WASHINGTON: A new online application from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enables disability compensation claims to be processed faster in a more end-to-end electronic environment, and VA is urging Veterans and their Veterans Service Organization  (VSO) representatives to make full use of its capabilities to receive speedier decisions and reduce the backlog of claims.

As I begin this column for our next issue of Semper Fi, I look back on the many events that have transpired since our National Midwinter Conference, including a deeply moving trip to Iwo Jima. Upon the completion of the Conference, we headed out to Camp Pendleton for some warm weather and Marine West, which this year was held at Camp Del Mar, right on the beach.
It would be an exaggeration to say it was cool. The temperature in the early morning hours, up until about 1030 hovered in the 30's—not warm California weather by a long shot. However, the Expo was successful again, and we signed up some Marines as members.

Quite often I get questions about how we interact with the government here in Washington and on the National level. On 21–22 March, I had the opportunity to represent the Marine Corps League, joining with the leadership of several other veteran service and military service and support organizations at a two-day conference with the new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and D-o-D senior executives in the Pentagon.

Six Marine four-star generals confer in the historic "Home of the Commandants" in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 2013.

It is historical that there are six four star Generals in the USMC.  However, that number is dwindling again and may be back to four as of June of this year when General Mattis retires.

According to General James Mattis, “It was a bunch of friends who started out as second lieutenants. We never thought we would end up as four stars. It is the surprise and twists and turns of life.”

To view this historic photograph, please click "Read More" below.

Executive Director Michael Blum, representing the Marine Corps League, joined with the leadership of several other veteran service and military service organizations and support organizations to meet with the new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and D-o-D senior executives for a two-day conference in the Pentagon this week.

NEW YORK: Roger Waters honored wounded veterans in New York by performing with them at the annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit Thursday night.
The founding member of Pink Floyd took to the stage of the Beacon Theater with 14 wounded soldiers he met recently at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He rehearsed with them at the hospital and for the past few days in New York.
The event benefited the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which helps returning veterans and their families, and featured Waters, Bruce Springsteen, Ricky Gervais, Robin Williams and others.

As Marine Corps League members, families and friends gather to celebrate the 237th birthday of our Corps, let’s take a moment to raise our glasses in a toast to those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, not only in this present war on terrorism, but in all conflicts that our Marines have fought in defending the ideals of American freedom.

As we pause to celebrate the 237th birthday of our Corps, we reflect on the rich legacy of service handed down to us, we recommit ourselves to the tasks at hand, and we look forward toward a bright future in servie to our country.

Marines exist to fight and win or Nation's battles. We are most proud of our well-earned reputation for answering the clarion call first.

I. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
II. To highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the armed forces.
III. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
IV. To highlight the advances in technology, science and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
V. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the U.S. during the Vietnam War.

The first African Americans to join the Corps during World War II, the Montford Point Marines, received the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., June 27. Nearly 400 surviving Montford Point Marines attended the medal presentation, and Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, hosted a parade in their honor at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 28. "They answered our nation's call despite our society being deeply divided along racial lines," said Amos. "To me, they were heroic for two reasons: they fought against the enemy during World War II while they also fought for their civil rights and the respect of their fellow Americans." Named after the segregated training facility in Jacksonville N.C., the Marines who served at Montford Point are a part of the rich legacy of the Corps. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by Congress.

For the third year in a row, the Marine Corps took home the most medals during Warrior Games in Colorado Spring, CO.

The Marine Corps will begin arming the RQ-7B Shadow tactical unmanned aircraft system with a new classified weapon.  Two of the aircraft to be armed are currently in use in Afghanistan.  Further testing will decide if it is viable for 13 other UAC systems.

As the 2012 political campaigns heat up this Spring and Summer in anticipation of the General elections in the Fall, I wanted to take a moment to remind you that, as a matter of League policy,  Marine Corps League members wearing any part of the League uniform or identifying themselves as members of the Marine Corps League, cannot sponsor a political club; participate in any TV or radio program, or group discussion that advocates for or against a political party, candidate or cause; give interviews to the press or speak at any event promoting a political candidate or movement.

The following is the Marine Corps League’s official POLICY on the aforementioned subject taken from the National Bylaws and Administrative Procedures, Chapter One, Section 110:

Detachment #1110 of Sandpoint, Idaho recently partnered with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 890, also of Sandpoint, to acquire a 1957 Sikorsky H-34 A/C helicopter. This venerable old U.S. Army veteran spent a lot of time in Europe, and finished out her career working for the Wisconsin Army Air National Guard in West Bend, WI.  She then was sent to Davis-Monthan, AZ boneyard for storage.  Out of storage she was acquired by a used aircraft dealer who very thoroughtly stripped her of almost all viable, marketable parts.

Marines,
As I start the final push into the end of my second tour as your National Commandant I want to personally thank all of your for your continued support as we push our mission forward.

Six months ago, we left Boise with a plate full of projects and ideas.  We have been working each of them in earnest ever since with no slow-down and none in sight.  In no specific order, let me outline for you some of the projects we have been working on and give you a glimpse into what we have be doing "inside the beltway" in Washington.

WASHINGTON - 02. 27, 2012:  Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today to the Pentagon for the latest in a series of regular meetings the two Secretaries have held on issues of common interest to both Departments.

Detailed "Current Operations Brief" and a Daily Media Brief from Headquarters Marine Corps.  While some of the acronyms may not be easy to understand there is a lot of information in both reports and we believe this will give you an "up to the minute" take on what is happening in your Marine Corps today.

In support of the Stolen Valor Act, the Marine Corps League and 24 other military and veterans service organizations filed a brief in the United States Supreme Court seeking to overturn an appellate court decision finding the Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional.  United States v. Alvarez, U.S. Sup. Ct.  No. 11-210.  The Stolen Valor Act, 18 U.S.C. §704, makes it a crime for individuals to falsely claim they have been awarded any military decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces.

For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations against those who threaten the security of America and our allies. We turned the tide in the Anbar province of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan. While it has come at a cost.. . we have much to be proud of.

This past year in operations around the world including humanitarian disaster relief, counter-piracy, theater security cooperation, special operations, counter-insurgency and many more, you continued to solidify our place as America's Expeditionary Force in Readiness. Since the Continental Congress created two battalions of Marines 236 years ago, our legacy as an ever-ready, ever capable, victory producing organization remains intact.

Our rich heritage of selfless service and fidelity to Nation and to one another lives on in all who currently wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor-those who have answered the clarion call to duty with remarkable courage, dedication and unshakable resolve that Marines are so well known for. To all Marines-past and present-and especially to our families... I extend my deep gratitude for all you have done and all you continue to do.

As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let us look forward to future challenges­whatever they may be-and reaffirm our pledge to be America's premier crisis response force; to be the first to fight. .. Always ready for the toughest and most challenging assignments.

Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fidelis,
James A. Amos
General, U.S Marine Corps
Commandant of the USMC