12 Pages Vol. 21, No. 8 Summer 2008

MMA LeaderCurrent information for our Special Friends. Dedicated to our Cadets--Leaders of tomorrow.

CELEBRATING 42 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Exceeding All Expectations

The MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY develops disciplined, morally strong,college-ready young men who are prepared for responsible leadership.

Despite Hurricane Dolly�s fury the 314campers hailing from 36 states and 3foreign countries emerged from MMA�sfour-week Summer and English As ASecond Language camps victorious, armedwith a well-equipped arsenal of learnedleadership and team-building skills, and aheaping helping of self confidence andnewly-forged friendships to boot.

Summer and ESL campers, parents,families and friends flooded into MMACadet Activity Center earlier than inprevious years on Saturday, June 28th to

begin the �official� Registration process.Campers, most toting bulging gym bags andback packs, made their way throughstations - Admissions, Medical, BusinessOffice, and ultimately Militarydepartments.

Once introduced to their Drill Instructor(DI), campers bade their families �soMORE, just like this, on Pages 2-9, 11 & 12

The Summer CampExperience of a Lifetime

Aboard MMA’s142-Acre Campus

THE WELCOME MAT IS OUT! MMA President BGenCheney greets incoming campers and their familiesduring Summer and ESL Camp Registration.

�...What you can accomplish here in the next four weeks issomething you can always be proud of, something you�llbe boasting about when you return to your hometown�couch potatoes��and rightly so!�

- MMA President BGEN Stephen A. Cheney, USMC (Ret)

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Continued from Page 1

Provided and distributed by:

long...see you all later� (some gleeful,some not) and Cadet Instructors (CI�s)guided them to what every campereagerly anticipates � Mr. Handy�s BarberShop and the fashionable �buzz� cut.

Ears still ringing from the clippers,campers were measured and outfittedwith what one camper estimated to be �atleast 400 pounds of camp gear��at leastthat�s what it felt like according to himas he attempted to sling the awkwardwhite mesh bags over his shoulder.Parents, family and friends in the

meantime visited with MMA staff andfaculty, shopped the MMA Parents�Organization �MMA wear� tables, hoppedaboard golf cart and walking tours of thefacility�most straining for a glimpse oftheir camper in action�and severalheaded off for a couple days full of sunnybeach fun aboard nearby S. Padre Island.

First item on the campers� agenda beyondgetting �squared away�, MMA PresidentBGEN Cheney, USMC, (Ret) gathered allcampers in the Academy�s YeckelAuditorium and rolled out the Academy�s

WELCOME mat, plus a fewwords to the wise, �Campers,when your parents or whoeverpaid your way in to Camp, theygave you a gift. What you canaccomplish here in the next fourweeks is something you canalways be proud of, somethingyou�ll be boasting about whenyou return to your hometown�couch potatoes��and rightlyso! Campers that succeed herethe most have foremost a positiveattitude � that�s what

makes a great deal of the difference.Safety first, hydrate at all times, restduring rest periods, and listen to your DI.Do all that, and you�ll have a GREATcamp. Campers, we�re glad you�re here!�

All campers, regardless of whether theyare �Summer� or �ESL�, undertakechallenges full of EXTREME

EXCITEMENT - the name of the game atMarine Military Academy�s SummerCamp. Each camp participant soondiscovers it�s not how many hours you putin each day, but what you put into eachhour. Campers join others from all overthe globe, experience team sports MarineCorps-style, learnhow to buildi n t e r p e r s o n a lrelationships basedon mutual respectand trust, anddiscover howimportant theserelationships are inthe �real� world.They participateevery single day innew activitiesdesigned to turn ordinary summers intoextraordinary adventures they are sure toremember the rest of their life.

REVELRY SOUNDS...AND A FORCE OF 300+ CAMPERS

P.T. IN UNISONBEFORE THE DAWN�S

EARLY LIGHT

Before most of us indulged in that firstsweet cup of joe, over 300 campers tookthe paved �courtyard� out in front of theirbarracks...WITH FORCE...every singleday of camp. �Left, Right� meant touchthe appropriate toe ... in unison ... andthose that were not rythmically-inclinedwere given one-on-one extra-specialinstruction. Following P.T., a brisk jogrounded out a perfect start to thechallenges of the day ahead.

�CAMPER BIRD,ALPHA COMPANY!�

�CAMPER BIRD,ALPHA COMPANY...WHAT,CAMPER???�

�CAMPER BIRD,ALPHA COMPANY,SIR!�

MMA College Room Counselor Robin Farris (redblouse, long sleeves) conducts a walking tour ofCampus for Summer Campers� families.

DON�T FORGET TO WRITE! Both Dad and son pre-pare to go their separate ways for the next fourweeks. Anyone got a hanky handy???

DUELING CLIPPERS. All paths lead to Joe Handy�s BarberShop aboard MMA!

BIG EXPECTATIONS FOR A GREAT SUMMER CAMP.MMA President addresses campers on first official dayof camp.

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Continued from Pages 1-2Breakfast

ClubSUMMER 2008

Yummmmmm...It�s 0700 and MMA�sDining Facility serves up Breakfast ofChampions for a few hundred veryhungry young men. There�s plenty of

fresh fruit, cereal, scrambled eggs, toast,bacon...you name it, there�s a plethora ofbreakfast variety to choose from -designed to tempt and satisfy even thepickiest of the bunch!

Over Hill, Over Dale�

Following a full round of PT and a heartybreakfast, campers hit the dusty trailbright and early � 0800 - for a brisk 3-mile jaunt. Many made full use of the

newly-replenished camel packs filled tothe brim with that oh-so-refreshing H

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slurping the cool spring water through thehard plastic nozzle without so much asmissing a beat. There were plenty of birdschirping, bugs buzzing, and an occasionalroar from a jet taking off from nearbyValley International Airport, but not acamper broke stride as DI�s and CI�scalled out that all-so-familiar tune,�LEFT, RIGHT, YOUR LEFT!�

TAKINGSUMMER CAMP

TO YETANOTHERALTITUDE:

AEROSPACE!

For SummerC a m p e r sAttenburger, Altus,Brobston, Casares,Gutierrez II,

Prince, Sbarra, Walker, Canales,Karpovics, McGuire, Harper, Hodge,Jones, Maciejewski, Mosier, Reynolds,Lewis, Papiii, Tort Rincon, Hightower,Howlett, Kalish, Jones, Montgomery,Morgan, Swanson, and Swiatko...well,these industrious young men - through the

generosity of their parents and guardians- took their MMA Summer Campexperience to yet anotheraltitude...learning to pilot a single-engineairplane! Under the steady guidance of

Pilot and Instructor Mitri Garib and next-door Gulf Aviation, these young menbegan their adventure bright and early the

first official day of camp with classroominstruction, and the first group of fourlifted off already that afternoon. Besidesclassroom instruction and actual flightexperience, campers are taken throughpreflight ground inspection and propermaintenance procedures...and campers�families and friends - you�ll be particularlyamazed to find out your Camper-to-be-Pilot has returned home armed with theknowledge of how to read a dipstick...and the importance of that particularindicator while flying high, high abovein the bright blue yonder!

TALKING THE TALK:ESL Campers Present Self-Portrait Collages

ESL Campers not only learned to walkthe walk�LEFT, RIGHT�they talkedthe talk � ENGLISH, that is! For starters,each camper in Mrs. Diolanda Dye�sclassroom prepared a self-portrait collageof their likes, and presented their finishedproduct to their peers.

What were these young men�s topfavorites? Chevrolets, surf boards, andGIRLS...GIRLS...GIRLS!

�Rocket Science� was yet another exercise ESLteachers engaged campers in. Campers werepaired into groups of two, then, under theEnglish-only direction of �Professor� Allen,each group assembled a model rocket, thendesigned and painted the exteriors. OnTuesday, July 22nd, T-minus 0900, each groupdetonated their rocket and sent the colorfulrenditions far, far above. To the delight of allonlookers, �Professor� Allen hauled out his�granddaddy of all model rockets�, sending itup, up, up to where only the Continental�s andSouthWest�s dare fly, then gently back to land,compliments of the bright yellow parachute.

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Delta Company had the privilege of taking onthe Mud Course before the other companies,digging in their boots on the pit�s soggy bottomfor leverage and stirring up the relatively clearwater into a fine kettle of mud soup.

Each company�s campers donnedcamouflage trousers, jacket and pair ofblack combat boots before diving into thefirst challenge � navigating on their backunder wire mesh, propelling backward bygrasping the overhead wire (no barbs,Mom�not to worry!); dab hands with abit of dry dirt, then take a running leap athanging ropes to catapult to a woodendeck; jump back into the muddy brew,digging in elbows and knees to advanceforward; belly-crawl up the bank and roll(all while maintaining the mud and waterladen attire!); navigate through the cementculvert; run�jump�and hopefullymaneuver up and over the wooden wallwith only the aid of a rope on the posteriorside to grasp; over the obstacles; plungeback into another waiting mud pit face firstand through another partially-submergedculvert; flip over on your back, dig in thoseheels, propel those arms backwards, beatfeet over to the outdoor showers, andwhatever you do - don�t forget to soaptwice behind your ears.

Each company had ample opportunity topump up the volume each day free-weightstyle. Campers raised both the roof... andquite a sweat...as they worked their biceps,triceps, lats�you name it, they workedit�and pushed past previous personalbests and on to brand new goals. Takingturns �spotting� for each other, the buildingechoed with grunts, chuckles andencouraging �c�mon�you can doit!��and a few groans aboard the pull-upbar, drowning out the pitter-patter ofoccasional rain on the roof. Hey, evenrainy afternoons are not spent sippin� teaand nibbling on crumpets aboard MMA�sSummer Camp � it�s all-out action as longas the lights are burning!

MUD, MUD, MUDand more MUD!

PUMPIN�UP THE

VOLUME!

THE FIRST STEP ISTHE LONGEST�

�CAMPER ON RAPPELL!�

Strapped in to what appeared to be at leasta mile worth of bright blue safetyharnesses, campers made their way up theinside steel stairs leading to the top of the30-foot rappelling tower. As they lined upatop the tower awaiting their turn� acolumn of 8 on both the north and southsides � each camper gazed out over the142-acre campus and prepared to dealwith what was before them, all in theirown personal fashion. Some jokedamongst themselves, some didn�t�eachstepped forward and gratefullyacknowledged the extra couple of minutesthe instructors took tugging and pullingat the harnesses, checking each camper�shookups and gear one last time before�flight�. Once cinched to perfection andfeet set the prescribed width apart (underMajor Compton�s adamant and mostdirect command!), each cast a gazedownward and called to the CadetInstructor situated 30 feet below holdingthe rope taught, �Camper (last name) onRAPPELL!� to which the CI would hollerback, �CI Moore on BILET!� Graspingthe rope firmly with gray suede gloves,each camper then assumed the backwardshigh dive position. The RappellingInstructor directs, �Lean back�wayback�more, more, more�now startmarching, yeah, you heard me � I saidMARCH, right down to the ground!� Andmarch each and every one of themdid�and as they did, the look of tight-

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lipped concentration was replaced witha great big satisfied grin as they nearedthe ground. Both feet planted firmlyaboard Mother Earth, all took a momentto cast a triumphant, proud glanceupward, taking in what they hadaccomplished. It was most definitivelyan exhilarating experience for all campers(and all those who had the opportunity toobserve) on rappell!

�IN TOTAL CONFIDENCE��CAMPERS REALIZE HUGE

STRIDES FORWARD ABOARDMMA�s CONFIDENCE COURSE

Big dividends were accrued aboardMMA�s Confidence Course as camperslearned the true meaning of trust, havingfaith in their fellow team members, and awhole lot more to boot! Each company�scampers learned how to work together onmissions as simple as helping each otherpass by one another while steadying one�sself aboard an elevated log, and missions

NOON CHOWAND AN HOUR OF REST

Campers can work up quite an appetitedaily in the great big Texas outdoors, andat Noon Chow these young men can reallyput the fine-tastin� vittles away. There�splenty of chattering in between bites,pretty much centralized on who did whatthe best throughout the morning�schallenges, and what�s on the menu fordinner.

Zach Graham of Fox Companycommented, �I can�t wait for Saturday toget here�CHEESEBURGERS, they�retotally my favorite!� and his tablematesvoiced their agreement unanimously.

Moms, get this: Upon completion of theirdining experience, all campers pick uptheir plates and associated lunchware,stack everything neatly on their trays, andput everything in the waiting carts. Notmuch of a mess to clean up here.

Then, it�s off to an hour of bunk timebefore the afternoon activities begin.Ahhhh, that sweet, sweet nap is just theright ticket�especially after a zealousdessert of fresh watermelon and threechocolate fudge iced brownies!

as complex as how to move eight men tothe top of a ten-foot platform with nothingmore than a flat surface to traverse theirteam upward�last man has no hand upother than those atop the ten-footplatform, with a 5-minute limit tocomplete the mission successfully. DrillInstructors stood by armed with the stopwatch. Delta Company�s SgtMaj Carsondealt out a big boatload of praise for theDelta group that came in with a record at1 minute, 17 seconds completion. Nextyear�s campers take note - the challengehas been thrown down!

LEFT, LEFT, JAB! CAMPERS LEARNFINER TECHNIQUES

ABOARD BOXING GYM

MMA�s Boxing Coach Sergeant MajorRobertson is all about stretching heart andsoul to your personal best aboard theBoxing Gym, SAFETY first. Campersbegan by learning to wrap their handsproperly to minimize any opportunity forinjury. Once that�s down pat, SergeantMajor moves on to securing one�s stanceand proper punching techniques � the Jab,Straight-Right, Hook, and of course the ever-popular Uppercut�even teaches campershow to punch the heavy bag and speed bagproperly to maximize results. But, you betterlisten up and do exactly what he preaches ifyou want to pad up and step in HIS ring!Campers are padded pretty much stem tostern when they enter the ring, including amouth guard to protect those pearly whites.As they take their corners, SgtMajRobertson goes through the basics one-on-one, instructing each camper-boxer to throwa few punches at him as he analyzes whatfoot leads, which jab to land, etc. Eachcamper-boxer can go up to three 30-secondbouts, and nearly everyone did�in fact, ina few instances a few tried coming back forseconds, but to no avail. �Over on to theSPEED bag, young man. Get in step andLEFT, LEFT, JAB!�

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NO OBSTACLE TOO BIG�THESESUMMER CAMPERS

CONQUER ALL!

Relatively mild temps and clear blue skieswelcomed campers as they took onMMA�s Obstacle Course...by storm.There�s something to be said for thefortitude with which these young mentackled this challenge. The Course beginsby running and jumping upwards,grabbing a steel bar and somersaultingover the bar in mid-air, jettisoning onto acouple of parallels placed...oh, maybethree feet apart�just enough to somewhatbalance a boot on each�then walk ever-so-sedately at a downward incline to awaiting platform. Wait, you�ve only justbegun! Jump upwards, latching onto atelephone pole-size log, somersault overupon pulling one�s self up a couple of feethigher than the peak of one�s head. Gentlyjog forward to tackle the waiting wall, up-up-and-over�briskly job forward to side-traverse the series of log hurdles, andfinish with a shimmy to the top of theropes. Do all this, then do it all over again.Watch out, here comes that C.I. (cadetinstructor) with the sunscreen, just whatyou needed to make your grip a bitslippery�go ahead, slather it on�thenwipe your palms on the bark chips to getthat ultimate grip-thing going on. Okay,play time�s over�time to march on.

PAINT BALL WARSON BOARD THE MMA FRONT

�Go left, no right!� �MOVE!� �Coverme�oh rats, I�m hit!� Colorfulcommands ring out as a camouflagetorrent of bodies and rat-a-tat-tat burstsfill MMA Paintball grounds, but notnearly as colorful as the �rounds� �miniature plastic balls filled with paintdye.

It�s �red hats� against �no hats�, and thelast man standing�s team takes �home� all

the glory. All companies rotate throughthis popular sizzling action three out ofthe four weeks of camp, and the outcomesare always a favorite topic of discussionat lunch, dinner, AND breakfast!

REACTION CourseREACTIONMENTARIALISM

aka Team Strategy:How To Move 52 Gallons of Dry

Cement From Point A to Point BWithout Touching the Ground!

Each company�s campers broke into smallgroups and were tasked with �mini-missions� to complete. Each mission hadseveral obstacles to navigate through,around, over and under�for instance,move all members of your team into alarge wooden crate with the aid of one 2"X 4" X 8�� and no ONE can touch thefloor at any time... then move them outthe opposite side the very same way. Teamleaders, chosen at the onset of the exercise,called out directions to waiting teammembers. As teams discovered theimportance of thinking completelythrough their solutions before proceeding,they also learned to move quickly beforethe whistle shrilled, signaling time to moveon to the next challenge. �Hey, Teambrainiacs�I know I wasn�t elected TeamLeader, but I just had a thought�and it couldreally work. Wanna� listen to me?� and so thestrategizing carried on. Oh, about hefting those52 gallons drums of dry cementoverhead...psych! They�re large, blue, plasticEMPTY drums simulating the real thing.

TODAY�S CHALLENGE:FEAR OF HEIGHTS...

GENTLEMEN,PREPARE TO FACE YOUR FEARS!

Using nothing morethan a huge issue of

�guts�, campersbalanced aboard a

telephone polesecured to twoparallel poles.

Sounds pretty easy,right? However,there�s a bit of a

catch�The pole islocated about 20-30feet off the ground!Not to worry � each

camper is securedwithin a myriad of

security ropeswhich are steadiedby a half-dozen orso instructors and

campers whose feetare planted firmly

upon good ole�Mother Earth. Onto the Multi-LineBridge where the

camper progressesacross the rope�bridge� while

steadying himselfwith a series ofropes danglingfrom an upper

cable�just barelyout of reach.

STRETCH, grabthat rope, and

STEADY AS HEGOES! For thosefearless campers

who have no fearor heebie-jeebies to

be walking aboutwith one�s head inthe clouds, there�s

the ever-popular�Heebie-Jeebie�, so

appropriatelyentitled! Two

lengths of rope areadhered to

telephone poles,anchored to a

lower cable onwhich the camperwalks, using theropes for support.The support offeredby the first ropediminishes steadily,

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blue Texas sky, then float motionless for 10full seconds without sinking like a rock. Allparticipants qualified, so the swimming actionturned to a whole lot of splishin� and splashin�and cool summer fun. Target practice turnedup a few archers to rival the likes of RobinHood and his band of merry men, much to thedismay of a few tiny chipmunks popping theirinquisitive noggins up just long enough to

ascertain that the Archery Range was ablazewith MMA campers in action! Camp Perry�sArroyo Colorado River became the DaytonaSpeedway of canoeing at its racing best ascampers launched their silver bullets in thecalm dark waters, �Paddles Ahoy!� Oncecampers were up to par on which paddlingapproach produces the best results, CampPerry counselors - a bit more-aptly equippedwith an outboard motor - churned up the murkywaters to provide a bit more of a navigationalchallenge, much to most campers� delight.

GETTING THE LEAD OUTON MMA�S L.E.A.D. COMPLEX

Companies switched into superhigh gearwith a round robin of L.E.A.D. Complexevents�Rappelling (frontwards,backwards, sideways, even a couple of�Superman�-styled flights down the ZipLine!); Climbing Wall; Obstacle,Challenge and Circuit Courses. This eventis the culmination of all that theseaccomplished campers learned in the firstthree weeks of Summer Camp. At firstglance, these are the same clean-cut, sharplooking young men who stepped forthfrom Barber Joe�s chair on RegistrationDay, but they�re not the same young menon the inside. At this juncture it is readilyapparent...they�ve grown �miles� -courageous, self-confident, capable ofrational decision-making in the face ofstress. You can easily see it in their walk,talk, and especially in their eyes and thatgreat big grin! They tackle obstaclesbefore them with gusto, challenges thatseemed unattainable and insurmountablejust a couple of weeks prior.

I AM IRON MAN!

IRON MAN COMPETITION 2008:MY COMPANY versus YOUR COMPANY!

MMA Summer and ESL Camp Iron ManCompetition 2008 got underway at 0900sharp on Sunday, July 20th with the firstcompetitors off the starting line aboardBowman Stadium track. Each sprinted theinitial run 3/4 of the way around thestadium track, through the stadium gate,proceeding through the stadium parkinglot on down Iwo Jima Boulevard, towardsthe Administration building, turning rightto tag the next partner. The tagged partnerthen proceeded to the starting point for

until the camper is forced to switch to theother rope. A rather muscular camper, atrope�s midpoint with knees buckled andwhite knuckles readily discernible from30 feet below, yelled out, �Sir, I have afear of heights!� to which a grinning,triumphant camper just completing thechallenge turned towards the stalledcamper, �After you do this, you won�thave ANY fears!�

Not enough of a challenge yet? Hook upyour harness, shimmy up the 10-footladder, then climb clear to the top of thewaiting 30-foot telephone pole byinserting your shoes into the steel pegs,move one foot to the very top of the pole,then the other. Oooooooh, as your secondfoot moves up, you fling your arms outstraight to steady your stance as yourealize it�s all you and the birds high uphere in the atmosphere. Inch your bodyupwards until you�re standing rigid as anarrow. Your gaze comes to rest on thewhite plastic �rabbit� suspended just acouple of feet upward, and of course,outward bound. A chorus of �JUMP� fromcampers below and the DI�s �There�s onlyONE way down!� prompts you to gatherall your bravado and up you jump, smackthe plastic triumphantly as the ropes andharness are pulled taut by the crew below.You�re lowered slowly, giving you a fewseconds to take in the bright orangeSouthWest jet taking off from the airfieldbehind the Course. Success, no more fearof heights, and oh-what-a-feeling�that�sthe stuff MMA�s Summer Campers aremade of�OORAH!

HI-HO, HI-HO,IT�S OFF TO

WE GO!

Beginning with a brisk 7.5 mile hike in thea.m., campers made their way to Camp Perry,a nearby Boy Scout campground completewith an archery setup, regulation-sizeswimming pool, and canoe launch. This year�sexception was that following the 3-hour hike,campers ate lunch aboard MMA�s fine diningfacility instead of camp brown-bag lunches(awww shucks-no ants!), then caught theMMA bus to Camp Perry due to a boatload ofstanding rain water in fields betwixt CampMMA and Camp Perry. Right after high noonthe activities kicked off with groups rotatinground-robin style through archery, swimming,and the grand finale - canoeing. To be eligibleto launch a canoe, campers were required toswim 3 swimming pool laps any style, 1 lapswimming backwards staring up at the bright

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the low crawl, picked up a rubber M-16, thenlow-crawled to the finish line, dropping the M-16. Then, it�s across the field at breakneck paceto tag the hand of the next runner who takesoff �round the Boxing Gym. Tagged andreleased, the teammate executes 20 push-ups,picks up his �wounded camper� and carries himover the 50-yard course. There, the woundedcamper is deposited on the grass (not exactly aprecise, gentle drop�just get �er done!), andruns to the road leading to the rifle range wherehe tags the rifle range runner. The rifle wranglerheads to the indoor rifle range where he firesfive rounds at the target. When done firing, the�wrangler� proceeds down the road to the farside of the Junior Varsity Gym to tag the nextrunner. Hang on, this battle has just begun!This runner proceeds to the Paint Ball Course,grabs a paint ball gun and protective mask, thenrat-a-tat-tat�s ring out as the gunner releases hisgun�s paint load. It�s back to the Paintballstarting point, drop all paint ball gear and takeoff at lightning-fast speed to tag his waitingteammate. This runner runs past the JV gym,all the way to the Mud Course area where hetags his teammate. This teammate runspreselected obstacles on the Course� over,under, through, no going �round! Then it�s offtoward the swimming pool to tag the hand ofthe waiting (and very, very anxious!) teammate.The teammate dives into the clear blue,swimming the length of the pool twice, exitsrapidly past the pool gate to tag the hand of thewaiting final runner. This runner hits the dustytrail behind King gym and enters the stadiumdrawing loud bellows of encouragement fromhis expectant company. Pumping his armsforward he takes off �round the track for a finallap, then propels across the finish line. Theentire camp completes the event in record time,just in time for a cool shower and afternoon ofpizza, movie and a few inspirational wordsfrom Commandant SgtMaj Kinsley.

ONE GREAT SUMMERSUMMARIZED:

Putting It All TogetherIn Crucible Fashion

The Texas tropical sun and clear blue skiesshone just a bit brighter as Summer andESL campers put all their learnedleadership and team building skills intopractical application. There was certainlyno lack of enthusiasm and plenty of high-fives came from all directions uponcompletion of each of the assignedchallenges. The entire afternoon wasclearly a celebration of campers� triumphsover the past four weeks of a summerobviously �well-spent�.

Take a good look at the photograph to theright � Moms, Dads, Grandmas,Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, and friends �where else in the world have you seen 12teenaged young men work TOGETHER,inch-by-grueling inch, as they�jaunt� fromPoint A to B� 24 sneakers secured atoptwo 2"X4"X10" boards using onlyhandheld ropes for stability�and all thewhile enjoying the time of their lives?

These are the few, the proud, the accomplished camper graduates of Marine Military Academy�OORAH!

FOX Company Assistant D.I. SGT Elizondo (far right) and D.I. MSGT Fracasso congratulate CamperSteven Swanson on completing all requirements of MMA Summer Camp and Plebe Training. CamperSwanson will return for MMA�s 2008-9 Academic Year on August 30th to re- join many of his �camperbrethren� who will also be returning for the school year. Carry on, men, FULL SPEED AHEAD!

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SPOTLIGHTSERIES

Working towards a common vision, the Board of Trustees and Advisors and the employees of Marine Military Academy

are committed to academic excellence and to the development in our Cadets of self-disciplineand a sense of responsibility to the community at large. Who are these individuals? The Academy is

excited to bring you the SPOTLIGHT SERIES, highlighting a Board Trustee or Advisor and an Academystaff member in each edition of the Academy�s newsletter, The LEADER.

The Marine Military Academy is the brainchild of William A. Gary,retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Captain, a visionary whofervently believes the Marine Corps concepts of leadership anddiscipline are adaptable to prep school education. In 1963, wantingto find such a school for his teen-age son, from home-basedPrescott, Arizona Captain Gary searched for a possible locationfor that very school, but found none. With the many militarycutbacks under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson the formerAir Force Navigation School located in Harlingen, Texas wasclosed. Working with investors and city officials, Captain Garyand a group of retired Marines opened Marine Military Academyin Harlingen in 1965. Captain Gary and his wife, Marion, enrolledtheir son Bill Jr. as the Academy�s first �Cadet�. Marion Gary signedon as the Academy�s first librarian.

Besides founding the Academy, Captain Gary has remained avigorous participant in its continuing development. Not only activeon the Board of Trustees as Executive Vice-Chairman, he bringsvaluable insight to the Military Committee where he serves asChairman. Captain Gary is also a very successful developer andbuilder, and rancher of a substantial herd of Charolais in hishometown of Prescott, Arizona. The Academy looks forward toCaptain Gary�s continuing guidance for many, many moons ahead.

Tom Morton, Athletic Director for the Marine Military Academy is a formerAtlanta Falcon football player. A graduate of Texas A & I University, he hastaught and coached for 32 years, 29 of which have been at the Academy.The Morton family are more than friends of the Academy, in fact, it couldbe said MMA and the Morton family name are pretty much synonymous.Tom�s father, James Morton, served as teacher; Alpha Drill Instructor;Football, Basketball and Track Head Coach; MCJROTC Instructor; BusDriver; Athletics Assistant Director, and Director of Intramural Activities.Tom�s mother, Libby, signed on too as Library Monitor; Substitute Teacher;Social Directress; and Volunteer. Tom�s brother, James, currently teachesU.S. History and is the Academy�s Head Coach for Track.

Tom initially signed on as U.S. History instructor, then moved into deuceposition as Social Studies instructor and Assistant Athletic Director. Untilassuming post as Head Athletic Director in 1998, he added Basketball,Baseball, and Track Coach to his resume, finally narrowing his coachingactivity to LEATHERNECK Football, allowing Tom to spread his outstandingathletic management expertise to all LEATHERNECK activities. Over thepast couple of years, LEATHERNECK enthusiasts have increased demandfor Athletic Director Morton�s time and talents. In May 2008 he passedthe Head Football baton to his assistant, Scott Swinnea. That won�t keepTom away from the action, so keep an eye out LEATHERNECK fans andrivals...A.D. Tom Morton likes it hot and he�s turning up the heat to �SIZZLE�!

Tom MortonCaptain William A. Gary, USMCR (Ret)

Marine Military Academy Athletic DirectorMarine Military Academy Founder

Marine Military Academy Board Trustee

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ALUMNI: Be sure to E-Mail your updates to pickens@mma-tx.org forinclusion in the Leader! Include graduation year or last year of attendance,and very importantly, we need your express permission to print homeaddresses, wives� names and children�s names/ages! Thanks, MickiePickens

Wait, there�s more...E-Mail your favorite photos, too: wieland@mma-tx.org.We�re GLOBAL...Tell US, we tell the world!

Need to find out what�s going on with a fellow alum? Get on board MMA�son-line �Alumni Bulletin Board�. Fill out the Alumni Information Requestform located on-line: http://www.mma-tx.org/alumni.htm or give ConnieFlores a jingle at (956) 421-9232.

Get on Board: ALL ALUMNI, ALL THE TIME!

�FALL IN!�

Colonel Tom Hobbs, USMC (Ret)MMA Alumni Director

Ph: (956) 421-9232

Mark Your Calendar andDon�t Miss Out:

MMA Alumni Celebration 2009April 24-26...Be There!

MMA Alumni, Parents, and Friends of the Academy -

Hello, my name is Scott Swinnea, and I am the new head football coach at theMarine Military Academy. The 2008 season marks my ninth year at the Academy.Coach Tom Morton has stepped down as the head football coach after many yearsof involvement with Leatherneck Football which will allow him more time to devoteto his duties as Athletic Director. I am honored that the administration has givenme the opportunity to lead the Leatherneck football program.

The coaching staff has been working very hard this summer preparing for thereturn of the players who will arrive on campus August 6th. We had a great off-season program, a very productive week of spring football practice, and a funspring game.

The theme for the 2008 season is Produce. The coaching staff continuallyemphasizes to the players that they must produce in the classroom, in our Corpsof Cadets, and on the football field. Our goal as coaches is to re-enforce theAcademy�s mission to build morally strong, disciplined, college ready cadets whoare prepared for responsible leadership.

The 2008 football season is just around the corner, and our coaching staff is veryexcited. You will find our schedule listed to the right. We hope you can make it outto see and support the Cadets.

If you have any questions regarding the football program, do not hesitate to callme at 956-423-6006 ext. 550 or you can email me at swinnea@mma-tx.org.

Sincerely,

Scott SwinneaHead Football Coach - Marine Military Academy

Aug 22 Santa Maria Home 6:00 pmSept 05 U. of Tamaulipas Home 7:00 pmSept 12 Progreso Away 7:30 pmSept 26 St. Michael�s (Austin) Away 7:30 pmOct 03 St. Joseph Academy Home 7:30 pmOct 11 San Antonio Central

Catholic Home 4:00 pmOct 18 St. Anthony Home 2:00 pmOct 25 Holy Cross

(San Antonio) Away 4:00 pmOct 31 Tamaulipas

(Homecoming) Home 7:00 pmNov 07 Antonian

(San Antonio) Away 7:30 pm

* District Opponent

**Parents Weekend/Homecoming/Birthday Ball

Are you ready

for some

F T B A L L?

*

**

****

*

LEATHERNECK FOOTBALL 2008

You�veYou�veYou�veYou�veYou�vegotgotgotgotgotmail!mail!mail!mail!mail!

(Clip-N-Save)

320 Iwo Jima BoulevardHarlingen, Texas 78550

(956) 421-9234 � (800) 365-6006

Online Catalog at:visitorcenter@mma-tx.org

http://www.mma-tx.org

10 a.m.to

4 p.m.

12 noonto

4 p.m.

HoursMonday

through

Saturday

Sunday

ALUMNI: Get in GEAR!Order your up-to-date

LEATHERNECK TEAM GEARTODAY!

Marine Military Academy�s

IWO JIMA Museum &Gift Shoppe

11

GETTING BACK TO BASICS - 50 YEAR ALUMNI TOUR ALMA MATER!Hailing from the era when the 142-acre campus� entry sign read �HarlingenAir Force Base�, three graduates of the Aviation Cadet Class 58-13C touredMarine Military Academy to observe their 50th Anniversary of commissioningand receiving award of their navigator wings - 22 July 1958: LieutenantColonel Richard Rubrecht, USAF, (Ret); Lieutenant Colonel John Booth, ANG,(Ret) and wife Carol; Lieutenant Colonel George Sewell, USAF, (Ret) andwife Patsy. The three were �suitemates� aboard Harlingen AFB. Only a thirdof their original class completed the program, �typical of the stringent oldAviation Cadet Program,� quips Lieutenant Colonel Sewell. All those whodid indeed graduate went on to have successful military careers and secondsuccessful careers in industry, business, and medicine. The group is picturedabove with their trusty MMA Tour Guide to the far left - MMA Support ServicesDirector Colonel Tom Hobbs, USMC (Ret).

ALPHA CAMPERVIDAHL DAVIS,Las Vegas, NV.

�I really likeddoing the Mud

Course andRappelling. The

hardest thing Idid was

overcome fear,and I learned to

never say �I can�t�,never! The pizza

and the ravioli aretops. I had a

rockin� GREATtime!�

DELTA CAMPERPHILLIP WAUGH,

Yuma, AZ.�Playing basketball

in King Gym wasexcellent. The most

difficult thing Iaccomplished was

getting up anddoing early morningP.T. - and polishingmy boots the right

way...that wastough. The chow�s

better than mymiddle school�s.

Receiving mailbrings on a whole

new outlook!��

FOX CAMPERJEFFREY SUN,

Fremont, CA.�Dodgeball was so

much fun. I got overmy fears of getting

dirty on the MudCourse and learned

that teamwork helpsaccomplish the most

difficult tasks. Forchow my favorite foodis the sliced potatoeswith sauce. I�ve really

enjoyed SummerCamp, and I

especially like the factthat I�m physically

stronger now.�

CHARLIE CAMPERMICHAELHOLSOMBECK,La Grange, GA.�Paintball combat isthe best, topped offwith the Mess Hall�sburgers and fries!The hardest thing forme was climbing thehigh rope with noknots. I learneddiscipline, fellowship,hard work and teambuilding skills. Fornext year�s campers:Remember �Yes, sir;No, sir�...and you�lldo just fine!�

ECHO CAMPERPATRICK CASSIDY, Corpus Christi, TX.�The most difficultthing I learned to doat Camp was climbthe ropes. Of all theactivities, I likedrappelling andweightlifting...and thepizza! GunnyMartinez was great, infact, he�s the coolestdrill instructorEVER!�

GOLF CAMPERMANUELALEJUNDROMUNOZ CORONA,Guadalajara,Jalisco, Mexico.�At this camp Ilearned a lot aboutrespect anddiscipline. Themost difficultaccomplishmentwas P.T. early in themorning. I likeddoing paintball andrappelling off theTower. My favoritemeal? Pizza andhamburgers!�

CAMPERS TELL IT LIKE IT IS ...

Calendar of EventsMemorials:

To make a donation to Marine Military Academy in memory or honor of, contact Ester Reyes at (956) 421-9231 or

e-mail: reyes@mma-tx.org.

MMA LEADERA monthly publication ofMMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE320 Iwo Jima Blvd.

Harlingen, Tx. 78550(956) 421-9235

Web Site: http://www.mma-tx.org

Email Address:wieland@mma-tx.org

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERDebbie L. Wieland

August24 Leadership Orientation30 Registration - 1st Year Cadets31 Check In - Returning Cadets

September

01-02 Military Orientation - Plebes01-02 Teacher In-Service03 Classes Begin12 Academic Awards Ceremony13 MMAPO Parents Meeting Introductory Training Graduation

Naming Opportunities

Brick Pavers

Memorial Trees

Athletic Equipment

Tax-Deductible Cash Donation

� Sgt David Fuller, USMC (Ret) - 9th Marines RVN� Samuel S. Maggio

� Shirley D. McDonald� Maj Murrell F. Murkey, USMC (Ret)

� Gayna Felton �Whit� Whitlow

YOUR Opportunities to Support MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY

Scholarship Programs� General Scholarship� Endowed Scholarship Fund

Planned Giving� Charitable Gift Annuities� Establishment of Trusts� Bequests� Gift of Residence with Right to Use the Property

Visit personally with staff to determine which opportunity best fits your lifestyle by calling(956) 421-9231 or simply send your e-mail request to development@mma-tx.org.Credit card and check donations can be made anytime by visiting http://mma-tx.org/opportunities1.htm for on-line TAX-DEDUCTIBLE gifts by credit card.

October04 SAT8-10 1st Quarter Exams15 PSAT25 ACT30 Parents� Weekend Begins31 Parents� Day (short classes)

November

01 Birthday Parade, Reception, Ball11 Veterans� Day Parade21 Begin Thanksgiving Break (1600)30 End Thanksgiving Break (1800)

offer less than their personal best effort, theMarine Military Academy continues tochallenge each camper to strive for ex-cellence and his highest potential...in ath-letics/physical activities, moral and otherpersonal endeavors. An envelope has beenprovided should you choose to financiallysupport bringing the MMA Campopportunity to another young boy who,without your assistance, will not be ableto attend next year�s Camp. Be sure toannotate �MMA Summer Camp 2009�on your check.

Semper Fidelis,

Bob GriderLieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret)

Director, MMA Institutional Development

From Camper ToCadet:Introducing MMA CADET

Steven Swanson

The summer edition of the Leaderis one of my favorites - full of examplesof what the four short weeks of MMASummer and ESL Camp mean to im-pressionable 12-17 year old adolescents.Year after year, this firmly-structured, yetunderstanding environment provides avaluable platform for the young men, pri-marily 12 to 17 years of age, whose fami-lies are fortunate to afford the opportu-nity, and a handful who attend throughthe kind generosity of a few friends ofthe Academy ... friends who realize theimportance of instilling in our futureleaders self confidence and discipline,leadership and team building skills. Intoday�s fast-paced world where manyadolescents prefer to take shortcuts and

Dear Friend of theAcademy,