Navigating VA loans with After the Corps™

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12/21/2024

There are a number of different home loan options available to veterans through the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). The intent of the loans is to provide qualifying individuals with favorable terms through private lenders. The VA guarantees specific portions of the loan, which in turn allows a home-buyer to pay reduced rates.

Official Marine Parents Groups

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12/21/2024

Please join the POOLEE group FIRST. You can join that group any time after your poolee enlists or intends to enlist. Join the RECRUIT groups up to 2 weeks prior to their ship date. Learn more on our website.

MCRD San Diego Graduations

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12/21/2024

Town and Country Resort, located in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood, is just 2 miles to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and offers a comfortable and fun option for military families. Recently renovated with an authentic mid-century modern design and a friendly Southern California vibe, the resort is an ideal home base for a San Diego stay.

The resort offers a comfortable guestroom, 3 pools, a 4-story waterslide named “Twister,” 5 restaurants and bars, a penthouse fitness center with Peloton bikes, and 19 fire pits. It is pet and family-friendly with a 3-acre attached park and a host of family activities. The resort is within walking distance of Fashion Valley Mall and provides easy access to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, beaches, and area attractions.

Making Reservations
Special rates for military families are available when you book using the RESERVE link:

Operation Just Cause

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12/20/2024

On December 20, 1989, Operation Just Cause was launched in Panama to protect American lives, restore democracy to the country, preserve the integrity of the Panama Canal Treaty, and remove dictator General Manuel Noriega from power. One Marine, Corporal Garreth C. Isaak, was killed and three others were wounded during the operation.

Grupos Oficiales de Marine Parents en Español

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12/20/2024

Siga el enlace a continuación para unirse a un grupo oficial para familiares de Marines en Facebook para familias de habla hispana:

• para familiares de RECLUTAS
• para familiares de MARINES

Impact of a Government Shutdown

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12/20/2024

A government shutdown can have significant repercussions for military members and their families. Military personnel are impacted the most when the Department of Defense (DoD) budget isn't approved in time. It's often a race to the finish line to approve budgets before the deadlines. Here's what happens if our leaders don't make the cutoff.

Marine Reserves and Education Benefits

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12/20/2024

As a reserve Marine, some factors could dictate which education programs and benefits you are eligible for. When deciding which education assistance to use, consider where you are in your service and education level. Read more on our website.

Oath of Enlistment

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12/19/2024

The final step of joining the Marine Corps before departing for boot camp or Officer Candidate School is being sworn in by repeating the enlisted or officer Oath.

Marine Parents Donation

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12/19/2024

For over 20 years, we've been serving the Marine Corps community and helping family members new to the Corps and military understand and follow their recruit or Marine's career. We help thousands of people like you feel closer to their Marine by providing accurate information and support throughout their careers. Your donation helps us continue our mission of supporting and educating Marine Family members. Click the image to donate.

Over 93% of our income goes to program use, with 100% of donations supporting outreach services. We've been supporting warriors and their family members since 2003 as an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. Receipts are sent via email or US Mail for all donations.

Marines Provide Security for Astronauts

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12/19/2024

On December 19, 1972, the Marine detachment of the USS Ticonderoga provided shipboard security for three U.S. astronauts, Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans, Harrison Schmitt, and their Apollo-17 space capsule. The astronauts had successfully completed a (then) record lunar stay of more than 75 hours.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Rosario, Attend Graduation

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12/19/2024

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Rosario, the Mother of a recruit, to Parris Island for the recruit's graduation from Lima Company to become a Marine.

Thank you so much, Marine Parents Travel Assistance, for assisting me in traveling to see my new Marine graduate from MCRD PI. I am very grateful to the amazing people in an amazing organization for helping parents in an amazing way. Thank you! Oo-rah! Rosario, New Marine Mom

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Mercy, Attend Graduation

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12/18/2024

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Mercy, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.

My family and I had a wonderful time at family day and graduation. We enjoyed the museum and the shops on base. Every second was memorable! The ceremony at both events was incredible to watch. We were so proud of my son and all the young men who finished strong. Thank you for all the support. I'm forever grateful! Mercy, New Marine Mom

Graduation Dates for Marine Corps Boot Camp

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12/18/2024

Do you have a poolee shipping to boot camp soon? Or maybe you have a recruit who will graduate from recruit training in a month or so. This page will help you find what you're looking for. We keep this page up-to-date as the Marine Corps announces changes to their recruit training graduation schedule. We understand communication with your recruit can be sporadic at times. We hope this page will help ease some of your concerns!

Looking for TRUSTED Deployment Information?

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12/18/2024

Your son or daughter joined the Marine Corps to serve their country; being deployed is part of their job. It's the part of their job most Marines desire. As the parent of a Marine, deployment feels scary. But it doesn't have to be. Our mission is to provide you with information to better understand and prepare YOU for what to expect during deployment. This website page is worth a glance today; knowing you can turn to Marine Parents is the takeaway.

We've been sharing information with family members during deployments since January 2003. Our information is accurate and trusted. And we speak your language. We have worn YOUR shoes.

I somehow feel closer to my son when I read the information on your website. Thank you for giving that to me.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Sarah, Attend Graduation

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12/17/2024

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Sarah, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.

I am so grateful to the MarineParents.com Travel Assistance program. I have a big family, and my oldest son's graduation was right before Christmas. I don't think I could have attended his graduation without your help. It was such a blessing to my family, and words cannot even express it. It was an amazing experience as a mother, and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and the time spent in San Diego with my son! Thank You! Ida, New Marine Mom

Graduation & Travel

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12/17/2024

Could there be more i's to dot and t's to cross when you're getting ready to go to your recruit's graduation from boot camp? Talk about an overwhelming time! Some families have never traveled out of state. For others, it's an old hat. Regardless, it's the moment you've been waiting to get that first hug from your newly-minted Marine! We've got tips for ALL travelers: both seasoned and brand new.

This page contains all the information you need for graduation and travel for Marine Corps boot camp. Some information for Parris Island and San Diego is different so be sure to choose the correct headings.

Funding to Travel to Boot Camp Graduation

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12/17/2024

The mission of Marine Parents Travel Assistance is to support Marine Corps recruits by assisting one of their family members who show significant financial need to attend boot camp graduation events, so the Marine is not alone.

Attending the graduation ceremony for your newly-minted Marine is an experience every soon-to-be Marine parent would like to experience. However, some families cannot afford to attend their recruit's graduation. We raise money for each boot camp graduation cycle to fund our Travel Assistance program. Funds reimburse a recruit's family members who meet our financial need requirements. Administrative costs for the program are funded through Marine Parents. Recipients are not required to repay the travel costs.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Ida, Attend Graduation

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12/16/2024

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Ida, the Mother of a recruit, to Parris Island for the recruit's graduation from Delta Company to become a Marine.

I wanted to truly say thank you for offering this travel assistance! It was an amazing experience to be there for my son and to show support for all of Delta Company! Being on base captures the heart and soul of what it is like to be part of the Marine family and just how great this Country really is. I’m proud to say I have a Marine! Thank you again for such a wonderful opportunity! Ida, New Marine Mom

Official Marine Corps Publications

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12/16/2024

Learn from the source! This website page links to official United States Marine Corps publications. The page includes links to the DOD website and the Marines Social Meda Handbook.

We're on Instagram

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12/16/2024

We've got great stuff on Instagram and adding more content daily. Take a minute to follow us and see what's up!

Uniforms of the Marine Corps

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12/16/2024

The link below to the website page includes a chart to understand better the uniforms your Marine is wearing. The chart is an excellent reference as well as a learning tool. You can also learn about the differences between uniforms in other branches of the service.

Marines Sing Silent Night

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12/15/2024

Corporal Cullen J. Tiernan took this photo on Christmas Eve, 2005, in Al Asad, Iraq. The photo is our Christmas message to you, the Marines there that day, and our combat veterans. In prayer and singing Silent Night, the combat-deployed Marines and Sailors came together for a candlelight vigil to celebrate Christmas thousands of miles from home.

Navy Chaplain Epperson shared a powerful message. "Even though we may not be able to enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts with family, the seasonal parties, the open houses, family gatherings, Christmas dinners, and other traditions of the season, Christmas is indeed here. Maybe, for the first time in our lives, we can separate the true meaning of Christmas from all the commercialization and holiday traditions of Christmas."

Few, if any, of the Marines and sailors who gathered that night are still on active duty. This holiday season, we want to reach out to each Marine and Sailor who served in Iraq and Afghanistan during combat to send our sincere appreciation and hopes that your holiday is blessed and that you're doing well with combat recovery. God Bless, Semper Fi, and Merry Christmas, Marine.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Jacqueline, Attend Graduation

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12/15/2024

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Jacqueline, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.

Thank you to the Marine Parents Travel Assistance program for assisting me in making this travel possible. Without the assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to celebrate this special moment with my new marine. Semper Fi! Jacqueline, New Marine Mom

Marine Security Guard Program

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12/15/2024

On December 15, 1948, then-Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan signed a "Memorandum of Agreement" with the State Department. This memorandum laid the groundwork for establishing the modern Marine Security Guard program at U.S. embassies worldwide.

Western Inn San Diego Hotel

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12/15/2024

The staff at Western Inn are here to serve you during your recruit's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. We offer a special rate for Marine family members; please mention MarineParents.com when making your reservations. We are a 5 minute drive (1/2 mile) to MCRD and a 5 minute walk to the Old Town Trolley station.

Links to Official Marine Corps Websites

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12/14/2024

This page consists of links to OFFICIAL Marine Corps websites as well as Marine Corps services, foundations, organizations, and associations that are endorsed or recognized by the USMC.

As I build this page of the website, and read about all of these organizations, I am truly humbled by the greatness of the United States Marine Corps. I am honored to be a small part of this elite and outstanding organization.

THE Transformation

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12/14/2024

Read this story from the Founder of MarineParents.com, Tracy Della Vecchia. Included in the article on Recruit Parents are videos of the transformation from the Marine Corps.

My son was a Recruit in boot camp on 9/11. He'd been there two weeks. The time between then and when he graduated on November 21, 2001, seemed to last forever. I was glued to the news and wanted a letter from him every day. I only got three letters and two very short phone calls.

Marines Singing a Hymn

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12/14/2024

#MPRP_MUSIC_HYMN
Published June 22, 2010
Marines singing hymn "Lord I lift Your Name on High".

Official Marine Parents Memes

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12/13/2024

We have created memes for volunteers and members to use on social media. Please do not alter or crop these images.

On a computer, right-click the image and click "Save Image As" to save the image to your downloads. On a mobile device, tap and hold your finger on the image and tap "Save Image" to download the image to your camera roll.

Recruit Training

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12/13/2024

Recruits spend a great deal of time in the classroom during recruit training and, during weeks 10 and 11 of boot camp, they must prove they have retained the abundance of information they were taught. Recruits must perform a Final Practical Application Test, as well as a Final Written Academic Test.

MPTA Helps Marine Parents, Andrea and Robert, Attend Graduation

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12/13/2024

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Andrea and Robert, Parents of a recruit, to Parris Island for the recruit's graduation from Lima Company to become a Marine.

Thank you for helping us attend our son's family day and graduation. With the holidays around, we are truly grateful for the assistance and being able to spend time with our son. God Bless! Andrea and Robert, New Marine Parents

SOI: School of Infantry

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12/13/2024

All graduates of Marine Corps recruit training attend the School of Infantry (SOI). At SOI, they will train with one of two training battalions, either MCT or ITB. All non-infantry Marines attend training at Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), while infantry Marines (all Marines with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 03xx) attend training at Infantry Training Battalion (ITB).

Complete Care During Boot Camp

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12/12/2024

Marine Corps boot camp recruits receive the best training possible and are cared for throughout their thirteen weeks on the Recruit Depot. Every base, including Religious Ministries, is covered from injury prevention and dental treatment to recruit pay and the Thrift Savings Plan.

Marine Corps Uniforms

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12/12/2024

Marines are not known just for their battlefield prowess, but for their unparalleled standards of professionalism and uncompromising personal conduct and appearance.

Search the MarineParents Website

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12/12/2024

Your journey with your Marine will lead you to more questions. And we've got answers on our website. On every page of our websites, we've got a search tool. Enter the subject in the search box, and it will search all of our websites for the answer.

Power of Attorney Before Boot Camp?

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12/11/2024

While your son or daughter is preparing to leave for recruit training it is important that they ensure there is a plan for how their bills will be paid while they're gone. Some services will allow your recruit to put payments on suspension while at recruit training, however they will have to check with those services beforehand.

After the Corps: The GI Bill

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12/11/2024

The term "GI Bill" refers to any educational benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs earned by members of the armed forces and their family members. These benefits are designed to assist service members and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with receiving a higher education or job training. There are several GI Bill programs, and each is administrated differently depending on the individual's eligibility and duty status.

Links and Resources by States

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12/11/2024

Our States Resources database includes useful information for Marine Corps family members and Veterans including VA Hospital locations, Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) locations, and military Veteran organizations.

Bosnia

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12/10/2024

On December 10, 1995, 22 Marines from Marine Corps Security Force Company, Naples, Italy were among the first American troops to arrive in Bosnia. The Marines provided security for Allied Forces Southern Europe headquartered in the nation's capital, Sarajevo. Approximately 2,500 NATO troops would be in place by 19 December taking on the task of peace enforcement in former Yugoslavia from the U.N.

Confirming Information During Boot Camp

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12/10/2024

MarineParents.com has been providing support and information for Marines and their loved ones for over 20 years. We take pride in ensuring the information we provide is accurate and relevant. We believe that boot camp is a time to start the process of letting go.

MPTA is Travel Assistance

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12/9/2024

The mission of our Travel Assistance program is to support Marine Corps recruits by assisting one of his/her family members who show significant financial need, to attend boot camp graduation events so the Marine is not alone.

Operation Restore Hope

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12/9/2024

On December 9, 1992, Marines from the 15th Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable) landed in Somalia to begin Operation Restore Hope, the largest humanitarian relief operation of its kind.

Moving After the Corps

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12/9/2024

There are multiple ways that a Marine can choose to move him or herself and their family. A Marine may choose to do a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly a Do It Yourself (DITY) move, or he or she may choose to have the military move their personal family items for them.

EGA Shop Holiday Hours

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12/8/2024

The EGA Shop online store is always open, including holidays. You can order online 24/7, 365 days a year.

Most of our shirt designs are custom-printed for you when you place your order. Allow 2-3 weeks for production and shipping time.

Banners, engraved coins and embroidered garment bags will not be shipped the week of Christmas. Order by December 18 for delivery this year. Orders placed after noon on December 18 will not ship until January 3, 2025.

10-Day Leave After Boot Camp Graduation

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12/8/2024

The next phase of training after boot camp is SOI, or School of Infantry. Your new Marine is entitled to ten days leave after recruit training. Your new Marine may report to SOI early in order to save leave if desired.

Wake Island

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12/8/2024

On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces launched an attack on American sailors and Marines stationed on Wake Island, roughly 3,000 miles west of Honolulu, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. For more than two weeks, Marines from the 1st Defense Battalion and Marine Fighting Squadron 211 fought off Japanese forces, until being forced to surrender on December 23.

First Phone Call at Boot Camp

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12/7/2024

All new Marine recruits make a phone call home after arriving at the Recruit Depot. The sole purpose of this first phone call is to notify the family that their recruit has arrived safely.

It's a short scripted phone call and typically you'll hear others talking in the background with Drill Instructors using their best "Drill Instructor" voice giving directions. Some families record the call on their phone. What was your experience?

Pearl Harbor

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12/7/2024

On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The attack began just before 8:00 am local time, and in the two hours it lasted, nearly 20 American ships and more than 300 aircraft were destroyed. 2,000 American troops died in the attack and a further 1,000 were wounded. The following day, the United States declared war on Japan, marking its official entry into Worl War II. For the next three-plus years, American soldiers, sailors, and Marines battled Japanese forces across the Pacific, until Japan surrendered in August of 1945.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Destini, Attend Graduation

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12/7/2024

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Destini, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Golf Company to become a Marine.

The smile on my son's face will stay with me forever! On family day, I lost my driver's license, so I was unsure if I could get on base for graduation. We were all worried about this. The next day came, and we got to the base and entered the check line. The first thing we were told was to please get out of our vehicles and only take our driver's licenses. I was scared I'd be turned away. I had my driver's license on my phone and asked if they could accept that as my form of ID. The gentleman said yes, ma'am, please go and get it so I can get you through to see your son graduate today! Melted my heart, I started balling like a baby. I walked around the entire base the day prior, trying to find my ID or someone to give me a little hope that I could get on without it. I never found either. I was told they would make no accommodations for my situation and would not be welcomed on base without my physical ID. I am still with my Marine and couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for making it possible to show up and be present for him. Destini, New Marine Mom

Chueylite

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12/6/2024

On December 6, 1928, a small detail of Marines under the command of Captain Maurice G. Holmes defeated Nicaraguan bandits near Chuyelite.

Captain Holmes was awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry, and Gunnery Sergeant Charles Williams was killed during the fighting.

MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Serena, Attend Graduation

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12/6/2024

On Friday, November 22, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Serena, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Alpha Company to become a Marine.

I was so happy to see my daughter at her graduation and family day! There were lots of tears of joy! The Marine Parents program alleviated the stress of travel and cost by providing a very generous reimbursement! I appreciated the assistance. Thank you so much! Serena, New Marine Mom

Giving Tuesday is December 3

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12/5/2024

December 3 is Giving Tuesday. Please help spread the word to donate and support the organization that supports you during your Marine's career in the Corps!

Text TUE2024 to 44-321 to donate.

Our goal is $5,000 for Giving Tuesday 2024. In addition to our educational and support programs, we've helped over 150 families attend their Marine's graduation from boot camp in the last two years.

Please help us continue our mission this holiday season. All donations to Marine Parents receive a receipt with our EIN for your taxes.

Your donation finances the dissemination of information to educate families about the Marine Corps, casework disaster relief for Marines and their families, building communities for family members to have a place to connect and share® before, during, and after their loved ones' service in the Marine Corps, and monetary assistance to Marine Corps family members who would otherwise be unable to attend boot camp graduation.

St. Barbara, Patron Saint of Artillery

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12/4/2024

Today, artillerymen worldwide recognize Barbara as the patron saint of their craft. Once a year, Marine artillerymen gather to honor Saint Barbara and celebrate the day of her feast (December 4), a tradition for all professional artillerymen. Artillerymen are a peculiar breed. Part grunt, part Motor T (transport), part communications, and part deaf, they have a long lineage dating back to the Roman legions in 399 BC.

Hagaru-Ri

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12/4/2024

On December 4, 1950, after four days of fighting their way through the Taebek Mountains, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond G. Davis, and the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines arrived in Hagaru-Ri, in present-day North Korea. Their victory over the numerically-superior North Korean and Chinese forces helped clear the way for the 5th and 7th Marines, and Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism.