2013 USMCCCA Conference Update
After a slow start with many uncertainties brought on by the current budget situation, the 2013 Annual Conference is on track for July 22-25 at Joint Base Andrews (aka Andrews AFB), according to Conference Chair Manny Pacheco.
Working jointly with Fred “Flash” Lash, Program Chair and USMCCCA President Bill Hauptfleisch, a full range of activities will be available to those members, guests and active duty Marines attending.
Monday will be the scheduled arrival day with a Welcome Barbecue planned for all that evening at an area immediately behind the Presidential Inn, where all guests will be staying. This event will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. There is a gazebo in the area with seating and, if the outside temperature gets too hot, guests may move indoors. This is a free event courtesy of two members and the Heineken Corporation.
On Tuesday, those guests interested in visiting the new Defense Media Activity (DMA) will be bused the short distance to Fort Meade where they will receive a briefing, a tour of the new facilities and engagement with Marines. A dutch-treat luncheon will follow at Club Meade. Following lunch visitors will walk across the street to the Defense Information School (DINFOS) for a briefing and tour.
At 3 p.m. the group will return to Andrews. An early dinner will be on “your own” either at the Andrews Club or, at the base dining hall which will be open to all who are staying at the Presidential Inn. Guests of the Inn will have to show room keys in order to utilize the dining hall.
At 6 p.m. guests will depart for the Iwo Jima (Marine Corps War Memorial) in Arlington for the ceremony which will begin at 7 p.m. Manny and his group are still trying to work out transportation details to this event but are confident transportation will be made available.
On Wednesday Program Chair “Flash” Lash has scheduled a media panel for an hour to be announced; most probably late morning. Panelists will be from the Washington-area media and a firm announcement of time and panelists names will be announced shortly.
For those members of the Association and Foundation Board of Directors attending, there will be an Old Board meeting of the Association as well as a Foundation Board meeting with schedule to be announced that day.
On Wednesday evening our traditional Merit Awards Banquet will begin with a pre-banquet reception at 6 p.m., followed by the banquet beginning promptly at 7 p.m. As Marines attending will be in Service “Alpha” (greens) members and guests attending should be in appropriate business attire. The evening’s program will follow our traditional practice of honoring those Merit Award winners able to attend. For those unable to attend, DMA is working on an appropriate media event to give them recognition.
On Thursday morning we will have our traditional Business Breakfast meeting that will include election of officers and directors. Adjournment will follow at approximately 10 a.m.
For those who have inquired about arriving at Andrews early and or staying over on Friday evening, we are working with HQMC to make that happen.
Conference Registration will end at 4 p.m. Monday, July 15.