The bill, S. 504, proposes to change the name of the Department of the Navy to the “Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.” The House version of the bill on May 4 unanimously passed after receiving more co-sponsors than any legislation introduced in the history of Congress—426. In order to become law, though, it must pass the Senate.

Nearly half of the senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee—where S. 504 will likely have to pass through—have co-sponsored the bill.

“Our quest to give the Marine Corps equal recognition with the Navy is finally in the homestretch,” said Mike Blum, executive director of the Marine Corps League. “Ninety-eight percent of the House agrees that our Marines fighting overseas deserve this. Now, it’s time for the Senate to come onboard.”

For over two centuries, the Marine Corps has fought side by side with the Navy. However, the Marine Corps name is not mentioned at the department level or even in the letterhead of condolence letters sent to the families of fallen Marines.

Driven largely by this fact, Marine Corps Identity Cause has attracted powerful supporters including actor R. Lee Ermey, Gens. Alfred Gray and Anthony Zinni and former Secretary of the Navy Lawrence Garrett.

S. 504 was introduced by Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts. North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones, who introduced the House bill, has been trying to get Congress to give the Marine Corps equal recognition with the Navy for nearly 10 years.

A list of Senate co-sponsors can be found at http://www.marinecause.com/senate-supporters/.

But its companion bill, S. 504, still has to pass the Senate.

Some key senators may make this an uphill battle, including John McCain of Arizona and Jim Webb of Virginia. Yesterday, midst this record-setting vote, they publicly voiced their opposition in The Hill, which received coverage in the Washington Post and Huffington Post:

Here’s what you can do:

• Call your U.S Senator—we need support in all 50 states!
• Reach out to McCain and Webb—ask them to allow our bill out of the Armed Services Committee for a vote on the Senate floor.
• Post comments on these stories.

You can find a full Senate contact list on the Marine Corps Identity Cause website.

McCain can be reached at (202) 224-2235. You can also email his press secretary here or send him a letter at 241 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510.

Webb can be called at (202) 224-4024, emailed here, or written to at 248 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510.

Phone calls are most effective. If you write, ask your senators for their support and an e-mail response on their decision.

I want to thank you for your crucial support and Rep. Walter Jones (NC) and Sen. Pat Roberts (KS) for their leadership.

In the meantime, you can rest assured “The Gunny” R. Lee Ermy is still on the case.

Semper Fi,

Michael Blum
Executive Director
Marine Corp League

Backed by the Marine Corps League, HR 24, introduced by North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones, proposes to change the name of the Department of the Navy to the “Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.” HR 24 is just seven votes shy of a 20-year record for most amount of co-sponsors on any House bill.

For over two centuries, the Marine Corps has fought side by side with the Navy. However, the Marine Corps name is not mentioned at the department level or even in the letterhead of condolence letters sent to the parents of fallen Marines.

Driven largely by this fact, Marine Corps Identity Cause has attracted powerful supporters including actor R. Lee Ermey, Gens. Alfred Gray and Anthony Zinni and former Secretary of the Navy Lawrence Garrett.

“We’ve grown into a branch with a unique culture,” said Ermey, a Marine veteran who has been in 60-plus feature films, including Full Metal Jacket and Mississippi Burning. “Yet it does not get equal billing with the Navy, Air Force or Army—each of which has a department named after it.”

News of the 400^th co-sponsor follows Sen. Johnny Isakson’s co-sponsoring of a sister bill in the Senate, S. 504. Isakson serves on the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs.

With 400 co-sponsors, HR 24 looks poised to pass the House. However, only three senators have co-sponsored S. 504.

“We encourage anyone who supports the Marine Corps to thank their representatives who’ve co-sponsored these bills and to contact their senators who haven’t,” said Mike Blum, Executive Director of the Marine Corps League. “That is one simple thing we all can do that would have such a huge impact on our Marines fighting overseas.”

Dear Sgt Shaft:

Every year since 2001, Congressman Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., has introduced a bill in the House, to re-designate the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps only to have it die in the Senate without action.

For more than two and a quarter centuries, the Navy and Marine Corps have been partners and shipmates in answering the call to defend our great nation against any foe. The strategic partnership of the Navy and the Marine Corps has served our nation well and gives America a maritime capability that is unmatched by anyone in the world.

This initiative is not intended to diminish the strength of that partnership. It is also not intended to change defense budgets or roles and missions. It is not intended to create any new positions. This effort seeks to formalize that which has been recognized in a “de-facto” manner for many years. To allow the Secretary of the Navy to let the world know that he is proudly “The Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.” The nation has always recognized the symbiotic relationship that exists in the Naval Services between the Navy and Marine Corps. This initiative is intended to bring formal recognition to this partnership.

This Department does, in fact provide the civilian leadership to two military services — the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. This has been codified in law for more than six decades. Changing the name to reflect this reality does not diminish the respect and admiration Marines and Sailors share with each other. Rather it strengthens this relationship for the entire world to see.Is it not time for the Marine Corps to receive the recognition it has earned in war and in peace, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Navy brothers in arms as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps?

This initiative has gained tremendous momentum all over the country, including the support of former Secretaries of the Navy, Navy Admirals, former Commandants of the Marine Corps, former Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps, Medal of Honor recipients and more importantly, hundreds of thousands of Americans who love and support their Marine Corps.

Retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, widely known for his performance as the sadistic drill instructor in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket,” headlined a recent news conference in Washington, D.C., calling to rename the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The event, at the Longworth House Office Building, was aimed at drumming up support for House Resolution 24, a bill authored by Rep. Jones, that formally proposes the name change.

Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., introduced a sister bill in the Senate, but it has just two co-sponsors — Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan from North Carolina. “Why can’t we call it the Department of Navy — and Marine Corps?” Roberts asked. “Why can’t we add three words to right an injustice?

“I can’t imagine anyone looking at one of these wounded veterans without arms or legs in the eyes telling them no. Ermey said. “How do you reason that?”

Other speakers included former Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Alfred M. Gray; Gen. Anthony Zinni, former Commander of U.S. Central Command; Bronze Star recipient Sgt. Eddie Wright, a Marine who lost both hands in combat in Iraq yet went on to become a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor; Tracy Della Vecchia, founder of Marine Parents.com; and Dick Linn, whose son was killed in Iraq in 2005.

For more information on this very important issue, your readers can go to www.MarineCause.org .

Many thanks and Semper Fidelis,
Michael A. Blum
National Executive Director
Marine Corps League

Dear Mike:

The Sarge joins The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and others who strongly support the ongoing campaign to rename the Department of the Navy so it more accurately reflects the Marine Corps’ significant contributions.

I strongly urge fellow combat veteran and friend, Jim Webb to join Sen. Pat Roberts in honchoing this legislation through the Senate. These three words, United States Marines, mean so much to those who wear and have worn the Globe and Anchor.

Until now.

Backed by high public sentiment for the Marine Corps and big-name supporters including actor R. Lee Ermey “Gunny” and Gen. Anthony Zinni, HR 24 is poised to pass the House of Representatives this spring. Further, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) has introduced a companion bill to expedite the process in the Senate.

On Feb. 25, 2010 in Washington D.C., the Marine Corps League held a press conference to drum up support for the legislation.

Here are some clips from the conference:

R. Lee Ermey and the Marine Corps League held a successful press conference and rally Feb. 25 in Washington D.C. Hundreds of attendees came to support the Marine Corps Identity Cause which supports legislation in the Congress to change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. Other speakers included Congressman Walter Jones, Senator Pat Roberts, General Anthony Zinni, General Alfred Gray, Sgt. Eddie Wright, Dick Linn, Tracy Della Vecchia, and Michael Blum.

Retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, widely known for his performance as the sadistic drill instructor in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket,” headlined a Thursday news conference in Washington, D.C., calling to rename the Department of the Navy the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The event, at the Longworth House Office Building, was aimed at drumming up support for House Resolution 24, a bill authored by Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., that formally proposes the name change.

“We’re not asking for a promotion. We’re not asking for more money. We don’t want a uniform change,” Ermey said. “The only thing we want is for future Marine who shed blood for their country to at least get respect and receive honorable mention in the department they fall under.”

Jones has introduced a version of his resolution, which now has 367 co-sponsors, every year since 2001. Despite wide-spread support in the House, it has failed in the Senate each time.

For the eighth year, the language of the resolution was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, unanimously approved by the House Armed Services Committee in June.

Each year since 2001, however, the Senate has stripped Jones’ name change from the legislation. Jones is now waiting to see if it will happen again, but remains hopeful.

“I think we have a chance. We really do,” Jones said when asked if he thought the measure might pass the Senate this year.

Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., introduced a sister bill in the Senate, but it has just two co-sponsors — Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan from North Carolina.

“Why can’t we call it the Department of Navy — and Marine Corps?” Roberts asked. “Why can’t we add three words to right an injustice? Why can’t we add three words to remind the Secretary of the Department of Defense and the world that the Marines are second to none?”

Ermey said he struggles to see logic in those who oppose the name change.

“I can’t imagine anyone looking one of these wounded veterans without arms or legs in the eyes telling them no.” Ermey said. “How do you reason that?”

Other speakers included Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander of U.S. Central Command; former Commandant Gen. Alfred M. Gray; Bronze Star recipient Sgt. James Eddie Wright, a Marine who lost both hands in combat in Iraq yet went on to become a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor; Michael Blum, the Marine Corps League’s executive director; Tracy Della Vecchia, founder of MarineParents.com; and Dick Linn, whose son was killed in Iraq in 2005.

After the conference, Ermey made his way to Bullfeathers of Capitol Hill, a nearby bar where he planned to hold a rally to drum up additional support and publicity for the departmental name change.

Washington D.C. – Feb. 19, 2010 – Full Metal Jacket star R. Lee Ermey and the Marine Corps League will hold a press conference Thursday, Feb. 25, in Washington D.C. to announce legislation and a grassroots campaign to give Marines equal status with the Navy.

The conference will be held 3 PM in 1334 Longworth House Office Building. The conference was previously scheduled for another time.

Ermey will also appear at a rally at 5 PM at Bullfeathers of Capitol Hill restaurant. Press and interested parties are invited to attend.

The legislation, H.R. 24 and S.504, would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the “Department of the Navy and Marine Corps” and the Secretary of the Navy to the “Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.” It would not create a separate department.

Speaking at the conference will be:

• R. Lee Ermey, aka “Gunny,” a Golden Globe-nominated actor and Marine veteran. Ermey is host of The History Channel’s “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey” and star of major films including Full Metal Jacket, Dead Man Walking and Toy Story.
• Sgt. Eddie Wright, a Marine veteran and Bronze Star recipient who lost both hands in combat in Iraq in 2004. Despite his injuries, he became a Marine Corps hand-to-hand combat instructor, later retired, and is now a defense contractor.
• Dick Linn, a Gold Star father who lost his son Karl in Iraq in 2005.
• U.S. Rep Walter Jones, who introduced H.R. 24.
• Tracy Della Vecchia, MarineParents.com founder and executive director. Her website has 130,000-plus members and provides support for parents of Marines.
• Michael Blum, Marine Corps League executive director.

The Marine Corps operates under the Department of the Navy. Families of Marines who die in combat receive condolence letters on Navy letterhead—with no mention of the Marine Corps.

Ermey said a major reason for his involvement with the campaign was to properly honor Marines who have fought and died in battle.

“When the family of a fallen Marine receives a condolence letter, the Marine Corps name should be proudly mentioned,” Ermey said. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.”

Washington D.C. – Feb. 10, 2010 – The Marine Corps League will hold a press conference Thursday, Feb. 25, in Washington D.C. to announce legislation that would give the Marines Corps equal status with the Navy.The event was originally scheduled for Feb. 11 but is being postponed due to inclement weather.

The conference will now be held at 5 P.M. in Room 122 at the Cannon House Office Building. Press and interested parties are invited to attend.

Still tapped to headline the conference is R. Lee Ermey, a Golden Globe-nominated actor and Marine veteran. Ermey is host of The History Channel’s “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey” and star of major films including Full Metal Jacket, Dead Man Walking and the upcoming Toy Story III. Other speakers include:

• Sgt. Eddie Wright, a Marine veteran and Bronze Star recipient who lost both hands in combat in Iraq in 2004. Despite his injury, he became a Marine Corps hand-to-hand combat instructor, later retired, and is now a defense contractor.
• Dick Linn, a Gold Star father who lost his son Karl in Iraq in 2005.
• U.S. Rep Walter Jones, who introduced H.R. 24, a bill that would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the “Department of the Navy and Marine Corps” and change the title of the Secretary of the Navy to the “Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps”.
• Tracy Della Vecchia, MarineParents.com founder and executive director. Her website has 130,000-plus members and provides support for parents of Marines.
• Michael Blum, Marine Corps League executive director.

Rep. Jones’ bill has garnered supporters including former Secretary of the Navy Lawrence Garrett, FedEx founder Fred Smith and Col. Oliver North.

For more information on the conference, campaign and legislation, go to the Marine Corps Identity Cause website at www.marinecause.com.

Washington D.C. – Feb. 8, 2010 – When a soldier, airman or sailor dies in conflict, families receive letters from the Army, Air Force or Navy. When a Marine dies, the family receives a letter from the Department of the Navy.

The Marine Corps League will hold a press conference Feb. 11 in Washington D.C. to announce legislation and a grassroots campaign that would change this—and give Marines equal status with the Navy.

The conference will be held 10:30 A.M. in Room 122 at the Cannon House Office Building. Press and interested parties are invited to attend.

Speaking at the conference will be:

• R. Lee Ermey, a Golden Globe-nominated actor and Marine veteran. Ermey is host of The History Channel’s “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey” and star of major films including Full Metal Jacket, Dead Man Walking and Toy Story.
• Sgt. Eddie Wright, a Marine veteran and Bronze Star recipient who lost both hands in combat in Iraq in 2004. Despite his injury, he became a Marine Corps hand-to-hand combat instructor, later retired, and is now a defense contractor.
• Dick Linn, a Gold Star father who lost his son Karl in Iraq in 2005.
• U.S. Rep Walter Jones, who introduced H.R. 24, a bill that would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the “Department of the Navy and Marine Corps” and change the title of the Secretary of the Navy to the “Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps”.
• Tracy Della Vecchia, MarineParents.com founder and executive director. Her website has 130,000-plus members and provides support for parents of Marines.
• Michael Blum, Marine Corps League executive director.

Rep. Jones’ bill has garnered supporters including former Secretary of the Navy Lawrence Garrett, FedEx founder Fred Smith and Col. Oliver North.

“Marines have fought and died with their Navy brothers and sisters for more than 200 years,” Blum said. “It’s finally time to give the Marine Corps the recognition the branch has long deserved.”