MARINE CORPS ASSOCIATION
Since 1913... Tradition and Service™
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
I want to personally welcome our new members joining us from the Marine
Corps League. In July, MCA and the Marine Corps League conducted a joint
membership drive so that each organization’s members could be provided
the opportunity to be members of the two oldest Marine Corps-related
organizations. Although the mailing has been out just a few weeks, it
appears that both organizations have had many new members join. As of
the writing of this newsletter, 1,400 members from
the Marine
Corps League have joined the MCA.
We are very pleased to welcome retired Sergeant Major Eusebio Gonzales
to the Marine Corps Association staff. Sgt Major Gonzales has joined
us to serve as one of our West Coast area representatives. Acting as
an assistant to Area Representative, Maurice Bernier, Sgt Major Gonzales
provides membership services to our active duty and reserve Marine Corps
units as well as retired and veterans organizations in West Coast communities.
Both Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck continue
to improve their content and reader appeal based on your input. Remember,
these are your magazines,
and we would like to hear from you to ensure they are providing what
you want in your magazines.
The MCA staff is very conscientious of its obligation to its members
and are continually committed to finding new and better ways to serve
and expand our member community. We value your support in this quest,
and
appreciate your involved membership.
Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Your membership includes a subscription to the magazine of your
choice: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck.
Stay up-to-date with your Corps
through the association devoted to providing professional development
and select services to Marines.
CONNECT TODAY...
and receive 15 issues for the price of 12!
PLUS your membership qualifies you for discounts on our books and Marine-related
gifts. You will automatically receive our seasonal catalogs for your
shopping convenience.
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 NEMTN806.
Renewals mention code REMTN806.
Leatherneck continues to tell the Marine Corps story, yesterday, today and tomorrow. The September issue will focus on new gear for the Corps as well as publish an exclusive interview with the Commandant. Additionally, Leatherneck continues to expand magazine content through use of the MCA web site. If you enjoy the magazine and want to see what else is offered on the Web, check out www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck and while you are there, listen to their audio play on demand (podcast) interviews.
The staff of the Marine Corps Gazette is hard at work producing
an entirely new look for the professional journal of the Corps. Improved
readability and
the new format, targeted for inauguration in the November 2006 issue,
will prove much more visually appealing to readers. Featuring significantly
more relevant photography, graphics and artwork than has been included
in the past, readers will clearly enjoy the change. We plan to provide
expanded electronic editions of the magazine also in November. The Gazette staff
plans to offer member/subscribers the ability to read all of each
issue’s articles completely
while on line. This will prove a considerable service to deployed
Marines who have delayed mail service.
The August 2006 issue of Gazette proudly announced the names
of the first and second place winners of the General Robert Hogaboom
Leadership Writing
contest. Sponsored by the Hogaboom family, Battelle Corporation and the
Marine Corps Association, the contest invites contestants to make fresh
and original examinations of the concept of leadership. The 2006 first
place award winner is Major Michael Jernigan, USMC. His essay, with the
catchy title of “A Heart Two Sizes Too Small: Avoiding Grinch Leadership,” will
feature in the September 2006 issue of Gazette. The second place
award winner, Major Michael D. Grice, USMC, will have his essay, “A
Matter of Trust,” published in the October 2006 issue of Gazette.
Both essays are frank and refreshing. Our congratulations go out to
the
winners.
Readers should look forward to the September issue of Gazette, which
will focus on training and simulation.
Have you read the latest online articles from Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette? Click on your magazine choice to read them now.
Mark your calendars for a dynamic and highly charged event on Tuesday,
5 September. MCA and the US Naval Institute are jointly sponsoring
the 5th Annual Sea Services Defense Forum Washington (DFW). The
Forum
features keynote speakers and panel discussions by top level Navy, Marine
Corps and civilian decision makers. The theme this year is "Implications
of the Long War on Naval Expeditionary Capabilities and Forces." If you
are in the greater Washington area, you will not want to miss what will
prove to be an exciting and highly revealing examination of how the current
security crisis bears on our future. Don’t miss it. For program
and attendance information, scroll to the bottom of this edition or click
on to www.mca-usniforum.org.
With Marine Corps University’s major schools back in session, this is a great time to take a look at the Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette archives. We have every issue dating back to 1916 stored for use by anyone. Whether you are a student looking for information for a paper or researching an old article of interest, the archive retrieval is easy and fast. Members can access this free of charge, courtesy of Battelle. Non-members must pay a nominal charge for this service.
With a little over 3 months until the Marine Corps Birthday, it is not too soon to start reminding our members of important services offered in support of the birthday ball. Contact us for your medal mounting needs and also for your birthday ball supplies.
As a special reminder about birthday ball supplies, note that the current Marine Corps Association Bookstore Catalog contains a really handy birthday ball supplies ordering form.
Please call our Customer Service Department for a catalog at (888) BE-PROUD (888-237-7683).
Avoid
the common loopholes in civilian programs:
2 MCA Life Plans perfect for active duty, reserve and retired Marine Corps
families
Nailing down solid life protection isn’t easy for Marine Corps families.
Civilian companies seldom cover military duties. Most plans for the general public
exclude acts of war.
But the MCA made sure you could add the life coverage your loved ones need … with
24-hour worldwide protection – even when you’re on active duty or
in the reserves.
- MCA’s New 10-Year Level Term Life Plan – Now you can set up solid Life Insurance Protection for your loved ones with MCA’s new 10-Year Level Term Life Plan. This plan gives you up to $250,000.00 in coverage with two important guarantees:
- Coverage Stays Locked In For 10 Years. No matter what changes in your career or health, you can rest assured that the coverage you set up today will be the same coverage that is still standing by your loved ones a decade later.
- Rates Stay Locked In For 10 Years. Your MCA group rates start out at a good deal based on the strong buying power of more than 90,000 Members. But the MCA took that financial advantage even further by negotiating your 10-Year Rate Lock (that means that your rates on day 1 will be the same ones you’re entitled for 10 years).
MCA’s 50+ Life Plan – A great way to combat the life
coverage gaps created by inflation and age-related benefit cutbacks in employer
or other life
insurance plans. Specifically designed for MCA Members over age 50, simplified
enrollment privileges mean there are no medical exams required.
Visit one of our four locations:
QUANTICO, VA - 715 Broadway Street - and mail
order - 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
August HOT SUMMER Specials
MINI DESK BOX
Item #: 893488000910
Cherry stained wood interior with mirror on inside cover.
7.5" x 6.5" x 2.5".
Regular $82.99
Member $74.69
PEWTER FLASK GIFT SET
Item #: FFS4152
Comes with 8oz flask, 1oz key chain flask and funnel.
Regular $38.99
Member $35.09
SCHOONER JACKET
Item #: G2532MR1 (S-XXL)
Lightweight pullover varsity style jacket. Eagle, Globe & Anchor embroidered on front with "Marines" on back.
Regular: $54.99
Member $49.49
GLASS PAPERWEIGHT
Item #: 893488000958
Color print rimmed with service color. Approx.
4 1/2" x 3".
Regular $32.99
Member $29.69
SEMPER FI/USMC PLAQUE
Item #: USMCDTS1
Two-tone cherry, 12 x 14.
Deeply carved can be
displayed
on wall or freestanding.
Regular $66.99
Member $60.29
STADIUM SEAT
Item #: 806293108801
Black with Emblem on front and back. Nylon approx. 16" x 14 1/2".
Regular $18.99
Member $17.09
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.
Airlines
are battling on prices now. With late summer vacation opportunities
or planning future holiday travel, look to Semper Fi Travel for your
travel needs.
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage
of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP).
With
the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP), you can purchase Apple products
at a substantial savings for your own personal use. This includes items
like the popular iPod music player and our award-winning PowerBook, iMac,
iBook, screamingly fast Power Mac G5 and MacBook Pro. Members will also
enjoy savings on Apple software and other third-party products, including
a multitude of speakers, cases and other accessories made for your iPod.
Click here for Apple's latest promotion.
MCA Members receive:
• Special MCA Member discounts on Apple products, including iPods
• Free standard shipping on all orders over $50
• Free laser engraving on all iPods
• Quarterly promotions
• 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).
Apple iPod Drawings
Watch the website starting August 23 for an End
of Summer Members' iPod Video [30GB] drawing. A lucky MCA Member
will be randomly selected for this great prize on September 6. Register
to win online -- no purchase
necessary for MCA Members.
At the recent Marine Corps University Check-in, MCA welcomed those Members
returning to Quantico and assisted them with changing their addresses and
providing other information. Apple Computer generously donated an iPod
Shuffle for a Member drawing tied to this event. Congratulations go to
the winner, Captain Matt Nieland.
Dell also gives quality discounts to MCA Members. With school starting soon,
these offers might be hard to pass up.
Click
here for Dell's promotion.
Visit dell.com/ghc/flyer or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
Gold: 
Silver: 
Bronze: 
Time is running out to reserve your seat at the
The MCA along with the Deputy Commandant for Installation and Logistics
invite you to attend the 2nd annual MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner
on 17 August 2006 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.
Join us as we present awards to the top Officer, Enlisted and Civilian
Logistician of the Year as well as the Unit/Organization of the Year
who have made great contributions to the logistics community. The guest
speaker will be LtGen James F. Amos, Commanding General, II MEF.
1600-1700 - Reception
1700-2100 – Dinner/Awards Presentation and Guest Speaker
Click
here for reservations.
We'd like to thank our sponsors:
Gold:
Silver:
Bronze: Boeing,
CACI, Deloitte Consulting, DHS Systems, EDO Professional Services, Northrop Grumman,
Oshkosh
Truck, SRA International, Stanley Associates, Telos, VSE Corporation
Supporting
Sponsors: Columbia Research, Navy Federal Credit Union, Supply Core
Special Thanks to our Award Sponsors:
Officer Logistician of the Year, sponsored by
Enlisted Logistician of the Year, sponsored by
Civilian Logistician of the Year, sponsored by 
Logistics Unit of the Year, sponsored by 
5th Annual Sea Services Forum
5 September 2006
The Marine Corps Association (MCA) along with United States Naval Institute
(USNI) will co-host the 5th Annual Sea Services Forum called Defense Forum
Washington on September 5, 2006 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, Crystal
City, VA.
Join us as we look at the “Implications of the Long War on Naval
Expeditionary Capabilities and Forces.”
9:00-9:45 a.m. Kickoff Speaker: Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., USN, Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed
12:00-1:30 p.m. Luncheon Speaker: General John P. Abizaid, USA, Commander,
U.S. Central Command (invited)
With great panel discussions as:
• 1000 - 1130 - The Long War: Where Are We Now?
Lieutenant General James T. Conway, USMC, General Director of Operations, J-3, on the Joint Staff (invited)
• 1345 – 1500 -The ADR Challenge: Balancing Assets Against Today’s Foes and Tomorrow’s Potential Adversaries
• 1515 – 1630 - Fighting on the Terrorists’ Turf: Lessons Learned in Iraq & Afghanistan and the Gap Between Expectations and Realities
BGen John F. Kelly, USMC, Legislative Assistant to the Commandant, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (invited)
For more information and to register, go to www.mca-usniforum.org.
If you are unable to attend this event, you can pre-purchase your
DVD recordings. Save $$’s when you purchase your DVD set early.
Early Bird Special Discount SAVE as much as $45.00!!
Wednesday, 9 August - Monday, 4 September 2006 Early Bird Special Price
= $20.00 per Session or $90.00 for the Complete Set of DVDs.
Tuesday, 5 September 2006 On-site Discount for all Attendees = $25.00
per Session or $112.50 for the Complete Set of DVDs.
Wednesday, 6 September 2006 Post-conference Orders = $30.00 per Session
or $135.00 for the Complete Set of DVDs.
To order click here www.conferencerecordings.com.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Registration – 
Continental Breakfast – 
Luncheon – DRS
Reception – 
Mark you calendars for the annual MCA Ground Awards Dinner on 21
September 2006, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott.
The guest speaker will be Gen Michael Hagee, Commandant of the
Marine Corps. The Division
Marine of the Year Awards and the Leftwich Trophy will be presented
during this event.
Click
here to register.
For sponsorship information, contact Lisa C. Williams, Director of Professional Development, at 800-336-0291 X 360 or l.williams@mca-marines.org
Book
Signing
18 August 2006
1100 - 1200
MCA Bookstore, Quantico, VA
John A. Nagl author of Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife
CAMP LEJEUNE RETIREE/PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
29 August 2006
1100
- 1330
Paradise Point Officers Club
Speaker: General Alfred M. Gray, USMC (Ret), 29th Commandant of the Marine
Corps
Click here to register.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Vital
Signs
Retiree
Luncheon
Washington, D.C.
5 October 2006
Crystal
Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA
Speaker: Gen James L. Jones, Jr., U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander,
Europe
Click
here to register.
PME & Book Signing
11 October 2006
Panel Discussion, followed by Q&A
1600 - 1730
Ellis Hall, Quantico, VA
Gary W. Toyn author of The Quiet One: The Untold
Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen and the Battle for Iwo Jima
Forword by Senator Bob Dole, Introduction by Senator Orin Hatch.
Book Signing
16 October 2006
Time TBD
MCA Bookstore, Quantico, VA
Frank A. Schaeffer author of Baby Jack and AWOL:
The Unexcused Absence of America's Upper Classes From Military Service -- and
How It Hurts Our Country
Book Signing
18 October 2006
Time TBD
MCA Bookstore, Camp Lejeune, NC
Frank A. Schaeffer author of Baby Jack and AWOL:
The Unexcused Absence of America's Upper Classes From Military Service -- and
How It Hurts Our Country
Book Signing
20 October 2006
Time TBD
MCA Bookstore, Parris Island, SC
Frank A. Schaeffer author of Baby Jack and AWOL:
The Unexcused Absence of America's Upper Classes From Military Service -- and
How It Hurts Our Country
Book Signing
17 November2006
1430 - 1600
MCA Bookstore, Quantico, VA
Patrick O'Donnell author of We were One: Shoulder to Shoulder
with the Marines who took Fallujah
For MCA Corporate Sponsor information, contact Lisa C. Williams, Director of Professional Development, at 800-336-0291 X360 or l.williams@mca-marines.org.
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!
The Marine Corps currently has over 50 battle streamers decorating
the Marine Corps colors with more pending. Which streamer denotes
our earliest service?
The answer to last month’s trivia question, “Where and
why did Marines land in Russia in 1918?” is Vladivostok in
order to protect the U.S. Consulate.
Congratulations to Charles S. Hardy Jr. of Columbia,
SC for being the first to answer correctly.
MCA Today readers: If you would prefer this newsletter in text format,
please click
here.
Semper Fidelis!
Bill Hughes
Director of Marketing & Communications
MCA Today Editor
comments@mca-marines.org
