Hello, my name is Angela _____. I am the Family Readiness Officer for _____. You are receiving this email because you are the parent of a Marine who is with _____ and will be deploying within the next couple of months. I am here to help families of Marines and to supply information about the deployment and to provide opportunities to help you stay connected with your Marine.
It only took me a second to find my phone and press Daniel’s number into the keypad.
“Hey, when can I come out there?” Sounds like a simple question, but not with the military. But with an upcoming deployment, his unit had already blocked off time for leave. I bought my plane ticket.
Now that Daniel knows his way around out there in beautiful SoCal, we made plans to hike, work out together, and just hang out.
“We can even do a PFT (physical fitness test) together on the base,” said Daniel with more than a hint of challenge in his voice.
Challenge? I never back down from one of those! “You are SO on!”
Flex arm hang for 15 seconds, at least 40 crunches in two minutes (no problem!) and a three-mile run in 33 minutes…and that’s for my age group.
Madre mia! Oh well, it’ll keep me from worrying as I train for my visit.
This time, I will be a veteran at the “last visit before deployment.” I won’t cry…I won’t cry…I won’t cry…
Well, that’s a challenge I can’t win, and I’m OK with that.
--Tiffany
Marine’s Dress Blues
Marine Reservist PFC Joseph Marshello was amazed at the outpouring of support and offers of help after his dress blues were stolen from his car over the past weekend.
He has received so much support, he says he decided to give everything left over after the purchase of his uniform and the required tailoring to a wounded warrior fund in New Jersey, where he's from.
“I’m not going to be selfish, I have buddies that are over there in Afghanistan now. Even though I’ve only been in the corps for a year, it’s the most important thing in my life,” said Marshello.
Harriet Soto was “extremely touched” when she read the account of Marshello’s stolen uniform.
“So many are dying over there, sacrificing for our country,” said Harriet. “He touched my heart. I don’t have much to send him, but I want to send him something.”
To read more about the kindness of citizens touched by Marshello’s story, click here.

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Around the military:

A U.S. Marine loads his M-4 service rifle before leaving Patrol Base Hasaan Abad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 1, 2009. The Marine, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is part of a military effort to restrict the freedom of movement of enemies, and help restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Aldridge, aviation machinist mate, inspects the after burner of a F404 engine in the jet shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Arabian Sea, July 3, 2009. Aldridge is an aviation machinist mate who maintains, services, adjust sand replaces aircraft engines and accessories. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Apprentice Oliver Cole
































