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2018 Spring Newsletter

From the President and CEO,

I have had the privilege of serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer and President of the Marine Corps Association & Foundation for almost a year now and I am proud to say that our future is bright.

In 2018, we will be guided in large part by our new Strategic Plan. The plan is a five-year look at our organizational goals, objectives and supporting actions required to achieve our vision in support of Marines. We will work diligently to improve upon our recognition as the preeminent professional association and foundation of the Marine Corps by being responsive to the needs of our members and a valued partner in Marine leader development.

Other 2018 goals include enhancing connections between Marines, academia, industry, government and other thought leaders. We continue to ensure meaningful program, product, and benefit delivery in support of commanders’ objectives for leadership development and professional growth through our Foundation. We will also continue efforts to increase membership in the Marine Corps Association & Foundation.

MCA&F remains focused on our role as the acknowledged partner of the Corps in leader development and professional military education. To that end, our Foundation programs have supported more than 50% of today’s active duty Marines with commanders’ forums, Commandant’s Reading List libraries and writing programs. We consider it a privilege and responsibility to play a role in the professional and leadership development of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders in our Corps.

2017 marked a third consecutive year of membership growth for MCA&F. The lifeblood of any organization, increasing and retaining members, continues to be a top priority for us as we work diligently to uphold the legacy of our founder, John A. Lejeune. Both officer and enlisted Marines see the value in joining their professional association. We have plans in place to continue to grow in size and in the level of support we provide Marines.

Finally, we continue to enjoy the support of many veteran Marines as well as active duty senior leaders in the Corps to ensure that our support to today’s Marines continues unabated. Whether encouraging membership, using and acknowledging our programs, attending professional and awards dinners, connecting with Marine Corps veterans and friends of the Corps, or presenting one of our many awards to a deserving Marine, your support makes a big difference in developing today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. Thanks for your continued engagement and support of General Lejeune’s legacy.

Download this Newsletter as PDF

Publications

The iconic Leatherneck Magazine continues to be a well-loved and read treasure trove of articles detailing the Corps’ rich and illustrious history and traditions. It is enjoyed as an expression of the Marine Corps culture by many young warriors and especially by our veteran Marines. The magazine celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special issue in November 2017 featuring articles from the early 1920s to present. The cover was based on a painting commissioned for the occasion and $7900 was raised for our Foundation when we auctioned off the painting.

Leatherneck will be focusing on the Corps’ significant anniversaries throughout 2018 as we celebrate the World War II centennial, the 75th anniversaries of numerous battles throughout the Pacific in World War II including Tarawa and Cape Gloucester and the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive and Hue City. Leatherneck will also be commemorating the 100th anniversary of women in the Corps in its August issue. Other features in the upcoming months include interviews with the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Alfred M. Gray, and retired Major General Charles Bolden, Marine pilot, astronaut and NASA administrator, and articles on some of the Corps’ icons including General Holland M. Smith. With readers ranging from high school students preparing for the rigors of recruit training to veterans of World War II, the Magazine of the Marines continues to do an outstanding job of telling the story of the Corps’ past and future.

The Marine Corps Gazette remains the Corps’ professional journal and throughout the past year the magazine’s standing as the preferred forum for professional discussion and debate has only increased and bolstered MCA&F’s role as the professional association of all Marines. In 2017 in addition to monthly editions
focused on innovation, aviation, ground logistics, C4 and intelligence, several individual articles went viral and generated significant interest among the Corps senior leadership and thought leaders in the wider defense and foreign policy communities. In addition, in 2017 the Gazette served as the vanguard for MCA&F’s
lead role in the intellectual component of several professional events including the planning and execution of four senior officer panel discussions at the Modern Day Marine Expositions at Marine Corps Base Quantico in September, and the Kiser Family Irregular Warfare Symposium held in the Marine Corps University’ Warner
Center in October.

Plans for 2018 will continue to advance the intellectual leadership of the Gazette and MCA&F by partnering with Deputy Commandants and senior commanders to further align monthly editorial themes with the priorities of the Corps’ leaders. Information Warfare, Ground Operations, Acquisitions and Training & Education will each have dedicated editions of the magazine. 2018 will also see the second iteration of the Irregular Warfare essay contest in preparation for a second IW symposium. We will reinforce the intellectual components of both the Marine South Expo in April and Modern Day Marine again in September. Increased partnership with Marine Corps University will present more opportunities to employ case studies and decision-making exercises in support of leader development and the Gazette, supported by the MCA&F Strategic
Communications Team, will use our print and digital resources to reach the broadest audience of members and Marines at large.

As a reminder, our members can read both magazines in print, on line at www.mca-marines.org, and via our
app, available in the Android Store, Google Play and the App Store.

Events

Our professional dinners continue to be well attended and appreciated events in both the National Capital Region and at selected Marine Corps bases across the globe. In 2017 we conducted events in Albany, Ga,
Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune and Hawaii and recently returned from our first professional dinner in Okinawa, Japan in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific where atendees heard a great presentation by MajGen Jim Lukeman, the Commander of Marine Forces Korea and J5 of United States Forces, Korea. More than 300 Marines from III MEF attended free of charge thanks to
our members and generous corporate sponsors. For 2018, our slate of awards dinners is already in full swing and this Spring we’re privileged to recognize the Corps’ finest Marines who excelled within their units and
in the ground, logistics, and C4 communities.

We are also planning an event recognizing the work of our Acquisition professionals later this year as well
as hosting a dinner in Charlotte, N. C. during Marine Week where General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant
of the Marine Corps, will be our Guest Speaker.

Retail

The Marine Shop (TMS) has long been the symbol of quality, service, professionalism and commitment to excellence. In 2017 more midshipmen, candidates, and other future officers chose TMS for their uniform needs than ever before. Marines around the world can easily access The MARINE Shop to provide for their uniform needs wherever they may be. We are honored to continue to ensure that our youngest leaders represent the Corps well and that senior leaders continue to trust us to fill all their uniform needs. Proceeds from all TMS retail sales continue to go to the Foundation to support Marines. Our online store continues to provide a variety of Marine-themed items for gifts and special events, such as Marine Corps themed parties and USMC Birthday Balls. TMS will be offering copies of the Leatherneck Anniversary print for sale in the spring. Our Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Foundation

Our charitable arm, the Marine Corps Association Foundation, a 501c3 organization, continues to provide five (5) programs that support Marines throughout the Corps. Almost $1 million was spent on Marines in 2017 thanks to the generosity and patriotism of loyal donors and members. The provision of support to Marines exceeded our 2017 estimates signifying a recognition across the Marine Corps that our programs are popular and leaders see value in what they provide to Marines. Our unit libraries, commanders’ forum events and professional military education trips are just a few of the examples of the support we provided last year. In addition, we presented almost 9000 awards to Marines in recognition of their professional excellence at schools and training detachments across the Corps.

Clean Audit

We’re very proud that 2016 was our 7th consecutive year with a perfectly clean financial audit – a testament to the care and precision with which MCA&F executes its financial responsibility to members and donors. Our audit of 2017 will be conducted later this spring and we expect similar results.

Summary

In summary, thanks to you, your Marine Corps Association & Foundation continues to make an impact on Marines and the Marine Corps. Just as Marines young and old make a commitment to Corps and Country, MCA&F, as the preeminent professional association for all Marines, is committed to supporting the continued betterment and improvement of Marines. Your continued support has never been more important to our common mission and cause. Thank you and Semper Fidelis.

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Scuttlebutt 24: Marinus’ Maneuverist Paper #19

Nick, Vic, and Will dig into Maneuver Warfare and bring everyone up to speed on a long-running segment in The Gazette “Maneuverist Papers” by Marinus. For eighteen months Marinus has been exploring and establishing what Maneuver Warfare is and what it means, lulling the Gazette staff and readers into a sense of ease and familiarity with the series. Now, in a watershed moment, Marinus has challenged MCDP-1 and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations coexistence and we are here to try and unpack. We’ll do what we can to get everyone on the same page and then take Maneuverist Paper #19 head on.

The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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Scuttlebutt 23: Russia Invades Ukraine!

Nick, Vic, and Will try to wrap their arms around the situation in Ukraine. Knowing that we can’t keep up with the rapidly evolving situation on the ground, we go over some of the geopolitical history that lead to this point, speculate on where this could lead, and try to paint as complete of a picture as possible.

This may be the least political discussion you’ll find in the podverse. Thanks for tuning in!

Although we researched as thoroughly as possible, there is a strong possibility we missed something or misspoke, or even had an incomplete thought left hanging. The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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Scuttlebutt 22: Four Chaplains Part 4 – CAPT Rabbi Stern

Chaplain Captain Rabbi Mendy Stern, USA, joined Vic and Nancy to bring our Four Chaplains series to a satisfying end. He expanded our understanding of the Four Chaplains story, took us through a day of a Chaplain working at Arlington National Cemetery, used his own trailblazing story to expand of religious accommodations in the military, enlightened us with a fascinating story about Yom Kippur, and so, so much more.

Chaplain Stern is currently serving the Army and has, since our interview, earned a promotion to major. As the final interview in our Four Chaplain series, he brings it home with us by showing us a new perspective, religiously and generationally, than we’ve had on the show so far and helps us close this chapter in our exploration of Chaplaincy, the chaplain’s corps, and the individuals who volunteer to listen to and guide our servicemembers all over the world.

Four Chaplains Month is Scuttlebutt’s first ever multi-part special. Join us as we dive into the world of Chaplains past, present, and future as we tell the tale of the USAT Dorchester and learn much, much, more about the Chaplain Corps.

The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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A Letter from DC I&L

March 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY COMMANDANTFOR INSTALLATIONS & LOGISTICS

Our Commandant has stated it clearly in his planning guidance, force design documents, and in an article addressing Stand-in Force capability: the Marine Corps will be trained and equipped as a naval expeditionary force-in-readiness and prepared to operate inside actively contested maritime spaces. As such, the Marine Corps Logistics Enterprise must transform to sustain the future force over great distances, across multiple bases, stations and installations, and in the face of multi-domain threats.

Central to this transformation, the Marine Corps must resolve the paradox of effectively organizing, training, and equipping a force that is mobile, lethal, and low signature, yet possesses the requisite amount of redundancy and self-sustainability to persist in a contested environment. We will no longer have the luxury of weighing down units with logistics capabilities that improve self-sufficiency at the cost of making them heavier and less agile.

We must continue developing and retaining high-quality, multi-skilled Marines that can think critically about the enemy and our capabilities. We need logisticians that understand the future threat environment, their contributions to the competition continuum, and realize that the same capabilities that threaten battlefield maneuver hold at risk our force generation and deployment platforms. Our logisticians must appreciate that our bases and stations are no longer sanctuaries and must be resilient in the face of these threats—whether from kinetic fires, cyberattacks, or the effects of climate change. The Marine Corps Gazette provides an excellent forum to articulate ideas, foster discussion, and stimulate debate on meeting these challenges.

We received nearly 30 submissions for this year’s Marine Corps Gazette Installations and Logistics edition. I applaud all those that were willing to put pen to paper whether printed here, published online, or submitted for later publication. Major General Reventlow and the team from DLA highlight the challenges of global distribution in a contested environment—a perspective often underappreciated at the tactical level. Captain Sneed’s “The Seven Principles of (EABO) Logistics” offers valuable guidelines that could prove helpful in devising future tactics, techniques, and procedures. The MCB Albany and MCAS New River submissions reflect the creative approaches needed to better posture our installations for the future. Major Katzman’s article assessing the supportability of EABO provides an excellent counterpoint to our current thinking and highlights known capability shortfalls and requirements, underscoring the challenges we face ahead.

We must continue to examine and challenge traditional thinking related to the logistics capabilities across the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, integrated with the Navy and the Joint community. I am committed to creating maneuver space for all Marines, whether in the halls of the Pentagon, at our bases and stations, or on the battlefield, to help us innovate and experiment in order to accomplish this transformation. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Gazette and it sparks your thinking in sustaining the future force.

Semper Fi,

Edward D. Banta
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics

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Scuttlebutt Mini Pod: USCGC Escanaba

Scuttlebutt’s first ever Mini Pod! In less than 10 minutes, learn about some of what the Coast Guard was contributing to World War II and dig a little bit deeper into the USCGC Escanaba, one of the three Coast Guard vessels escorting the convoy on the night the USAT Dorchester was sunk.

Four Chaplains Month is Scuttlebutt’s first ever multi-part special. Join us as we dive into the world of Chaplains past, present, and future as we tell the tale of the USAT Dorchester and learn much, much, more about the Chaplain Corps.

The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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Scuttlebutt 20: Four Chaplains Part 3 – COL James Driscoll, USA (Ret.)

COL James Driscoll (Ret) joins Scuttlebutt for the third part in our Four Chaplains Month special. COL Driscoll is the Special Assistant To The President at Wesley Theological Seminary overseeing the military chaplain doctoral program and a hospital chaplain at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare.  This week he takes us on an exploration of chaplaincy from his days in the Virginia and D.C. National Guard learning from vastly different and diverse groups of people, to how chaplains promote personal well-being, and how chaplains should be proactive and accompany commanders in the field. COL Driscoll draws on his experience in the Army – including at the Pentagon, at Wesley Theological Seminary and more to expand our understanding and appreciation of chaplains all over the world.

Chaplain COL Driscoll is the hospital Chaplain at the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Center in Virginia, if you are seeking the help of a chaplain you can find it here: https://chesapeakeregional.com/patients-visitors/support-services/pastoral-care

Please help us support his mission at Wesley Theological by visiting https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/support/how-to-give-2/ Donations allow them to accept students at 100% paid tuition to guide young minds on their spiritual journey.

Four Chaplains Month is Scuttlebutt’s first ever multi-part special. Join us as we dive into the world of Chaplains past, present, and future as we tell the tale of the USAT Dorchester and learn much, much, more about the Chaplain Corps.

The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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2019 Spring MCA&F Newsletter

Greetings Marines and Friends of the Marine Corps,

Let me begin my short update for this Spring Newsletter with a powerful and heartfelt “thank you.” You continue to lead from the front in support of Today’s Marines. Whether through your membership in MCA&F, your reading and contributions to our iconic Leatherneck and Gazette Magazines, your generous donations to the Programs in our Foundation or through your purchases at The Marine Shop, we could not serve as the Corps’ Professional Association without your continued fidelity. You may recall that last year we published two newsletters; one in the Spring and one in the Winter. The feedback received from members, donors and other friends of MCA&F about the newsletters was very positive so we are reinforcing success! For 2019, there is so much to be excited about as MCA&F steps off into the year with a full 30-inch step. By the time you receive this letter we will have already rolled out our new websites at www.mca-marines.org and the Marine Shop on-line at www.marineshop.net. I think you will find that our new sites better facilitate reading digital versions of both magazines, renewing your membership, updating your profile information, registering for events or donating to Marines and Foundation Programs. Finally, we continue to strengthen our outstanding relationship and partnership with the Commandant, Assistant Commandant, other senior Marine Corps leadership as well as other Marine Corps organizations with whom we work closely. We continue to pursue all these efforts and more as we recognize the professional excellence of Marines and advance their leader development. Thank you and Semper Fidelis.

William M. Faulkner
Lieutenant General, United States Marine Corps (Ret)
President & Chief Executive Officer
Marine Corps Association & Foundation

Download Spring 2019 Newsletter as PDF

The Marine Shop

The Marine Shop continues to enhance its high standards of quality and excellence while serving as the first choice of new officers for their uniform needs. In 2018, more than 70% of newly commissioned second lieutenants chose The Marine Shop to provide their first uniforms. The recent introduction of the newly designed female dress blue coat has resulted in numerous female Marines throughout the Corps choosing The Marine Shop as their source for the new coat which was designed to mirror the male version.

The MARINE Shop’s new website, www.marineshop.net, will allow us to provide better and faster support to the Marines we serve and friends of the Corps. This on-line store offers a variety of products ranging from uniforms to gifts for all Marine occasions to clothing and most importantly, proceeds from The Marine Shop’s retail sales go towards our Foundation to support Today’s Marines.

Visit The Marine Shop

Medal of Honor Recipient: SGTMAJ John L. Canley, USMC (RET)

Both Leatherneck Magazine of the Marines and The Marine Shop were privileged to support the Corps’ newest Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant Major John L. Canley, who received the Nation’s highest honor at a White House ceremony on Oct 17, 2018. The Marine Shop tailored the Sergeant Major’s dress blues and mounted his medals while the November issue of Leatherneck featured articles on the Medal of Honor presentation and the dedicated efforts of Marine veteran John Ligato to have “his Gunny’s” previous award upgraded to the medal of honor. SgtMaj Canley had previously received the Navy Cross for heroism while serving with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment from January 31 through February 6, 1968.

Foundation’s 10th Anniversary

The Marine Corps Association Foundation celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year. Founded in April of 2009 as the charitable arm of the Marine Corps Association, the goal of the Foundation is to aid in the professional development of Marines as strong and effective leaders, both on and off the battlefield. During each year of its existence, the Foundation has worked to provide professional and leadership development programs to a greater number of Marines. In 2018 we were able to provide programs for close to 50,000 of Today’s Marines, ranging from professional reading and writing to excellence awards and battlefield studies.

Highlights of our support over the last year include sending Marines to battlefields across the globe where Marines have fought so valiantly throughout our history. These are the types of career enhancing programs that have been available to Marines through the past decade, and our ability to provide them is only because of our loyal and generous members and donors. We look forward to even greater success in the next 10 years with your continued assistance.

Visit Foundation

Corps Voices

MCA&F has partnered with the Marine Corps University to create a podcast capturing key audio interviews from the Marine Corps History Division’s treasure trove of archives. These interviews have been combined with photographs and videos to further enhance the experience. Marines can hear LtGen Lewis “Chesty” Puller personally describe his five years as a company commander in Nicaragua or Gen Alexander Vandegrift discuss the Guadalcanal campaign. Other interviews include General Charles Krulak, Gen Robert Hogaboom, and Gen Alfred Gray Jr. among others. Through MCA&F’s dedicated efforts to gather the materials and resources, we have been able to make these priceless recordings accesible to Marines so that they may be used in events ranging from unit PME and guided discussions to professional reading and self-education.

Listen to Corps Voices

New MCA&F Website

We invite all our members, donors and friends to visit our new enhanced website www.mca-marines.org and explore the numerous ways we continue to support Today’s Marines and the rest of the Marine Corps family. Faster and easier to navigate, our improved website continues to provide access to our iconic magazines, the Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck Magazine of the Marines and to The Marine Shop but now also includes a variety of resources for active duty and veteran devil dogs. Whether it’s signing up for one of our professional events or looking up the details (especially the prize money!) on one of our essay contests, we have everything needed to ensure our visitors can find what they are looking for. A key element of the new site is the enhanced interaction with our members and donors which includes everything from renewing memberships to providing digital input to the magazines or obtaining information on topics ranging from transitioning to the civilian world, researching resources for Marine Corps Ceremonies or discovering upcoming unit reunions. Visit mca-marines.org and see how your professional association is continuing to work to support Today’s Marines!

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2019 Fall MCA&F Newsletter

10 Years of Supporting Today’s Marines

Download Fall 2019 Newsletter as a PDF

Greetings Marines and Friends of the Corps,

This Marine Corps Association Foundation newsletter contains stories and testimonials of how your generous contributions continue to make a significant difference in the professional development of Today’s Marines. As we celebrate our tenth anniversary of supporting Marines, we are also celebrating a new Commandant of the Marine Corps. In July General David H. Berger received the battle colors of the Marine Corps at a passage of command ceremony at historic Marine Barracks Washington. General Berger personally knows how much the Marine Corps Association Foundation does for Today’s Marines. He has been a supporter and during his many years of service has seen his Marines benefit from our programs. Accordingly, your support has never been more important as we continue to advance the Commandant’s priority of training and education, and the self-improvement of Marines.

These are exciting times for our Corps and for your Marine Corps Association Foundation. Colonel Tim Mundy, our Foundation’s director, and I remain thankful to be on your team and eternally grateful for your continued contributions.

LtGen William M. Faulkner, USMC (Ret)
President and CEO
Marine Corps Association & Foundation

The Marine Corps Association Foundation

A Decade of Supporting Today’s Marines

On June 8th, 2019, the Marine Corps Association Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary and a decade of success in supporting Today’s Marines with a reception at which our Guest of Honor, the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General John M. Paxton, spoke about the unique role the Marine Corps Association & Foundation has in the pantheon of Marine Corps affiliated organizations.

Noting that there are a variety of associations and foundations supporting the Marine Corps, the general was quick to mention the uniqueness of the Marine Corps Association Foundation and its mission of enhancing the professional development of Marines. General Paxton continued, “We treasure all other organizations, but the foundation for all of it and the professional organization of the United States Marine Corps is the Marine Corps Association & Foundation for over one hundred and six years.”

Gen Paxton’s comments were followed by two corporals who were winners of Marine Corps Association Foundation sponsored professional military education competitions. Corporal Sarah Thee, an ordnance maintenance Marine stationed at Quantico, explained how participating in her battalion’s PME competition on the Battle of Tarawa enhanced her interest in the Corps’ history.

We also recognized donors, Dr. Susan Johnston, who has given faithfully for all 10 years of the Foundation’s existence, Mr. Burton “Skip” Sack and his wife Gail, and LtCol (Ret) Ronald Eckert and his wife Kathie. We are indebted to them, but also to the thousands of others who give consistently because they care about the Marines serving our nation. Please give today so the Marine Corps Association Foundation can do even more for the professional development of Marines in our next decade. Thank you!

“General Lejeune founded the Marine Corps Association [and] said we have to have a professional organization, we have to have something that will disseminate the history of the Corps, enrich the education for our Marines, and talk about the value of the Corps to our nation.”

General John M. Paxton
USMC (Ret)

“The more research we did, and saw what exactly these Marines went through… Tarawa is such a small place but with such a big impact. Because of this competition, I’ve continued to look further. I’ve read several books since then on Tarawa.”

Corporal Sarah Thee, USMC

Program Spotlight:

“Lead Your Way to Tarawa” PME

For the second year in a row, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico held a team competition for the battalion’s Marines. Each team, comprised of an officer, SNCO, and junior Marines wrote a paper and delivered a presentation on the battle of Tarawa to a committee of judges. The winners flew to Tarawa in July and walked the battlefield and discussed the valor of individual Marines as they fought to ensure victory in the Pacific. They also met with History Flight archaeologists who are locating and exhuming the remains of fallen Marines buried on Tarawa.

This once-in-a-lifetime professional development experience was only possible because of your support of the Marine Corps Association Foundation.

“The ability to see where the battle took place, the aftermath of the battle, and the relics that are left behind is truly remarkable and something that every Marine should experience.”

Gunnery Sergeant Derek Smith, USMC

“As I stared out at the Japanese fields of fire and imagined the Marines taking the beachhead, I remember asking Gunny Smith, ‘How the hell did we take this island?’ He looked back at me and said, ‘I have no idea, Sir.’ I couldn’t help but to imagine the chaos, the smell, and the blood that was spilled at this very same spot 75 years ago.”

Captain William Baxter, USMC

“When we walked into the History Flight lab, the first thing you see is a wall of faces staring back at you. They are the faces of Marines and Sailors that paid the ultimate price on that island. Some of them had already been found, some of them were still waiting their turn. Some of the pictures had descriptions on them such as, ‘Gunshot wound to head,’ and ‘Three month old daughter.’ It was a truly humbling experience and one I will never forget.”

Corporal Sarah Thee, USMC

Your Support to Today’s Marines Makes a Difference

The Marine Corps Association Foundation programs are in high demand across the Corps. Our excellence awards, from the Chesty Puller Award for honor graduates at Boot Camp to our recognition of outstanding performance by Marines in a variety of military occupational specialties including acquisition, logistics, and combat arms, are especially popular. We also recognize critical writing skills and innovative thought that are helping shape the future of our Corps through our writing awards. In addition, our Unit Library Program puts the books that our Commandant, General David H. Berger, prescribes for every Marine to read for their professional development in the hands of Marines around the globe.

Units are becoming more creative and innovative in their approach to the professional development of their Marines. Recently, the Marine Corps Association Foundation funded a seminar led by August Cole, co-author of Ghost Fleet, for the Marines in Okinawa. Mr. Cole worked with Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and gave presentations on trends in the future operating environment and the role of fictional intelligence, and also led writing workshops. The event sparked lively debate and questions regarding the role of technology and innovation. “I hadn’t thought about fiction and the creative process in terms of helping us frame the way we man, train, and equip,” said one senior officer.

The dedicated staff of MCAF stands by to assist both individual Marines and units throughout the Corps in enhancing their professional development. From providing books from the Commandant’s Professional Reading List to deploying units to encouraging young enlisted Marines to submit essays for the Leatherneck Writing Contest, our staff is here to ensure support to Today’s Marines is always available thanks to our generous donors.

From the left: Sergeant Major Kevin S. Bennett, USMC (Ret), Director of Professional Development; Ms. Beth Murphy, Programs Administrator; Ms. Michele Collins, Donor Development Officer; Ms. Shelby Conley, Administrative Support Specialist; and Colonel Timothy S. Mundy, USMC (Ret), MCAF Director.

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Scuttlebutt 19: Four Chaplains Part 2 – RADM Alan T. “Blues” Baker

Four Chaplain’s Month continues as RADM Alan T. “Blues’ Baker joined Vic to talk all things chaplaincy. As the 16th Chaplain of the Marine Corps who literally wrote the book on chaplaincy, Foundations of Chaplaincy, there was nobody better to learn from. From stories about his marksmanship badges to baptisms, “Blues” Baker will keep you entertained and grinning from ear to ear. While you are listening in, check out Strategic Foundations Chaplaincy http://www.stratfoundations.com/ and RADM Baker’s efforts to cultivate and grow the core of chaplaincy by bringing it into the workplace.

Nick and Vic also take a few moments to chat about Black History Month and a few other odds and ends.

Four Chaplains Month is Scuttlebutt’s first ever multi-part special. Join us as we dive into the world of Chaplains past, present, and future as we tell the tale of the USAT Dorchester and learn much, much, more about the Chaplain Corps.

The views and opinions expressed on Scuttlebutt are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official position of the Marine Corps Association.

Produced by Nick Wilson, Vic Ruble, William Treuting, and Nancy Lichtman.

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2020 Spring MCA&F Newsletter

Greetings Marines and Friends of the Corps,

We are pleased to provide you with our latest Marine Corps Association & Foundation Newsletter. This Spring 2020 edition provides examples of the many ways we’re continuing to support the professional development of Today’s Marines, whether through our programs, our magazines or our professional events.

Our Commandant, General David Berger, knows how much the Marine Corps Association & Foundation does for Today’s Marines and we’ve used the Commandant’s Planning Guidance as our own guide in helping translate the CMC’s focus areas into action, especially the focus areas of warfighting and training and education. Our battle studies, unit libraries, and guest speaker programs assist commanders in advancing their units’ professional development and their preparation for the next fight, and our donors and sponsors play a vital role in our efforts.

These are exciting times for our Corps and for your Marine Corps Association & Foundation. Please know that you are directly impacting the readiness of Today’s Marines. I remain thankful to be on your team and eternally grateful for your continued support.

LtGen William “Mark” Faulkner USMC (Ret)
President & CEO

“We greatly appreciate the continued support of the MCA&F. Many thanks to you and your team for the positive impact you continue to have on our active duty force!”

Col Ricardo Miagany
Commanding Officer, 11th Marines

Download Newsletter as PDF

Supporting Today’s Marines

MCA&F Combat Development Dinner

Features General James N. Mattis USMC (Ret)

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The Marine Corps Association & Foundation was privileged to host the 26th Secretary of Defense and retired Marine General James N. Mattis at two recent events. The general served as the guest of honor at a luncheon on September 25, 2019. Held in coordination with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Marine Corps University Foundation, the professional event provided an opportunity for Marines and friends of the Corps to hear one of the nation’s leaders whose experiences in Washington, D.C., and on the battlefield provided him with a unique perspective on world events. The ballroom of The Clubs at Quantico was packed with guests eager to hear from the former commander of U.S. Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force who also graciously signed numerous copies of his recently released book, “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead,” which he co-authored with Bing West.

General Mattis returned to Quantico in late October to serve as the guest speaker at the Marine Corps Association & Foundation Combat Development Dinner, hosted by Lieutenant General Eric M. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Held once again at The Clubs at Quantico, the professional military education event was the largest ever hosted by MCA&F with more than 500 guests in attendance. The general spoke to the crowd on a variety of topics including the need for allies, General Berger’s Commandant’s Planning Guidance and lessons he learned during his time in the Corps.

Gen Mattis also took questions from the audience, many of whom were students at various schools throughout Marine Corps University, including the Marine Corps War College, Command and Staff College and The Basic School. As active-duty Marines, the students’ attendance at the dinner, as it is with all MCA&F professional events, was funded through donations to MCAF’s programs for Marines. Marines from Expeditionary Warfare School, including those shown in the photo to the left, were especially thrilled to meet one of the icons of the Corps.

”Thanks to Marine Corps coaching, thanks to the Commandant’s Reading List…I knew exactly how I was going to nail them…I knew that we were going to destroy them.”
-General James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret)

The Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck published exclusive interviews with Gen Mattis in the October 2019 issues in which the retired four-star discussed his career as a Marine, the influence his junior Marines and mentors had on him, and the lessons he hoped to impart on the next generation of Marines.

Iconic Magazines

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Our flagship publications, the Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck Magazine of The Marines, continue to serve as forums for professional debate and military history. Articles from throughout the past year have spanned a variety of topics from the future of warfare, responses to the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, Second Marine Division’s largest field exercise in decades, and international students attending the Marine Corps University (MCU). Students from throughout MCU are eligible for free membership in MCA&F and use the magazines to assist their academic endeavors throughout the year.

Unit Library Program

The Marines of FAST Company, Central Bahrain (FASTCENT) were one of the recipients of our unit libraries in 2019. In addition to hard copy books from the Commandant’s Professional Reading List, MCAF also included Kindle e-readers which provided another option for the forward deployed Marines. The headquarters staff of FASTCENT was greatly appreciative of our efforts to support their Marines on the tip of the spear. GySgt Nicholas Carson, the company gunnery sergeant, said, “On behalf of a grateful command, thank you very much. We’ve got many Marines and Sailors who will benefit greatly from the generosity of the MCA.” The gunny included the picture above saying, “I’ve attached a picture of our HQ staff with their new reading material; even our 1stSgt is smiling. “

Go Here for the Unit Library Program