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Spring Meeting - April 16, 2005:

On Saturday 16 April 2005 the National Marine Corps Council meeting was held at the Marine Corps Association Headquarters Building in Quantico, VA.  A list of attendees is provided at enclosure (1).

Brigadier General Margaret Brewer, the NMCC Vice-Chairman, opened the meeting at 0900 with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Brigadier General Brewer read a letter from Council Chairman Jerry Brown.  He expressed his regrets at not being able to make the meeting due to some health issues.  He indicated he was making progress in his recovery but recognized that it would take some time before he was back on his feet.  Brigadier General Brewer expressed the warm wishes of the Executive Committee and the entire Council for a speedy recovery.  After welcoming all attendees, Brigadier General Brewer introduced the guest speaker, Lieutenant General James N. Mattis, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command/Deputy Commandant for Combat Development.  Lieutenant General Mattis said that the Marine Corps had suffered 4400 killed or wounded Marines to date in the war on terror.  He spoke about the current state of body armor and indicated that Marines survive wounds that would have killed them in past conflicts.  He said that it was unusual now for the Corps to take a casualty in Afghanistan.  Falujah cost us over 550 Marines killed or wounded.  He said that there were bunkers built inside of homes there.  He said that Lieutenant General Zinni “our Godfather” told the troops before the invasion, “If you don’t take that army down in six weeks, us old timers are going to disown you.”  “After that, the work begins”.  He said that their presence in Iraq was guided by two principles.  “First do no harm”.  “No better friend, no worst enemy”.   He said that the Commandant wants our help on recruiting.  Retired Marines and Veteran Marines can bring support to the Recruiters.  He said that the Corps was making “shipping” goals, but not making “recruiting” goals.  His presentation was well received by the council members.  The Question and Answer period ended at approximately 10:15.

The Vice-Chair then introduced General Al Gray.  General Gray said the he had personally been at war with terrorism since October 1983 - Beirut.  He said that we can help win this war by spreading the truth about the war.  He called this generation of Marines, the “selfless generation”.    A short break was called at 1030.

After the break, Brigadier General Brewer introduced Rene Bardorf from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.  Rene is the Vice President and one of the founding members of this 501 © (3) foundation. The primary purpose of the fund is to help the families of injured Marines. Many of the Marines currently in our military hospitals have sustained long-term injuries that require extensive recovery time and thus extensive hospitalization and even rehabilitation.  While our Marines are undergoing treatment, their families are forced to shoulder the burden of frequent trips to the hospital, travel expenses, childcare and food and lodging at the military hospital.  Many of these families are in need of financial help. Rene provided some personal stories to illustrate the need for this organization and asked the Council Members to pass the word about what they were doing to the individual members of the council organizations and remember the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund for donations and contributions.
                                   
LtCol. J. R. Schaffer briefed the council on the status of the Marine for Life Program and the Injured Marine Program.  There were several questions about both programs. 

Brigadier General Brewer then introduced Susan Hodges from the Marine Corps Heritage Center. Susan provided an update on progress on the construction of the National Museum. She said that construction was about 38% complete.  She spoke about the special commemorative coin celebrating the 230th Birthday of the U. S. Marine Corps. Ten dollars of every coin sale will be donated to the Heritage Center and earmarked for construction costs. Information on how to buy the coin will be made available soon.  She said that they were now selling commerative bricks for $300 each.  Susan indicated that the official grand opening of the Museum is still scheduled for November 2006.  She also reminded everyone that the Heritage Foundation awards Banquet was scheduled for Friday 20 May.

BGen. Brewer called for a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  One correction was called out.  In the 3rd paragraph, 2nd from the bottom sentence, delete the word “being”.  Motion to approve as amended was made and seconded.  It was approved by voice vote. 

Michael Blum, the Executive Director for the Marine Corps League and Secretary to the Council, provided some information on the League’s efforts at USNH Bethesda and Walter Reed Army Hospital.  The program has evolved from providing emotional support to wounded Marines to material support in the form of “health and comfort” items beyond the capability of the hospital to provide.  The League also provides some financial support to visiting families like taxi vouchers, meal vouchers, and prepaid phone cards.  Michael indicated that funding for this program had come from local MCL members, the local League Auxiliary and donations from several Departments and Detachments around the country.  Michael asked that the council members consider the Marines Helping Marines Program when making a donation.

Brigadier General Brewer thanked Colonel Davis and the Marine Corps Association for all their support and for the hospitality and use of their facilities.   The Meeting was adjourned at 1230.