FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
One of the key missions of the Marine Corps Association is to "...preserve the traditions of the Marine Corps throughout the Marine Corps family." One of the most important traditions we seek to preserve and promote is that of providing recognition to deserving Marines. The chief way we accomplish this important mission is by supporting the Marine Corps through the MCA Awards Program. In spite of our best efforts to get the word out about this program, too few seem to know about it so I thought I would take another opportunity to spread the good word.
The MCA Awards Program recognizes professional and academic achievement in a large variety of categories ranging from training course and academic honor graduates, professional writing awards, Marines of the Quarter and Year, NCO and SNCO of the Quarter and Year and professional achievement for top performers in special duties like recruiters, drill instructors and a host of other fields. Annually, MCA provides recognition in the form of swords, plaques, prints, trophies, certificates and professional books to over 7,000 deserving Marines and sailors serving with and supporting the Corps.
We are very proud of this program because of the recognition and incentive it provides Marines. More to the point though, we think YOU should be proud, too! Why? Because the MCA Awards Program is funded through YOUR membership dues, and, as long as you are a member, YOU are supporting deserving Marines simply through your membership! In that light, I ask for your continued membership in The Professional Association for ALL Marines and I also ask you to help us get the word out to your Marine buddies that their membership supports the program, too!
Another charter mission we aggressively pursue is that of providing opportunities for professional development for Marines. We do this by means of the MCA Professional Events Program. Always memorable, as well as just plain fun, our events feature first-rate speakers who address the crucial issues affecting Marines and our country. Here is what we have coming up shortly. On 27 August our MCA Luncheon at Camp Lejeune features SgtMaj Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps as our guest speaker and on 16 September we will hold another MCA Luncheon in Arlington, VA featuring the newly appointed Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations, LtGen Joseph F. Dunford as the guest speaker. Additionally, we will hold our annual MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner on 25 September in Arlington to honor the professional achievements of the Corps' top performing logisticians. Visit MCA's web site HERE to check out our complete professional event schedule and, if you are in the area of any of our events, I cordially invite you to attend. You won't regret it!
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Special Thanks to SPRINT for donating 50 NASCAR Race tickets to MCA for a drawing for Marines in the greater Quantico area. The Race is on September 6th in Richmond, VA and our drawing is on 29 August. If you would like to enter our drawing, send your name, email address and daytime phone number to promotions@mca-marines.org by COB, 28 August 2008. Start your engines!!
Special Thanks to GEICO for sponsoring the donation of MCA's flagship magazines, Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette to the Beirut Veterans of America who will attend the October remembrance service at Camp Lejeune.
Of all the armed services, the Marine Corps does the best job of commanding the loyalty and affections of its members. Even after we are released from active duty or retired, Marines WANT to stay connected to the organization they served. The best way to stay connected to the Corps and keep informed about its ongoing activities and glorious history is to join the professional association for ALL Marines -- The Marine Corps Association!
You get and you give when you join MCA. Your membership includes a print or online subscription to one or both of MCA's flagship magazines: Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of U.S. Marines and /or Leatherneck, magazine of Marines.
MCA's membership options are flexible and recognize the special needs of a force where so many are routinely deployed for extended periods to places where mail delivery is problematical. To that end, MCA now offers an ONLINE-ONLY membership option, which allows ONLINE access to BOTH magazines and all regular membership benefits at about 24% off the print edition membership rates. With this option deployed Marines don't have to worry about late mail delivery and can access both magazines online from anywhere in the world that they are deployed. We strongly urge all active duty Marines to consider this option when they join or renew their membership and for deployed Marines, this is the way to go!
Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck feature high quality, interesting and creatively illustrated articles written by Marines about Marines and are the best vehicles for keeping current with professional issues and the Marine Corps story. Our Online magazine editions provide the same content as the print editions, but have exciting additional features only available in a web based format. These include complete, searchable archives extending back to 1916, PODCASTS, interactive discussion boards where ANY reader can join the debate and hot linked key words that allow additional reading on favorite topics.
With an MCA Membership, YOU also give back to the Corps! Your membership dues directly support the MCA Awards Program, which provides incentive awards to over 7,000 Marines annually for professional and academic achievement. 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!
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 NEMTN808. Renewals mention code REMTN808.
While Leatherneck's September issue does have our traditional focus on new gear, science and technology with a couple of solid articles, Leatherneck also delivers some real "keepers" that you will want to read. Marine hero Colonel John W. Ripley USMC (Ret), was recently inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame and Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., public affairs specialist Art Powell covered it for Leatherneck and delivered a superb article. For morale-building, we've included "Keeping Marine Corps Music Soaring: Leatherneck Musicians Build Esprit," by Don Bedwell and a good look into Marine history with articles on the Battle of Cuzco Well in Cuba and a special treat, "Continental Marines: The 1778 Willing Expedition" by the director of Marine Corps History, Dr. Charles Neimeyer. Enjoy!
The September issue of the Gazette has a focus on training simulation and technology. In "The Infantry Immersion Trainer" we have a view of the dramatic change technology has made in training infantrymen in close quarter battle. Another article provides readers with an update on robotics on the battlefield. What will they or will they not replace? It won't be long before tactical communication devices the size of a hand held personal data assistant (PDA) proliferate. Every platoon commander and platoon sergeant will have one. The impact of that development is explored in this issue. Read the September Gazette to obtain insight into today's fight and how we will fight in the future.
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
We value our members! And, the more members we have, the more resources we have for supporting Marines! We want you to stick with us so here is an incentive for you. Renew your membership early when renewal time comes up and 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. And, to increase your odds, our drawing will have two winners each month.
Our lucky July winners are:
Invoice Category: Colonel Michael Gavlick, USMC (Ret) of Tullahoma, TN
Renewal Category: Andrew Jones of Mohave Valley, AZ
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 also features specialty gifts for Marines. From high quality apparel displaying Marine logo's, to prints, plaques, jewelry and other items, we have what Marines want.
Browse our ONLINE Store from the comfort of your home! Check it out at:
WWW.MCA-MARINES.ORG
How About Some Classy Marine BLING...
And Something To Store It In?
TIE BAR
Elegant gold tie bar with engraved USMC emblem makes a great accent piece for any tie!
103907
Member Value Price: $17.06
Non-member Price: $18.95
DRESS WATCH
Our showy silver and gold watch is water resistant and features a prominent USMC emblem on the easy to read face and an adjustable clasp closure. Keeps precisely accurate time and comes boxed for gift giving.
103561
Member Value Price: $39.60
Non-member Price: $44.00
CUFFLINKS
Jazz up your dress shirts with our shiny gold plated brass cuff links. Featuring an ivory colored face accentuating a contrasting black, Eagle, Globe and Anchor Design, our cufflinks are a must have accessory for Marines with taste!
101399
Member Value Price: $22.50
Non-member Price: $25.00
JEWELRY BOX
Our finely crafted hardwood jewelry box is just what you need for small accessories like cufflinks and tie tacks. Lined with plush green velvet it proudly displays your favorite emblem on the hinged marble top.
101367
Member Value Price: $59.31
Non-member Price: $65.90
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
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
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!
Featuring the Best in Civilian Formal & Informal Wear for Marines!
Look as Sharp in Classy Civilian Attire as you do in Uniform with MCA's Signature Blue Blazer or Tuexedo set!The Marine Shop offers member value pricing to all MCA Members.
Helping Marines Find Responsible Employment and Employers Find Responsible Marines to Employ Is what the MCA Career Center is all About!
MCA's Career Center Can Help!
Click here to Check It Out NOW!
With 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, MCA's Career Center is well positioned to help Marines and Employers who need them. 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!
Check out our Featured Jobs for August:
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=2956681
Logistics Analyst - Quantico, VA - The Columbia Group
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2954522
Sr. Acquisition Analyst, PM Infantry Weapons - Stafford, VA - Fulcrum Corporation
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2954888
http://careers.mca-marines.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2951045
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:
Marston Pavilion
Camp Lejeune, NC
Guest Speaker - Sgt Maj Carlton Kent,
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
(Changed from
4 Sept)
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
Alexandria, VA
Guest Speaker - LtGen Joseph F. Dunford,
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations
(Changed from
18 Sept)
MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Guest Speaker - LtGen Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs
(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 - LtGen Joseph F. Dunford,
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations
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 The 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!
Exclusive MCA Privilege Saves You 5% - 60% on Dental Care, Eye Exams, Chiropractic Visits and More
As a Marine Corps family, the services of TRICARE paired with a good TRICARE Supplement go a long way toward handling the cost of your medical care. But what about treatments like chiropractic, dental care, prescription drugs, eye doctor appointments or hearing exams that are usually NOT fully included?
MCA has an exclusive money-saving option for you.
Called TRICARE Gold, this specially negotiated discount program card is a smart money enhancement to MCA's excellent TRICARE supplement program. With the TRICARE Gold Discount Card, you'll cut costs on:
- Dental check-ups, fillings, and even major dental surgery
- Eye exams and glasses or contact lenses
- Visits to chiropractors
- Diabetic supplies
- Hearing exams
- Prescription Drugs
Of course, as an MCA Member, you and your family enjoy GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE in the TRICARE Gold Discount Card program.
Check out the TRICARE Gold Discount Card and see how this discount card can help reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Disclosures:
1. THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE. THIS IS NOT A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.*
2. The plan provides discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service.
3. The plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services.
4. Plan members are obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount medical plan organization.
5. Before purchase, you may access a list of participating health care providers at [searchforaprovider.com]. Upon request the plan will make available a written list of participating health care providers.
6. You have the right to cancel within the first 30 days after receipt of membership materials and receive a full refund, less a nominal processing fee.
7. Discount Medical Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone 800-441-0380.
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
* Absolute fraud protection
* 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 Grooup; CTC; CSC; Deloitte Consulting; DFW Marine Families; EG&G; Elbit Systems of America; eNTEGRITI; Exeter; FLIR; Force Protection; Fox News; Geico; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; Kollsman; L-3 Titan; Microsoft; Motorola; Nammo Talley; Navistar; Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Rockwell Collins; SAIC; Shee Atika Tech; 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.
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q. Captured with his family by the Japanese on his Pacific island home as a child, he later escaped and while foraging for food, was captured by elements of a Marine infantry regiment who first thought him Japanese. Released from captivity by the Marines, this young boy helped them on patrols against the Japanese. Attending college later in the USA he was commissioned as a Marine 2nd Lt upon his graduation from Notre Dame and later served 3 tours with the same regiment that liberated him as a child, ultimately commanding the regiment. Following his retirement as a General Officer, he subsequently returned to his island home, taught at the island's university and was then elected to the U.S. Congress as a delegate where he served 4 terms. Who is he?
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 July trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
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.
What is his name and where is the hall named for him?
A. LtCol Earl Hancock Ellis, USMC is the name and Ellis Hall at Quantico's Marine Corps University is named after him.
One of our readers thought the question was a bit misleading with the phrase "...was never heard from again..." and pointed out that the Arlington Cemetery web site has a listing for LtCol Ellis indicating that his body was subsequently recovered from Palau, buried and then subsequently buried at Arlington in 2004 with full military honors. Many thanks for the update to Jim Haslam of Cary, NC.
Congratulations to John Whittle for being the first correct answer!
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. Help your friends stay connected to the Corps and to the Professional Association for ALL Marines! Get them on our mailing list by sending us their names, addresses and email addresses for those you would like us to add 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