6th Annual National Meeting of the Marine Corps Association

QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps Association (MCA) held its sixth annual national meeting on Dec. 4, 2025, at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va.

The featured speaker for the event was Marine Corps Lieutenant General James Adams, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. During his remarks, LtGen Adams touched on the vital role that the MCA plays to keep Marines educated and ready to fight tomorrow’s battles.

“While much remains rooted in tradition, the Corps is moving forward with urgency, adapting, modernizing and preparing for the challenges ahead, and the Marine Corps Association remains central to that effort,” LtGen Adams said. “Your role as a convenient hub for ideas, innovation and professional growth is more important now than ever before.”

Founded more than 100 years ago by General John A. Lejeune, the MCA is dedicated to professional development, recognition of excellence and building awareness of the rich traditions, history and esprit of the United States Marine Corps. During the event, which featured lunch and an awards ceremony, MCA president and CEO, Lieutenant General Charles G. Chiarotti, USMC, took the time to thank the donors for their contributions to MCA. 

“You are not simply contributors to an organization, you are investing in Marines, families and the professional future of our Corps,” Chiarotti said. “Your generosity fuels our publications, our PME programs, our spouses initiatives, battlefield studies and awards.” 

The MCA also recognized several individuals that made a difference in the Marine Corps community in 2025. Six spouses—Dr. Soyini “Soy” Garvey, Kandi Hart, Jennifer Hall, Berlinda Castillo, Lindsay Swoboda and Vincent Toth—were honored for their behind-the-scenes work at installations across the nation and Japan. Winners of the Marine Corps Commandant’s Rapid Response Essay Contest on the MEU of 2035 were also recognized.

Retired Marine colonel Joe “Pappy” Papay took first place with his essay “The Floating Forward Operating Base MEU.” Second and third-place awards went to Major Patrick Healy and Lance Corporal Caroline Perkins, respectively. Authors Gunnery Sergeant Jeremy Kofsky, USMC (Ret), and Lieutenant Colonel Greg Thiele, USMC (Ret), were also celebrated for the contributions to the MCA’s monthly publication Marine Corps Gazette. 

Awards for spouses were divided into two categories: Changemaker of the Year, honoring those who drive innovative, tangible change; and Community Catalyst of the Year, recognizing leaders who build connections across the Corps. The awards were given to a recipient in each region—the eastern United States, the western United States and the Pacific—and were selected by a prestigious committee of Marine Corps spouses and senior leaders. 

Garvey took home the Changemaker of the Year award for the eastern U.S. for her work on Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga. As chairperson for the Month of the Military Child “Purple Up” Spirit Week at Lake Park Elementary School, she developed a now annual event celebrating the resilience of military kids while educating teachers, parents and students about the unique challenges of military life. 

Garvey also chaired the inaugural Dubber’s Oak Leadership Seminar, the first two-day leadership event of its kind in the region, empowering Marine Corps spouses through education and mentorship. Her behind-the-scenes research and advocacy even informed official recommendations to Headquarters Marine Corps regarding dependent dental care in the area. 

Kandi Hart of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., won the award for the western United States. As the Military Spouses Association (MSA) president at Twentynine Palms. Hart revitalized scholarship and grant programs, organizing monthly fundraisers that both connected the local community and raised thousands of dollars for military families. 

Hall of Okinawa, Japan, was the Pacific recipient. As a founding member of the Okinawa Food Pantry, Hall helped transform a grassroots idea into a sustainable network supporting hundreds of military and local families each year on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. 

Her work led to the creation of a hybrid distribution model serving northern bases and the establishment of a second pantry location at Camp Kinser—expanding access and efficiency. 

The Community Catalyst of the Year award honors those who bring people together—inspiring collaboration and growth. Castillo of Camp Lejeune, N.C., took home the award for the eastern United States. As president of the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar (CLLS), Castillo has elevated one of the Marine Corps’ most respected spouse leadership programs. The three-day seminar empowers spouses with tools for confidence and connection.  Beyond CLLS, Castillo has volunteered extensively in Family Readiness programs, organizing inclusive events that reflect the diversity of Marine Corps families. 

Swoboda of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was named the recipient for the western United States.  A writer, mentor and podcast host, she founded “The Choosing Brave Podcast” and “The Uplift” newsletter, platforms that bring authentic stories of resilience to military spouses around the world.  Swoboda’s workshops and collaborations—from the InDependent Wellness Summit to programs with the Rick Herrema Foundation—use storytelling as a form of connection and healing. 

Toth of Okinawa, Japan, was recognized in the Pacific region. As president of the North Island Okinawa Spouses’ Club (NIOSC), he transformed the organization into the island’s first all-inclusive club—welcoming spouses of all ranks, branches and backgrounds. 

Under Toth’s leadership, NIOSC launched new engagement platforms, sub-clubs and outreach events that foster genuine connection and break down traditional barriers. He also helped bring TEDx to Okinawa, providing a stage for spouses and servicemembers to share their stories of service, resilience and identity. 

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