Our Work
Portfolio
A showcase of MCVA events, programs, and community involvement — honoring Marines and veterans through action.
Event Sponsorship
2018 Normandie-WWII International Film Festival
2018 Normandie-WWII International Film Festival
MCVA issued a $10,000 Sponsor donation to the WWII Foundation in honor of the 2018 Normandie-WWII International Film Festival & Band of Brothers Actors Reunion.
Charitable Donation
Fisher House San Antonio
Fisher House San Antonio
Fisher House at San Antonio Veterans Administration Hospital opened in the summer of 2012 to treat the most severely wounded from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. MCVA donated $50,000 to this cause.
Grant Program
Veterans Funeral Honors Assistance Program
Veterans Funeral Honors Assistance Program
MCVA has issued grants totaling $77,000 to VFW and American Legion Posts nationwide to help provide dignified funeral services for fallen veterans, especially our Greatest Generation from WWII.
Event Sponsorship
Cinema City International Film Festival
Cinema City International Film Festival
MCVA is a proud sponsor and participant in the Annual Cinema City International Film Festival at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, sponsoring all-expenses paid trips for Combat Veterans and their guests.
Charitable Donation
Leatherneck Magazine Program
Leatherneck Magazine Program
MCVA supports the Marine Corps Association Foundation by providing Leatherneck and Marine Corps Gazette magazines to convalescing soldiers and Marines at veterans' hospitals worldwide. We are the sole contributor, with donations totaling more than $50,000.
Charitable Donation
Montfort Point Marines Donation
Montfort Point Marines Donation
MCVA issued an $8,000 donation to the Montfort Point Marines in honor of their service to America during WWII.
Member Spotlight
Marine Veteran Advocates for Gold Star Families in Mid-Ohio Valley
VIENNA, W.Va. (WTAP)
Bernard "Bernie" Lyons, a Marine veteran in the Mid-Ohio Valley, has dedicated years to advocating for veterans and Gold Star families in the region.
Lyons joined the Marine Corps in 1955 and served on active duty starting in 1956. "I was in peacetime, and I joined the reserves in 1955 and active duty in 1956. I went to Paris Island," Lyons said.
Following his military service, Lyons became an advocate for veterans and Gold Star families. This past summer, he had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia.
Lyons helped create three Gold Star Families Memorials in the area alongside the Woody Williams Foundation. The inspiration came from a moving encounter involving Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams.
"Woody Williams was actually here in Parkersburg and made a speech. After the speech, as he was putting his materials away, there was one man left sitting in a chair, and he was crying very quietly. So, Woody stopped and asked if he could help him. The man said that 'even fathers cry'. Woody then started thinking about gold star families; nobody does anything for them," Lyons said.
The three memorials in the Mid-Ohio Valley are part of 153 Gold Star Families Memorials across the country in all 50 states. There are currently 10 memorials in West Virginia.
Lyons encouraged fellow veterans to stay engaged after their military service. "I would encourage all veterans to get out. They probably can't do it when their children are young, or they're still working a job, but when that's over, keep yourself active, get out, help the other veterans. It's what we do," he said.
The three Gold Star Families Memorials in the Mid-Ohio Valley are located in Vienna, Parkersburg and Marietta.
By the Numbers
Our Impact
$50,000+
Donated to Fisher House San Antonio
$77,000+
Veterans Funeral Honors Grants
$10,000
WWII Foundation Sponsorship