I Can't Live Without My Radio
What does the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) mean to me? It means quality, value, friendly service, and fond members of my Marine Corps career.
For starters, I can still remember as a recruit, going to the MCX to make my first phone call home. It was the last Sunday, before recruit training graduation on Friday, Oct 6, 1989. Oh, and not to mention the taste of a snicker bar, my first since before leaving for boot camp. I would say that snicker bar but that’s not it.
If you know anything about “old school rap” or CBS NCIS: Hawaii then you might be familiar with LL Cool J, also known as Lady’s Love Cool J or his real name James Todd Smith. Currently acting as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna.
Well, back on November 18, 1985, he released his first album “Radio” and I was just a freshmen in high school. On the cover of that album was what we called back then a “boom-box” otherwise known as a radio. Prior to his album release, he released a single called “I Can’t Live without My Radio.” I loved listening to music and I loved that song. I wanted my own “boom-box”. Well, 4 years later while attending training at 29 Palms California, I would purchase my first “boom-box”. Thanks to MCX, and their Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) as it was called back then I was able to purchase a Fischer High Fidelity Boom-Box. It meant a lot to me then as it does now.
Almost 40 years later, I still own that boom-box. Not only was I able to purchase my first boom-box but I was also able to purchase many uniform and other related items due to that program. MCX has always been there for me; from recruit training, to becoming a family man and well into my retirement. I’m sure many Marines, and fellow service members can relate how MCX has always been there for them as well as their families. Thank you MCX.
About the Author
MSgt.(ret) Lawrence Clark Jr. joined the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2013. He supports the agency mission of overseeing lawful immigration to the United States under his role as a Management and Program Analyst. Lawrence provides technical assistance at the headquarters level with assessing organizational performance through various metrics and indicators, helping leaders identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with strategic goals in the integrity of the immigration system every day by providing services that change lives and safeguard our Nation. His contributions allow USCIS to deliver decisions to individuals from around the world.
Prior to joining USCIS, he devoted 24 years to the United States Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant. While in uniform he was responsible for managing recruitment objectives, officer placement, participated in the Officer College Loan Repayment Program, and served as a Uniform Victim Advocate. Lawrence retired at Headquarters Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) in Quantico Virginia, as an Officer Programs Operations Chief.
Lawrence earned his bachelor’s degree in Organizational and Leadership Management from Columbia Southern University.
