Join Arts in the Armed Forces online for Q&A, Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. EST for a conversation with actor Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class, The Blacklist, House) about one of Edi’s favorite films, John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky” (1976). This conversation will be facilitated by our own life member, Read more…
Gunnery Sgt. Leon Branchaud, Communication Strategy and Operations chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, is one of a select few who utilize their gaming talents for the Extra Life program to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The North Smithfield, R.I., native, has raised more than $9,000 for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I.
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Master Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook
Shadows conceal a squad of security forces as they quietly advance down a trash-riddled alley toward their objective. Gunnery Sgt. Leon Branchaud sends distinct hand signals to his team then relays muffled instructions through his headset.
“Coming up on the objective now. Lucky, call in Cleric for helo support once we secure the building. BREACH!”
Chaos erupts as his team crashes through a wooden door, sending occupants into a panic as they dive for cover and surrender without a second thought. Target secured; support inbound.
Suddenly, a notification bell chimes through a set of speakers and listeners hear a robotic voice announce, “$20 has been donated by Mike and Caleb.”
After powering down his PC that night, Branchaud, who streams with the handle DudeGuyBroGuy, raised $237 for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, bringing his 2020 donation season total to $1,915.
The setting for this esport operation could’ve been launched in any clime and place, but tonight it occurred in a barracks room on Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
“As long as I have an internet connection, and some friends to link up with during the event, it has always been a success,” said Branchaud, Communication Strategy and Operations chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea.
For several nights and weekends every year, Branchaud is one of a select few who utilize their gaming talents for the Extra Life program to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“Back in 2016, I was listening to a podcast to help pass the time,” explained the 34-year-old. “Someone started talking about an event where you play games with friends for 24 hours straight and all donations go to a children’s hospital of your choice. They had raised over a million dollars that year, and while I doubted I would ever get close to that amount, I wanted to give back and help those in my home state.”
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Master Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook displays the names of USMCCCA members who have passed away this year for the Disabled American Veterans 5K on Nov. 10, 2020. The names are Steve Stibbens, Tom “Ace” Peters, James “Red” Carpenter, Henry “Hank” Stackpole, Richard Bugda, Ron Keene, Herb Richardson, Read more…
The United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association would like to welcome twenty new members to our organization. The following people were given a complimentary membership into the USMCCCA as a well-earned benefit for placing first in the 2020 Visual Information in Excellence (VIEC) Awards (for work completed in 2019). Read more…
Tom Graves, the Joe Rosenthal Chapter historian sent us a link to 75 images honoring our Marine Corps members past and present for their service and victories in Korea, including the historic Inchon Landing. Jack Paxton, our former executive director also served in Korea. Go here to view images.
The U.S. Naval Institute will hold a two-day virtual conference, Through the Camera Lens: Sharing the Story of the U.S. Military, October 20-21. You may register here. Our own Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.) is to help moderate. It will gather actors, directors and producers alongside government, military and academic Read more…
We were informed former member Bud DeVere, passed away just shy of his 97th birthday on July 31st. He was a former admin chief for Leatherneck Magazine, and a 20-year curator for the Marine Corps Museum. Those of us who knew Bud, mourn his loss. A wonderful story about his Read more…
CC Headquarters has just learned that after a courageous battle with lung cancer, COPD and heart disease, life member Leo Fitzpatrick passed away peacefully, March 23, 2020 at his winter “home” in Naples, FL under VITAS Hospice care with his wife, Judy, by his side. Leo, born in Bronxville, NY, Read more…
We have huge news: the paid MVJ internship with National Public Radio is back on — and fully remote. Unfortunately, NPR had to cancel the last internship we told you about due to COVID-19. So if you applied previously, we need you to apply again. The internship will run from September 8, 2020 to December 11, Read more…