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National President and CEO Ken Hopper with a New Year message to the membership, CLICK on photo to view message.
The Association is a proud partner of the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) and is honored to present this article on one of the members of the NVBDC.
The NVBDC proudly celebrates Robert Bernard Middleton II, our esteemed Treasurer, on receiving two monumental accolades: an Honorary Doctorate and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal Award from the White House. Robert Middleton's journey is a testament to resilience and leadership. Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, he transitioned from modest beginnings to middle-class stability through the perseverance of his family. He later attended the University of Michigan, where he honed his expertise in business administration, accounting, and finance as a research assistant at the Graduate School of Business Administration. Middletons illustrious career spans decades, including leadership roles in corporate finance, marketing, management, and construction. As the Treasurer/CFO of an international business development firm, he has driven innovation while serving as Chair of the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees. His leadership continues to inspire as he fosters growth and financial stewardship for NVBDC, ensuring our mission to certify and support veteran businesses thrives. (Read the rest of the story)
In the las month, we have been contacted by members who were assisting in the passing of a Marine. They did not know who to contact to ensure a proper military burial. First, the loss of a Marine is always difficult, especially for the family. The Casualty Assistance Program at HQMC is committed to ensuring the families of Marines are always treated with the utmost compassion, dignity and honor. They actively seek to improve survivor assistance and have a demonstrated record of quick, effective action.
Here is appropriate information to get you started:
Additional information is contained on our RESOURCES PAGE
Bipartisan legislation designed to end an unfair pay offset for tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans has earned overwhelming support in the last two sessions of Congress. But for the 118th Congress to include the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282/S. 344) in the next National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – a move which would send a clear message of support to the all-volunteer force – advocates must overcome cost concerns. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
MY IWO JIMA SAGA is the just-published, first-hand account by the commander of E/2/28 that raised two American flags atop Mount Suribachi during the World War II battle in February 1945 — a bloody campaign that was immortalized in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal that helped inspire a war-weary nation to victory. READ MORE
The Association would like to acknowledge those who have committed to supporting The Association at the Benefactor level. Their support will fulfill our promise to the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom - Today - Tomorrow. Become a Benefactor Today!
To read the current MCRA By-Laws, members should click here.
We wish to extend our thanks to those that supported our End-of-Year challenge. Many thanks Marines supporting:
Professional Military Education Programs: This program is growing and only limited by funding. We have already been asked to deliver our program to three additional Reserve Commands.
Award Program: Without The Association's support, those attending ALL Reserve Education programs would not be recognized for their work.
Legislative Efforts: These advocacy efforts ensure your voice is heard not only within Congress, but at the state level.
The deadline for filing a legal claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is August 10th. If you are looking for assistance, contact MCRA’s entrusted law firm Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico. Read this educational and informative article for answers to questions you may still have. To learn more click here.
1. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE ETHICAL USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BY COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, MARADMIN 635/24,
2. UPDATED ENLISTED PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION (EPME) REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED MARINE CORPS RESERVE (SMCR), INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR), AND INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZATION AUGMENTEE (IMA) MARINES MARADMIN: 631/24.
3. MODIFICATION TO THE FY2025 REGIONAL SNCO ACADEMY CLASS SCHEDULES FOR ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE COMPONENT MARADMIN: 628/24
The MCRA latest PODCAST focuses on the career ofCol David Leighton, USMCR (Ret). In this PODCAST we will hear why Dave joined the Marine Corps; his training to become a Marine and a Naval Aviator. Listen to what Vietnam was like during the Corps' first "Advisory" mission in 1961. We hear about the Corps build-up and flying combat missions in 1966. Dave will also discuss the Association from the 1970s to today. This is a PODCAST you do not want to miss, from an American warrior who has served his country for over 60 years. Col David Leighton PODCAST
We now have 11 new PODCASTS for your enjoyment. Please listen and leave a comment to improve our content. Best, we would appreciate it if you were to share. SPOTIFY PODCASTS MCRA YOU TUBE PODCASTS
Marines of the 1st Marine Division began mopping-up operations against guerrillas in the Pohang area, South Korea, following the Division's return from its epic battle with Communist Chinese troops at the Chosin (Changjin) Reservoir.
The second battle for Khe Sanh began when Marines from the 3d Battalion, 26th Marines attacked a North Vietnamese battalion between Hill 881 South and Hill 881 North. More than 100 of the enemy were killed.
The 1st Aeronautical Company arrived at Ponta Delgada, Azores, for anti-submarine duty. That unit was one of the first completely equipped American aviation units to serve overseas in World War I.
Operation Dewey Canyon, perhaps the most successful high-mobility regimental-size action of the Vietnam War, began in the A Shau/Da Krong Valleys when the 9th Marines, commanded by Colonel Robert H. Barrow, and supporting artillery were lifted from Quang Tri. By 18 March the enemy's base area had been cleared out, 1617 enemy dead had been counted, and more than 500 tons of weapons and ammunition unearthed.
Marines and seamen from the U.S. sloop DECATUR went ashore at the village of Seattle, Washington, to protect settlers from Indian raids. The Indians launched a seven-hour attack but were driven off later that day after suffering severe losses. Incredibly, only two civilian volunteers were killed and no Marines or sailors were lost.
About 400 Marines and sailors from the 2d Marine Division, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, and 2d Force Service Support Group deployed for the Persian Gulf. The Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) CM 2-88 would relieve Contingency MAGTF 1-88 in the volatile Persian Gulf and provide the effective landing force capability to Joint Task Force Middle East.
The first serious ground fighting of Operation Desert Storm broke out when Iraqi troops mounted an attack into Saudi Arabia along a 40-mile front. Iraqi units centered their efforts on Khafji, a port city six miles south of the border. Saudi and Quatari troops, supported by artillery from the 1st Marine Division and attack helicopters and other allied coalition aircraft, recaptured the town two days later.
The Pentagon announced that 2,600 U.S. Marines would be deployed to Somalia for Operation United Shield to assist in the final withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops from Somalia. The decision came in response to a UN request for American protection of its peacekeeping forces serving in the war-torn African nation.
The first elements of Marine Aircraft Group 24, commanded by Colonel Lyle H. Meyer, landed at Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, to provide close air support for Army forces. Over the next three months, MAG-24 and MAG-32 would fly a total of 8,842 combat sorties and drop more than 19,000 bombs as part of the Fifth Air Force in support of the Sixth Army.
Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as forces of the allied coalition launched an all-out air campaign against targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait in an effort to liberate Kuwait and enforce the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Overall, in the theater of operations, the coalition forces included more than 415,000 U.S. troops.
Honoring Robert Middleton: A Lifetime of Dedication and Achievement
1/6/2025
VA begins early-stage planning for the next Federal Electronic Health Record rollout in mid-2026, continues ongoing improvement efforts at existing sites
NEW MEMBER JOB PORTAL The Association has joined forces with Bluu Kazi to provide a job placement platform. This platform is now live. This platform is dedicated to assisting Marines in finding new opportunities, building connections and discovering educational opportunities. Members will be able to upload resumes, search current opening positions, and receive educational assistance to prepare you for your transition to civilian life or to prepare you for a transition to a different line of work. Simply click on the photo above and begin your new journey.
Find Someone to help you:
Prepare for job interviews. Prepare your resume. Gen a mentor.
Team with our partner at Hire Heros USA.