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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
Marines from Treasure Island Marine Barracks, under the command of Warrant Officer Charles L. Buckner, aided in suppressing the three-day prison riot at Alcatraz Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. WO Buckner, a veteran of the Bougainville and Guam campaigns, ably led his force of Marines without suffering a single casualty.
In Beirut, Lebanon, a UH-1N helicopter carrying the commander of the American peace- keeping force, Colonel James Mead, was hit by machine gun fire. The six Marines aboard escaped injury. Colonel Mead and his crew had taken off in the helicopter to investigate artillery and rocket duels between rival Syrian-backed Druze Moslem militiamen and Christian Phalangists that endangered French members of the multinational force.
In the wake of the most devastating storm to hit the New Orleans area in more than 200 years, a group of Marines and sailors from Marine Forces Reserve demonstrated the quick response synonymous with the Navy/Marine Corps team. Within 24 hours of being called, Marines assisted in the evacuation of 2,500 civilians, and Navy corpsmen treated scores of flood victims.
The 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division, executed a pre-dawn attack south across the Asa River Estuary and seized a bridgehead from which to continue the attack toward Naha, the capital of Okinawa.
Corporal John Mackie, the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor, was commended for service in the USS Galena during action against Confederate shore batteries at Drewry's Bluff which blocked the James River approaches to Richmond.
The 22d and 29th Marines continued the attack against Half Moon Hill, a day characterized by the 6th Marine Division as the "bitterest" of the Okinawa campaign. By the 18th, the famed "Shuri line" had been broached.
On Aug. 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces under one agency -- the Department of Defense. In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Truman stated: "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."
First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine officer to be assigned to "duty in connection with aviation" by Major General Commandant William P. Biddle, reported for aviation training at the Naval Aviation Camp at Annapolis, Maryland, and Marine aviation had its official beginning.
The V-22 Osprey, the world's first production tilt-rotor aircraft, made its debut during rollout ceremonies at Bell Helicopter Textron's Arlington, Texas, facility. More than 1,000 representatives from the military, industry, and media, gathered to hear various speakers, including Gen Alfred Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps, praise the versatile rotor craft designed to meet the needs of 21st Century battlefields.
Operation Pipestone Canyon began when the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines and 3d Battalion, 5th Marines began sweeps in the Dodge City/Go Noi areas southwest of Da Nang. It terminated at the end of June with 610 enemy killed in action at a cost of 34 Marines killed.
Elements of a joint task force that included the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Bangladesh after nearly two weeks of disaster relief operations following a devastating cyclone. The joint task force delivered tons of relief supplies using helicopters, C- 130s, and landing craft in Operation Sea Angel.
The Tun Update
4/21/2025
Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer Reenlists in Marine Corps Reserves After 15 Years
4/20/2025
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.