Motivational posters provide focus, support

[thedrifter]

Motivational posters provide focus, support
MCB Quantico
Story by Cpl. J. Agg



A new series of motivational posters, originally intended to remind Marines in garrison of the importance of their roles in support of forward-deployed Marines, has taken on an additional mission – fundraising to support wounded Marines and their families. Photo by: Official USMC photo

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va (July 14, 2005) -- A new series of motivational posters, originally intended to remind Marines in garrison of the importance of their roles in support of forward-deployed Marines, has taken on an additional mission – fundraising to support wounded Marines and their families.

The six “moto posters” were first conceived by Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, who led the charge of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade into Afghanistan and later commanded Task Force-58 during Operation Enduring Freedom and 1st Marine Division during the initial attack and subsequent stability operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The posters bear the mark of Mattis, well known among Marines for honest, straightforward talk. The posters provide inspiration to Marines in the rear with chaotic and sometimes bloody combat images and slogans such as, “What have you done for him today?” and “Killing time kills Marines, so make every minute count.”

Now, they also help provide comfort to Marines wounded in combat.

Since the posters went on sale at the Marine Corps Association Bookstore and Web site June 15, more than 700 posters have been sold, generating about $4,500 to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

The not-for-profit charity was founded in May 2004 by four active duty Marine Corps spouses to provide financial grants to wounded Marines and sailors to enable their families to be at their sides during the recovery process. To date, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund has served more than 1,000 cases, giving an excess of $1.7 million.

Renee Bardorf, co-founder of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, could not be more pleased by the support her organization is receiving from the Marine Corps Association.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with the Marine Corps Association; one of the great organizations with a history of helping Marines and their families,” said Bardorf. “We are honored that they would take up our cause as their own. It’s a wonderful tribute.”

Bardorf said Mattis has been an outspoken advocate for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in the past, and his ongoing support has been welcomed.

“Gen. Mattis has been a wonderful supporter of the Semper Fi Fund, and we are grateful for his leadership. He epitomizes the saying, ‘taking care of your own,’” said Bardorf. “We’re blessed to have him in the Corps.”

Retired Maj. Gen. Leslie M. Palm, Marine Corps Association president and chief executive officer, said in a June press release that the posters were reprinted for sale through the MCA at the request of Mattis.

“Many Marines and civilian defense employees who remain on American soil loose sight of the importance they all play in the global war on terrorism. These posters were developed to remind all of us of our obligation to fight the global war on terrorism,” said Palm. “We are honored to undertake this initiative and will donate all net proceeds to a very worthy cause, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund … which touches thousands of Marines and their families.”

The posters may be purchased for $6 each, or $30 for the complete set of six, and are available through the Marine Corps Association Web site, www.mca.marines.org, or at the MCA Bookstores, located at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Corps Base Quantico.

For more information about the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, visit www.semperfifund.org.

Ellie

[Indy_Owns]

Im trying to remember the name of the Marine in that photo. Can anyone help?

[yellowwing]

That is 1st Sgr Brad Kasal during the Battle for Fallujah.

[Joseph P Carey]

Originally posted by Indy_Owns
Im trying to remember the name of the Marine in that photo. Can anyone help?

That is the Top Sergeant that was wounded in the house when the enemy had his men pinned down. He took a real bad leg wound! What was his name, Brad Kasal!

[Joseph P Carey]

Originally posted by yellowwing
That is 1st Sgr Brad Kasal during the Battle for Fallujah.

Sorry Wing, I have to learn to read through all the comments before I write. You are correct it is Brad Kasal.

[yellowwing]

Hopefully pretty soon, not too many Marines will be calling him Brad!

[Joseph P Carey]

I believe he should have the Guard turnout for him each time he walks onto a Marine Corps Base. As far as the CMH, he already seems to have a great publicist at work for him. I am sure that he did not ask for it, but he deserves it.