FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
I am pleased to report that the association's first ever MCA Annual Dinner, proved a resounding success, thanks in large part due to our guest of honor and featured speaker. Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert M. Gates spoke with engaging wit, heart-warming sincerity and a unique, insider perspective that captivated the capacity crowd. It was clear to all who attended that the nation's defense is in great hands with Secretary Gates and MCA extends its most sincere thanks to Secretary Gates for taking the time from his busy schedule to spend time with our members. I encourage everyone to visit the MCA website and read the Secretary's remarks. His humorous opening anecdotes are absolutely priceless. Click here to read the speech.
MCA's range of professional events continues to expand. On 22 August at the Clubs at Quantico, we will introduce our newest annual event, the MCA-MCCDC Dinner. Co-hosted by both MCA and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command the first event features Lt Gen James N. Mattis, Commanding General I-MEF as the guest speaker addressing the theme of combat decision making. Click here for more information and to make reservations.
Outside of the greater Washington, D.C. area over the next two months, MCA has scheduled a series of professional lunches featuring prominent Marine leaders as guest speakers. Check out the MCA website here for the complete schedule and additional information, but here is a quick snap shot of the lunches. On 15 August MCA will host a luncheon at Camp Lejeune with Lt Gen Ronald Coleman, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs as the guest speaker. At MCAS Beaufort on 21 August, MCA will host a luncheon featuring Lt Gen Keith Stalder, Commanding General, II- MEF as the guest speaker. Our MCA Luncheon at Camp Pendleton on 6 September features BGen Richard P. Mills, Commanding General 1st Marine Division as the guest speaker. I strongly urge all of our members in the vicinity of any of these luncheons to attend and bring a friend.
I am pleased to report that the integration of the newly purchased Marine Shop into MCA operations is going very well. In July, the Marine Shop expanded their product line to include all of the selections on both the Marine Corps Professional Reading list and the Intelligence Reading list. Now Marines can take care of all of their uniform and official reading requirements at one stop at one place. In addition to offering great convenience to Marines, the Marine Shop now offers up it's increasing range of high quality products and services at a substantial savings to MCA members. As of July, the Marine Shop honors the 10% MCA member discount on all products and services. Click here to visit the Marine Shop's website and check out all they offer.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
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 (Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST) Toll Free: 866-622-1775
OR
Check Out Our ONLINE STORE
THE AFGHAN CAMPAIGN
Written by acclaimed historical novelist Steven Pressfield, The Afghan Campaign paints an exciting story of a young infantryman serving in Afghanistan in the army of Alexander the Great. A gritty story of counterinsurgency warfare in the ancient world, the author portrays the contending Greek and Afghan cultures with appealing sympathy and is at his best detailing the daily life and challenges of serving in the ancient Greek infantry. The brutal nature of the counterinsurgency conflict fought by Alexander's veterans in Afghanistan foreshadows the conflict American servicemen face there today. Compelling reading, you will want to read Pressfield's other books. Good news - Check out MCA's ONLINE Store for his other selections.
ISBN: 0767922387
PAPERBACK EDITION
Member Price: $12.60
Non-Member Price: $14.00
GLASS BEER MUG
Holding a generous 20 ounces of your favorite libation, our glass beer mug features a traditional thumb-print design and looks more like heirloom cut crystal than glass. An extra wide handle and the "heft" of thick glass gives this classy mug an authentic feel that will make it your favorite. Elegantly gracing the front is a precision etched USMC emblem so you can show off your favorite affiliation. You won't want just one. Get a set!
101525
Member Price: $12.60
Non-Member Price: $14.00
EAGLE, GLOBE & ANCHOR
GOLF VEST
Get ready for cooler weather and hit the links in comfort and style with this 100% soft polyester golf vest in navy blue. The generous "V" collar and wide arm slots are snazzy and won't get in the way of your golf swing or constrict your movement for any Fall-time casual activity. Here is an important tip! You can get one of these EVEN if you don't actually play golf. Another multi use technology from MCA. Golf, Frisbee, horseshoes, lawn bowling, croquet, or just lounging around... you can do them all with our vest while looking like you know how to play golf. Instant credibility! Nicely accented with an embroidered Eagle, Globe and Anchor to show off your service connection.
103447 (S-XXL)
Member Price: $46.79
Non-Member Price: $51.99
*All Prices Subject To Change.
RETAIL OR MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS OR WANT AN MCA GIFT CATALOG?
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:
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
1-866-622-1775
Retail Orders (Online Shopping)
(Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST)
1- 888-237-7683
customercare@mca-marines.org
PAY YOUR INVOICE EARLY & BE ENTERED TO WIN!
Through the month of August, members who renew their membership by the 20th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. Our lucky June winners are:
In the Invoice Category, our winner is: Cpl John C. Ward - USMC Veteran
In the Renewal Category, our winner is: LtCol Jim R. Derda, USMC (Ret)
Congratulations to our winners! Enjoy the cologne.
THE MARINE SHOP
The Marine Shop is the Corps' most prestigious provider of professional Marine uniforms and accessories and has been helping Marines look their professional best since 1962.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The Marine Shop is pleased to now offer the 10% member discount to all MCA Members.
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
Stay up-to-date with your Corps through the association devoted to providing professional development and select services to Marines. Your membership includes a subscription to either the print and/or online edition of the magazine of your choice: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck.
MCA recently changed printers in order to better serve our membership with guaranteed earlier delivery of the print edition magazines but members should know that the Online edition of the magazines is ALWAYS ready early. AND, choosing the Online-Only edition for your magazine subscription is a great way to save money.
We urge all members to consider switching to online delivery of your Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette when you renew. You will get your magazine early - and still keep all of your MCA Benefits while saving 15% on your membership! And remember that the online editions provide exactly the same content as the paper magazines, but have additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words throughout the content allowing further reading on a variety of interesting topics. Choosing the paper editions of MCA's flagship magazines allows access to the online versions as well.
PLUS your membership qualifies you for the 10% MCA member discount on all books and gifts.
And if you sign up for Easy Pay renewals, we'll add a free month to your subscription.
Join
or Renew online. New members mention code NEMTN707. Renewals mention code REMTN707.
The August Leatherneck has a mix of the past and present, with articles about Marine history and Marines at war today. In addition to several short War on Terrorism updates, the August edition provides insights into some of the success stories in Iraq through features on Marine chaplains there and also on Marines operating Iraqi police training teams.
For the history buffs, in keeping with an ongoing tribute to leathernecks in combat action in Vietnam 40 years ago, the August Leatherneck features an article about tank operations in Vietnam's I Corps in 1967. From WW II, Leatherneck presents, "Treachery on the High Seas: The Untold Story of the Capture of the Japanese Ship Tachibana Maru." This will stimulate a great many tales from those who served as seagoing Marines. Of course, the standard Leatherneck Laffs, Gyrene Gyngles and Sound Off letters to the editor make for entertaining reading. For more on the history of our illustrious Corps, see and listen to the podcasts on the Leatherneck Web site: http://www.mca-marines.org/Leatherneck/
The September Leatherneck will bring you the first of a two-part article on the Vietnam War's Operation Swift, plus a lengthy feature on new technology being brought on board by the Corps. Also, associate editor and retired MGySgt Ron Keene interviewed the Corps new sergeant major, Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, and you'll want to read what the Sergeant Major sees as his priorities.
If we've whetted your Leatherneck appetite, that's a good thing. If you want to see something different or more on a topic, let Leatherneck know at: leatherneck@mca-marines.org.
The Marine Corps Gazette is the professional journal for ALL Marines and is now entirely accessible ONLINE so members and subscribers can read it any time and anywhere that they can access the Internet. We encourage all members to switch to the Online-Only option when renewing. It is a great value because you save 15% and still get the same high quality magazine but you ALWAYS get it and you get it earlier. And - you get it with expanded features only available online. This is a great deal! Give an Online-Only subscription to Gazette as a gift to someone special.
Our August edition features a letter from General Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps that enjoins all Marines to read professionally and reinvigorates the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program, which was recently revised. The is also an interesting and provocative article that links Roald Admundsen, the arctic explorer and the French colonial Zouaves to current operations. Other topics include a must-read article on how our enemies counter our combined arms advantage and an article on the risk versus gain aspects in the design of personal protective equipment.
If you are not a subscriber to either or both of the Marine Corps Association's flagship magazines yet, it's not too late to get on board. Call toll-free 866-622-1775, or go online at: www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx.
CAREER CENTER
The MCA Career Center exists to support Marines so ALL Marines are welcome. If you are a transitioning Marine, searching for employment, check us out First!
Click on the Career Center to get details on the posted positions, to post your resume, or to post a job for your company.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
Visit here for the complete current schedule.
Book Signing - Camp Lejeune
On Tuesday, 31 July 2007, MCA will host Gary Livingston, author of Fallujah With Honor for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune. For more information, visit our website or call the bookstore staff at (910) 451-7500.
MCA Luncheon - Camp Lejeune, NC
On Wednesday, 15 August 2007, MCA will host a luncheon at the Paradise Point Officer's Club at Camp Lejeune featuring guest speaker Lt Gen Ronald Coleman, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. For additional information and reservation arrangements, click here.
MCA Luncheon - MCAS Beaufort, SC
On Tuesday, 21 August, 2007, MCA will host a luncheon at the MCAS Beaufort Officer's Club featuring guest speaker Lt Gen Keith J. Stalder, Commanding General, II-Marine Expeditionary Force. For additional information and reservation arrangements, click here.
Inaugural MCA-MCCDC Dinner - Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA
On Wednesday, 22 August 2007, MCA with MCCDC will co-host the first ever MCA-MCCDC Dinner at the Clubs at Quantico featuring Lt Gen Mattis, Commanding General I-Marine Expeditionary Force as the guest speaker. The theme for the dinner is combat decision making. For additional information and reservation arrangements, click here.
MCA Luncheon - Camp Pendleton, CA
On Thursday, 6 September 2007, MCA will host a luncheon at the San Luis Rey Officer's Club featuring BGen Richard P. Mills, Commanding General 1st Marine Division. For information and reservation arrangements, click here.
MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner - Arlington, VA
On Thursday, 13 September 2007, MCA and HQMC I&L Division will co-host the MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Arlington, VA. The featured speaker is General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps and the purpose of the dinner is to recognize the achievements of the most deserving Marines in the ground logistics field during 2006. For information and reservations, click here.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS
MCA Sincerely Thanks All of the Sponsors for the MCA Annual Dinner Featuring the Secretary of Defense as the Guest Speaker.
THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:
PLATINUM GOLD:
PLATINUM SILVER:
PLATINUM
BRONZE:
And to our Individual Event Sponsors:
Silver: EMA, MITRE, Oracle, Raytheon, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: Alion Science & Technology; AM General; Armor Holdings, Inc.; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; BearingPoint; Bell Helicopter/Textron; Boeing; Boeing C4; CACI, Int'l; Cisco; Columbia Research; Deloitte Services; EDO Professional Services; EDS; EFW, Inc.; Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc.; Exeter; Force Protection; General Dynamics Corp.; General Dynamics C4S; IBM; International Truck; Keane Federal Systems, Inc; L-3 Communications; Titan Group; Lockheed Martin - IT; M2 Technologies; The Meltzer Group; Mitre; Network Appliance; Northrop Grumman Corp.; Oshkosh Truck Corp.; Professional Solutions; Raytheon; Rolls Royce; Savi Technology; Sprint Government Solutions; Stanley Associates; Sun Microsystems; Talley Defense Systems; VSE Corporation
Corporate Sponsors: AIG Insurance Company; Bank of America; DHS Systems; General Dynamics - ATP; General Electric; Hartford Insurance Company; Honeywell; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Marine Federal Credit Union; Northrop Grumman - MS; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Peduzzi Associates, Ltd.; Robbins Gioia, LLC; Tandberg; Telos; Wackenhut Services, Inc.
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.
In addition to a subscription to one or both of our flagship magazines and member discounts on books and gifts at MCA bookstores, MCA membership includes access to great deals with a range of supporting companies and organizations providing our members with travel and computer purchase discounts and special deals on credit cards and insurance policies. You might not want or need these benefits. We would like to hear what you do need and want. Tell us what type of member benefits you would like us to add. Email us at promotions@mca-marines.org with your suggestions.
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)
Click Here for details of coverage and legal information.
MCA
MASTERCARD AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW....
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COMPUTER SAVINGS
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage
of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP). Save up to 17% off select Apple products
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. Throw out your clunky old junk and make way for a kicking new Dell.
Visit www.dell.com/USMC or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
WWW.MYMARINECORPSBALL.COM
It is never too early to start getting ready for the Marine Corps birthday ball. Check out www.mymarinecorpsball.com to get organized for your ball and if you need appropriate party supplies contact MCA for our just released 2007 Birthday Ball & Gift Catalog. Call 1-888-237-7683 or email customercare@mca-marines.org to order your catalog today.
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q: Renowned for saltiness, this legendary "jewel" of the Corps was reputed to be "THE" master mortarman of the Corps and sported a highly non regulation goatee. What is his name?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive Mission Essential Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
Here is the June trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q: This Marine aviator had "Mig Mad Marine" inscribed on the fuselage of his jet before becoming prominent in the Mercury project. Who is he?
A: John Glenn, Retired Colonel of Marines and United States Senator is the correct answer.
Congratulations to Leo Bilodeau from Hubert, North Carolina for being first with the correct answer. Interest in last month's trivia question contest was UNPRECEDENTED. Of the several hundred entrants, surprisingly there was only one incorrect answer. Congrats to all the MCA trivia fanatics.
COMMENTS? Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org
MCA MAILING LIST. Would you like to be on the MCA Email mailing list? Send your name, address and email address to customercare@mca-marines.org. Nominate your friends while you are at it...
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org