Welcome to our Leatherneck magazine Web site. We hope you enjoy the information provided, finding it both entertaining and enlightening.
Coming up in your July issue of Leatherneck, there are two historical features, “'Semper Fi!' One Marine's Story From Chi Chi Jima" and "Vietnam: Bobby and Tommy-Two Boyhood Friends, Two Medals of Honor," plus some old photos from the bottom of readers' footlockers in our "Corps Album." These, and a feature dedicated to "Gyrene Jokes" submitted by our readers, an update on the Toys for Tots Foundation and photographs from the May Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House and a special 4 July, America's birthday, magazine cover, make this issue one you won't want to miss. We hope you enjoy it.
In earlier notes, I mentioned that we are doing more and more with Leatherneck Web pages. In addition to the oral histories, videos, photos and more, Leatherneck now features a "Today in USMC History" daily update on its homepage. What makes this “day in Marine Corps history” more interesting is that we are posting associated history articles from our extensive archives for our eager history buffs! You can actually read an article about an event on that day in history—and the article frequently includes exciting illustrations and multiple, easy to use, options for sending the complete article to friends and colleagues. In survey after survey, our readers have asked for more Marine Corps history. While the magazine pages are limited, the Internet is not. Go to http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck and look to the bottom right for “Today in USMC History” and read at least one old relevant Leatherneck article from our archives.
It’s important to note that one of the most significant events in the long war on terror is now ongoing in Al Anbar province—the Marine area of operations in Iraq. As Lieutenant Colonel Chris Hughes, the I Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs officer reported, “We will begin stepping back, transitioning to overwatch [in Al Anbar province].” Marines, as part of the coalition forces are leaving combat outposts and turning over operations and security responsibilities from within the city to the Iraqi police and Provincial Security Forces. Naysayers, pay attention, please.
Upcoming in our August issue, we will focus on the successes of 1st Battalion, Ninth Marines in Ramadi as part of this historic progress in Iraq. Task Force 1/9 deployed to Ramadi from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., this past spring. The task force is scheduled to return home in the fall.
Sergeant Jeremy M. Giacomino, the TF 1/9 combat camera chief, contacted Leatherneck about running this short tribute to the positive achievements in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He collected a multitude of photos for our readers, and Lance Corporal Casey Jones, a 1/9 combat correspondent, provided an article. Our August article, “From ‘Ambush Alley’ to Peaceful Ally: 1/9 Marines Win Local Support in Ramadi, Iraq,” in the digital magazine will include a photo slideshow put together for our readers by Sgt Giacomino.
Also in the August issue, we highlight the contributions of 26th Marine Amphibious Unit in its humanitarian assistance efforts to Indiana residents. The MEU went to Indiana to conduct realistic urban warfare training for its upcoming fall deployment to the Iraq/Afghanistan theater of operations. Heavy rains and flooding required the Marines to take immediate action to help local agencies. Staff Sergeant Bryce Piper, the public affairs chief for Colonel Mark Desens’ 26th MEU sent us photos, video and an article, so come August, the MEU’s contributions will be featured.
These successes, plus Leatherneck’s commitment to keeping the Corps’ history alive through the pages of the magazine and on our Web site keep your Leatherneck staff motivated. Now, if you enjoy what you find in Leatherneck and on our Web site and are not a current member of the Marine Corps Association or subscriber to the magazine, it's time to get on board. You can do that online at www.mca-marines.org or by calling us toll-free at (866) 622-1775.
We appreciate your continuing support and look forward to hearing from you.
Semper Fidelis,
Col Walt Ford, USMC (Ret)
Editor, Leatherneck Magazine
