Marine Corps Association & Foundation

The Marine Corps has been a home for thousands of men and women who want the opportunity to fight for their country. But inside every home there are skeletons lurking in the closets. History has taught us to look at our mistakes as a nation, learn from it, make changes and grow. Our Corps has overcome the hardships of segregation and racism.

Military journalist and best-selling author Thomas E. Ricks held a book signing at The Marine Shop aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico Feb. 12, 2014. Marines and their families had the opportunity to obtain autographed copies of his latest books The Generals and Making the Corps.

The Marine Corps Association & Foundation together with various military sponsors recognized 13 Marines for their dedication to the Corps at The Combined Awards Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Feb. 3, 2014, at The Clubs at Quantico. Gen James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Marines for their stellar performance.

The Marine Corps Association & Foundation presented awards to the top graduates of The Basic School’s (TBS) Echo Company at Little Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico Jan. 29, 2014.

The Marine Corps Association & Foundation hit the road in January with a team traveling to the west coast to host the 4th Annual MCA&F West Coast Dinner and to attend Expo West at Camp Pendleton.

The Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide Patriot Edition is cherried out with red and blue stripes and the Corps’ emblem on the gas tank. A USMC flag flies on the back. Dr. E. Bruce Heilman cruises on the motorcycle with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblazoned on his leathers as he rides from coast to coast to visit his first alma mater – MCRD San Diego.

2013 was a standout year for the Marine Corps Association Foundation’s (MCAF) unit library program designed to put professional books in the hands of Marines around the globe. The program outfitted 120,453 Marines during 2013 to prepare them for deployments and training—an increase of 27,296 Marines served since 2012. The total amount of funds granted for the 2013 libraries was $159,684, a $15,572 increase from 2012.

When two of his friends were drafted into the military, Botelho thought about his future. As the youngest of five children, he decided that after his high school graduation that he would enlist in the Marine Corps in July 1953. 

We believe that every Marine is a leader. At the Marine Corps Association Foundation we help develop leaders by providing forums for Marines to develop professionally, exchange ideas and preserve the traditions of the Corps. 

LtCol James W. Hammond wrote the article The Ace that Ate the Marine Corps in the January 2014 Marine Corps Gazette. LtCol Hammond retired from the Marine Corps in 2005 after 23 years. His father, Col Wes Hammond, USMC(Ret), was the last active-duty Marine to serve as the editor of the Marine Corps Gazette.