Category Archives: Marines’ Memorial Association

75 Years in the Making: The Devil Dogs Of Marines’ Memorial

An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.


Marines' Memorial: 75 Years in the Making

In the previous editions of Marines’ Memorial: 75 Years in the Making, we’ve focused on the people, the building, and the city.  While we think all of these are quite photogenic, this month we’d like to focus on arguably our most photographed feature of the Club… the Bulldogs! 

The Devil Dogs of Marines’ Memorial

It was after the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 that the Marines assumed the moniker “Teufelshunden” or “Devil Dogs,” purportedly from the battered Germans who dubbed their salty, indefatigable conquerors.

 

Soon afterward, U.S. Marine Corps recruiting posters depicted an English bulldog wearing a Marine Corps helmet. The image helped unofficially establish the English bulldog as their mascot.

USMC Recruiting Poster

SgtMaj Jiggs

From the very first canine recruit, SgtMaj Jiggs, to the long line of “Chestys” that began in 1957 honoring LtGen Chesty Puller, the most decorated and venerated Marine in the history of the Corps, the bulldog has been the revered mascot of the United States Marine Corps.  Marines’ Memorial has honored that tradition for the last 20+ years right here at the Front Desk of the Club.

Newest Chesty's First Day

The Marines’ Memorial bulldog family started with Bubba in 1998 who was followed by BaileyBeau, Bubba Jr.Beulah and our two newest recruits who joined us last summer, Ms. Betty White and Brutus.

 

Take a look at our “B”eloved Marines’ Memorial Mascots throughout the years and let us know how you honor the Devil Dog mascot! Whether you have a picture or memory at Marines’ Memorial or you have your own bulldog at home, share it with us and it might show up in a future edition of the Crossroads of the Corps and Marines’ Memorial social media!

Bubba

Bubba

Bailey

Bailey

Beau

Beau

Bubba, Jr.

Bubba, Jr.

Beulah

Beulah

Betty White

Betty White

Brutus

Brutus

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved

Our Newest Virtual Meet The Author!

A notice of an online event from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.


Marines' Memorial: 75 Year Anniversary

We’re excited to bring you our next virtual episode of “Meet the Author!”  Although our programs often focus on non-fiction, this edition features a fiction author who uses his experiences in the Marine Corps and Air Force to help create his thrilling mysteries.

 

Colonel Lawrence Colby, USAF (Ret), whose call-sign is “Cheese,” has written three books in The Ford Stevens Military-Aviation Thriller Series.  His latest is The Buffalo Pilot.  Marines’ Memorial President and CEO, LtGen Mike Rocco, talks with Cheese about their time together as gunfighters, Col Colby’s writing process, and what he’s working on next.

Lawrence Colby

About the Author:

 

Lawrence A. Colby is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of The Ford Stevens Military-Aviation Thriller Series. His books are published in over 12 countries and are enjoyed from the US and UK to India and beyond.

A veteran Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra attack pilot and Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules pilot, he has worked and flown all over the globe. Over his 28-years in the military, he worked in locations from Iraq and Afghanistan to the Philippines, Pentagon and beyond. Flying under the callsign “Cheese” in the squadrons, he retired from active duty in 2018 and lives in the Washington, DC area.

“Cheese” holds a BA in History from Niagara University, MA in Leadership from Duquesne University, and an MS in National Resource Strategy from The Eisenhower School at National Defense University. His military schools include Undergraduate Pilot Training from both the US Navy (Naval Aviator) and US Air Force (Pilot), in addition to the Naval Postgraduate School’s Aviation Safety Program and the AJPME Program at the Joint Forces Staff College.

He is the author of THE DEVIL DRAGON PILOT, THE BLACK SCORPION PILOT, and his latest military-thriller THE BUFFALO PILOT. He is especially grateful to veteran readers who Cheese feels have pushed each of his books to #1 status.

 

 

About the Moderator: 

 

On 1 October 2020, Lieutenant General Michael Rocco retired after 37+ years as an Active Duty Marine.  Just one month later he took the top job at Marines’ Memorial– our President & CEO.

 

Mike Rocco received his BS in Business Administration from St. John’s University in New York and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1983.

 

Upon designation as a Naval Aviator in February 1986, he was assigned to HMLA-367, Camp Pendleton, CA.  In August 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Captain Rocco was assigned as a Flight Leader and led over 40 combat missions.   He earned two Master’s Degrees while on Active Duty, commanded at every level in aviation, and has flown nearly 4,000 hours.

 

In 2017, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and assumed the duties of Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

 

LtGen Rocco’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with Gold Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with “V,” Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with “V,” Air Medal with numeral 2, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star.

 

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved

Your Marine Club News for August 2021

An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area that may be of interest to members.


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AUGUST 2021: WE’RE GROWING!

It’s hard to believe that, in the blink of an eye, summer 2021 will be behind us. These past two months have brought us untold joy as the Marines’ Memorial welcomes more and more of our members through the doors of the Club. We love catching up with you and it’s starting to feel like home again!

 

As more of you return to the Club to stay, eat, learn, and celebrate, we will be able to bring back more employees. And so Club life will spiral up and up until we hit our stride again. Need a nudge? See the new Hotel Special below and lock in your dates now!

 

Meanwhile, we are working to re-energize all of our programs that Commemorate, Educate, and Serve. Your support is always needed and always appreciated! Click here to give onlineThank you!

 

Also of note for August:

> HAPPY 231st BIRTHDAY to the US Coast Guard!

> HAPPY 105th BIRTHDAY to the US Marine Corps Reserve!

LIVE SPEAKER EVENT!

On 8 September 2021, Marines’ Memorial Board Member LtCol Jeffrey Tice, USAF (Ret.) will present a talk at the Club entitled “A Guest of Saddam: 46 Days as a Prisoner of War”.

 

We look forward to seeing you at this special live event!

 

Reserve your tickets here

THE 246TH MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL IS A GO!!

And it’s SOLD OUT. On Friday 5 November 2021 we will gather for the grandest event of the year. We know that the spirit of the Corps and the drive to celebrate will be stronger than ever.

 

Our Guest of Honor will be the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Troy E. Black, USMC.

 

Click here to join the WAITING LIST

HUNGRY? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.

A New York Steak. Seafood Risotto. Chesty’s Chopped Cobb. You can’t go wrong for dinner on the Club’s 12th floor. Sweeping views of San Francisco are the cherry on top! Dinner is served Monday-Saturday 5-8pm; Breakfast daily 7:30-9:30am; and Happy Hour at the bar for members and hotel guests daily 4-6pm.

 

DINNER reservations are REQUIRED.

Email us for Dinner Reservations

 

See Chesty’s Menus

GREAT EVENTS HAPPEN HERE

We haven’t lost our touch for creating memorable gatherings with superb service and that timeless Marine Club ambience you won’t find anywhere else. Our special events team is ready to help you create an unforgettable San Francisco WEDDING, REUNION, or MEETING.

Let’s start planning your event!

Leading from the Front

LEADING FROM THE FRONT EXPLORES McMASTER’S BATTLEGROUNDS

Tune in as Former National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, USA (Ret) speaks with Leading From the Front creator and MMA Board Member Mike Cerre.

 

All 8 installments of Leading from the Front are available on YouTube for you to watch at your convenience. Each one is a must-not-miss!

 

Watch LEADING FROM THE FRONT

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OUR FIRST 75 YEARS, IN STORIES AND PICTURES

We hope you’ve been enjoying our monthly email series Marines’ Memorial: 75 Years in the Making. Don’t worry if you’ve missed some: they’re all available at the link below AND our upcoming special 75th anniversary edition of Crossroads of the Corps will include highlights of the series.

 

Contribute your own memories to our celebration by clicking here:

Share YOUR Marine Club memories

HONORING THE LEGACY

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS. RENEW OR UPGRADE NOW!

Did you know that Benefactor members enjoy these extra privileges? Lifetime Membership, a special Benefactor Holiday (2 nights plus $50 for dinner in our restaurant), Suite Upgrades at no charge (based on availability), 15% Discount on Food and Beverage, 15% at Marine Club Store, and Advance Reservations for select MMC events. Upgrade now!

 

UPGRADE to Benefactor Status

RENEW your membership

ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT MMA

Sign up for Amazon Smile, and Amazon will donate on your behalf with every purchase! Here’s how:

On your computer, go to Smile.Amazon.com and follow the instructions.

On your iPhone’s Amazon App, open the main menu, tap Settings, tap AmazonSmile, and follow activation instructions.

PUT THIS IN YOUR FAVORITE VETERAN’S BACK POCKET!

Marines’ Memorial gift cards can be used for accommodations, meals and Marine Club Store items, and they never expire! So, anytime is a great time to give the gift of MMC. Purchase gift cards by calling us at (415) 673-6672.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

A RELAXING, DELICIOUS STAY AT YOUR CLUB? AT A GREAT PRICE? YES, PLEASE!

Members-only Package Includes:

5 NIGHTS in a Standard Room

$100 Credit for Chesty’s Bar & Grill

$50 Credit for Cesario’s Restaurant

2 Souvenir Chesty’s Coffee Mugs

Breakfast 7:30-9:30am Daily

Hosted Happy Hour 4-6pm Nightly

 

$439/person double occupancy

$799 single occupancy

Upgrades:

Deluxe Room / add $100

Suite / add $300

Tax & Parking not included

 

BOOK IT TODAY! 415-673-6672

RECIPROCAL CLUBS: YOUR LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Plan your next Reciprocal Club visit in TWO EASY STEPS!

 

1. Contact your destination club to confirm they can accommodate you on your desired dates.

 

2. Generate a Letter of Introduction. Log in to your MMA Member account. Then click on “Request Letter of Introduction,” enter a date, and submit. Your destination club will receive your letter automatically by email!

 

View our worldwide Reciprocal ClubsDownload a PDF of Club listings

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved

 

75 Years in the Making: San Francisco In 1946

An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.


Marines' Memorial: 75 Years in the Making

San Francisco has been an integral part of our nation’s military history. After WWII, many American military personnel, who fell in love with the area while leaving for or returning from the Pacific, settled in San Francisco and prompted the total build out of the city. In 1945, the conference that formed the United Nations was held here, with the UN Charter being signed in the Herbst Theatre, a stone’s throw from the Club! Additionally, the Treaty of San Francisco, which formally ended war with Japan and established peaceful relations, was drafted and signed here six years later in 1951.

1946 stands out among those years for many reasons, not just because it was the San Francisco 49ers’ inaugural season, but it’s when Marines’ Memorial Club officially opened its doors! Take a peek at what the city looked like for our original members!

An aerial view of San Francisco with City Hall in the background

Aerial of SF

Looking down Sutter from Powell with MMA on the left

Sutter with MMA on the left

Sutter street from the west side of Stockton

Sutter street from the west side of Stockton

Overcrowded Commute during Christmas 1946

Overcrowded Commute

Grant and Post with Owl Drug Store

Grant and Post with Owl Drug Store

Looking east on Mission

Looking east on Mission between 4th and 5th

Post Street

Post Street

Many Cable Cars on Market

Market Street

Kearny Street traffic jam

Kearny Street Traffic Jam

Bay Bridge traffic jam

Bay Bridge Traffic Jam

No parking anywhere

No parking anywhere

What’s your favorite Marines’ Memorial memory?  Visit HERE to read other members’ memories and share your own! You can also email your memory and Club photos to Anniversary@MarinesMemorial.org.  Thank you for being a part of our legacy. 

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved

You’re Invited! Our First In-Person Event Of 2021

An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.


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Lt Col Jeff Tice, USAF (Ret)

A Guest of Saddam: 46 days as a Prisoner of War

Lt Col Jeff Tice, USAF (Ret)

8 September 2021 – 6:00pm
Marines’ Memorial Club – 609 Sutter St (@ Mason), San Francisco

Member Tickets: Free, Non-Member Tickets: $20

In January 1991, on the second day of Desert Storm’s “Shock & Awe” campaign, Lt Col Jeff Tice’s F-16 was hit by an Iraqi surface to air missile.  He would become one of 23 U.S. prisoners of war from that conflict.

 

We are honored to have Lt Col Tice share his story with Marines’ Memorial on September 8th during our first in-person event of 2021.  We hope you can join us for Lt Col Tice’s riveting presentation.

Lt Col Jeff Tice, USAF (Ret)

About Lt Col Jeff Tice, USAF (Ret):
Lt Col Tice retired from the US Air Force in 1999 after serving 22 years on active duty as a fighter pilot. He amassed over 3,000 hours of flight time in F-111, F-5 and F-16 jets. He served in combat as a Flight Commander and Assistant Operations Officer during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

After retirement from the USAF, he flew as a Commercial Airline Pilot for American Airlines in the MD-80, Boeing 737, 757, 767 aircraft on both domestic and international routes. Lieutenant Colonel Tice retired from American Airlines in 2012. He is currently on the Board of Directors with Marines’ Memorial Foundation and volunteers for several other nationwide military-related charities.

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved