August 2018

2018 USMCCCA ProDev Symposium scored big

First ever, after symposium "HOT WASH" hosted by HQMC and attended by leadership from both the USMCCCA and the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) to access strengths, weakness and overall effectiveness in the event.

First ever, after symposium “HOT WASH” hosted by HQMC and attended by leadership from both the USMCCCA and the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) to access strengths, weakness and overall effectiveness in the event.

From the Cherry Point bus tour to the first-ever “conference hot wash” hosted by HQMC and attended by leadership from both the CCs and the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), the 2018 USMCCCA Professional Development and Training Symposium threw everything but the kitchen sink at the four-day affair.

The post-op huddle on Thursday morning was chaired by Master Sgt. Jeremy Vought with major input from Immediate Past President Manny Pacheco and current VP Shawn Rhodes. The scrub included the MCRC’s Gunnery Sgt. Justin Kronenberg and Steve Cushman and a handful of our newer CCs representing the NCO and junior officer ranks: Cpl. Bryann Whitley, recently-separated Matthew Callahan, Chief Warrant Officer-1 Bobby Yarbrough and lst Lt. Bryan McDonnell.

“We’re seeking input from all hands to make next year’s event even better,” said National President Keith Oliver.  “Our leadership team was not afraid to try some new wrinkles, and we will keep working with ‘the white board’ in welcoming fresh ideas moving forward.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

CC Dan Clare on networking

By D. Clare

Dan Clare

Dan Clare

When I enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17, I wanted only two things in life—to be a Marine and journalist. It was only when I got out of the Corps four years later that I realized achieving one’s goals required more than desire and ability. Fortunately, based on my childhood ambition, being a former Marine and combat correspondent provided enough of a foundation to build upon my personal and professional goals.

By the age of 20 — when most peers from high school were still dependent on their parents— I had been a nationally-published writer, photographer, press chief and newspaper editor. 

I wanted desperately to be a broadcaster and my former boss, Master Gunnery Sgt. Don Long, ensured I had the chance at AFN Okinawa for my last year in the Corps. My DINFOS instructor, Master Sgt. Mike Eck, was my boss on the island and gave me every opportunity to experience the full scope of our mission there.

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By Jason Fudge, ago