Force Design 2030 is Controversial.
But one thing is not controversial.
Compass Points says no matter the strengths or weaknesses of FD 2030, there is one thing which unites all Marines. Marines agree Santa should not miss anyone!
One of Santa’s best helpers is Toys for Tots. This year’s Toys for Tots campaign is in full swing. Run by the Marine Corps Reserve and assisted by members of the Marine Corps League and thousands of other unpaid volunteers, Toys for Tots acquires and distributes millions of toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them presents for Christmas. Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots is one of the best known and most prestigious charities in America. Since its founding, Toys for Tots has distributed over a half billion toys to needed children.
Notable recognition for achievements include:
(1) 2003 Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year;
(2) Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Charity of 2003;
(3) One of the top 10 charities of 2003 on the Forbes “Gold Star” list; and
(4) Charity Navigator four star ratings in both 2005 and 2006.
The American people trust their Marines to make Christmas a special day for so many underprivileged children. This sacred trust is a special bond between our Marines and our citizens. We should never forget the prophetic words of Lieutenant General Victor Krulak:
The United States does not need a Marine Corps…the United States wants a Marine Corps… And, likewise, should the people ever lose their conviction — as a result of our failure to meet their high — almost spiritual — standards, the Marine Corps will then quickly disappear.
Compass Points applauds all those who unselfishly donate their time, effort, and contributions to make Christmas a blessed and happy day for children who might otherwise think Santa has passed them by. Thanks to all of Santa’s helpers!
I have good memories of overseeing TFT in one of the biggest Toys For Tots markets years ago. I grumbled at first; I just saw it as a huge distractor from ops & training and a general PITA. However, the active and reserve Marines were impressive in attacking the mission and won me over. They loved giving the toys to the kids. I saw there were good training opportunities involved, especially for the NCOs and enlisted...and the Public Relations spotlight events were a positive social benefit for the Marines. It was also a great lesson in learning the RAM the hard way:
Sergeant (relatively new to I&I duty): "Sir, I have LCpl Smith coming in on Wednesday to help with 'x'".
Me: "That's great Sergeant, that pair of hands helps, especially now that we are getting down to the wire. However, he's a reservist; how is he getting paid? Or does he know he just volunteered to work for free?".
Sergeant: "ummm.....I don't know sir".
Me: "Alright, these guys need a source of funding their pay, it's different when they come in outside of their regular drill schedule, and there's this thing called Reserve Administration..."