On behalf of the Marines, Sailors, civilian employees and our families, welcome to Headquarters Battalion, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va. Since 1943, Henderson Hall has been providing quality administrative, operational, logistical, and quality of life services in support of over 2000 Marines and civilians of Headquarters Marine Corps. Additionally, Henderson Hall serves to support all of the retired service members and dependents that reside in the area. Perhaps the most unique thing about this command is that only approximately 450 Marines and Civilian Marines actually reside and work in the confines of the base, the remainder are spread throughout the Navy Annex (Federal Office Building 2), the Pentagon, Navy Yard, Crystal City, and other dispersed locations in 5 counties surrounding Washington, D.C.

The Fort Myer Military Community at Fort Myer and Henderson Hall will soon merge as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision to pool installation resources and gain efficiencies as a joint military operation. Fort Myer and Henderson Hall staff are already working together to coordinate the level of support offered to all military personnel, and in October 2008, the two installations will be designated as Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall.

If you are new to the area, the bustle and congestion inside the Capital Beltway may be intimidating, but the area has much to offer in the way of history, national treasures, and our own Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) programs.

While Henderson Hall may be best known as your first call when dealing with ID cards, pay issues or our popular Marine Corps Exchange, we also provide a multitude of programs to enhance your stay in the Capital region.

Your first introduction may be the opportunity to go on a command-sponsored tour of the Nation’s capital in conjunction with your Welcome Aboard Brief, but opportunities are also available for your leisure, wellness, and continuing education. Marine Corps Community Services offers discount tickets to four professional sports teams, plays and concerts in historic venues in Washington, and bus trips to regional tourist attractions such as New York City and skiing in the Appalachian Mountains. The Single Marine Program is specifically tailored to provide social activities for single Marines and geographic bachelors living in the barracks. Our Personnel Services professionals provide free classes covering diverse subjects such as new parenting, financial management, stress management, and retirement preparation. The Lifelong Learning Center offers continuing education opportunities to hundreds of personnel every year with enrollment in over 1,000 courses and a quarter million dollars in tuition assistance granted.

So, if your off-duty interests are in academics, shows, or shopping, in this guide you will find that there is something for everyone who is based here. Once again, welcome aboard, and don’t hesitate to suggest how we can better serve you.

William Lietzau
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding Officer