Marine Corps News Room

BY McKenzie Pendergrass
Sunday, September 28, 2014 | 9:07 p.m. CDT; updated 7:10 p.m. CDT, Monday, September 29, 2014

COLUMBIA — Paper bags imprinted with gold stars and holding sand and a small candle lined the pathway, honoring fallen military veterans and their families. As the crowd placed the bags on a walkway to Cosmo-Bethel Lake, volunteers handed out small American flags to place next to the luminaries.

Continue reading "Lighting ceremony held for fallen Missouri soldiers" »

Posted by sr at 11:30 PM | Permalink

by Garrett Bergquist
Posted: 09.28.2014 at 10:16 PM

COLUMBIA -- Hundreds of luminaries lined a pathway at Bethel Park Sunday evening as families of fallen mid-Missouri servicemembers marked Gold Star Mothers Day.

Continue reading "Gold Star families gather to remember" »

Posted by sr at 11:20 PM | Permalink

Pentagon says foundation to pay death benefits.

By FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm

The founder of a Columbia-based group that supports Marines praised the stopgap measure announced yesterday to provide death benefits to families of fallen soldiers and again called on Congress to end the government shutdown.

Continue reading "Local group sends checks to families of Marine, soldier" »

Posted by sr at 11:59 PM | Permalink

by Mark Slavit
Posted: 10.09.2013 at 6:15 PM

A Columbia-based not-for-profit group supporting military families collected $40,000 during the past 24 hours.

Continue reading "Group Raises Money for Fallen Soldiers" »

Posted by sr at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Death gratuity is not being paid during government shutdown.

By Rudi Keller
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 6:32 pm

Columbia-based not-for-profit Marine Parents raised $10,000 in an hour on Tuesday afternoon, its founder said, when it learned that military death benefits were not being paid and a Wisconsin family needed help covering in the burial and transportation expenses for Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Collins Jr., who died Saturday in Afghanistan.

Continue reading " Local group raises money for family of dead Marine" »

Posted by sr at 10:48 PM | Permalink

Posted: Oct 8, 2013 7:53 PM by Hailee Hopkins, KOMU 8 Reporter
Updated: Oct 8, 2013 10:24 PM

COLUMBIA - Due to the U.S. government shut down, military families who have lost their loved ones have not been able to receive death benefits.

Continue reading "Marine Parents Raise $10,000 to Support Marine Funeral Costs" »

Posted by sr at 10:42 PM | Permalink

Author: Mike Hoeferlin
September 1, 2013

America has been at war for al­most 13 years, and, of course, Marines have been in the thick of the fight since the beginning. During those sometimes tentative years, Marines and their families have faced numerous obstacles, challenges and uncertainties. Fortunately, a very special group of selfless and de­voted volunteers who operate under the banner of MarineParents.com has been helping them understand and cope with the known and unknown. Those incredibly dedicated volunteers have provided information, com­fort, reassurance and a positive nur­turing environment to as many Marine families, friends and loved ones as possible.

Continue reading "MarineParents.com: Still Serving After 10 Years" »

Posted by sr at 9:37 PM | Permalink

Nearly Forty Volunteers in Over Twenty States to Receive Presidential Volunteer Service Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbia, MO, April 22, 2013 - MarineParents.com,Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit troop and troop family support organization, today announced plans to celebrate National Volunteer Week, a time dedicated to demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. Marine Parents volunteers reported over 18,000 hours of volunteer service in the year 2012.

Continue reading "MarineParents.com, Inc. Announces Recognition Plans for 2013 National Volunteer Week " »

Posted by sr at 7:49 PM | Permalink

Kujo missing Afghani dog

July 21, 2012
By: Jerrie Dean

On Friday, a family in Texas has increased the reward for Kujo, their missing dog that was a U.S. Marine squadrons companion while in Afghanistan, reports KWTX news.

Continue reading "Family needs help finding missing dog rescued by Marines in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:46 PM | Permalink

July 18, 2012

The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in the United States armed forces are some of the toughest, most dedicated, most dependable personnel that make up the most formidable fighting force on earth.

Continue reading "Joyce Orrell serves wounded warriors in Purple Heart Family Support program" »

Posted by sr at 11:53 PM | Permalink

Written by VINCE DEVLIN Photographed by KURT WILSON of the Missoulian | Posted: Saturday, April 21, 2012 10:00

SAN DIEGO – A few nights ago as she prepared dinner for herself and her son, Lisa Corbett punched through the top of a can of vegetables, gripped the can opener handles with one hand and turned the key with the other.

Posted by sr at 10:57 PM | Permalink

This Marine mom and fellow Columbian launched MarineParents.com to help keep Marine familes connected.

By Amber Meatte
April 5, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST

Although her son had declared that he wanted to be a Marine since he was 4 years old, Tracy Della Vecchia thought it was just a phase.

Continue reading "A Conversation with Tracy Della Vecchia " »

Posted by sr at 9:11 PM | Permalink

by Mike DeFranco
Sunday, March 4, 2012

Tracy Della Vecchia is the founder of MarineParents.com.It's a website she started in 2003 when her son started serving in the Marines overseas.

Continue reading "Local woman receives congressional Medal of Honor award" »

Posted by sr at 10:32 PM | Permalink

BY Laura D'Angelo
Friday, March 2, 2012 | 8:02 p.m. CST; updated 9:23 p.m. CST, Friday, March 2, 2012

COLUMBIA — It's hard for Tracy Della Vecchia to grasp how deserving she is of a national award — humbling, she said.

Continue reading "Columbia woman chosen as Citizen Service Before Self Honors finalist" »

Posted by sr at 11:17 PM | Permalink

By Brigid Brett | Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011

Richard "Sunny" Farrand hates to see anyone who has been injured while serving in the military falling through the cracks. Which is why he spends pretty much all his time checking up on wounded warriors at Naval Medical Center San Diego and helping military families who are trapped in bureaucratic limbo.

Continue reading "Preventing injured military families from falling through the cracks" »

Posted by sr at 11:01 PM | Permalink

Monday, September 26, 2011 | 10:07 a.m. CDT; updated 12:12 p.m. CDT, Monday, September 26, 2011
BY Hilary Niles

COLUMBIA — Seventy-five star-emblazoned luminaries lit the paths to the island in Stephens Lake Park on Sunday night as military families and their supporters celebrated Gold Star Mother's Day in honor of mothers whose children died while serving their country.

Continue reading "Gold Star luminary ceremony honors mothers of soldiers killed in action" »

Posted by sr at 11:02 PM | Permalink

Posted: Sep 21, 2011 12:57 PM by Victoria Craig
Updated: Sep 21, 2011 6:54 PM

COLUMBIA - Thanks to a $25,000 grant, MarineParents.com is working on expanding services offered to injured Marines and their families.

Continue reading " Marine Parents Organization Receives $25,000 Grant" »

Posted by sr at 10:14 PM | Permalink

MarineParents.com, Inc.
September 20, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MarineParents.com, Inc. is encouraging communities to recognize Gold Star Mothers and families this September 25 by displaying luminaries in front of residences. A Gold Star Mother is any woman who has lost a child in service to the US, but families of deceased are also recognized on this day.

Continue reading "Local Non-Profit Organizes Remembrance for Mothers of Fallen Troops" »

Posted by sr at 11:47 PM | Permalink

Resident Maria Bombace organizing remembrance for mothers of fallen soldiers on September 25, Gold Star Mother's Day

By James Kleimann
September 16, 2011

There's no way to overstate the loss of the brave soldiers who defend country never to return. Communities mourn and families grieve long after the fighting has ceased.

Continue reading "Remembering All Those Who Fight" »

Posted by sr at 5:38 PM | Permalink

Published Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thursday, Jan. 13: In an instant, the house's shape emerged Thursday, a day after the old house was demolished.

Continue reading "Bones of 'Extreme Makeover' house emerge" »

Posted by sr at 11:10 PM | Permalink

Special scholars from Bluffton High School give back as part of Beaufort home makeover.

Posted: January 13, 2011 - 7:28pm

The production lines preparing 800 care packages for U.S. Marines in Afghanistan were well under way in the heated special activities tent when four special education students from Bluffton High School arrived to lend a hand under the auspices of ABC's popular reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Continue reading "Extreme students lend a hand" »

Posted by sr at 8:14 AM | Permalink

Article updated: 11/18/2010 09:24 PM
By Deborah Donovan and Lee Filas

Lance Cpl. James Bray Stack came home Thursday to Arlington Heights, and the community honored the fallen Marine with American flags and tears.

Continue reading "Hundreds pay respects as fallen Marine returns home" »

Posted by sr at 10:18 PM | Permalink

An 8-month old Afghan Wolfhound that befriended U.S. Marines in Afghanistan has a new home in Central Texas, thanks to a local couple whose son is also a Marine.

Reporter: By Lauren Westbrook
Email Address: [email protected]

LOTT (November 17, 2010)--An 8-month-old Afghan Wolfhound that was adopted by a group of Marines in Afghanistan has a new home in Central Texas.

Continue reading "Dog That Befriended Marines In Afghanistan Has New Home Here" »

Posted by sr at 8:55 AM | Permalink

Hands badly wounded by bomb

By Tanner Kent Free Press Staff Writer The Mankato Free Press Sat Oct 16, 2010, 11:42 PM CDT

MANKATO — In war-torn Iraq, Neil Schalk’s hands protected the lives of the Marine Corps’s top commanding generals.

Continue reading "Marine to carry flag in marathon" »

Posted by sr at 7:50 PM | Permalink

Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 11:49 a.m. CDT
BY Esten Hurtle

COLUMBIA — Though most people don't know it, the last Sunday in September is a day set aside to honor the mothers of troops lost in battle.

Continue reading "Columbia group hopes to spread awareness of Gold Star Mother's Day" »

Posted by sr at 11:43 PM | Permalink

August 11, 2010 - 5:29 PM | by: Steve Centanni

UPDATE: Sen. Herb Kohl tells Fox the Postal Service has responded to his request today and will allow tobacco delivery to overseas troops to resume, effective August 27. USPS will instruct its staff that it is lawful for care packages containing cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to be sent to military APO and FPO addresses through its Priority Mail with delivery confirmation service.

Continue reading "USPS OKs Tobacco Delivery to Troops" »

Posted by sr at 10:47 PM | Permalink

By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Tuesday Aug 10, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Family and friends have suddenly found themselves blocked from shipping cigarettes and other tobacco products to American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq because of a new law meant to hamper smuggling and underage sales through the mail.

Continue reading "Law snuffs out mailing smokes to troops" »

Posted by sr at 7:37 AM | Permalink

Congressman seeks exemption in new tobacco mailing law

Letters, cookies, chocolate and other goodies are staples of care packages sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. For some, so is a carton of smokes or a few cans of chewing tobacco.

Continue reading "Hunter wants troops to get their smokes" »

Posted by sr at 5:01 PM | Permalink

A Marine from Pleasant View was just a month away from coming home when he was killed in Afghanistan on July 9, his mother said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Pleasant View Marine killed in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 7:26 PM | Permalink

For one middle school student and her teacher, a simple school assignment has become a poignant lesson about life and death.

Continue reading "Letter to Marine touches his mom" »

Posted by sr at 5:12 PM | Permalink

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 25, 2010 20:38:50 EST

Retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, widely known for his performance as the sadistic drill instructor in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket,” headlined a Thursday news conference in Washington, D.C., calling to rename the Department of the Navy the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Ermey throws weight behind name change" »

Posted by sr at 11:45 PM | Permalink

Washington -- Former Marine Lance Cpl. Josef Lopez completed his third Marine Corps Marathon on a crisp fall Sunday, one of about 60 riding hand-cranked bikes on a course that passes by memorials to Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington.

Continue reading "Injured vet inspires legislation" »

Posted by sr at 10:34 PM | Permalink

Harrisburg, Pa. - A local Marine wounded in Afghanistan was honored for his service and his sacrifice on Thursday night.

Continue reading "Marine Honored for Service, Sacrifice" »

Posted by sr at 1:40 PM | Permalink

Belinda Bloodworth missed a phone call from a friend currently deployed to Afghanistan on a recent Sunday while she was in church, and she’s determined that it’s not going to happen again.

Continue reading "Staying strong on the homefront" »

Posted by sr at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Remains of Donald Hogan, 20, expected in Southern California next week

The remains of a San Clemente Marine killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware today and are expected in Southern California in the middle of next week.

Continue reading "Body of O.C. Marine killed in Afghanistan is coming home" »

Posted by sr at 10:37 PM | Permalink

Densfords seek assistance with meals program that supports military families as they visit injured or ill servicemen at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda

Military service is a family tradition for Peggy and Joe Densford's family. Two of their three children are Marines — Capt. Nathan Densford, 30, is currently serving his third tour in Iraq as an air operations officer. Sgt. Seth Densford, 25, a veteran of Afghanistan, is currently serving at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Nathan is a 1997 graduate of Great Mills High School. Seth is a 2002 graduate of St. Mary's Ryken

Continue reading "Feeding a need" »

Posted by sr at 11:34 PM | Permalink

ST. LOUIS MO ( KTVI-FOX2Now.com ) - There is an effort underway by moms of St. Louis area Marines to make sure no injured Marine is left without a letter showing them America cares.

Continue reading "Effort To Give Every Injured Marine A Letter Showing America Cares." »

Posted by sr at 10:31 PM | Permalink

Hickory resident provides another memory for Gold Star families

HICKORY - Russ Meade knows the power of a ballot.

Continue reading "Iraqi ballots honor fallen Marines" »

Posted by sr at 11:54 PM | Permalink

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —
An organization of caring parents visited Camp Pendleton, April 17, as part of a three-day conference.

Continue reading "Marine Parents hold annual conference, visit Pendleton" »

Posted by sr at 10:04 PM | Permalink

(December 24, 2008) - For the Knoph Family, this Christmas may just be the most special of them all, because their son, Blake, is home safe from service in Afghanistan.

Continue reading " Support For Marine Parents" »

Posted by sr at 3:20 PM | Permalink

The parents of Marines in the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group struggled when their children were deployed a year ago.

Continue reading "Marine moms meet online, gather in Lincoln" »

Posted by sr at 10:17 AM | Permalink

COLUMBIA - One local volunteer group is mailing care packages and support to those serving overseas.

Continue reading "Marines Will Receive Local Care Packages" »

Posted by sr at 8:36 AM | Permalink

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2008 – As they have for the past 32 years, nearly 20,000 runners gathered at the Marine Corps War Memorial here to tackle the 26.2 miles of the 33rd Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26.

Continue reading "Runners Tackle Marine Corps Marathon to Support Troops" »

Posted by sr at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Joan Gutierrez has a replaced hip and her husband, Jesse, has a rebuilt knee, but the two will participate Sunday in the Marine Corps Marathon 10K in Washington, D.C., to raise money for Purple Heart Family Support, one of the outreach programs of MarineParents.com Inc.

Continue reading "Life less ordinary: Becoming Marine parents" »

Posted by sr at 9:07 AM | Permalink

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, Michigan-- Their bond is strong yet before Saturday many did not know what one another looked like or even what their last names were.

Continue reading "Parents gather at Shiawassee County picnic to share thoughts about their sons and daughters in the military" »

Posted by sr at 11:31 PM | Permalink

Mom uses Web site to help ease worries of her son’s safety

Trish Doherty of Gig Harbor is a proud but worried mother of a U.S. Marine who is serving at the newly established Camp Barber in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine from Gig Harbor promoted in Afghanistan" »

Posted by at 11:36 AM | Permalink

Continue reading "Jerabek Memorial Challenge Continues to Grow" »

Posted by sr at 2:15 PM | Permalink

COLUMBIA — When Tracy Della Vecchia’s son, Derrick Jensen, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001, she wanted to learn as much as she could about the Marines and what to expect as the parent of one. Unsure of where to turn, she searched the Internet for help and support.

Continue reading "Columbia organization MarineParents.com keeps growing and making a difference" »

Posted by sr at 5:06 PM | Permalink

Training routine, war experience explained to leathernecks’ parents

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : May 05, 2008

Col. Bryan McCoy warned the Marine Corps parents that he would be blunt before he began describing what Marines face in combat, and how leaders prepare them for the death they will see.

Continue reading "Through their Marines’ eyes" »

Posted by sr at 4:48 PM | Permalink

When Lance Cpl. Justin Longcor returned after seven months in Iraq he expected to see a few smiling faces.

Continue reading "Local man gets a surprising welcome back" »

Posted by sr at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Leon Deraps died May 6, 2006, while serving in Iraq

JAMESTOWN, Mo. - Sandy Deraps has a sparkle in her eye and a loving smile on her face when she hears her son's name.

Continue reading "Saluting her son's sacrifice" »

Posted by sr at 1:47 PM | Permalink

If Colin Glavan is worried about going to Iraq, he doesn't show it.

He's a newly minted Marine. So it's his job, he says.

Continue reading "Some time with family, then it's off to war" »

Posted by sr at 9:31 AM | Permalink

Patricia Fry thought she and her husband, John, were prepared.

Continue reading "Marine parents find own comrades online" »

Posted by sr at 7:40 PM | Permalink

There’s happy and lucky to be alive, and then there’s the suicide bombing story that Marines Eric Morante and Steven May, both Spring Branch ISD graduates, will tell for years to come after serving in Iraq.

Continue reading "SBISD graduates recovering from suicide truck bombing in Iraq" »

Posted by sr at 9:13 PM | Permalink

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Tracy Della Vecchia
MarineParents.com, Inc.
2810 Lemone Industrial Boulevard, Suite B
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 449-2003

Columbia, MO – November 2, 2007- MarineParents.com will be holding its final packing day of 2007 on Saturday, November 3rd, from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM in its offices at 2810 Lemone Industrial Boulevard, Suite B. Over 1100 care packages will be packed and mailed to Marines on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey dinners for Thanksgiving and cigars for the United States Marine Corps 232nd birthday on November 10th will be among the items packed in this shipment.

Continue reading "MarineParents.com to hold final care package packing day of 2007 for active duty Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:24 PM | Permalink

Wednesday, Neil Schalk, Cosmo 's Wisconsin Bachelor 2007, will head to New York to face a day filled with media, capped by the magazine 's Bachelor of the Year party.

Continue reading "Veteran from Muscoda on Cosmo bachelor list" »

Posted by sr at 12:01 AM | Permalink

Surrounded by about 2,000 others on foot at today's Sunshine Run, Lance Cpl. Joe Lopez will get by with arm-power — and a set of wheels.

Continue reading "Marine keeps faith in spite of near paralysis; Physical therapy helps Lopez rebuild strength." »

Posted by sr at 2:08 PM | Permalink

An area Marine who was injured in Iraq is up for a big award, but it's not for his service. Cosmopolitan magazine is taking his story nationwide. Each year Cosmo has a contest to find the hottest bachelors in the country and it just so happens that Richland Center is home to one of the lucky 50 finalists.

Continue reading "Richland Center Marine Bachelor of the Year?" »

Posted by sr at 9:19 AM | Permalink

Marines Raising Funds to Support Marines Injured in Iraq or Afghanistan

Washington, D.C. (October 04, 2007) – LCpl. Josef Lopez and Cpl. Neil Schalk didn’t know each other while serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq, but the invisible bonds of brotherhood that tie Marines together made it an easy decision for them to support each other through their next challenge: the Marine Corps Marathon. Those same bonds also made it an easy decision for a Gold Star family to support their cause.

Continue reading "Injured Marines, Gold Star Family Team Up to Conquer the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28" »

Posted by sr at 12:04 AM | Permalink

Mario Sagastume was an infantry Marine who served in Vietnam 40 years ago. He and his wife, Nanette Sagastume, have a son who served as an infantry Marine in Iraq in 2004.

Continue reading "It's not about the war, or politics: Chico couple off to bootcamp" »

Posted by sr at 10:34 AM | Permalink

There’s happy and lucky to be alive, and then there’s the suicide bombing story that Marines Eric Morante and Steven May, both Spring Branch ISD graduates, will tell for years to come after serving in Iraq.

Continue reading "SBISD graduates recovering from suicide truck bombing in Iraq" »

Posted by sr at 10:20 PM | Permalink

I mentioned earlier that I attended the Marine Parents Conference in St. Louis last week. It was an honor for me to be included and I have a wonderful time. As I walked around the conference I noticed something extraordinary about the hundreds of Marine parents who had come together. They were proud. Everywhere I looked there were yellow ribbon pins, pins that read “My son is a Marine,” moms and dads were wearing t-shirts printed with photos of their Marine and everyone had a photo of their Marine in his dress blues. I couldn’t help but be awed by the force of the pride in the room.

Continue reading "A Lesson in Supporting our Troops" »

Posted by sr at 8:46 PM | Permalink

ST. LOUIS — Patricia Fry, whose son is a Marine infantryman, was explaining the fine art of creating a scrapbook to Rita Swift, whose son is a Marine helicopter pilot.

Continue reading "Mission of Marines' parents: to cope; At a support group's convention, they learn to help sons and daughters returning from deployment, and to help themselves." »

Posted by sr at 8:29 PM | Permalink

I recently had the privilege of attending the annual conference for MarineParents.com. The conference was in St. Louis this year and I was invited to make the trip out by the founder of Marine Parents, Inc. I should mention here that I am not the parent of a Marine, but I do know the organization quite well. Tracy Della Vecchia started Marine Parents when her son was deployed to Iraq at the start of the war. He went back two more times before getting out of the Marine Corps. As the mother of a Marine in harm’s way, Tracey was desperate for answers. She wanted to get information, she wanted to find support, she wanted to know everything there was to now about the Marine Corps. But as she looked online, she didn’t find any organizations dedicated to helping the parents of those who serve. So Tracy took matters into her own hands and started MarineParents.com.

Continue reading "Marine Parents Come Together" »

Posted by sr at 8:37 PM | Permalink

St. Louis, MO – April 6, 2007 - United States Marine Corps family members from around the country will gather in St. Louis at the MarineParents.com conference to learn about the Marine Corps, combat deployment, recovery from combat, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and ways to encourage awareness for Troop Support in their own communities. Attendance will range from new Marine families, families experiencing first, second or third combat deployments, and families who have experienced casualties of combat.

Continue reading "Marine Corps families around the nation to gather for combat deployment support conference" »

Posted by MarineParents.com, Inc. at 9:31 AM | Permalink

BETHESDA, MD, March 24, 2007 - Purple Heart Family Support ™ announced the start of new program bringing support to families of injured Marines at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, MD. Purple Heart Family Support ™, a subsidiary of the non-profit MarineParents.com, will bring a monthly free meal to families and patients at the hospital, providing a much needed service as the hospital cafeteria is closed on the weekends.

Continue reading "Purple Heart Family Support ™ Bring Lunch to National Naval Medical Center" »

Posted by LD for MarineParents.com at 5:03 AM | Permalink

OSWEGO, IL. ~ The eXtreme Allstarzz Cheerleading Academy of Oswego, IL. recently raised $1,870 in a Change War Competition. The money has been donated to MarineParents.com and their Care Package Project(TM). The $1,870 will sponsor 85 care packages. MarineParents.com mails approximately 1,100 care packages to deployed Marines every 10 weeks.

Continue reading "Cheerleading Academy raises money to sponsor care packages for deployed Marines" »

Posted by sr at 8:03 PM | Permalink

That's how the wife of one Cherry Point Marine stays strong when her husband is deployed overseas.

Continue reading "Marine Families Helping Marine Families" »

Posted by sr at 7:52 PM | Permalink

“He’s a lifer,” says Jennifer Weaver, smiling proudly at her husband of 10 years from across the table. Without missing a beat, she grabs the tipped soda cup off the table and hands it back to her daughter, 2-year-old Dixie, and turns to settle Daisy, 4, and Dallas, 9, back into their seats.

Continue reading "Message board mom" »

Posted by sr at 11:57 AM | Permalink

With precision and care, Stephanie Thompson packed small treats of cookies, candy and coffee into a box that would be topped with a Christmas card and mailed. Instead of going to a friend or relative, the package will end up with someone on the other side of the globe.

Continue reading "Home front packages with care Parcels shipped out to Marines in Iraq." »

Posted by sr at 10:58 PM | Permalink

TAMPA - Dick Linn sits inside Room 109 at the La Quinta Inn, lost in the glow of his laptop.

He's 53, a traveling software salesman far from his Virginia home. He's also the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Karl Linn, 20, who was killed during an ambush near Haditha, Iraq, in January 2005.

Continue reading "A club they'd love to leave" »

Posted by at 8:58 PM | Permalink

TAMPA - Dick Linn sits inside Room 109 at the La Quinta Inn, lost in the glow of his laptop.

He's 53, a traveling software salesman far from his Virginia home. He's also the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Karl Linn, 20, who was killed during an ambush near Haditha, Iraq, in January 2005.

Continue reading "A club they'd love to leave" »

Posted by at 8:58 PM | Permalink

It was almost a year ago that Lance Cpl. Neil Schalk, then 19, a Marine from Richland Center serving in Iraq, was wounded by a homemade bomb during a convoy mission from Fallujah to Ramadi.

Continue reading "Catching Up: Iraq war veteran marks third marathon finish" »

Posted by sr at 9:06 PM | Permalink

How do you get gallons of barbecue sauce to Iraq? A York restaurant is trying.

YORK -- Some Marines over in Iraq have a hankering for barbecue.
And not just any barbecue. They want Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que. Enough to e-mail the restaurant and ask for some.

Continue reading "Marines yearn for Pierce's sauce" »

Posted by at 8:31 AM | Permalink

About 227 Marines and sailors returned to Twentynine Palms Wednesday afternoon after a seven-month deployment in Iraq's strife-torn Al Anbar Province.

Continue reading "*Welcome home, troops" »

Posted by sr at 4:50 PM | Permalink

Karen and David Marks once anguished for months not knowing whether their sons away at military boot camp were safe and well.

Continue reading "*On the home front, fighting the uncertainty; Families of Marines help one another with events, Web site" »

Posted by sr at 8:40 PM | Permalink

CAMP PENDLETON ---- Though the pace of deployments of local troops has slowed a bit, North County Marines will probably continue to be deployed to Iraq every seven months or so for "the next few years," the Camp Pendleton-based commander of the Marines' western bases said last week.

Continue reading "Marine commander: Deployments to continue steadily for a few years" »

Posted by at 6:18 AM | Permalink

Continue reading "Tracy Della Vecchia, Founder and CEO of MarineParents.com, has been invited to visit the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in Kansas City, KS" »

Posted by sr at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Patrick Howard was determined to become a Marine as a teenager in South Miami-Dade. After being seriously injured in Iraq last month, he hasn't lost his will to fight.

Patrick Howard heard his blood dripping onto the floor. He was on a mesh stretcher, a doctor leaning over him. His right arm was motionless, and he struggled to speak. Only a year out of high school, the 20-year-old Marine from South Miami-Dade faced his mortality last month on the battlefield in Iraq.

Continue reading "S. Dade Marine injured in Iraq" »

Posted by sr at 5:47 PM | Permalink

Tracy Della Vecchia talks about the possible call-up of her son, Derrick Jensen (right), on Wednesday in their Columbia, Mo., home. Jensen, who has already seen three tours of combat duty, still has three years left on his eight-year contract, making him eligible to be called up for another tour of duty.
L.G. PATTERSON / Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- After spending six months in Iraq, Marine reservist David Morgan figured he was done patrolling the dangerous streets and could focus on building his biotech business.

Continue reading "California: Marine reservists uneasy about recall risk" »

Posted by sr at 8:33 PM | Permalink

'The Heart of a Marine Foundation' was created by the parents of Lance Corporal Phillip Frank. He was killed by enemy fire in Iraq two years ago. The foundation provides aid and comfort to other military families who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Parents of Marine killed create foundation" »

Posted by at 4:35 PM | Permalink

Since the beginning of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have deployed overseas to fight—over half of them parents. That's a lot of children saying goodbye to Mom or Dad—and then, hopefully, welcoming that parent home again.

Continue reading "Returning Soldiers Bring Joy, Stress to Families" »

Posted by at 3:01 PM | Permalink

Parents get cybersupport for loved ones in war zones

Steve Schulz knew where to find emotional support when he learned that a roadside bomb had driven shrapnel into his son's brain while on patrol with his Marine unit in Iraq.

Continue reading "Web site connects Marine families" »

Posted by at 9:51 AM | Permalink

Parents get cybersupport for loved ones in war zones

Steve Schulz knew where to find emotional support when he learned that a roadside bomb had driven shrapnel into his son's brain while on patrol with his Marine unit in Iraq.

Continue reading "Web site connects Marine families" »

Posted by at 9:51 AM | Permalink

Columbia, Mo. -- The MarineParents.com, Inc., Annual National Conference will be held in Houston, Texas the weekend of April 21-23.

The conference offers a phenomenal lineup of six guest speakers, many authors, Marines and Sailors, breakout sessions, and plenty of opportunities to meet and network with other Marine Corps and Navy parents, spouses, families and friends. Join Marine and Navy families from all over the United States for a weekend of education, friendship, entertainment, patriotism, and esprit de corps.

Continue reading "Marine Corps families Houston bound" »

Posted by at 10:46 AM | Permalink

Yellow Ribbon Week
Saluting the soldiers in Iraq and their families back home

The Heart of a Marine

(Georgette & Roy Frank on their son Phillip Frank)

Continue reading "The Heart of a Marine" »

Posted by at 11:36 PM | Permalink

You don`t have to look very far to find a full spectrum of opinions on the war in Iraq. Right here in Southeast Texas there is ample evidence that this is a divided home front.

Continue reading "Southeast Texans Reflect on Iraq" »

Posted by at 11:20 PM | Permalink

Computer security experts say the old Nigerian "prince" scam is making the email rounds again, but this time the deposed "prince" has been replaced by a U.S. Marine. They say the objective is the same – to get recipients to reveal bank account information.

Continue reading "Scammers Posing As Marines Offer Mountains of Cash" »

Posted by at 6:49 PM | Permalink

For some military families, Christmas can be a heart-wrenching time. Several area families count themselves among many around the country who will not be united with loved ones this season.

(Andrew and Robyn Cobb - members of Marineparents.com included in article)

Continue reading "Away for the holidays" »

Posted by at 11:32 AM | Permalink

Offered in partnership with http://www.MarineParents.com, a nonprofit corporation funded by private donations, dotPhoto's Wishes From Home helps to create and send customized "talking holiday cards" to their loved ones at home or overseas.

Continue reading "CONSUMER ADVICE: 'Wishes From Home' for U.S. troops" »

Posted by at 2:17 PM | Permalink

We currently ship over 700 care packages each month to Marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our database grows daily as Marines send us names of comrades who are not receiving mail or care packages. You can help get care packages of needed items to these Marines! There are several ways that you can help out.

Continue reading "MarineParents.com Inc Care Package Project" »

Posted by at 1:47 PM | Permalink

MOVIE: Make Peace or Die: The First Days of War in Iraq with 1st Battalion 5th Marines

INTRO:
March 2003 - Thousands of troops are massed on the border of Iraq poised for war. Among the first to cross the line of departure is one of the most decorated units in the American military having served since World War I: First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment. The Marine Corps infantry unit known as “1/5” (one-five) carries to battle a flag with its salient motto, “Make Peace or Die.”

Show your support and help make this film public.

Continue reading "New Movie needs OUR help! Make Peace or Die: The First Days of War in Iraq with 1/5" »

Posted by at 11:40 AM | Permalink

Now Announcing! 2006 MarineParents.com, Inc. Conference- location Houston, TX

Continue reading "2006 MarineParents.com, Inc. Conference" »

Posted by at 11:37 AM | Permalink

Need a touching, personalized gift for that special loved one overseas?

Talking Holiday Cards is a GREAT idea!- Mail Call never Sounded so good!

Not only is it a great gift idea to send a touch of home to your hero, but it also support a GREAT cause- $1 from every card comes back to MarineParents.com, Inc. for the care package project and $.50 from each card goes to a wounded soldiers organization.

Continue reading ""Wishes from Home" Talking Holiday Card" »

Posted by at 11:32 AM | Permalink

Andrew Patten was one of 10 to die Thursday in a roadside-bombing attack in Iraq.

Continue reading "Byron Marine a man of faith" »

Posted by at 4:23 PM | Permalink

LYNN - Susan Eldridge has already sent her son and his Marine comrades 30 pounds of fudge, but her real gift to them this holiday season is love and her prayers.

Continue reading "For this mom, supporting Iraq troops is a must" »

Posted by at 12:47 PM | Permalink

YOAKUM - One mother's interest in sending her Marine son a taste of home has grown into an effort to make sure a lot more Marines will receive care packages from the States this Christmas season.

Continue reading "Rotary Club collecting items for Marines" »

Posted by at 1:56 AM | Permalink

Cutting the ratlines and quashing the insurgency in Western Iraq.

(Submitters note: This article includes LtCol Bryan P. McCoy, one of Marine Parents.com's member on our board of directors.)

Continue reading "The Badlands of Al Anbar" »

Posted by at 10:25 AM | Permalink

Ranging from fear to anxiety to frustration with little communication, John Milek, a resident of northwest Houston and father to Marine Josh Milek, says family and friends of our armed forces oftentimes need support themselves for their loved ones facing the rigors of boot camp to the dangers of the frontlines of war.

Continue reading "Marines, families find local support" »

Posted by at 11:52 AM | Permalink

"THREE WISHES" FOR U.S. TROOPS: NEW HOMES FOR RETURNING MARINES FROM A DIVISION WHICH LOST 48 MEN IN COMBAT

Continue reading "THREE WISHES (10/28; PROGRAM CHANGE 2)" »

Posted by at 1:12 PM | Permalink

Bubb’s Family, Friends Mourn Together

GROTTOES — Peggy Bubb’s home is filled with flowers, food and people, but the occasion is solemn.

Continue reading "Marine’s Body On Its Way Home" »

Posted by at 11:22 AM | Permalink

YOAKUM - One mother's interest in sending her Marine son a taste of home has grown into an effort to make sure a lot more Marines will receive care packages from the States this Christmas season. More about the MarineParents.com, Inc. Care Package Project.

Continue reading "Rotary Club collecting items for Marines Care Package Project" »

Posted by MarineParents.com, Inc. at 7:41 PM | Permalink

NEW YORK — They look like any group of real close friends, yapping it up over dinner, or gathering in a barn over the haul from their latest run to Wal-Mart. But they've only been the very closest of friends since they met on a Web site, started by Tracy Della Vecchia from Missouri, called MarineParents.com.

Continue reading "MarineParents.com on NBC Nightly News" »

Posted by MarineParents.com, Inc. at 7:15 PM | Permalink

Tracy Della Vecchia, founder of MarineParents.com, Inc., and Georgette Frank, founder of The Heart of Marine Foundation, in the magazine article with Cynthia Gorney of the New York Times.

Continue reading "A Mother's War" »

Posted by MarineParents.com, Inc. at 12:51 PM | Permalink

Your own exclusive unit specific gear as well as MarineParents.com, Inc. items.
Great ideas for gifts!

Items of a WIDE variety including but not limited to: Beer steins, coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, infant/kids clothing, adult clothing, coasters, and lots lots more!

Continue reading "Get them while their hot! New items in Marineparents.com store..." »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink