Modern Day Marine
Thousands of visitors toured the more than 400 displays at Modern Day Marine Expo from Sept. 25 to 27 at MCB Quantico. The variety of vendors included the latest technology in equipment, the demonstration of vehicles and, of course, the Marine Corps Association & Foundation.
MCA&F was giving away gift bags chockfull of member information, garment bags and 10 percent off coupons from The MARINE Shop, aviation posters, engraved golf divots and copies of Leatherneck and the Marine Corps Gazette.
Those who signed up for one-year memberships received a challenge coin and those who signed up for two or three-year memberships received a hat or a book.
MSgt Roland Hamilton reinstated his MCA&F membership so he could better help his junior Marines. He said he believes the association will help him achieve the mantra of “teach, train and motivate.”
“Growing through the ranks, I’ve seen the changes in the Marine Corps,” Hamilton said. “The juniors want to be exposed, prosper and take advantage of what the Marine Corps has to offer. You don’t know unless you’re involved. I need be more involved.”
Nearly 900 participants entered in the MCA&F raffle to win books and a Ka-Bar. Carmen Minnis of Woodbridge, VA won the Six Essential Elements of Leadership by Col Wesley L. Fox, USMC (Ret) and Green Side Out by the late Maj Gene Duncan, USMC (Ret). Colin Aspenson of Quantico, VA won Marine Rifleman also by Col Wesley L. Fox, USMC (Ret) and Politically Correct Not also by Maj Gene Duncan, USMC (Ret). Jesus De La Torre of Stafford, VA won the Ka-Bar.
MCA&F secured multiple memberships, including many corporate members.
Vivian Smith, business development manager of Sofia Tactical International LLC., signed her company up for a one-year membership. The company connects US suppliers with the militaries of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and helps the Americans navigate international licenses and regulations. Smith said a MCA&F membership is important to her tactical company for Corps awareness. She will also look at the advertisements in the Gazette to research additional US companies to work with.
“We need to know what’s going on in the Marine Corps to get more involved, and see what they’re using right now and if we can apply it to UAE and Qatar,” Smith said.
MSgt Bernard Bartenbach, USMC (Ret) also signed his Marathon Watch Company LTD for a MCA&F Membership. The company is based in Canada but the watches are handmade in Switzerland, Bartenbach said, and he hopes subscribing to both MCA&F magazines will help educate his Canadian counterparts about the Corps.
“We want to use the Gazette and Leatherneck for advertisements and find out what’s going on in the Marine Corps,” Bartenbach said. “We want to be a server of the troops for whatever they need.”
Member Oorahs!
Thanks for the email; I purchased the two Marine Corps. Cups for my brother who served with the First Marine Div. in Vietnam . He was very pleased with the cups and I was very impressed with the purchase. The online catalog did not do the product the justice it deserved. Thanks again and I am sure you will hear from me in the future.
I received my Dress Blues I ordered from The Marine
Shop in the mail today. And I just wanted to write and tell everyone there
that you all did a great job! Everyone from the tailors, to the customer
service reps. I am highly impressed with the quality and tailoring of your
uniforms. I will definitely keep coming back to The Marine Shop in the
future for uniforms!
I received them this morning. Thank you so much for your help! you guys are awesome and you will have my business for any uniform or military need in the future as well as a hearty recommendation via word of mouth to anyone who wonders where they should purchase uniforms from!
I'm so pleased to see all the great merchandise you are stocking and the awesome promotions. Your store was dissappointing a few years ago and I shopped only at Sgt Grit.
Now, I can find what I am looking for with you guys.
Great job!
Colonel Ford, I have to pass this on because I'm in shock that I was able to Connect (on the first Ring), Chat and concluded my business with "Sharon" in less than 30 seconds, at the MCA-Office. I was taken by surprise. Why, I'm Not used to anyone answering the phone especially on the first ring. AND...a human being...a lovely lady with a disarming voice, which at first I thought was a recording. WOW! I commend THE MCA for doing such an outstanding service for its members...make me proud. Just think...I was not asked "if I knew my parties Extension."?
Wish I had a Blog...I would spread around how delighted I am. What transpired to me today is Rare, just doesn't happen anymore. See, I'm so impressed I'm blitzing you here.
S/F
Louise,
I just wanted to say thanks so much for making sure the uniform got back
to me in time for my commissioning class's photo. It fits me well and I am so excited for commissioning which takes
place in 17 hours! Thank you again!
Very Respectfully,
I want to relay my many thanks to everyone at Marine Corps Association and Military Historical Tours for providing me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful trip to Russia. Had I not won this trip through MCA I may have never taken advantage of such fantastic travels. The group, the Russian Tour guide (Oleg Alexandrov) and Charlie Dunn were wonderful companions during the trip. It will be a memory I will cherish all of my remaing days on this earth.
Again, Many thanks and Semper Fidelis!
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to work with a consummate professional such as SgtMaj (Ret.) Frank Pulley. As the company 1stSgt for Hotel Company, MCT, SOI (West), I’ve attended a number of his briefs and one can visually see a positive change in the student’s attention levels as the SgtMaj delivers his presentation. The SgtMaj truly cares about the Marines and the Marine Corps and represents the MCA in an extremely admirable manner. It has been my experience that all Marines (including myself) benefit from the experience of attending a MCA presentation. And regardless of rank or years of experience, Marines should always seek to increase their level of proficiency and knowledge and MCA briefs provide us with that opportunity.
Jessica,
Thank you so much for taking the extra time and making the extra effort
to ship another hat to me for my husband last week. The second hat
arrived last Thursday... and he was tickled with it. Although it may be
"only a hat" it is a very special hat in many ways. He will always be a
proud Marine dad, and your kindness is very much appreciated.
Member saying thanks to our Customer Service Representative, Skylar Hand.
Thank you so much for your help!!! I think you should be commended for your excellent customer service! You were extremely helpful and I was about to get upset about my order but you handled it before I could say anything. You are the best. Thanks again!!!