Tax Refunds for Injured Veterans

Added July 20, 2018

CBS News reported that more than 130,000 U.S. Veterans who were released from service due to injuries sustained in combat are due big tax refunds because of a computer glitch at the Department of Defense from 1991 to 2016. This error caused non taxable disability severance payments to be subject to income taxes. The government is trying to aid veterans or their survivors in recovering that money, which is expected to result in refunds of $1,750 or more.

Open Burn Pit Registry

Added May 9, 2018

Military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan have often used burn pits as a way to dispose of waste. While research does not currently show that there are long term health effects from exposure to burn pits the VA continues to research this topic.

There have been reported effects to the skin, eyes, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract and internal organs due to the toxins from burn pit smoke. Veterans who were exposed to the burn pits for longer periods of time may be at greater risk. Most of the irritation, such as eye irritation and burning, coughing and throat irritation, are temporary and will resolve once the veteran is no longer exposed to the burn pits. According to a 2011 Institute of Medicine Report, those deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq are at greater risk to respiratory illness due to the high levels of fine dust and pollution than to exposure to burn pits.

Warrior Support Team East Dinner 03-18-2018

Added March 22, 2018

Our Warrior Support Team East Coast volunteers served dinner to wounded and recovering warriors and their family members at Walter Reed last Sunday, March 18. Our dedicated volunteers serve here twice a month.

National Council for Suicide Prevention

Added March 20, 2018

On April 21, 2018 the National Council for Suicide Prevention will hold a rally on the front steps of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. There will be top leaders in the field of suicide prevention speaking. There will also be individuals who will share their experiences in losing loved ones to suicide. This is a very important issue that needs more attention.

MarineParents.com on NPR

Added March 15, 2018

In celebration of 15 years of dedication to Marines, veterans, and family members, we are sharing stories from our history. Our mission throughout the years has not changed. We provide up to date information and resources, as well as a place to connect and share®.

This week's featured story is a radio interview with National Public Radio.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Added March 1, 2018

Brain Injury Awareness Month was established in 2005 to increase public awareness of brain injuries and to address the needs of persons living with brain injuries, their family members, and caregivers. CDC defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. Injuries may result from blasts in combat, motor vehicle accidents, falls, flying objects, or assaults. According to the DoD, there have been 375,230 service members diagnosed with TBI since 2000.

Celebrating 15 Years: A Mother's War

Added February 2, 2018

In 2005, MarineParents.com Founder, Tracy Della Vecchia, and member, Georgette Frank, were the cover story for The New York Times Magazine in an article called "A Mother's War". This article talks about the organization in its early years and how and why Tracy started it.

"Tracy had spent the morning sorting donations for Marine care packages, kneeling on her office floor over piles of toothbrushes, baby wipes, disposable razors, nail clippers, Q-Tips and black socks -- and to uneasiness about whether Derrick was getting enough sleep. Every time Derrick telephoned home recently, Tracy said afterward that he sounded tired. The calls came every few days during most of this deployment; Derrick had been moved into some sort of building, Tracy knew, where the bunks were thin-mattressed metal and a nearby tent contained computers for e-mailing, telephones for placing international calls and, in a back corner, a Webcam with which the men who wanted to could take turns making face-to-face contact with home."

Super Bowl Party Update

Added February 1, 2018

On February 4th, we are hosting a Super Bowl party for 150 service members and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. THANK YOU, for helping us reach our goal of $8,000. Here's what we have planned:

• Madden video game tournament before the football game for all service members
• Face painting and board games to entertain kids during the game, and to be donated to the facility for future use
• Pizza, wings, nachos, and other football-themed foods to give service members a break from their normal selection of meals
• Eagles and Patriots team decor, napkins, and centerpieces to make a cheerful atmosphere
• Gift bags for the kids, including puzzles, coloring books, and trinkets to entertain these kids who are often cooped-up while their parent is recovering
• Eagles and Patriots team memorabilia giveaways
• A Super Bowl themed layered cake and cupcakes

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Awareness in Veterans Scholarship

Added January 30, 2018

DrugRehab.org is proud to award a $5,000 scholarship towards any education related expense to the winner of our first essay contest about the different ways in which addiction and mental illness affects veterans today.

DEADLINE: May 1, 2018. AWARDED: June 1, 2018.

Volunteers Serve Dinner to Wounded & Recovering Warriors

Added January 26, 2018

Photos from our WST East dinner on January 21st. Our East coast team serves a burrito dinner at the USO at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda twice a month.

Click here to learn more.

Give a Warrior a Break - Super Bowl Style!

Added January 23, 2018

On our 15th anniversary of supporting Marines and their family members, we need YOUR help to raise $8,000. This is your opportunity to give wounded, ill, and injured warriors a sense of normalcy and a break from their day-to-day struggles with healing. On February 4th, we have been asked to host a 2018 Super Bowl party for 150 service members and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. We need your help to fund the party.

15 Year Anniversary

Added January 18, 2018

We are pleased to announce that Sunday, January 21, 2018, is the 15th anniversary of the founding of MarineParents.com, Inc.

In the 15 years since Founder & Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia began MarineParents.com in her home, much has changed with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication and commitment to supporting Marine family members through all stages of their Marine's career in the Corps and providing "a Place to Connect & Share"® for recruit and Marine family members.

Help Us Reach $10,000 on Giving Tuesday

Added November 28, 2017

In November we have one day for giving thanks, two for getting deals, and now we have a day to give back. Be a part of this global celebration of generosity and giving back by joining Marine Parents on November 28 as we make it a happy holiday season for our Marines.

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for YOU

Added November 23, 2017

The holiday season is officially upon us, and we'd like to begin it by wishing the Marine Parents family a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this special time of year with your family, friends, and loved ones. For those of you who won't be able to celebrate the holiday with your Marine this year, we want you to know that we appreciate the sacrifice your Marine and family are making on our behalf. We would also like to take this time to say how thankful we are for you supporting our outreach.

We are thankful for you reading our newsletters, for spreading awareness of our outreach programs, and for donating to our fundraisers. We are thankful for you telling us about the needs of Marines and their family members. We are thankful that, because of you, we are able to help these families in need.

Thank You, Veterans!

Added November 11, 2017

Today, November 11, is Veterans Day and here at Marine Parents, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of America's veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they've made on behalf of a grateful nation.

While MarineParents.com, Inc. may not be as large as some of the other military-based organizations you may be familiar with, what we lack in size, we make up for in consistency. For almost 15 years now, we've made it our mission to provide support, information, and services to our men and women in uniform, as well as their family members.

Happy Birthday Marines!

Added November 10, 2017

Today, November 10, marks the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps and tomorrow, November 11, is Veterans' Day. Generations of heroic men and women have sacrificed their time, their energy, their comfort, and, in many cases, their lives to protect the freedom we as Americans value so dearly.

With that in mind, we at Marine Parents would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future. Happy Birthday Marines!

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Added November 4, 2017

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and this year's theme is "Care-giving Around the Clock". According to the Caregiver Action Network Care-giving can be a 24-hours a day/7-days a week job.

November is Warrior Care Month

Added November 2, 2017

Established by former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in November 2008, the Department of Defense has designated November as Warrior Care Month. The goal of Warrior Care Month is to increase awareness of the resources available to wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as their family members and caretakers.

November is Military Family Month

Added November 1, 2017

While the sacrifices made and hardships endured by our service members are well-documented, a related aspect that many people may not think about as often are the sacrifices made and hardships endured by military families as well. Maintaining a family in the civilian world is challenging enough, and military families may also face additional, unique challenges, such as frequent moves from base to base, having a loved one deployed for months on end, or dealing with long-term physical and/or emotional wounds, that can make the task of maintaining a family seem almost overwhelming.

How September 11 Led to the Foundation of MarineParents.com, Inc.

Added September 11, 2017

September 11 marks the anniversary of the single largest loss of life from a foreign attack on American soil, ever. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives on that Tuesday morning, and almost 7,000 brave Americans have sacrificed everything in the resultant military operations.

Rarely does an event have such wide-reaching and impactful consequences, but no one in our country was able to escape September 11, 2001 unscathed in some way. In the 16 years since, we have become more acutely aware of our place in the world and of the fact that many people want to cause us harm solely for being American. We've changed how we view the world and how the world views us. Ensuring our national security became a national obsession (and for good reason) and saw our military engage in conflicts in two countries, first in Afghanistan, and then in Iraq, in an effort to do just that. In short, September 11 upset the balance of the country in a way not seen in decades.

Wounded Marine Handcrafts Marine Mom Necklace

Added May 2, 2017

When the EGA Shop first revealed the Marine's Heart Pendant necklace and announced that it was handcrafted by Marine Corps veterans, the unique piece of jewelry gained significant attention.

Randy served on active duty from 1968 - 1972 and leads the business on a daily basis, providing instruction and direction for the apprenticeship program. He's a master jeweler and brings over 35 years of custom fine jewelry experience to assist in all steps from design to presentation.

May is Military Appreciation Month!

Added May 1, 2017

In 1999, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). NMAM began as a simple idea - to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who serve and have served our great nation.

2016 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards Recipients

Added April 28, 2017

In 2016, Marine Parents had 26 volunteers qualify for the Bronze Level PVSA, 41 volunteers qualify for the Silver Level PVSA, 19 volunteers qualify for the Gold Level PVSA, and one volunteer qualify for the Lifetime PVSA.

2016 MarineParents.com Volunteers of the Year

Added April 27, 2017

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017. MarineParents.com would like to take this time to recognize our volunteers of the year for 2016: Lisa Gutierrez, Ross Stethem, Paige Solis, Peggy & Joe Densford, Shannon Perez, Aurora Ayon, and Becky Gray.

2016 MarineParents.com Volunteer Statistics

Added April 26, 2017

MarineParents.com could not exist if it were not for the contributions of hundreds of parents around the United States. Our volunteers have taken that one step further and contributed endless hours answering emails, moderating the social media groups, researching information, and supporting the parents, spouses, family and friends of our United States Marines.

Thank You to our Volunteers - From the Founder

Added April 25, 2017

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017. The founder of MarineParents.com, Tracy Della Vecchia, would like to take this time to recognize and thank our volunteers for their service in 2016.

Dear Volunteers,

Every year MarineParents.com spends a week in April recognizing and sharing our appreciation of our volunteers with the organization's members and readers. This year, our appreciation of volunteers will reach over 120,000 households. There were 42,876 total volunteer hours dedicated to the organization's mission in 2016. That is truly inspiring!

National Volunteer Week 2017

Added April 24, 2017

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017. MarineParents.com would like to take this time to recognize our amazing volunteers. Volunteers work with a variety of our outreach programs and services.

*Image info: (Department of Defense image)

April is the Month of the Military Child

Added April 1, 2017

Established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, April is the Month of the Military Child.

Marine Parents would like to take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and support of the approximately 2 million U.S. military children 18 years old and younger who have one or both parents serving in the armed forces.

Two Years Since WST Transformations

Added February 9, 2017

Along with celebrating the MarineParents.com 14th anniversary, we are celebrating another anniversary for our outreach program, the Warrior Support Team (WST).

Two years ago, we made a change to our WST program on the East coast. We transitioned from serving meals twice a month to wounded warriors and family members at the Walter Reed hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, to serving recovering warriors, caregivers, dependents, medical personnel, and other active duty military at the USO Warrior and Family Center on base. This change in our program reflects the changing patient population and a transformation in our mission as we moved from a focus on the newly wounded to attention to the needs of those gradually recovering from visible and invisible wounds. We continue to serve meals to inpatients on the Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury wards of the hospital. Over the course of the last two years the number of meals we are serving has doubled. WST- East is led by by manager Susan Kristol and assistant managers Mary Ann Schilling and Peggy Densford with a group of approximately 15 dedicated volunteers.

Also two years ago, our WST program on the West coast saw a change in leadership. Volunteers Dale and Lori Larson have been managing the meals at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa) for two years and have since doubled the number of people in attendance. With a group of approximately 13 volunteers, they serve meals once a week to the residents of the wounded warrior barracks, upwards of 70 patients at a time, every Thursday afternoon for dinner. The Larson family works closely with the staff at both MarineParents.com corporate office and Balboa to arrange meal delivery from local area restaurants. The patients are happy to grab dinner and spend time visiting with one another in the Liberty Center.

The Warrior Support Team strives to provide resources and fellowship to wounded, ill, and injured troops and veterans, including those living with post-traumatic stress, as well as to provide resources and support to family members. WST volunteers serve meals, assist at events, provide resources to enhance the comfort of patients, and distribute educational materials.

Marine Parents Celebrates 14 Years of Service

Added January 21, 2017

We are pleased to announce that January 21, 2017, marks the 14th anniversary of the founding of MarineParents.com, Inc.

In the 14 years since Founder & Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia began MarineParents.com in her home, much has changed with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication and commitment to supporting Marines through all stages of their career in the Corps and providing "a Place to Connect & Share"® for recruit and Marine families.

Merry Christmas from MarineParents.com

Added December 25, 2016

As 2016 comes to an end, we'd like to wish the Marine Parents family a happy holiday season. Nothing we do would be possible without you, and we truly appreciate all that you do on behalf of our organization and on behalf of our men and women in uniform. Your unwavering support is the reason Marine Parents has been around for almost 14 years, and we look forward to seeing what 2017 has in store!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Added November 23, 2016

The holiday season is officially upon us, and we'd like to begin it by wishing the Marine Parents family a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this special time of year with your family, friends, and loved ones. For those of you who won't be able to celebrate the holiday with your Marine this year, we want you to know that we appreciate the sacrifice your Marine and family are making on our behalf. God bless, Happy Thanksgiving, and Semper Fi!

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Added November 1, 2016

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and this year's theme is "Take Care to Give Care" According to the Caregiver Action Network, "The first rule of taking care of others: take care of yourself first. Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. The stress of dealing with caregiving responsibilities leads to a higher risk of health issues among the Nation's 90 million family caregivers. So as a family caregiver, remember to pay attention to your own physical and mental wellness, and get proper rest and nutrition. Only by taking care of yourself can you be strong enough to take care of your loved one."

To mark the occasion, President Obama released a statement that read, in part:

"This month, and every month, let us lift up all those who work to tirelessly advance the health and wellness of those they love. Let us encourage those who choose to be caregivers and look toward a future where our politics and our policies reflect the selflessness and open-hearted empathy they show their loved ones every day."

November is Warrior Care Month

Added November 1, 2016

Established by former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in November 2008, the Department of Defense has designated November as Warrior Care Month. The goal of Warrior Care Month is to increase awareness of the resources available to wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as their family members and caretakers.

Clay Hunt Camp Hope House

This past Monday, September 19, 2016, a transitional house for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTS) was dedicated to Marine Corps veteran Clay Hunt. Hunt, who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, took his own life in 2011.

Over the past four years, the house has seen approximately 300 combat veterans recovering from PTS come through its doors and over the summer it received new flooring, new paint, and new appliances, among other repairs, courtesy of Camden Properties and the PTSD Foundation of America.

"We want people to have an opportunity to really just pull it back together and to know how much the country cares about them and really appreciates what they've done for us," said Stacy Hunt, Clay's father.

Presidential Proclamation—World Suicide Prevention Day, 2016

Added September 14, 2016

The following is President Barack Obama's proclamation in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, 2016:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION

Every year, too many people are taken from us by suicide. These tragedies tear at families and communities, leaving behind heartbroken loved ones who suffer immeasurably. World Suicide Prevention Day is a time to join with neighbors across the globe to reaffirm our commitment to preventing suicide. Here at home, thanks to dedicated crisis counselors on hotlines and in schools; clinicians and other health professionals in hospitals and mental health centers; faith leaders, teachers, friends, and family members who never give up on trying to make a meaningful difference—lives have been saved. Together, we can get people critical help when they are in crisis and raise awareness of the importance of preventing suicide in every community.

WST–East Has Record-Breaking Dinner!

Added August 4, 2016

MarineParents.com, Inc.® believes that the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of ensuring that all men and women who have borne arms for our country are cared for and supported in an adequate manner upon their return to America and reintegration into society.

With that in mind, our Warrior Support Team™ (WST) strives to provide resources and fellowship to wounded, ill, and injured troops and veterans, including those living with post-traumatic stress, as well as to provide resources and support to family members.

WST volunteers serve meals, assist at events, provide resources to enhance the comfort of patients, and distribute educational materials at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California.

We are proud to announce that, after nine years of serving meals to recovering warriors, our mission remains strong. In fact, at our July 24 dinner at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, we had a record number of attendees show up. In all, approximately 115 people were served at the USO and an additional 25 were served at the TBI and Behavioral Health wards of the hospital. The line at the USO was so long that it was literally out the door!

Many people make these dinners possible--The dedicated volunteers of the Warrior Support Team, the supporters of the EGA shop whose purchases help fund the dinners, the Paul E. Singer Foundation and other generous individual donors, the USO staff, and California Tortilla of Bethesda Maryland, who gives us a generous military discount. We'd like to extend our thanks to all, and we look forward to continuing to serve our military at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and elsewhere.

Learn, Connect, and Share for PTSD Awareness Month

Added June 1, 2016

The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD) has designated June as PTSD awareness month, a time to recognize and raise awareness of the struggles faced by those suffering from PTSD, an issue that many warriors struggle with upon returning from combat.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking a three-pronged approach to battle PTSD and the stigmas that surround it. The VA plans to do this in the following ways:

• Learn—Discover the facts about PTSD and explore treatment options.
• Connect—Reach out and help someone (or yourself) with PTSD. By giving or receiving support, managing PTSD is much easier.
• Share—Spread the word and pass along what you learn. By working with others, PTSD can be battled like never before.

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Added June 1, 2016

The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD) has designated June as PTSD awareness month, a time to recognize and raise awareness of the struggles faced by those suffering from PTSD, an issue that many warriors struggle with upon returning from combat.

According to the National Center for PTSD, between 10 and 20 percent of veterans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. Male veterans are more likely to suffer from PTSD than female veterans.

Marine Corps News: Commandant Neller Battles Marine Suicide

Added June 1, 2016

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert B. Neller, recently spoke during the American Psychiatric Association's 169th annual meeting about receiving assistance from the psychiatric community in fixing what he sees as one of the Corps' biggest challenges—ending suicide among Marines.

A recent survey of approximately 3,000 post-9/11 veterans found that 40 percent of respondents have considered suicide at least once after having joined the military. Eighty percent of those who responded also said that troops dealing with mental health issues don't receive adequate treatment, both while in the service and after separating.

Neller also voiced his concern about the alarming spike in suicide rates among Marines who haven't deployed, which has increased from accounting for 36 percent of Marine suicides in 2013 to 66 percent in 2015. So far this year, the number has increased to 73 percent.

"We can't afford to lose a single Marine to anything, whether it be accident, injury, or suicide," Neller said during his speech. "I can tell you—giving my solemn word—that the Marine Corps will try to help anyone who comes forward."

Bryan's Story

Added May 19, 2016

Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004. In 2006, he went to fight for our country in Iraq. Luckily, that year, Bryan survived not one, but two improvised explosive device (I.E.D) blasts.

Bryan, who was the driver of the Humvee during one of the explosions, suffered the worst injuries of the four Marines in the vehicle. He was knocked unconscious from the impact of the bomb and, while being treated in the field, a military doctor conducted an emergency tracheotomy and nicked one of Bryan's arteries. Bryan also had shattered his pelvis, which caused him to bleed internally. On the verge of death, Bryan underwent a 6 unit blood transfusion, and nobody thought he would make it out of his medically-induced coma alive.

Angel Day Tribute

Added May 19, 2016

With Memorial Day less than two weeks away, we'd like to encourage our readers to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make for our country on a daily basis.

The thought of brave men and women giving their lives on behalf of our country brings many images to mind. The battlefield cross. A flag-draped casket. Family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in arms weeping at the loss of a loved one. But from tragedy comes hope, and determination—especially the determination that the sacrifices of these brave men and women will never be forgotten.

With that in mind, we have launched the "Angel Day Tribute" initiative. It's a way to honor our service members who made the ultimate sacrifice by remembering them each year on their Angel Day. It's also a way to recognize their family members, and to help create additional ways for those family members and comrades and friends of the fallen to connect and share with one another.

These men and women and their families have given so much on our behalf. Please join us in honoring and keeping alive the memories of these American heroes.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Added May 19, 2016

Since 1949, organizations and individuals across the country have come together each May to observe "Mental Health Awareness Month" and to raise awareness of, and break down the stigma surrounding, mental health-related issues.

One organization that's trying to raise mental health awareness this year is the "Real Warriors Campaign." According to its website, the Real Warriors Campaign, "the Real Warriors Campaign appreciates the sacrifices that America's service members, military families and veterans make every day." As such, in support of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Real Warriors Campaign will be highlighting tools and resources that encourage service members to seek if it's getting difficult to manage stress and other mental health concerns.

Help Us Set the Table for Recovering Warriors!

Added April 28, 2016

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

The aforementioned quote was uttered by former president Ronald Reagan during his farewell address, delivered on January 11, 1989, from the Oval Office. Here at Marine Parents, we think these words are just as relevant today as they were more than two-and-a-half decades ago. With that sentiment in mind, we need your help raising $4,000 each month to help our Warrior Support Team continue serving dinners to recovering warriors.

While serving dinners may seem like a small thing, they are loved by the men and women who attend them. And we need your help to ensure that they continue.

April is the Month of the Military Child

Added April 14, 2016

April is the Month of the Military Child, and Marine Parents would like to take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and support of the approximately 2 million U.S. military children 18 years old and younger who have one or both parents serving in the armed forces. As difficult as it can be for a child to grow up in a military family, that challenge can be even greater for a military child with a parent who is wounded, ill, or injured.

Our Warrior Support Team—East (WST—East) serves dinners twice each month at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. While the primary focus of these dinners is on the recovering warriors, their families are a close second. As such, the Warrior Support Team has made a concerted effort to provide activities for military children at the dinners.

According to our WST—East Manager, Susan Kristol, "We provide a way to interact with other families and alleviate the isolation of being a military family assigned to a place like Walter Reed (as opposed to a big military base)." It would appear that these attempts at reaching the families of our recovering warriors has been successful, as our WST—East volunteer have noticed that more and more families with children have started attending these meals.

Warrior Support Team News

Added March 31, 2016

Each week, WST—West volunteers bring dinners to wounded, ill, and injured service members at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Last Thursday, March 24, 2016, there was an incident that restricted base access and movement for a good part of the day. As a result, many of our heroes had to deal with long lines of traffic and extended delays with appointments, all of which added to what were already challenging days for many of these men and women.

It was also difficult for our volunteers to get on the base with the planned weekly meal. When our team of volunteers arrived, the men and women were extraordinarily grateful, as some had not had yet eaten a hot meal that day.

Each week, these heroes welcome our volunteers and share meals and conversations with them, but this particular meal was a monumental blessing due to the unforeseen circumstances.

We are honored to play a small role in helping these heroes navigate their recovery processes each week, and I want to thank each of you who help fund the Warrior Support Team through your donations to the program. We appreciate your unwavering support and confidence in our outreach program to support those who so honorably defend our freedom.

Thank you. God Bless and Semper Fi,

Tracy Della Vecchia

Click here to donate to the Warrior Support Team today...

Depression & Post-Traumatic Stress

Added March 17, 2016

Depression and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) are two maladies that many veterans struggle with. It can difficult to differentiate which condition a person is struggling from, as both share many of the same symptoms. To make matters worse, depression and PTS often coincide with one another, as those with PTS are three to five times (on average) to suffer from depression as well.

In an attempt to combat depressions and PTS, the Department of Veterans Affairs has recommended that veterans who may be struggling with one, or both, of these seek assistance from a licensed medical professional to accurately diagnose which affliction (or both) an individual is struggling with. The DVA's website then offers a number of treatment options and ideas to help individuals who are struggling with depression or PTS.

One of the ways in which the DVA provides assistance is by offering access to its "Mood Coach" app. This app teaches people what Behavioral Action is and how to practice it and it's designed to help boost a person's mood by getting them to engage in positive activities (a list of which is provided on the website).

Click here to read more...

Transitioning Out of the Corps

Added March 3, 2016

Transitioning from military to civilian society life can be a challenge, particularly for veterans who have experienced combat or other traumatic events during a deployment.

There are, however, a variety of factors that can help ease this transition, perhaps the most important one being the willingness to take the first step toward committing to recovery.

Click here to read more...

WST East Coast Dinner

Added February 24, 2016

This past Sunday, February 21, Warrior Support Team volunteers served more than 100 meals at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Mexican food from California Tortilla was the main course of the evening, and fruit and baked goods were served as a side and dessert. We're happy to say that more than 100 people were served at the dinner, with 86 people attending the event and a further 20 meals being sent to patients and staff in the Behavioral Health Ward. A good time was had by all and our volunteers are looking forward to the next dinner in approximately two weeks.

The Stats Behind 22 Veteran Suicides Per Day

Added February 12, 2016

Over the past few years, numerous military-related and media outlets have been reporting that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. However, while there is no denying that veteran suicide is a major problem that needs to be addressed, claiming that 22 veterans commit suicide each day may not be entirely accurate. The number "22" is based on a VA report from 2012 that only used statistics from 21 states from the time period of 1999-2011, which represents only 40% of the U.S. population. The other 29 states, including two with massive veteran communities in California and Texas, don't report suicides to the VA. This would indicate that the number of veterans committing suicide on a daily basis is almost definitely higher than 22. Additionally, many media reports implicate post-9/11 veterans as the group committing 22 suicides per day, which is not the case at all. Approximately one post-9/11 veteran commits suicide each day (which is still one too many), with the vast majority of suicides being committed by Vietnam-era veterans.

Click here to read more...

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Discusses Military Caregiver Suicides

Added February 9, 2016

The first week of February, 2016, the Department of Veterans Affairs held a national summit to address suicide among veterans and military caregivers. Among the numerous organizations and individuals invited to speak at the summit was former Senator (R-NC) and chairwoman of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Elizabeth Dole.

In her speech, Dole discussed how military caregivers, "...are often unrecognized for their critical role as the first line of defense to veteran suicide. All too often, the overwhelming stress and emotional toll it takes to care for a loved one - especially one who wishes to take their own life - is overlooked."

Click here to read more...

Recovering Warriors Need Your Help This Holiday Season

Added December 17, 2015

The services provided by MarineParents.com's Warrior Support Team (WST) cost around $6,000 each month, and we need your help ensuring those services continue. So far, the Marine Parents family has come together and donated almost $3,000 to the WST this holiday season.

We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity toward those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf, but we're only halfway to our $6,000 goal. We know that with your continued support, we can reach it in no time!

There are 20,225 members in our Official MarineParents.com Recruit and What's After Boot Facebook Groups. If each of our Facebook group members donated $1 today, that would pay for the services provided by the Warrior Support Team for more than three months.

Our MarineParents Facebook page has 14,664 "likes". If each of our fans donated $2 today, that would pay for the services provided by the Warrior Support Team for almost five months.

We have over 52,000 newsletter contacts. If each of the people on our mailing list donated $5 today, that would pay for the services provided by the Warrior Support Team for more than three and a half years.

With the season of giving upon us, it's more crucial than ever that we, the Marine Parents family, come together to show our Marines that America supports them and has their backs this holiday season!

Click here to donate today!

Warrior Support Team Spotlight: Warrior Reintegration Bags

Added December 3, 2015

With the help and input of wounded, ill, and injured warriors, we have designed a Warrior Reintegration Bag filled with resources. These bags are being distributed to wounded, ill, and injured warriors in both military facilities and in homes around the United States. These bags include a variety of items to accomplish two things: to provide resources to the warrior to aid in recovery, and to provide items to help re-establish their team identity.

We recently made it our goal to raise money on #GivingTuesday to supply these Warrior Reintegration Bags to recovering warriors at military medical facilities on both coasts. So far, we've received $1,500 in donations, which covers the cost of supplying 20 of these bags. While we're thrilled to have raised this much already, we'd like to be able to supply even more this holiday season, and you can help!

Even if you weren't able to donate on #GivingTuesday, you still have the opportunity to help our campaign be successful. Any amount, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated, not only by those of us here at Marine Parents, but also by the men and women in the hospitals who receive these bags.

There's no better way to show our wounded and recovering warriors you have their backs this holiday season.

Click here to donate today!

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Events

Added November 20, 2015

This past Tuesday, November 17, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center hosted two events. The first event was The Unity of Effort Benevolent Organizations Summit, in which representatives of the Warrior Family Coordination Cell and the Veterans Administration Volunteer Office addressed military volunteers and thanked them for their service and dedication. The second event was the Welcome Home Prosperity Fair, in which 82 vendors set up in the gym of the recreation center. during the fair, the attendees learned that the outpatient residence has a 42% occupancy by WII patients. The other occupants are recovering from illness or injuries incurred during non-combat situations. Both groups are equally deserving of our help and compassion.

Sesame Street for Military Families Website

Added November 20, 2015

The Sesame Workshop and the Department of Defense's National Center for Telehealh & Technology announced this week that they've partnered to launch a new website for military and Veteran Families.

The website and mobile app feaure the beloved Sesame Street Muppet™ characters and both are inteded to help preschool military and Veteran children cope with issues, including the deployment of a parent, moving/relocating, and the injury or death of a parent, among others. Additional content on the website includes the highly successful "Talk, Listen, Connect" multimedia resource, as well as the "Feel Electric!" and "The Big Moving Adventure" applications.

Click here to visit the websit today!

December 1 is Giving Tuesday!

Added November 16, 2015

In November we have one day for giving thanks, two for getting deals, and now we have a day to give back. Be a part of this global celebration of generosity and giving back by joining Marine Parents on December 1 as we celebrate #GivingTuesday!

The Roman philosopher Seneca is purported to have written,"We should give as we would receive: cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation..." Here at Marine Parents, we couldn't agree more with that sentiment, especially now as we approach the holiday season.

Click here to learn more

Art Therapy Helps Service Members Cope With Trauma

Added November 16, 2015

Imagine looking at a gallery of disturbing hand-painted masks. You can only imagine what dark thoughts they derived from. But that's why they're being made — to depict the pain, chaos and confusion of their creators, who are service members with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

Click here to learn more

Marine Helps Veterans with Hi-Tech Prosthetics

Added November 16, 2015

Matt Fleming, a Marine veteran who survived a combat deployment to Iraq a decade ago but lost a leg in a motorcycle accident after returning home, has been giving back to veterans in a very personal way — by making prosthetics to help veterans get on with their lives. Matt says he lost his limb, not his sense of humor, a trait that comes in handy when he counsels new amputees.

Click here to learn more

Dog Tag Bakery

Added November 16, 2015

For wounded service members, finding a productive place in society can be challenging. Josh Tredinnick is the most recent graduate of Dog Tag Bakery, a Georgetown business with a unique way of putting combat vets to work.

Click here to learn more

Happy Veterans Day!

Added November 11, 2015

Today, November 11, is Veterans Day and here at Marine Parents, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of America's veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they've made on behalf of a grateful nation. Thanks to the patriotic men and women who serve and have served our country, we, as Americans, are able to enjoy the freedoms and liberties we hold so dear. So once again, thank you for your service. We greatly appreciate it.

Veterans Day Discounts!

Added November 11, 2015

Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, a number of restaurants and businesses around the country offer free or discounted goods, services, and meals to both veterans and active-duty service members. To see a list of restaurants and businesses offering discounts this year, please click on the button below.

Click here to learn more

November is Warrior Care Month

Added November 6, 2015

Established by former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in November 2008, the Department of Defense has designated November as Wariror Care Month. The goal of Warrior Care Month is to increase awareness of the resources available to wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as their family members and caretakers.

The theme of Warrior Care Month 2015 is Show of Strength, which was chosen to, "...[recognize] the mental and physical resilience consistently demonstrated by our wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as [to acknowledge] the critical support provided by families and caregivers," said James Rodriguez, the deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Warrior Care Policy. "Show of Strength also underscores DoD's ongoing commitment to policy, programs and resources that enable wounded, ill and injured service members to thrive as they embrace a new normal."

To mark Warrior Care Month, the Department of Defense will be sponsoring numerous activities and events throughout November to, "increase awareness of the significant achievements and milestones that often occur during the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration or transition process." Activities and events will include a sitting volleyball tournament, a wheelchair rugby exhibition, a healing arts recognition event, a Facebook "town hall" meeting, and a blog series focused on military caregivers.

Click here to learn more

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Added November 6, 2015

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and this year's theme is "Respite: Care for Caregivers." According to the Caregiver Action Network, "[r]espite--the chance to take a breather, the opportunity to re-energize--is as important as any other item on your caregiver's to-do list."

To mark the occasion, President Obama released a statement that read, in part:

"Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans provide care and support to family members and friends in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings, relatives, and neighbors who uphold their unwavering commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones shine bright with health, safety, and dignity. During National Family Caregivers Month, we rededicate ourselves to making sure our selfless caregivers have the support they need to maintain their own well-being and that of those they love."

Click here to learn more

November is Military Family Month

Added November 6, 2015

While the sacrifices made and hardships endured by our service members are well-documented, a related aspect that many people may not think about as often are the sacrifices made and hardships endured by military families as well.

Maintaining a family in the civilian world is challenging enough, and military families may also face additional, unique challenges, such as frequent moves from base to base, having a loved one deployed for months on end, or dealing with long-term physical and/or emotional wounds, that can make the task of maintaining a family seem almost overwhelming.

Click here to learn more

Job Fairs for Service Members and Veterans Being Held This Fall

Added October 27, 2015

The following are upcoming job fairs for service members and veterans. Go to the website for an event before attending to find out whether you should register in advance. In some cases, you will be able to see which employers have signed up. Others are by invitation only.

Click here to learn more

DoD Releases 2nd Quarter Suicide Figures

Added October 8, 2015

Suicides among active-duty service members rose by 20 percent in the second quarter of this year to 71, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Defense Department. The Marine Corps had the highest increase differential, 12 suicides, up from three the previous quarter.

Click here to learn more

National Mental Health Awareness Week

Added October 5, 2015

October 4 - 10, 2015, is National Mental Health Awareness Week, and we at Marine Parents would like to take this opportunity to join organizations across the country in recognizing the occasion.

Since 1990, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, as well as participants across the country, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have used the first full week in October to bring awareness to mental illness, as well as to fight stigmas which may be attached to mental illness, provide support for those suffering from mental illness, educate the public on mental illness, and advocate for equal care for those suffering from mental illness.

Click here to learn more about National Mental Health Awareness Week

Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP)

Added August 19, 2015

Are you interested in starting a career in information technology (IT)? Do you already have IT experience, but want to take it to the next level? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, then a VA-sponsored accelerated learning program (ALP) may be right for you!

As a service member or veteran, you are eligible to participate in an ALP in IT at no cost to you, without using your GI Bill® benefits.

Overview of Women Warriors

Added July 17, 2015

On Wednesday, July 22, 2015, the VA will be hosting a "webinar" titled "Overview of Women Warriors: An American History, Past and Present." The webinar is part of the VA's Rural Clergy Training Program (RCTP). The webinar is designed to provide insight and information on the long, proud history of women warriors in the American military. The webinar will also discuss the unique difficulties and challenges faced by women warriors and problems with reintegration upon their return to rural communities. Suggestions for additional methods of helping woman warriors in rural communities will also be discussed.

United Hair Lines Supports WST Mentoring Program

Added July 9, 2015

In February, Michelle Erjavac, a stylist at United Hair Lines, a Chicago-area hair salon, held a fundraiser in support of Warrior Support Team's (WST) Mentoring Program, an outreach program of MarineParents.com, Inc. Michelle recorded the event and entered the video in a contest sponsored by Wella Hair Care. Little did she know that, only a few months later, she would be one of two grand prize winners.

VA PTSD Mobile App

June 18, 2015

The Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD, in partnership with the Department of Defense's National Center for Telehealth and Technology, has created the "PTSD Coach" App for mobile phone. The app allows users to learn about and manage their PTSD symptoms.

Help Us Set the Table for Our Warriors

May 18, 2015
"All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

The aforementioned quote was uttered by former president Ronald Reagan during his farewell address, delivered on January 11, 1989, from the Oval Office. Here at Marine Parents, we think these words are just as relevant in 2015 as they were more than two-and-a-half decades ago. With that sentiment in mind, we need your help raising $12,000 by August 1, 2015 to allow our Warrior Support Team to continue serving dinners to recovering warriors.

While serving dinners may seem like a small thing, they are loved by the men and women who attend them. And we need your help to ensure that they continue.

Meet Our Program Administrator

Knowledge, Compassion and Experience

May 7, 2015
Krystl Stroker, the Warrior Support Team's Program Administrator , has been a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years and has served two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a transportation specialist (July 2008 - May 2009 March 2011 - September 2011).

EGA Shop Sponsoring Wounded Warriors

2015 Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament

Added April 17, 2015 (Columbia, MO)
Marine Parents is proud to be an official sponsor of the 2015 Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament in North East, Maryland! The tournament is held annually on Armed Forces day and has grown steadily over the past 7 years.