Leatherneck continues to tell the Marine Corps story, yesterday, today and tomorrow in each of our issues; however, our April and September issues have more of a focus on the "tomorrow" mission of the magazine in that we tell our readers a little more about new gear being acquired, tested or simply available for Marines.

In this upcoming April issue, I think you will appreciate Leatherneck writer Isaac Pacheco's feature article evaluating 12 commercially available combat knives against the currently fielded knife in his, "The Cutting Edge: Marines Put Commercial Fixed-Blade Knives to the Test." With the assistance of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence and several students undergoing training, Isaac developed a practical evaluation and let the Marines see which knives were "Marine proof."

For April, Isaac also penned a fairly comprehensive look at several other items being tested, evaluated and acquired in his piece, "Click, Click, BOOM! Commercial Innovations Keep Corps Floating, Flying and Firing." Upgraded tactical vehicles being fielded in Iraq that provide significantly improved personal protection against improvised explosive devices; an improved, light but durable Micro-Air Vehicle, that hovers over the battlefield or recons routes of advance,
sending Marines real time footage of the area ahead; a camera that imbeds a GPS location with the image and many more items of warfighting equipment are addressed in this article.

We also hold true to that part of the mission that tasks Leatherneck to tell about today's Marines. The April issue includes several small articles on those Marines in Iraq and those training to go and also a little personality piece on a father-son Marine team who served together in Iraq. The father, Master Gunnery Sergeant Kendall Phelps, retires in April, a little more than 40 years after he stood on the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego. He leaves the Corps in good hands as his son, Major Chris Phelps, will continue the Phelps Marine tradition.

Completing the mission item, "yesterday" is never difficult because of the expansive and rich history of the Corps. In the upcoming April issue we offer two significant articles. From World War II history, Major Al Bevilacqua, USMC (Ret), tells our readers about another family of Marine warriors--the Hansen brothers. Three brothers went to war and one returned. Two of the three were awarded the Navy Cross for heroism as they fought side by side at Cape Gloucester. I know April's "Brothers in Arms" will strike a chord with each of our readers.

From Vietnam, we continue our Vietnam: 40 Years ago series with "Operation Union I: -- The Que Son Valley Became a Bloody Piece of Real Estate," by LtCol Otto J. Lehrack, USMC (Ret).

Overall, the April Leatherneck does tell the Marine Corps story. I hope you agree. Check it out on the Web and if you are not receiving the magazine, you may think it's time get on board. We hope so.

The April issue of the Gazette contains the winning articles from the annual Chase Boldness and Daring Award. The winning article recommended a radical paradigm shift in Marine Corps Rotary Wing Aviation. The second place article has provocative recommendations on preparing for the new operating environment we face. The award board recommended that 18 of the 21 entries be published in the Gazette over the next several months. You may not agree with all the authors, but they certainly will stir debate.

GO GREEN and drop the paper edition of the Gazette! Save the environment as well as $$$$ on your renewal when you select the online ONLY Gazette subscription option. The online edition provides exactly the same content as the paper magazine, but with additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words spread throughout the content allowing further reading on a wide variety of interesting topics. If you subscribe to the paper Gazette, you will always have access to the online version.

Through the month of July, members who renew their membership by the 10th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal bill, invoice or notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. MCA held the first Renewal Drawing in February and we are pleased to announce the names of the two lucky winners:

In the Invoice Category, our winner is: Sgt Thomas W. Sharp USMC (Ret) of Berryville, Arkansas
In the Renewal Category, our winner is: R. J. Bendel, former Corporal of Marines of Morristown, New Jersey

Visit the new MCA homepage, (www.mca-marines.org) and check out what MCA is all about. In particular, MCA invites our members and viewers attention to our UPCOMING EVENTS section. We update this section frequently to keep our members current with MCA's dynamic schedule.

With nearly 500 resumes from transitioning Marines in its database, the MCA Career center continues to grow in influence with new companies who seek Marine employees. MCA wants to highlight the fact that Marine job seekers do NOT have to be MCA members to post their resume with the MCA Career Center and have full access to search the jobs. ALL Marines are welcome and the Career Center exists to support Marines. If you are a Marine searching for employment, check us out First!

And, for companies seeking high quality Marines to work for them, the MCA Career Center is a great deal, too. Introductory rates are still available so contact us now with your job openings. We offer unlimited job postings and resume searches for 3, 6, and 12-month increments and we offer significant discounts for members and MCA sponsors! Employment advertisements purchased by participating companies help support the MCA Awards program which provides recognition to deserving Marines.

SPECIAL NOTICE. Check out the positions we just posted for the Department of Homeland Security. Exciting jobs for security professionals at $66 - 162k.

Click on the Career Center to post your resume, review the jobs, or to post a job for your company.

MCA sponsors a range of interesting events that support Marines and, of course, our members. Here is a list of some of the key events coming up. Visit Here for the current schedule and Here to learn about the kinds of events MCA sponsors.

Book Signing at Quantico
On Tuesday, 13 March 2007, MCA will host Charles Henderson, author of Jungle Rules: A True Story of Marine Justice in Vietnam, for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Quantico from 1200 - 1330. For more information contact the bookstore staff at (703)-640-0136 or visit the MCA website.

Book Signing at Camp Lejeune
On Thursday, 15 March 2007, MCA will host Charles Henderson, author of Jungle Rules: A True Story of Marine Justice in Vietnam, for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune from 1130-1300. For more information contact the bookstore staff at (910)-451-7500 or visit the MCA website.

Book Signing at Quantico
On Friday, 16 March 2007, MCA will host Jerry Cutter, author of "I'm Staying with My Boys..." The Heroic Life of Sgt John Basilone, USMC, for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Quantico from 1130 - 1300. For more information contact the bookstore staff at (703)-640-0136 or visit the MCA website.

MCA Ground Dinner -Washington DC Area
On 29 March 2007, MCA will co-host the first of 2 annual Ground Dinners with HQMC's PP&O department. The Dinners provide a forum for presentation of issues important to the Headquarters, Ground and Combat Service Support Elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). This first Ground Dinner features LtGen John F. Sattler, Director of Strategic Plans & Policy, J-5, the Joint Staff, as the guest speaker. For more information and to schedule your reservation, please visit our website at www.mca-marines.org.

Visit one of our four locations:
QUANTICO, VA - 715 Broadway Street - 703-640-0136
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC - Building 84, Hadnot Point Exchange Annex - 910-451-7500
CAMP PENDLETON, CA - Vandegrift Avenue, Building T-1100
Main Exchange Complex - 760-385-0383
PARRIS ISLAND, SC - Bldg 283, Boulevard De France - 843-522-9440

To order, call (24 / 7 / 365) toll-free: 1-888-237-7683

Want an MCA Gift Catalog?
Call 1-888-237-7683 (24 hours a day) or e-mail customercare@mca-marines.org to get yourself, your friends, your family or ANYONE else you like, on our catalog mailing list.

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:

The staff of the Marine Shop salutes Fox Company 6-06, The Basic School on the occasion of their 15 March 2007 graduation. The Marine Shop was very pleased to be of service in the fitting out of 193 members of the graduating company with their professional uniform needs. Fair Winds and Following Seas to each of you and thank you for your service to our Corps and country.

Congratulations and SALUTE!

Good News! After a long delay, our popular Sword Plaque is Back in Stock at The Marine Shop! Crafted in well finished walnut, the plaque features a raised gold Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and allows for the eye-catching display of both the sword and scabbard. Showcase your heirloom sword with a Sword Plaque from The Marine Shop today (stock #0691-62 -- $105.00).

The Marine Shop is the Corps' most prestigious provider of professional Marine uniforms and accessories. Click here to visit our website and see the professional products and services we offer.

Life Insurance Hotline for MCA members

Get The Protection Your Family Needs.
Got questions about life insurance? Call MCA’s endorsed term life insurance service. We will answer your questions, help you choose the right coverage, and compare the rates of leading carriers to help you save money. Individual high limit term life policies are available from $100,000 to over $3,000,000.

The Easiest Way to Get the Coverage You Need
Avoid the hassles of complicated paperwork and
face-to-face meetings with sales agents. Get important information about policy options, carrier ratings, and how to get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. No insurance company or quoting service can surpass our quick and easy application process.

Get a Free Online Quote in just minutes  
or call the Hotline for Marine Corps Association members
1-800-755-1401 ext. 8109  
(7 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri, Pacific Time)

The MCA World Points Platinum Plus MasterCard is available to MCA Members.
Click here for more information and to apply.

MBNA's recent merger with Bank of America means additional member benefits to you. Greater financial options for your consideration will be forthcoming. We will soon be offering American Express cards to our members. Look for more information in upcoming issues.

Apple Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP).


Apple Member Purchase Program for MCA members includes:
Up to 17% off select Apple products
Free laser engraving on any iPod
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more
Online custom product configuration

Members click here to log-in to visit the MCA/Apple Government MPP online store and receive your discount.

Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (and mention that you're an MCA Member).

Dell also gives quality discounts to MCA Members. Spring cleaning rapidly approaches!!!! Throw out your clunky old junk and make way for a kicking new Dell.

Visit dell.com/ghc/flyer or call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492

THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:

PLATINUM GOLD:



PLATINUM SILVER:



PLATINUM BRONZE:
                               


                           


                

The Marine Corps depends on MCA support for programs for which appropriated funds cannot be used. In turn, MCA's professional development support of Marines depends on corporate sponsorships. We hope you will encourage your company to get involved in 2007 Marine Corps Association events. For more information on how to become an MCA corporate sponsor, please contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.

EDO Corporation is delighted to be a sponsor of the MCA, the professional organization for all Marines. Founded in 1925, EDO has a long history of supporting Marines. Major product groups include: Defense Electronics, Communications, Aircraft Armament Systems, Undersea Warfare, Integrated Composite Structures, and Professional Engineering Services. EDO provides an interference-cancellation system for EA-18G Growler aircraft; a subsystem for CV-22 Osprey; and designed and integrated the AN/ALQ-99 jamming system for the EA-6B. EDO produces advanced radar countermeasures, IED countermeasures and perimeter detection systems. The BRU-55 dual-carriage "smart" bomb racks for the F/A-18 aircraft are another EDO product. EDO composite structures include the "SMAW-HEDP" rocket launcher containers manufactured for Talley Defense Systems; and the fuselage, wing spars and other smaller structures of the Lockheed Martin Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). EDO leading C4 programs include the Marine Corps Joint Enhanced Core Communication Systems (JECCS) and Transition Switch Module (TSM); and 65% of military antenna systems for fixed, rotary and unmanned aircraft, as well as antennas for satellites, surface ships, submarines and ground vehicles.

EDO has the experience, knowledge; and the ability to support the Navy-Marine Corps Team, from Naval Power 21 and Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare to Seabasing and Distributed Operations. EDO understands, in traditional, irregular, disruptive or catastrophic warfare, the needs of the warfighter can change rapidly; and complexity is counterproductive or worse. Supporting the individual Marine and Sailor with smart technology, light equipment; and responsive systems; and support will enhance agility and increase lethality. Look to EDO for solutions.

COMMENTS? Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org

Semper Fidelis!

LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org