FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
It is proving busy as well as exciting at MCA as we complete this year's series of professional events. In August we held well-attended MCA Luncheons at Camp Lejeune with LtGen Ron Coleman and at MCAS Beaufort with LtGen Keith Stalder as guest speakers. Also in August, we co-hosted the first ever MCA-MCCDC Dinner at Quantico featuring LtGen James N. Mattis as our guest speaker. Speaking on the topic of combat decision-making, the General's unique perspective on the subject was well received by an enthusiastic audience. I invite our readers to visit the MCA web site here to see pictures of the event and to also read a synopsis of the General's remarks.
During the first week of September, MCA was fortunate to feature the newly assigned Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, BGen Richard P. Mills, as the guest speaker at our MCA Luncheon at Camp Pendleton. The General provided the lunchtime audience a detailed perspective on the Division's current status, operational challenges and upcoming plans. The following week, on 13 September, MCA along with HQMC Installations and Logistics Department, co-hosted the 3rd Annual MCA Ground Logistics Awards Dinner in Arlington, Virginia with General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps as the guest speaker and awards presenter. In addition to a great opportunity for social interaction within the Marine community in the Washington, D.C. area, the dinner serves as the annual occasion to honor the top logisticians in the Corps. Click here to see pictures of the event and the award winners and to read a synopsis of the Commandant's remarks on the importance of logistics.
Finally, on 24 September we hosted an MCA Luncheon in Springfield, Virginia with LtGen Richard F. Natonski, Deputy Commandant for Plans Policies and Operations, as our guest speaker. MCA is very grateful to all of our August and September event guest speakers for taking the time from their busy schedules to address our guests.
Looking to the immediate future, on 11 October, MCA along with HQMC Plans, Policies and Operations Department will co-host the 4th Annual Ground Awards Dinner in Arlington, Virginia. The dinner again features General Conway as the guest speaker and awards presenter and provides the opportunity to recognize the achievements of each Marine Division's Marine of the Year for 2006. Additionally, the Leftwich Trophy for outstanding leadership will also be presented to the Marine Captain selected. Click here for information and to register for the Ground Awards Dinner.
MCA's professional events continue to grow in popularity and significance. If you have not been to one, you are missing out on a great opportunity. I encourage all of our members and all readers of MCA Today to frequently visit our homepage to stay current with happenings at the professional association for all Marines. We continually update our dynamic events schedule and feature new professional reading and specialty gifts Marines will want. And of course you can access both of our flagship magazines, Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck there as well as the web site for MCA's newest addition, The Marine Shop. Click here to see for yourself!
As always, thanks for your support of the professional association for all Marines.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
Featured Items for September:
BLACK MARBLE
ALUMNI LAMP
No USMC "I Love Me" room will ever be complete without our USMC emblem table lamp to illuminate your plaques and treasured memorabilia. Handsomely crafted in gold-plated brass and black marble, this lamp proudly features the USMC emblem on the base and accommodates two standard 60 watt light bulbs, each with it's own pull chain. At 28" high with a stately black lampshade, this graceful accent piece showcases any room.
103834
Member Price: $216.00
Non-Member Price: $240.00
BRASS BLAZER BUTTONS
WITH PIANO WOOD PRESENTATION CASE
Designed to really set off a blazer with elegance and taste, these gold-plated brass buttons proudly feature the USMC emblem and come in a set of 3 large buttons to grace the front and 6 smaller buttons to accent the cuffs. Our buttons come in a classy wooden presentation case, which make them ideal for gift giving.
103836
Member Price: $109.35
Non-Member Price: $121.50
THE ARAB MIND
Recently reprinted and yet again on the newly revised USMC Professional Reading Program for both officer and senior enlisted ranks, Raphael Patai's The Arab Mind offers a comprehensive, balanced and insightful look at proud and complex people who remain center stage in the world's current drama. A classic study with real depth and a wealth of detail, The Arab Mind is a definitive look at Arab culture and provides a good understanding of the pervasive influence of Islam. This is THE first book to get to start understanding the volatile Middle East region.
1578262458
Member Price: $16.15
Non-Member Price: $17.95
*All Prices Subject To Change.
RETAIL OR MEMBERSHIP PROBLEMS?
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
MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL NOTICES
Through the month of December, members who renew their membership by the 10th 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 August winners are:
Invoice Category: LCpl Ronald A McPartland, USMC from Midway Park, NC
Renewal Category: Sgt Floyd Backstrom USMC Veteran from North Mankato, MN
Congratulations to our winners! Enjoy the cologne.
THE MARINE SHOP
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
Even Hollywood knows about the Marine Shop and sends actors playing roles as Marines to us to get fitted out right! Here is actor Kevin Bacon fitted out for a soon to be released movie, titled Taking Chase, in a Marine Shop uniform.
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 now offers the 10% member discount to all customers who are MCA Members.
Check Out The Marine Shop’s Brand New Polo Shirts. With 3 different styles and Your 3 Favorite Colors There is NO Excuse to Not Feeling Comfortable While Looking GREAT!
Keep up with the Corps and stay connected through membership in the professional association for all Marines. Membership includes a subscription to either the print and/or online edition of one of MCA's flagship magazines: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck.
MCA's new printer better serves our membership with guaranteed earlier delivery of the print edition magazines, but the Online edition of both magazines is ALWAYS available early. AND, choosing the Online-Only edition for your subscription saves you money.
We urge all members to switch 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 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.
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.
New members mention code NEMTN907. Renewals mention code REMTN907.
The upcoming October issue of Leatherneck brings our readers up to speed on the successes in Iraq and provides insights into the 782 gear worn in combat--it's a far cry from what we wore in the last war. We throw in a couple of Vietnam War historical articles-Operations Swift and Medina-and a little humor ("Get Away From Me, You Lunatic") from the pen of retired Maj Al Bevilacqua, illustrated by Marine veteran Dave Rydberg, and add in our regular fare and this issue will be something special.
Looking ahead to the November, Marine Corps Birthday issue, Leatherneck will include its annual, "Senior Leaders of the Corps" insert, the Commandant's Birthday message and, in this issue, an article by the Commandant on NCO leadership. These, plus photos from our old locker box (Corps Album), an article on Civil War Marines by Marine historian Col Joe Alexander USMC (Ret), and an expansive article on the Marine family in Boston make this 232d Marine Corps Birthday issue a real keeper. If you are not a reader, now is the time to get on board.
The professional journal for ALL Marines, the Marine Corps Gazette is now entirely accessible ONLINE so members can read it anywhere they can access the Internet. We encourage all members to switch to the Online-Only option when renewing. A great value because you save 15% and still get the same high quality magazine but 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.
The October Gazette is a special edition that focuses on Irregular Warfare and Counter Insurgency. The Gazette has reprinted several articles from past editions to include an article from 1963 authored by then Major General Victor Krulak. These articles are as relevant today as when they were first published. There are also new articles that illustrate the current operational environment Marines are fighting in as we battle a determined foe.
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.
Click here to visit MCA's dynamic website. While visiting the homepage, check out our Schedule of Events section to view the latest MCA sponsored events. Also scroll down the homepage to see the latest pictures we have posted of award winners MCA's Awards program has supported. Did you know that the Marine Corps Association's Awards program provided over $200,000 worth of performance, academic excellence, leadership and related awards to Marines and sailors serving with Marines? Click here to get the straight scoop on how MCA's Awards program supports Marines!
CAREER CENTER
The MCA Career Center exists to support Marines. ALL Marines are welcome. If you are a transitioning Marine, searching for employment, check us out First!
The MCA Career center has a continually growing bank of resumes and continues to grow in influence with companies seeking Marines to employ. Marine job seekers do NOT have to be MCA members to post their resume with the MCA Career Center. Any Marine who posts with the Career Center will have full access to search all of the jobs and can apply, too.
Companies and businesses seeking high quality employees can't do better than a highly motivated and reliable Marine and the MCA Career Center helps find them.
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!
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:
MCA has an ongoing mission to provide professional development for Marines. Sponsoring professional events of interest to Marines is the chief way we perform this mission. Following is a list of the key events coming up. Visit here for the complete schedule and additional information.
Book Signing - Parris Island, SC
On Thursday, 4 October, MCA will host Kirsten Holmstedt author of Band of Sisters for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Parris Island. For more information, visit our web site or call the bookstore staff at (843) 522-9440 Picture of BookCover
MCA Ground Awards Dinner - Arlington, VA
On Thursday, 11 October, MCA, along with HQMC PP&O Department, will co-host the 4th annual Ground Awards Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington. The Dinner features General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps as the guest speaker and one of the awards presenters. For additional information and reservation arrangements, click HERE.
MCA luncheon - Camp Lejeune
On Wednesday, 24 October, MCA will host an MCA Luncheon featuring General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps as the guest Speaker.
Book Signing - Camp Pendleton, CA
On Wednesday, 24 October, MCA will host Kirsten Holmstedt author of Band of Sisters for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Pendleton. For more information, visit our web site or call the bookstore staff at (760) 385-0383.
MCA Halloween RIDICULOUS DAYS Sale - MCA Building - Quantico, VA
On 31 October-1 November, MCA will hold a sales extravaganza with ridiculously slashed prices on all discontinued merchandise. Watch the MCA homepage and future editions of MCA Today for details as they develop. Join the feeding frenzy in the MCA Building Atrium and pick up some great deals at ridiculous savings on professional books, unique specialty gifts, apparel, hats and much more that Marines will love to have!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPONSORS
THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:
PLATINUM GOLD:
PLATINUM SILVER:
PLATINUM
BRONZE:
And to our Individual Event Sponsors:
Gold: Harris, Oracle, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Smartronix
Silver: EMA, MITRE, Oracle, Raytheon, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: Alion Science & Technology; AM General; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; BearingPoint; Bell Helicopter/Textron; Boeing; CACI, Int'l; Cisco; Columbia Research; CTC; Deloitte Consulting; EFW, Inc.; Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc.; Exeter; Force Protection; General Dynamics ATP; General Dynamics IT; Hartford Insurance; Honeywell; IBM; International Truck; Keane Federal Systems, Inc; L-3 Titan; MDS-PRAD Technologies Corporation; The Meltzer Group; Merrill Lynch; Mitre; Oshkosh Truck Corp.; Professional Solutions; R. Phillips Enterprises; Raytheon C4; Raytheon (Quantico Ofc); SAIC; Sprint; SRA International; Stanley, Inc.; Talley Defense Systems; Tandberg; Telos; Thales Communications; Verizon; Wackenhut Services; Whitley, Bradley & Brown, Inc.; W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Corporate Sponsors: Bank of America; DHS Systems; Earl's Body Shop; First Citizens Bank; JOEMC; Logis-Tech; Main Street; Marine Federal Credit Union; MCAS Beaufort FCU; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Spectrum; Supply Core
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, gifts and uniforms at MCA bookstores and the Marine Shop, MCA membership includes access to great deals from a number of well known companies providing our members with travel and computer discounts and special deals on credit cards and insurance policies.
These benefits might not meet your needs or desires. Help us help you! Tell us what type of member benefits you would like us to offer. Email us at promotions@mca-marines.org with your suggestions.
Do you have what is needed to help fight the battle against cancer?
We care for our members, and we don't want to see your nest egg wiped out in just a few months. Don't be misled into thinking you have enough insurance to cover the medical cost of treating cancer. Many insurance companies may not cover all the costs to treat cancer. The statistics of being diagnosed with cancer in the U.S for a male are 1 out of 2, and for women they are 1 out of 3 during their lifetime. Don't be caught off guard. *
The MCA Cancer Care Plan was developed to help MCA members. We would like to send you cash benefits if you are ever caught in a battle against cancer.
- These benefits, up to a lifetime amount of $300,000.00**, would help with many aspects of your treatment including: hospitals, operations, doctors, medications, and more.***
- In this plan we'll pay you $30.00 for each insured member of your family so they may receive an outpatient diagnostic test for cancer this year, and each year afterward while you're in the plan.
You are guaranteed acceptance into this plan if you're an MCA member (or the spouse of a member), you're under 80 years of age (under 65 in CA), and you have not been medically treated for or advised of cancer (with the exception of skin cancer) for the last 5 years.
CLICK HERE to request more information about the MCA Cancer Care Plan, and find out why it makes sense for today's military family.
Underwritten by: Monumental Life Insurance Company, an AEGON company, Cedar Rapids, IA.
*The American Cancer Society, Facts & Figures, 2006.
**Plan pays up to $300,000.00 lifetime maximum subject to specific plan benefit schedules and individual benefit maximums.
*** This is a Cancer only policy.
Some exclusions and limitations may apply. Not available in all states.
MCA
MASTERCARD AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW....
COMPUTER SAVINGS
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Apple continues to improve the Member Purchase Program (MPP) for MCA members. Check out the new MPP Store and when you get there, click on the graphic entitled “Exclusive Offer for EPP Customers.” Members will easily find and view all exclusive MPP offers on this page.
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
MARINE TRIVIA QUESTION
Q. Movie star, best selling author and talented sailor, his lack of a high school diploma kept him from a Navy commission but proved no bar to gaining a Marine officer commission. Later won a Silver Star medal while serving as a Marine in the OSS in the Balkans. Returned to acting following the war, he later appeared in a cameo role as a corrupt police chief who was memorably shot in the face while eating in an Italian restaurant. Who am I ?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive MCA Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
SPECIAL NOTICE for the MCA Today Triviaphiles! Send MCA a trivia question and if we use it, we will send you an MCA Coin as well. When you submit your trivia question please also provide us with the answer and also with a source. Include your name and address on your email so we can send your prize. Thanks in advance for the help!
Here's August's trivia question for ready reference:
Q: The Marines that rode the drop ship down to LV 426 in the belly of a wheeled armored personnel carrier and later fought Regina Horribilis came from what organization?
A: The Colonial Marines' from the movie Aliens mixed it up with the Alien Queen and her slime drooling offspring.
Congratulations to Bob Simonsen from Riverside, California for being first with the correct answer. Bob, we ran out of Mission Essential Coins so we are sending you our brand new MCA Coin instead. I am pleased to report that the August contest also generated a lot of interest and responses. About half of the respondents gave the correct answer.
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