Welcome to our Leatherneck magazine Web site. We continue to add more and more information for you and hope you enjoy the expanded content, particularly the “Today in USMC History” segment.
Readers of the August Leatherneck will benefit from the initiative of Marine combat cameraman Sergeant Jeremy Giacomino––his superb photographs of 1/9 leathernecks in Ramadi prompted the September article by LCpl Casey Jones: "From 'Ambush Alley' to Peaceful Ally: 1/9 Marines Win Local Support in Ramadi." The article, and Giacomino's photos, clearly illustrate the successes in Iraq.
Also in the August Leatherneck is a report on 26th MEU's realistic urban training in Indiana which proved timely for local residents when extremely bad weather caused the MEU to "turn to" on flooding. Cpl Jason Miles article, "Relief in Elnora: Marines Join the Indiana National Guard in Fight to Save Imperiled Town" is complimented by SSgt Bryce Piper's video of rescue ops which can be accessed through our digital edition or at www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/elnora.
These articles, plus a personality piece on Notre Dame football great, John "Jack" Chevigny, who was killed on Iwo Jima; an informative article identifying the WW II Marine who posed for a well known Norman Rockwell print; a report on Marines training in Morocco; and an update on the relocation of the Corps' most famous restaurant, The Globe & Laurel, run by retired Major Rick Spooner and his wife Gloria, round out our August offerings. We know you will enjoy reading about Marines in action.
Looking ahead to the September issue, readers will see an update on new equipment being developed or fielded, plus a feature on efforts and future plans to modernize the Corps’ logistics system. For our history buffs, the Director of Marine Corps History, Dr. Charles Neimeyer, has penned an informative essay on the “Willing Expedition” down the Mississippi River during the Revolutionary War and Patrick McSherry provides an interesting review of the June 1898 Battle of Cuzco Well. These articles provide a solid anchor for your September reading enjoyment.
Today’s Marines continue to perform superbly. Stretched, but responding, they continue to validate America’s trust and confidence and demonstrate why America loves her Corps. In the main, this combat proven force is “staying Marine” in significant numbers. The “You Tube” or “Facebook” generation is as good as any we have seen and continues to be a source of pride for those of us who sit on the sidelines and cheer them on.
The successes earned in difficult combat situations in Al Anbar province have begun to show dividends as forces are pulled from Iraq and we once again turn to Afghanistan. Both places are “must wins” for America and the course seems true at this point. Stay with Leatherneck and we’ll keep you in the loop. Don’t forget to watch our Web site for twice-daily updates on Marines around the world and some uniquely presented “Weekend Updates.”
If you are not a Leatherneck subscriber or member of the professional association for all Marines, now is the time to get on board and stay connected. You can do that online at www.mca-marines.org or by calling us toll-free at (866) 622-1775.
We appreciate your continuing support and look forward to hearing from you.
Semper Fidelis,
Col Walt Ford, USMC (Ret)
Editor, Leatherneck Magazine
