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Spring Meeting - April 19, 2008:

The National Marine Corps Council met on Saturday, April 19, 2008, for the Spring Meeting.  The Council convened at the Marine Corps Association facility in Quantico, Virginia.

Mr. Michael Blum, Chairman, called the Meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.   He welcomed all Council Members and visitors, and then led the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.   He recognized Mr. Fred Lash, Vice Chairman, who offered the upcoming issue of Time magazine’s play on the Marines War Memorial (the Iwo Jima Monument) that will be depicted on the magazine’s cover with regard to Earth Day and the environment.  Mr. Lash added that the day before there had been a ceremony in the Nation’s Capital commemorating the 25^th Anniversary of the Beirut Barracks Bombing. 

Mr. Lash then asked everyone to stand and introduce himself, herself and the organization being represented.

Mr. Blum then called Ms. Catalina Rivera forward and recognized her hard work for the Council over the last several years.  He presented her with some flowers to show the Council’s appreciation, as she and her husband will be receiving orders soon from Quantico.

Mr. Blum then introduced Brigadier General Thomas Murray, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.  General Murray provided a thorough, enlightening, in-depth brief of the many near term and long-range projects the Lab is involved with for the Marine Corps.  General Murray fielded many questions from the Council.  (Briefing slides are attached.)

Lieutenant Colonel Larry Oliver, USMC from HQMC – PP & O provided an equally thorough, extensive, and enlightening current operations brief.  Colonel Oliver also fielded questions from the Council.  (Briefing slides are attached.)

Colonel Robert Abbott, USMC from HQMC – PP & O provided a comprehensive briefing addressing the Long War Concept. Colonel Abbott provided additional and more detailed insights to several of the areas addressed by Colonel Oliver.  Colonel Abbott answered several questions from the Council.  (Briefing Slides are attached.)

Sergeant Major Joe Houle, USMC (Ret) provided a brief introduction and overview of to the Museum of the Marine in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  It is to capitalize on the personal stories of Marines who have served and trained at Camp Lejeune and its surrounding facilities since 1941 to the present.

Mr. Lash provided a brief overview of and handed out a copy of a letter from Major General Donald R. Gardner, USMC (Ret), and President of the Marine Corps University addressing Memorials at Semper Fi Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  This was in response to inquiries about how to and where can units and organizations be memorialized within the Quantico /

Washington, D. C. area.  (Letter is attached.)

Gunnery Sergeant James Goodwin, USMC HQMC – PAO highlighted two items in particular that are new initiatives for the Public Affairs Office.  Marine Week, similar to the Navy’s Fleet Week, in four major U.S. cities is being discussed and planned to bring a greater level of exposure, insight, and information of the Marine Corps to all American citizens. He solicited the Council’s help with suggesting cities, and offering the local organizations as partners with HQMC in making these Marine Weeks a reality.  Secondly, he brought the newly redesigned Marine Corps Website to the Council’s attention.  The new address is:  www.marines.mil and he demonstrated one of the menu items for requesting Marine Corps support – Color Guards, Bands, equipment for static displays, for example.  He solicited input on the website as well.

Major General (Select) Michael Regner, USMC HQMC OLA provided a brief capitalizing on his tour years as the Commandant’s representation on Capitol Hill and the recent Executive Officer Symposium that the Commandant recently held.  General Regner was very informative and entertaining; he provided an insightful presentation.  General Regner answered several questions from the Council. 

Old Business

Mr. Blum recommended that the Council consider admitting two new organizations to the Council.  The Fleet Marine Force Association and the Marine Embassy Guard Association have met the membership criteria in all respects.  It was so moved, seconded, and each was unanimously approved for Membership.

 
New Business

Mr. Blum solicited nominations from the Council for three Council Leadership Positions – Chairman, Vice Chairman, and an At – Large Member, with terms expiring this fall.  As is stated in the Council’s Bylaws, the Vice Chairman normally will assume the Chairman’s position; therefore, two nominations were solicited – Vice Chairman and an At – Large Member.  Mr. Blum reminded the Council that these individual constitute the Executive Committee and should be relatively local as the Executive Committee meets at least two additional times than the full Council. 

There were no nominations from the floor.  Mr. Blum stated that nominations could be made up to August 31, 2008.  This would allow the Council time to consider appropriate nominees and the Executive Committee the opportunity to prepare for its fall meeting to set the agenda and the slate for the Council’s Fall Meeting in October.

Ms. Rivera reminded the Council of the revamped website and that it was now password protected.  If there were changes or questions, they should be directed to her.

Mr. Blum suggested the Fall Meeting be Saturday, October 18, 2008.  There was one Member who stated his organization (MCAA) had a conflict and they would be able to be present. Mr. Blum took the comment under advisement.

Very Respectfully,

Mike A. Blum
Chairman

PICTURES FROM THE MEETING:
Coming Soon.

HANDOUTS, VIDEOS, & FILES:
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