Col. Bryan F. Salas, former Director of Information at HQMC, will formally retire from the Corps on January 19 during ceremonies at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Col. Salas became Director of Information in 2009, shortly after his promotion to colonel. During his three years in that position he became […]
Four sons of Guam pose for the camera following a promotion ceremony for Col. Bryan F. Salas, (in uniform). From left to right: Vincente T. “Ben” Blaz, retired Marine Corps brigadier general, former representative of Guam in the U.S. Congress, and Chamorro resistance fighter during World War II, Col. Frank […]
Pre-order your copy today!
After more than a few setbacks, our updated history is now ready to go. The 295-page edition traces us from our beginnings in World War II through the Gulf Wars. In our first edition two years ago we only had a few of the original photos from “Last To Know, First To Go.” In this edition we have added more than 70 photos.
Our USMCCCA webmaster Kate Stark is again publishing the names of those named in the book. Even if your name is not listed in the index, you may be mentioned in a photo caption. We will also place this notice on Face Book.
The book will sell for $33 to members and $40 for non-members. You can use the button below or send a check or credit card info to CCHQ at 110 Fox Court, Wildwood, FL 34785. Make your payments to the USMCCCA not the USMCCCA Foundation. Through the largesse of our publishers, Dave and Diane Biesel, St. Johann Press, the Association will realize $10 for each book sold.
If you have pre-ordered, your names have been sent to St. Johann Press. All books will be mailed to you from their New Jersey headquarters
Pre-order your copy today!
Certainly, if your name is in the index below, you will want a copy of the book that commemorates the role you played in our history, right? The original history “Last to Know, First to Go” covered our history from slightly before WWII to about 1987. We have included excerpts from the original and brought it forward from that date – thanks to those who answered our requests – to about 2012.
The book’s cost is $33 to members; $40 to non-members. If you use a credit card, add a dollar. There is a button on our website www.usmccca.org that permits this. If you wish to use a check, make it payable to USMCCCA, 110 Fox Ct., Wildwood, FL 3478. The book will be shipped from St. Johann Press directly to you with free postage.
By Jack T. Paxton, Executive Director
For photos of the event click here
There have been many highlights in this organization’s long and glorious history dating back to the late 1940s but none would match that associated with the dedication of the Brig. Gen. Robert L. Denig Sr. Memorial at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Va., on November 17.
With more than 70 members, friends, and relatives of two of the original “Denig Demons” looking on, the Memorial was officially unveiled by Mrs. Bernice Stavisky, Mrs. Maria O’Leary, and Brig. Gen. Paul A. Kennedy, Director of Public Affairs, and Bill Hauptfleisch, President of the USMCCCA.
Bernice, wife of Sam Stavisky, said at the unveiling, “This was Sam’s dream. He loved this Association and loved being a Marine…”
Bernice and Maria are the only two surviving wives of Denig’s Demons and, if you went by the smiles (and some tears) each was thrilled to be included in the festivities. Bernice said, following the unveiling, “This was Sam’s dream. He loved this Association and loved being a Marine in World War II although it took a waiver from the Commandant of the Marine Corps for him to serve…”Fred Lash, past USMCCCA President, read a letter that Sam wrote to him just prior to his death requesting that the Association do everything it could to honor Brig. Gen. Denig and the concept of the combat correspondent program which started in 1942 and continues today. The Denig Memorial is the only edifice of its kind at the Museum that recognizes Marines serving in the 4300 and 4600 occupational fields.
The program began inside Semper Fidelis Chapel with President Bill Hauptfleisch welcoming everyone and introducing special guests. He then introduced Chaplain (Commander, CHC, USN) William D. Stallard for the invocation. Bill then turned the program over to Brig. Gen. Paul A. Kennedy, Director of Public Affairs, HQMC.In his comments, General Kennedy reminded the audience that what General Denig started in 1942 continues today. “Today’s Marines recognize those who came before them and are definitely aware of the legacy they have inherited.” He assured the audience that they, too, are continuing to tell the Marine Corps “story” to the American public.
By Jack T. Paxton, Executive Director We were a bit remiss for taking a short vacation before making an assessment of the 2011 annual conference in New Orleans. In his upcoming Now Hear This column President Don O’Neal used three letters to describe our annual event: WOW! We could reiterate […]
Kudos to: MSgt. Joe Espinosa, Maj. Al Eskalis, MGySgt. Evans, MSgt. Chris Cox, Lt. Col. Matt Morgan, MSgt. Brenda Varnadore, GySgt. Angela Mink, the musicians from the Marine Forces Reserve Band, the color guard from the Marine Detachment, NAS, New Orleans. From the help received from outgoing Director of Information, […]
Col. Bryan Salas The Director’s Cut: DivPA’s Monthly Newsletter to the Marine Corps’ PA Community is now online you can download it here Fellow Marines June was a busy yet rewarding month for U.S. Marine Corps Public Affairs. As a community, we supported multiple events and activities to include Marine […]
Col. Bryan Salas The Director’s Cut: DivPA’s Monthly Newsletter to the Marine Corps’ PA Community is now online you can download it here Fellow Marines Every day in our Marine Corps, our brothers and sisters serving in Public Affairs are charged with communicating with global publics about the strategic events […]