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10 November 2025
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A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
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Two hundred and fifty years ago, before our Nation declared its independence, a small group of men gathered in Philadelphia and formed a Corps of Marines. From that moment, our story has been bound to the story of America itself. A quarter of a millennium later, Marines remain at the center of our Nation's defense. Ready to fight, ready to win, and ready to uphold the trust placed in us since 1775.
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Across centuries, Marines have fought on distant shores and in desperate battles, earning a reputation for discipline, toughness, and valor. From the Revolution to the World Wars, from Chapultepec to today's operations across the globe, every generation has proven worthy of the title Marine. They secured liberty, defended allies, and carried forward the promise of a free Nation, and a free world. We are the heirs of that legacy, and we are its stewards.
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This anniversary reminds us that our standards are the foundation of our Corps. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not abstractions, but the code that binds us to one another and to all who went before. Every Marine, in every clime and place, must hold true to these values. The conflicts ahead will demand nothing less.
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I could not be prouder of the Marines I see serving today. At home, at sea, and across the globe, you carry forward our proud traditions with skill and ferocity. It is your discipline, initiative, and fighting spirit that anchor our Corps. The battles of the next 250 years will challenge us in new ways, but I have no doubt we will prevail. Happy Birthday Marines!
THE MUSTANGS
Mustangs in Philadelphia
11 October 2025
Modern Day Marine 2025
Are you a member yet?
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
Americans who fought, died, and are buried overseas made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Among our several programs, we engage today’s younger generations to learn the relevance of such sacrifice to their lives.
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ABMF is the non-profit partner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. ABMC maintains all 26 American military cemeteries and 31 monuments overseas. Nearly 234,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are buried or memorialized (remains unidentified/missing) in hallowed sites away from the homeland.
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The American Battle Monuments Foundation receives no government funding. Thanks to the generous contributions of our Corporate Partners and individual donors, we are able to continue our mission to preserve the memory of fallen American service members and educate the younger generation. Please donate today!
Major General Craig Timberlake, USMC (Ret)
Becoming a Mustang was the most significant achievement of my life! We should all celebrate being Mustangs!"
MajGen David Bice USMC (Ret)
About the MCMA
Our Story
For more than 248 years, Marines have earned a reputation as the most disciplined and lethal warfighters in the world. The Marine Corps legacy of honor, courage, and commitment inspired Captain Robert E. Richter, USMC (Deceased) to found The Marine Corps Mustang Association (MCMA), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 10 November 1985. The MCMA was incorporated as a 501 c-19, veterans service organization. For decades the MCMA has upheld the highest standard of excellence and service to the Marine Corps community and our members. With great pride we celebrate the high privilege of being a Mustang. The MCMA is a full member of and participant in the National Marine Corps Council of Agencies.
What is a Mustang?
Any Marine, after having served on active duty in the enlisted ranks of the United States Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve, has risen to the officer ranks, and further served as a commissioned or warrant officer on either active duty or reserve status.
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
Introducing
U.S. Marines: Mustangs Of The Corps
We are proud to present our very own publication from 1991.
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Mustangs Of The Corps was written and compiled from various sources by our very own John Darracott, Major, USMC (Ret). The purpose of this work was to provide a written account of the Mustangs of the Corps and include biographies of the then Active Duty and Retired Members of the MCMA. The heart behind this publication was to preserve the legacy of these brave Mustangs and pass along their real stories to their children and to generations to come.
