From The General’s Desk


i received several letters from members who commented on my previous update where I announced that I had celebrated my 10th anniver- sary here last September at the helm of the Marines’ Memorial Association. Some folks actually do read what I write and that was heartwarming! One Member asked me how long I intend to stay. My answer was: “…until you all kick me out”. I told him that this is a “labor of love”. Where else might I be where I would have the opportunity to see friends I served with decades ago in the Corps? I’ve had Veterans come knock on my door who were my stu- dents when I taught at the Naval Academy. Best of all, I have the opportunity to see the youngsters who are serving now in the US military. They bring their families here with them. They are truly the “greatest of their generation”.


Another Member asked me when he visited if I had any previous experience in the hospitality busi- ness. My answer was “no,” and I still don’t have very much experience. I have been blessed to have such a great team of employees here at the Club who are subject matter experts. My right arm here at the Club is our General Manager, Michael Allen. He is the best! He runs the Club and does a great job! I would be lost without him.


Well, you might ask me: “…if others run the Club, what do you do? What value do you add?” (I’ve been asked that before, by the way). I tell them I focus on fulfilling the three elements of the Association’s mission: i.e., (1) commemorating the service and sacrifices of our Veterans; (2) educating the public about those sacrifices; and, (3) providing services to the Currently Serving. We hold programs to commemorate major battles in all the wars. However, we have yet to commemorate our current wars. We are going to fix that, and next April, we are going to commemorate the 2003 march up to Baghdad and 2004’s First Battle of Fallujah. As head of the Association, I’m heavily involved in Veterans’ issues including Veterans’ employment and education. So are members of our Board of Directors, and I’m particularly proud of what the Board does in support of Veterans. For example, just recently, President Obama signed into law the “VOW to Hire


Heroes Act of 2011,” which amends Title 10 USC to permit active duty military to participate in skilled craft apprenticeship programs prior to their release from active duty. This will make it possible for the serving military to achieve skills that will provide them mean- ingful careers in the civilian world. Success always has one thousand fathers…but you need to know that the wording for this legislation was written by last year’s Board Chairman, Major General Matt Caulfield. Gen- eral Caulfield worked tirelessly to push this through both the House and the Senate. The Act will help the unemployment issues facing our young Veterans. Our other Board Members are also engaged in


Veterans’ issues. Our Director Emeritus, Colonel Bucky Peterson, was the brains behind the Califor- nia “Troops to College Program” established by the Governor in 2006, and he’s been leading the program ever since with tremendous positive results. Army member, Brigadier General Frank Partlow, Marine Veterans Ian Thomson and Eaton Dunkelberger are all working on Veterans’ unemployment. General Caulfield and Colonel Ken Jordan serve on the Board of the Military Officers Association of America. Ser- geant Major Doug Barr works for National University helping with Veterans’ Education. Our new Board Chairman, Steve Snyder, has been on the Swords to Plowshare Board for years to help Veterans. Our Board is truly a very distinguished group of people who serve selflessly.


I thank all of you Members for your continued support. You truly are helping us make a differ- ence. Please remember that your contributions to the Marines’ Memorial Association are fully tax deductible. All of our expenses are paid by our Club and Hotel Operations. Every dollar you donate goes directly to help us fulfill our mission.


Sincerely, and Semper Fidelis, J. Michael Myatt


Major General USMC (Ret.) President and Chief Executive Officer


4 Crossroads Winter 2011-12


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