines.org. Nominate your friends while you are at it...
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org