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MarineParents.com Newsletter
a Place to Connect & Share 
In This Issue
Deployment Learning Center
Homecoming Learning Center
Marine Corps T-Shirts & Gifts
USS Jason Dunham
Operation Freedom Ballot
You Voted. . .
1000 Packages to Send
Chat with Dr. Cantrell
Unique Design!
LCpl Lopez Battles for Benefits
Feeding a Need
Marine Mother's Prayer
Recruit Parents Newsletter
$5 Coupon Hurry, Expires August 18!
Support Our Marines!
 
 
Purple Heart Hero Support™ an Outreach Program of Marine Parents.com
 
Team Marine Parents, an Outreach Program of Marine Parents.com 
Team Marine Parents™
 
Show your support of our Marines and their families at home! Participate in one of the MarineParents.com Outreach Programs today!  Our Marines need YOU!
Support for You:
a Place to
Connect & Share™
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Learning Center:
Operations Security
Operations Security OPSEC

NOTE: When communicating online, your Marine's privacy is as important as Operations Security. Please respect YOUR Marine's privacy!

Learning Center:
About Deployment
 
 
(from your Marine, with the USMC, and with other families)
 
(tips, tricks and money savers for mailing to YOUR Marine)
 
(bills, taxes, legal issues, injuries, notification from the Marine Corps)
 
 
Learning Center:
About Homecoming
 
 
 
 
 
(Tip: While in our store, check in your Marine's unit store for more homecoming shirts!)
 
USMC EGA Embroidered Polo Shirt
Unit Chat Nights 

Unit Chat Night Schedule:

Sunday: 1/8, 3/9 
Monday: 1/7, 2nd LAR, 2/8
Wednesday: 2/1, 5/10
Thursday: 1/5, 2/3
Friday: 1/1, 13th MEU

For additional information about the Chat Room and Unit Chat Nights for your Marine's Unit, please see:
MarineParents.com Chat Gif 
Local Support Groups in Your Area
NEWEST SUPPORT GROUPS:
 
Pelham, NH 
Click here...
 
Fredericksburg, VA
 
Middletown, CT  
For a list of all support groups in our database or to find one in your area, see:
 
If you are interested in starting a local support group in your area, please visit the "Support Groups" section of our website:
 
Marine Corps Spirit
T-shirts, Gifts & More
Show your Marine Corps spirit and pride!  Proceeds from sales support MarineParents.com, an IRS approved 501(c)(3) public charity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marines The Few The Proud
 
From Founder Tracy Della Vecchia on The Gift of Valor and Jason Dunham:
If you've not yet had an opportunity to read this amazing story, I encourage you to do so.  This is more than courage; it exemplifies the morale and character of the Marine Corps. 
Mike Phillips Gift of Valor Medal of Honor Jason Dunham
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August 12, 2009
Dear Marine Families,
 
If this is the first edition of the MarineParents.com Newsletter you have received, WELCOME! If you are a returning reader we are glad you have joined us.

This is one of the most information-packed newsletters we've delivered to date. If you're a skimmer, you'll want to slow down and read this edition in-full. We have several news-worthy items, including some new programs and happenings you'll want to be aware of, plus updates on familiar faces.
 
The summer gets incredible busy around here and August is jam-packed. We're still working on the renovation of warehouse space to become our new office and we've got both construction and care package packing going on this weekend.  It's going to be hectic and crazy-fun with lots of Marine Corps families pitching in to make things happen for our Marines and the Corporate Office in Columbia, Missouri.
 
Folks, if you've not had a chance to attend an online chat night with Dr. Bridget Cantrell, expert on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), I encourage you to join us this evening, August 12.  Dr. Cantrell is a wealth of information and support. She works with military personnel affected by today's combat situations. Attend this evening to learn how YOU can spot the symptoms of PTSD in your Marine. (Read more in the article below.)
 
We're keeping the Marines in Afghanistan in our prayers, and ask that you do the same. The care packages we'll be sending to Afghanistan this Saturday, August 15 will be loaded up with particular items that the guys are asking for, including toothbrushes, babywipes for showers, and some "food from home" like spaghetti-o's and pop-tarts! 
 
If you are the family member of an Afghanistan-deployed Marine, please know that we are praying with you and are here to support you.  May God bless and protect all of our military and their families.
USS Jason Dunham Christened
Navy's Newest Destroyer Honors Marine  
 
USS Jason DunhamThe Navy's newest destroyer honors Corporal Jason Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
 
Deborah Dunham served as the sponsor of the ship named for her late son. In accordance with Navy tradition, she broke a bottle of champagne across the ship's bow and christened the ship.
 
She said her son would be very proud of the honor to have a ship named after him.
 
We spoke to Michael Phillips, author of The Gift of Valor, about the ship's christening. The Gift of Valor highlights Cpl Dunham's stunning story and the USS Jason Dunham's crew received 400 donated copies. Michael Phillips, Broadway Books, and the Dunham Family donated the books so the crew could learn the legacy behind the ship's name.
 
You can learn the legacy behind the USS Jason Dunham too! 
Signed copies! The Gift of Valor
Dunham was mortally wounded in a selfless act of courage that saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Read his story in The Gift of Valor, a book that powerfully illustrates the cold brutality of war and the fragile humanity of those who fight it. Dunham leaves an indelible mark upon all who know his story.
 
Act fast! These books are signed by author Michael Phillips and we only have 48 copies. This limited offer won't last long!
 
Operation Freedom Ballot
Iraqi Ballots Honor Fallen Marines  
 
Operation Freedom Ballot VideoFounded by former Marine Russ Meade, Operation Freedom Ballot is an outreach program that honors our fallen by preserving the historical first vote in Iraq.

By providing families of service members killed in Iraq an official Iraqi ballot, Russ says, "My hope and prayer is that this ballot may give each family a small feeling of peace in knowing that their son or daughter's death gave others a chance at freedom."

Would you like to learn more about this program?  Watch the Operation Freedom Ballot video today.  You'll be moved and inspired when you see how one Marine has made honoring the families of his fallen brothers and sisters his personal mission.
 
You Voted - Marine Parents Won!
Squidoo Charity Contest $3000 Prize  
 
Squidoo Charity ContestThere were 8 charities in the running and THANKS TO YOUR VOTE, Marine Parents won Squidoo's $3000 prize money!
 
The money will be used to ship care packages to deployed Marines on August 15th and will cover the cost of shipping nearly 300 packages!
 
We would like to express our gratitude to folks with the USS Essex for their involvement and support and to the Marine Parents volunteers who created the Squidoo lenses. 
 
A very special thank you goes out to ALL who took the time to vote. Your unwavering support proved, once again: If Marine families can't get it done, who can? Ooh Rah!
1000 Care Packages to Send
August Packing Day is Here!
 
This weekend we will send right at 1000 care packages to Marines in combat zones. A little more than two months ago, we asked you to help us raise the $20,000 needed to ship packages in June and August of this year. To date, we've raised just under $15,000. We'll add the $3000 prize money from Squidoo to our total. We're two days out, and we're two thousand shy! 
 
Help us reach our goal by the end of the day Friday!  If you've not yet donated to the Dollar Campaign, please consider donating online at this link:
                   MarineParentsInc.com
 
Or, mail your donation to:
 
MarineParents.com, Inc.
Attn: Care Package Campaign
P O Box 1115
Columbia, MO 65205-1115  
 
And don't forget to ask your friends and family to join in. A small sacrifice on our part can make a world of difference to a Marine overseas!
 
To learn more and watch our progress, Click here...
Chat with Expert on Homecoming
Warrior Transitioning for Marines and Family 
 
Dr. Bridget CantrellToday, August 12th, 2009 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (central time), we invite you to chat online with Dr. Bridget Cantrell, author and expert on homecomings, PTSD, and combat recovery. The chat will be held in the MarineParents.com Chat Room. It is free and open to the public.
 
Dr. Cantrell is co-author of the critically acclaimed Downrange to Iraq and Back, and Once a Warrior: Wired for Life. Her third book, Souls Under Siege, addresses the impact of multiple deployments on our warriors.  All three books can be ordered online through MarineParents.com. 
 
New Unique Design!
Shop Here and Support Marine Families  
 
New Design! Unique white EGA on red and blue!Unique to Marine Parents, this new design uses traditional red, white and blue to create a fresh, modern look and feel.
 
Choose from various T-shirt styles and colors to find your perfect T!
 
Looks really sharp on grey!
 
The opportunity to support Marines and their families with your purchase is also unique to Marine Parents. Why get your Marine Corps gear anywhere else?
 
 
Use Coupon code SECONDSCHOOL to save $5 on an order of $50 or more through August 18.
LCpl Lopez Battles for Benefits
Learn the Story and Get Involved 
 
LCpl Lopez Battles for BenefitsWe encourage each of you to write your Congressman or woman and ask for their support for Senate Bill S. 1467. Learn the story of Joe and Barbara Lopez to find out why:
 
A battle that began when Josef was paralyzed and nearly died from a smallpox vaccination has made its way to the U.S. Senate.
 
Joe arrived in Iraq in 2006 and, like all Marines, he knew he could be injured while deployed. Still, no one expected the injury would result from a pre-deployment immunization.
 
Because service members injured by an adverse reaction to a vaccination were not wounded as a direct result of combat, they do not qualify for certain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
Fortunately, Senate Bill S. 1467 could change that.
Feeding a Need
Coverage for Purple Heart Hero Support™ 
 
Feeding a Need - Media Coverage for Purple Heart Hero Support™Purple Heart Hero Support recently received media coverage in the form of an article titled Feeding a Need. See below for an excerpt from the article or click the link to read it in full.

"Every weekend, The Galley, the hospital-run cafeteria at Bethesda, and the food court are closed for business. While the hospital continues to provide meals for the patients, those visiting their injured or ill family member are left to search for food. It's a challenge.
 
"You can imagine how hard it is to leave the side of your wounded child or spouse, especially when they have first arrived from overseas," Peggy said."
A Marine Mother's Prayer
Friends and Family Spotlight 
 
From a Marine Mom, published on the website to share with you:
A Marine Mother's PrayerOK Lord... you don't hear from me much, although I'm sure you've got an eye on me daily, wondering "what is that girl up to now and when is she going to come on in for a talk"... I've read prayers from other parents and I wanted to try and offer a prayer too. I just want to ask you to watch over all our fine young men and women currently serving in the USMC, where ever they may be, overseas or stateside.
 
I ask that you place a firm hand on our Marines' shoulders during the day ... during the night and guide their steps always toward a path of well being and out of harm's way.
 
Whisper in their ear, giving word again to the courage and pride they sought at the beginning of their chosen journey as a Marine, courage and pride that was strengthened and challenged by the Marines who preceeded them in duty and battle. Whisper a second time in their ear and whisper a little louder "Semper Fi."
New! Recruit Parents Newsletter
  Coming Soon! Recruit Parents Newsletter
 
Every first and third Wednesday of the month we release a newsletter dedicated specifically to recruit training - covering everything from general topics like 'Learning More about the Corps' and 'Becoming a Marine Parent' to specific information regarding pickup and receiving, all three phases of boot camp, and details about graduation.
 
Support Our Troops: Wear Red on Friday
Wear Red on Friday
 
Join the "Wear Red Friday" campaign to show your support of our troops!  We've opened up a brand new line in our online store--you get the quality and service you've come to expect, and you can help encourage those in your community to "Support Our Troops: Wear Red on Friday!"  We've got yard signs and red t-shirts for every family member and everyone in your office! Check it out today:
 
 
 
We've added a new design. Red shirts with white letters on the front:
"Red Friday...it's a military thing"
 
Remember, all proceeds from sale of products in our stores go to support the organization MarineParents.com, Inc. and our outreach projects. MarineParents.com is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) Public Charity.

We hope this week's edition of our email newsletter has been useful for you and your family. If there are topics you would like us to address, or if you have other suggestions for the newsletter, please contact us.

The banner used at the top of this newsletter is a July, 2009 USMC Photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks of U.S. Marines preparing to return fire after receiving enemy fire in Lakari Bazaar, Afghanistan. Click here to read additional credits. 
 
MarineParents.com, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. MarineParents.com, Inc. was founded in January, 2003 in response to parents' needs to find information and to have a Place to Connect & Share™ with one another during deployments. Our free online services and connections have expanded to support and educate Marine moms & dads, spouses, families and friends and we'll be offering our 6th Conference in New Orleans in April, 2010. We've helped over 40,000 Marine and recruit families during bootcamp, training, active duty and deployments. We've shipped thousands of care packages overseas to our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, sent thousands of prayers and letters to injured Marines and served hundreds of lunches to families caring for their Marines at Bethesda Hospital. You've found a Place to Connect & Share™. 
God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
 

Tracy Della Vecchia
Founder and Executive Director
MarineParents.com, Inc.
 
Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this service.
Marines Establish 1775$5 Off Coupon
Receive $5 off any order of $50 or more.  Enter coupon code SECONDSCHOOL
 
HURRY! Offer expires August 18!
 
NOTE: All proceeds are used in support of MarineParents.com, Inc., an IRS approved 501(c)(3) public charity.
New "Heart USMC" Design! Check these out!