WELCOME TO THE MEA - PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Marines and Friends of the MEA, Thank you for the opportunity to support “Marines Helping Marines” as the MEA President. My association with the MEA has spanned a number of years and now, after benefiting from the Association’s services in my own transition, I find myself in a position to dig into the challenges facing today’s transitioning Marines. The power of networking is apparent to me. I retired almost eight years ago but the time has passed quickly with a smooth transition into the civilian workforce due to the help of a Marine who preceded me into retirement. This Marine helped me network and in fact referred me to my first job outside active duty. Another Marine helped me to experience the power of networking again later when I transitioned from the private to public sector. Although it is not always easy, networking is the most effective tool one has to help transition into the best situation possible after wearing the uniform. It is with this appreciation of the power of networking that I continue the efforts and focus of past leaders of your MEA. We have a clear goal for the Association: Be the premier source for transition information, advice and job referral for Marines. Our unique services, including new efforts such as networking breakfasts at Bethesda Naval Medical Center for Wounded Warriors and new chapters around the country, have been characterized as ‘high touch’ activities. The benefits of meeting face-to-face cannot be realized by any other means. We will continue to focus on this personal approach of lunches and transition panels as our ‘bread and butter’ and what we do best. That said I feel we need to focus on areas of opportunity to broaden our reach and improve our effectiveness such as: - Partner with and improve our interaction with companies looking to help or hire Marines. - Use technology to improve our communications and coordination with our membership, volunteers and partners. - Expand the Transition Assistance Program panel support to all Marine Corps Installations with a TAP. You, the volunteers and partners of the MEA, have done great things helping Marines. But we must continue to press. Many opportunities are out there, waiting our attention and energies, that could help Marines in transition. Keep up the good work and continue the attack toward the objective of “Marines helping Marines”! Jim Gough