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The Association is proud to support the celebration of the Corps' 250th anniversary.
As the vibrant colors of red, white, and blue begin to adorn our neighborhoods, and the tantalizing scent of summer cookouts fills the air, we approach the 4th of July. For many, it's a cherished day of festivities and family gatherings. But for those of us who have worn the uniform, this holiday carries a much deeper, more profound significance.
On July 4, 1776, a group of courageous leaders took a truly audacious step, declaring our independence from tyranny. Who could have known that this fledgling country, born from such a bold act, would one day blossom into the envy of the world? This Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for a nation founded on the principles of liberty, justice, and self-governance – ideals that resonate just as powerfully today.
And from those foundational moments, our nation's defenders emerged and the Marine Corps, has been an integral part of this country's story since the very founding of our nation. Marines have stood ready to defend those sacred ideals, serving with unwavering loyalty and courage through every challenge our nation has faced. We understand, perhaps more than most, the immense value of the freedoms enshrined in that historic document. We've seen firsthand the cost of liberty, carrying the weight of that understanding with us always.
As we celebrate the 249th birthday of our country, this 4th of July takes on even greater meaning. It's a powerful reminder of our origins and the incredible journey our nation has embarked upon.
So, as you celebrate this Independence Day, we urge all Americans to stop and be truly thankful. Be thankful not only for the incredible privilege of living in this country but also for the countless individuals who have been, and continue to be, willing to defend this way of life.
The 4th of July is more than just fireworks and barbecues; it is a profound celebration of what it means to be an American. It is a day to remember our origins, to honor those who have protected our way of life, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
From all of us at The Marine Corps Reserve Association, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and very Happy Independence Day. God Bless America.
To be totally honest, The Tun will not be open on 10 November 2025. Dispite all the efforts, the matter of fact is The Tun Legacy Foundation does not have the necessary funds/ support from Marines as hoped. Yes it is disappointing, however it does not mean progress has not been. One of the means by shich The Foundation is hoping to raise additional funds is kicking off the "1775 Club." So if you want to see The Tun rebuilt? Or do you want to make a toast to the Corps in The Tun®? Learn more about The Club and how to join, click here.
I CAME HOME One came home to tears of Joy One came Home to tears of sorrow
One had a parade with cheers of Joy and Relief One had a Procession with tears of Grief and Suffering
One felt the warm embrace of their Loved Ones One had feelings of loss, broken dreams and loneliness
One made plans for their future lives together One had lost dreams and fear for their future
Why did I come home when so many did not? Those of us who served in Combat and came home have feelings of guilt for those who will never come home
SgtMaj Joseph A Staudt Memorial Day 2025
Modernizing equipment, improving readiness and securing predictable funding for the next fight remain top priorities for the reserve components of the U.S. military, senior leaders told lawmakers yesterday.
"I thank the subcommittee for its continued support, especially through the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account," LtGen Anderson said "For the Marine Corps Reserve, NGREA is not just a funding line, it's a warfighting requirement. These funds allow us to field and sustain the platforms, communication systems and equipment that Marines need to train as they fight. READ FULL STORY To view his opening remarks, click here.
As part of his written testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on May 6, 2025, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney reaffirmed the Marine Corps Reserve’s role as a combat-ready, integral part of the Total Force.
As the Marine Corps modernizes and operational tempo increases, the Marine Corps Reserve Component remains an integral part of the total Force. Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) has increasingly activated units to provide operational relief to the Active Component (AC). In FY24, support to the AC nearly doubled over FY23 with 600 activations supporting joint force commanders in Southwest Asia, South America, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. In FY25, activations will more than double FY24 levels, with nearly 1,500 Reserve Marines, approximately 4% of the Reserve Component (RC), activating to support Global Force Management commitments. read here.
The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting military families. The mission of this scholarship program is to help prepare military spouses for meaningful employment and to better contribute to their family’s financial security. The second batch of scholarship checks are stamped and ready to mail to 77 hard-working military spouses! We are thrilled to be able to award almost $80,000 in donor-funded scholarships for the fall semester!
Could you use a scholarship? Applications are open through June 30, apply here.
Get ready to make history! As the Marine Corps Reserve Association approaches its monumental 100th Anniversary on November 10, 2026, we're embarking on a special project to commemorate this incredible milestone: an "Oral History" book, created in partnership with Publishing Concepts!
Imagine your stories, your experiences, and your memories as a member of the MCRRA preserved for generations to come. This commemorative book will be a tapestry woven from the personal narratives of our dedicated members, offering a unique and intimate look at the Association's century of service and camaraderie. CLICK HERE to learn more about the project.
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.
1. UPDATE TO THE ARMED FORCES CLASSIFICATION TEST RETEST REQUEST PROCESS MARADMIN 250/25
2. IMPLEMENTING POLICY ON PRIORITIZING MILITARY EXCELLENCE AND READINESS VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS MARADMIN 239/25
3. RESULTS OF THE FY25 4TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING (MAW) ADVERSARY SQUADRON PILOT (ASP) SELECTION BOARD MARADMIN 238/25
4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESERVE SERGEANTS MAJOR SLATE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025/2026 MARADMIN 230/25
5. NONCOMPETITIVE CORPORAL TO SERGEANT RECRUITER PROMOTIONS FOR THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE COMPONENT MARADMIN: 229/25
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
President Ronald Reagan, citing the threat posed to American nationals on the Caribbean nation of Grenada by that nation’s Marxist regime, orders U.S. forces to invade and secure their safety. There were approximately 1,000 Americans in Grenada at the time, many of them students at the island’s medical school. In little more than a week, Grenada’s government was overthrown. The situation on Grenada had been of concern to American officials since 1979, when the leftist Maurice Bishop seized power and began to develop close relations with Cuba. In 1983, another Marxist, Bernard Coard, had Bishop assassinated and took control of the government. Protesters clashed with the new government and violence escalated. Citing the danger to the U.S. citizens in Grenada, Reagan ordered nearly 2,000 U.S. troops into the island, where they soon found themselves facing opposition from Grenadan armed forces and groups of Cuban military engineers, in Grenada to repair and expand the island’s
Marines from the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) consisting of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (2/8), Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 261, and MAU Service Support Group 22 embarked aboard the ships USS Guam (LPH-9), USS Trenton (LPH-14), USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30), USS Manitowoc (LST-1180), and USS Barnstable County (LST-1197) had been ordered to conduct noncombatant evacuation operations.
Shortly before sunrise on Oct. 25, 1983, Marines landed on Grenada. CH-46 Sea Knight transports, escorted by AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, achieved surprise. The initial wave landed unopposed as the men of Company E, 2/8 quickly secured their landing zone and prepared to move onto their objective, Pearls Airport.
An 11,000-man 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade left Camp Pendleton by sea for the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis. One week earlier, the entire 189,000-man Marine Corps had been put on alert and elements of the 1st and 2d Marine Divisions were sent to Guantanamo Bay to reinforce the defenders of the U.S. Naval Base. Other 2d Division units and squadrons from five Marine Aircraft Groups were deployed at Key West, Florida, or in Caribbean waters during the Cuban crisis.
A patrol of Marines and gendarmes, led by Sergeant Herman H. Hanneken, disguised themselves as Cacos and entered the headquarters of the Haitian Caco Leader, Charlemagne Peralte, killing the bandit chief, and dispersing his followers. Sergeant Hanneken and Corporal William R. Button were each awarded the Medal of Honor.
The first African-American female colonel in the Marine Corps was promoted to that rank during a ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. Colonel Gilda A. Jackson, a native of Columbus, Ohio, made Marine Corps history when she achieved the rank of colonel. She was serving as Special Projects Officer, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing at the time of her promotion.
Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 2d Continental Congress used the word "Marines" on one of the earliest known occasions, when it directed General George Washington to secure two vessels on "Continental risque and pay", and to give orders for the "proper encouragement to the Marines and seamen" to serve on the two armed ships.
Major General Keller E. Rockey, Commanding General, III Amphibious Corps, accepted the surrender of 50,000 Japanese troops in North China on behalf of the Chinese Nationalist government.
A force of 375 Marines under command of future Commandant George F. Elliott, attacked and captured the insurgent town of Novaleta, Luzon, Philippine Islands, and linked up with U.S. Army troops. There were 11 Marine casualties.
The 8th Marines was activated at Quantico, Virginia. Although the regiment would not see combat in Europe during World War I, the officers and enlisted men of the 8th Marines participated in operations against dissidents in Haiti for over five years during the 1920s. During World War II, the regiment was assigned to the 2d Marine Division and participated in combat operations on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, and earned three Presidential Unit Citations.
A Marine battalion was flown by transport helicopters to a frontline combat position for the first time, when HMR-161 lifted the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, and its equipment, during Operation Bumblebee, northeast of Yanggu, Korea.
This marks the day in 1775 when the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy. The Continental Navy was created to protect the colonies' waterways and seaports, and to disrupt British munitions ships that supplied the British Army. Go Navy, BEAT Army.
Operation Maui Peak, a combined regimental-sized operation which began on 6 October, ended 11 miles northwest of An Hoa, Vietnam. More than 300 enemy were killed in the 13-day operation.
At 0622 an explosive-laden truck slammed into the BLT headquarters building in Beirut, Lebanon, where more than 300 men were billeted. The massive explosion collapsed the building in seconds, and took the lives of 241 Americans--including 220 Marines. This was the highest loss of life in a single day for Marines since D-Day on Iwo Jima in 1945.
MODERN DAY MARINE 2026
28 Apr 2026
Celebrating Freedom: A Veteran's Perspective on the 4th of July
7/4/2025
A Century of Connection: Share Your Story for The Association's 100th Anniversary Book!
5/10/2025
Making The Transition From The Uniformed Services to a Career in Cyber Security
By - Dion Edwards, MAJ, United States Army (Ret) Read More
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.