MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS -- The post office was officially named “Colonel M.J. ‘Mac’ Dube, USMC Post Office Building.” in Dube’s honor by Congress on December 18, 2014, following his death on April 29, 2014.
“I can think of no better way to honor him and carry him forward,” said Erik Dube, son of the late Dube. “It is no surprise that the community that my dad cared so much for has come back to help us.”
Dube had a distinguished 38-year military career he brought to a close as the Combat Center Chief of Staff in 1989. Throughout his career, Dube’s personal and unit decorations included the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, four Bronze Star Medals With Combat ‘V’, four Purple Hearts, two Air Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V’, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, four Presidential Unit Citations, three Navy Unit Citation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, three Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry, and two Vietnam Honor Medals 1st Class.
Following his retirement from active duty he resided in Twentynine Palms and remained active in the community participating on the city council beginning in 1994 until 2002.
Dube served two terms as mayor of Twentynine Palms in 1998 and 2001. Following his time as mayor, he served as a field representative to the first district supervisor.
Throughout Dube’s time in the community he participated in various programs benefiting both the local community and the Combat Center. He also served as a board member for the YMCA of the Armed Forces.
“After 38 years of seeing the world and the Marine Corps, he decided to put down roots right here in Twentynine Palms,” said guest speaker Col. James B. Hanlon, Combat Center Chief of Staff. “Col. ‘Mac’ Dube is an excellent person to epitomize the Combat Center and the city of Twentynine Palms. His dedication truly represents who we are as a community.”
At the conclusion of the event, Congressman Paul Cook, along with the other guest speakers, presented Dube’s wife Patricia Dube and his sons, Marc and Erik Dube, with an official plaque and the Congress-approved bill officially changing the name of the post office.