About Us
Marine Military Academy Alumni Association
Supporting the Education of Our Future Servant Leaders – FAITH, CHARACTER, RESOLVEThe Marine Military Academy Alumni Association (MMAAA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the Marine Military Academy (MMA). Our mission is to enhance funding for recruiting qualified candidates, provide scholarships to prospective students, enrich academic programs through fellowships for highly qualified educators, and develop non-academic programs that offer students a global perspective on becoming value-driven servant leaders.
Our vision is to inspire and develop young men into servant leaders by enhancing programs and providing financial support to qualified candidates to attend the Marine Military Academy. The association’s goals focus on graduating cadets who are grounded in the ethos and traditions of the United States Marine Corps. Integrity, discipline, faith, determination, and principle-driven leadership are at the core of our mission and strategies.
Mission Statement
The Alumni Association’s primary mission is to:
- Provide scholarship opportunities for the sons of U.S. Armed Forces veterans.
- Enhance MMA’s curriculum by offering fellowships to educators of exceptional caliber.
- Expand non-academic programs that cultivate servant leadership skills and global perspectives.
Our priority is to open doors for the young sons of NCOs and Officers, enabling them to access an education that is unparalleled in its focus on character development and leadership. By increasing financial aid packages, our goal is to grow MMA’s student body by at least three additional cadets annually.
Our Story
The Marine Military Academy was born from the vision of USMC Captain Bill Gary (Ret.), who sought to create an institution rooted in Marine Corps values. In 1965, with support from Gunnery Sergeant John S. Allerton and General E.A. Pollock, MMA opened its doors in Harlingen, Texas.Since then, MMA has become a premier college preparatory school that instills discipline, integrity, and pride in its cadets while preparing them for success in life.
Why We Exist
The Marine Corps ethos—grit, discipline, Semper Fidelis—forms the foundation of MMA’s educational philosophy. From academics to athletics to military training programs like JROTC, every aspect of MMA fosters independent thinking and teamwork.Today, MMA serves over 200 cadets from grades 7 through post-graduate levels. With dual-enrollment opportunities through Tarleton State University and recognition as a Naval Honor School by MCJROTC standards, MMA continues to excel academically while producing servant leaders who embody excellence.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Mark McCaleb President
Class of '84
Mark McCaleb graduated from MMA in 1984 and grew up in Weslaco, Texas. Alongside his wife Carla, Mark owns and operates McCaleb Funeral Home and Sacred Park Cemetery & Crematory. He has served on various committees for over 12 years, including finance and grounds at the First United Methodist Church. Mark also chairs Aurora House, a nonprofit offering compassionate end-of-life care at no cost.Mark enjoys spending time outdoors with his three sons—Bradley, Riley, and Patrick—and is an avid sports fan who cares for his community.
Richard Rodriguez (Director)
Class of '88
Lt. Col. Richard S. Rodriguez (USMCR Ret.) serves as Commandant of Cadets at MMA. A Harlingen native and MMA graduate (Class of 1985), he boasts a distinguished career in both military service and federal law enforcement with the DEA. Lt. Col. Rodriguez has served in Iraq and Afghanistan during his Marine Corps Reserve tenure, retiring after 28 years of service in 2019.In addition to his military achievements, Rodriguez has contributed significantly to education as a Senior Military Instructor in JROTC programs before rejoining MMA in 2023.