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The Association is proud to support the celebration of the Corps' 250th anniversary.
Exciting news! We're celebrating the progress of The Tun November 7 - 10th 2025! While our official grand opening will be delayed due to securing the remaining funding, we've achieved remarkable milestones thanks to incredible Marine enthusiasm and support. This isn't a setback; it's a steppingstone! To read the full article, CLICK HERE
BLUU KAZI, is one of The Association's staunches supporters. They have created a unique opportunity for Marine Veterans, a NEW CAREER IN CYBERSECUTIY. They provide all the training, at NO COST to you.
Servant leadership is my hallmark, I spent over 22 years on active duty in the United States Army, serving my country but even more importantly, serving those with whom I served. When I first entered the military, at the age of 20, I was clueless about what I was getting into but I was certain I had to get away from home to expand my view of the world. I became bored with the education system and no longer felt that I was being challenged. The things that I was being taught at the university level were things I could learn on my own by opening a book and reading. My way of thinking had outgrown the formal education system and I was frankly frustrated with a failing system. Read the full story and learn more on how you can make the transition, READ STORY
Did you know the highest unit honor in the Marine Corps JROTC is the "Marine Corps Reserve Association" Unit Award. Seen here is the Marine Corps JROTC program at Haverhill High School, Haverhill, MA receiving the prestigious Marine Corps Reserve Association designation as one of the top four programs in the nation in 2024! “The effects of the Marine Corps JROTC program reach far beyond the classroom and into the community in developing character, leadership, and civic responsibility in tens of thousands of America’s kids. Marine Corps JROTC, at its essence, is a character education program. The program keeps kids in school, helps them find their way during the turbulent teenage years, and assists them in becoming productive members of their community. Our program produces young men and women who are ready to accept the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship. We are rightfully proud of our contribution to America’s future and thankful for the dedicated instructors, staff, school administrators, and communities whose hard work and commitment make the program’s success possible. ” “Eagle Globe and Anchor Award.” To view the 2024 winners, click here.
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
Dakota Meyer, a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Afghanistan War but later became a sharp critic of the Biden administration over its chaotic withdrawal from that conflict, is reenlisting in the military and will serve in the Marine Reserves.
In a briefing with reporters on Thursday before his reenlistment ceremony, Meyer said he is returning to military service after 15 years out of uniform because he felt he “had more to give.” He's also close to President Donald Trump's defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Read full story.
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. 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
First Lieutenant Presley N. O'Bannon, who with seven other Marines was part of a force of Greeks and Arabs led by American Consul William Eaton, raised the United States flag for the first time over a conquered fortress of the Old World at Derne, a stronghold of the Tripolitan pirates. Two Marines were killed and one wounded in the assault on the walled city.
The last A-6E Intruder departed from Marine Corps service. Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 332 transferred the last Marine A-6E to St. Augustine, Florida, and prepared for the squadron's transition to the F/A-18D and eventual movement from Cherry Point to Beaufort, South Carolina.
The fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War and the collapse of the South Vietnamese state. The North Vietnamese Army captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, and the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City within 24 hours.
On Okinawa, Marines of the III Amphibious Corps continued to make good progress all along their front, clearing Zampa Misaki and seizing the Katchin Peninsula, thus effectively cutting the island in two. By this date (D+2), III AC elements had reached objectives thought originally to require 11 days to take.
Five Marine guards were killed and eight wounded when attacked by Communist Chinese raiders near the Hsin Ho ammunition depot in Northern China. This last major clash between Marines of the 1st Marine Division and Communist forces occurred shortly after withdrawal and redeployment plans from China were issued for the 1st Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on 1 April.
Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr. was named as one of the original seven Project Mercury astronauts selected for space training. The seven astronauts, all volunteers, were selected by NASA from an initial group of 110 leading military test pilots. Three years later, on 20 February 1962, Col Glenn would become the first American to orbit the Earth.
Marines of the 4th Brigade suffered their first gas attack on the night and early morning hours of 12-13 April when the Germans bombarded the 74th Company, 6th Marines near Verdun with mustard gas. Nine Marine officers and 305 enlisted Marines were gassed and evacuated, and 30 Marines died from the effects of the gas shells which hit in the middle of the reserve area cantonments in which they were sleeping.
Marine Corps operational involvement in the Vietnam War began on Palm Sunday when HMM-362 with its Sikorsky UH-34s arrived at Soc Trang in the Delta south of Saigon. The task unit was called "Shufly" and its first operational employment involved lifting Vietnamese troops into battle.
One Marine Security Guard was killed and seven were wounded when a large car bomb exploded just outside the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Lance Corporal Robert McMaugh was standing guard at Post 1, just inside the front entrance when the bomb exploded outside the door. The explosion killed 61 people including 17 Americans. LCpl McMaugh was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 26 April.
Marine carrier-based airplanes made their first aerial contact with enemy planes over the Korean front lines. Captain Philip C. Delong shot down two YAK fighters and 1st Lieutenant Harold D. Daigh destroyed one more and damaged another in the heavily defended Pyongyang-Chinnanpo area. Both pilots were with VMF-312 flying from the USS Bataan.
The Tun Update
4/21/2025
Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer Reenlists in Marine Corps Reserves After 15 Years
4/20/2025
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.