Testimonial 12

To the Men and Women of the Marine Corps Association:

I am MIDN Paul Pham and in less than a month I can say I am a United States Marine. I have worked four years at USC, studying economics and laerning the Marine Corps' way of life. To be presented with this award is an unforgettable experience because to earn this award one must exemplify the Marine Corps traditions.

Over the past 4 years while serving as a Sergeant Major at two different units the MCA has provided important support. While stationed at Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, Washington I conducted 8 Corporal Courses the MCA provide plaques, certificates, and books. This impacted over 200 Corporals and Petty Officers. Both the Marine and NCO of the Quarter were given the NCO handbook provided by the MCA for the 12 quarters I was the Sergeant Major.

SgtMaj,

It is good to hear from you.

The MCA was instrumental in the establishment of our company reading program. They provided us a book grant that was the cornerstone of our NCO reading program. By focusing on warfighting ethos, small unit tactics, and combat leadership the reading program greatly contributed to the esprit de corps and combat proficiency of the company.

Sir,
I received the shipment of books today. Thank you!
This is a great start to building a unit library here that the Marines will be able to use for years to come.

s/f

Januaray 27, 2011

Dear Col Keenan,

Tina,

I received the package today ( Thurs. 2/9), The Award is beautiful, it will display well with my other Collectibles. Although it is not the same format that I was presented in 1968, it was worth waiting 43 years to receive.  I have a photo of the original presentation to display with the plaque.

Thanks again for your efforts to make a former Marine proud. 

Sir,

   The books received have been a great benefit to our Marines. I constantly

see them checked out and being read by both SMCR and AC Marines. Thank you

I want to relay my many thanks to everyone at Marine Corps Association and Military Historical Tours for providing me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful trip to Russia. Had I not won this trip through MCA I may have never taken advantage of such fantastic travels. The group, the Russian Tour guide (Oleg Alexandrov) and Charlie Dunn were wonderful companions during the trip. It will be a memory I will cherish all of my remaing days on this earth.

Col Keenan,

Thank you for the generous gift on behalf of the MCA Foundation. 

SgtMaj Gilliam and I will endeavor to make good use of the resources provided and foster professional reading, education and training for the Marines and sailors of our battalion. 

Very Respectfully,

To all,