In 1956, the Retired Officers’ Luncheon was established to serve as a fraternal gathering for retired Marine officers in the Washington, D.C. area who wanted to keep abreast of the current status of the Marine Corps, maintain a close relationship with the Corps and its leaders, and support the Marine Corps.
Now known simply as MCA Luncheons, the events are open to anyone interested, though Marine Corps retirees, regardless of rank and MCA members are particularly welcome. And the program has expanded nationwide. The MCA hosts luncheons at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and Washington, D.C.
The program consists of a series of luncheons, conducted three times a year, at which a Marine general officer, or other, prominent leader, delivers speeches and briefings to retired Marines, their spouses, and guests about current Marine Corps or military issues. For many years an informal committee of volunteers, supported by Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., and the MCA planned, coordinated, and conducted these luncheons. In 1999 the MCA assumed these planning responsibilities. Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. continues to support the luncheons by providing buglers, color guards, and escort personnel.
Recent speakers have included General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; LtGen Gary McKissock, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics; MajGen T.S. Jones, Commanding General, Training and Education Command; Gen M. W. Hagee, 33d Commandant of the Marine Corps; The Honorable James Webb, former Secretary of the Navy; LtGen James T. Conway, Director of Operations (J3); VADM Norbert R. Ryan, USN (Ret), President of Military Officers of America Association; Gen Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret); and Gen Robert Magnus, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
