Announcements and What's New
If it's news or simply an announcement, you'll find it here. In the "Announcements" section of the website, you'll find our electronic newsletters, newsletter sign up, archive newsletters, press releases, news room, what's new on the websites, and MarineParents.com "in the news."
Graduation & Travel
Everything you need to know about graduation & travel for Marine Corps boot camp.
Published on 8/3/2026
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.
MCRD San Diego Graduations
A Great Hotel 2 Miles from MCRD!
Published on 8/3/2026
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:
Medical Discharge
Learn the process Marines go through when they are medically discharged from the Corps.
Published on 8/3/2026
The Marine Corps demands a lot from Marines, both physically and mentally. Physical training can take a toll on the body. The mental stress, whether a Marine has been in combat or not, can take a toll on the mind. Medical conditions can persist to a point that a Marine would be rendered unfit for duty and then be medically separated or retired.
United We Stand: We Need Your Help
Please support the organization that supports you
Published on 8/3/2026
Please donate today to support the organization that supports you during your Marine's career.
Your donation finances the dissemination of information to educate families about the Marine Corps, casework disaster relief for Marines and their families, and building communities for family members to have a place to connect and share® before, during, and after their loved one's service in the Marine Corps, and monetary assistance to Marine Corps family members who would otherwise be unable to attend boot camp graduation.
MarineParents.com, Inc., was founded nationally on January 21, 2003, to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through outreach programs.
Black Sheep Squadron Begins Marine Aviation Involvement in Korean War
August 3, 1950, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 8/3/2026
On August 3, 1950, eight Corsair fighter planes launched from the USS Sicily and carried out the first Marine aviation mission in the Korean War. The raid targeted enemy installations with incendiary bombs, rockets, and strafing runs near Inchon, Korea. The Corsairs were with VMF-214, more famously known as the "Black Sheep" squadron of World War II.
Matrix Terminology Explained
There's a lot to learn! Here's a place to start!
Published on 8/2/2026
The recruit training matrix shows what your recruit is doing each day of boot camp. We've included a list of acronyms and abbreviations for both Parris Island and San Diego. Knowledge is power!
Deployment, OPSEC & PERSEC
A Message from the Founder, Tracy Della Vecchia
Published on 8/2/2026
Please maintain personal and Operations Security Standards in ALL environments. Help keep you, your Marine, and our military personnel safe by not sharing personal or military information in an email or online environment.
Beginning the Transformation to Marine
You Tube Channel Marines Published on April 7, 2011
Published on 8/1/2026
Recruit training transforms civilians into Marines who can face any challenge. As recruits, they will be met with stress and chaos from the start at the hands of the drill instructor.
Recruit Mission Control
It's your digital Marine Corps boot camp Matrix!
Published on 8/1/2026
Built by a Marine recruit's dad: free bilingual dashboards for MCRD San Diego and Parris Island families. Graduation countdown, what your recruit is doing right now, Depot weather, and more. No app, no login, no ads — RecruitMissionControl.com
Marine Parents Learning Center
Come learn about the Marine Corps with us!
Published on 8/1/2026
The Marine Parents website was started to complement information on the official United States Marine Corps websites. We rovide accurate, well-researched information about all phases of your Marine's career in the Corps, including boot camp, school of infantry, MOS school, duty stations, deployment, and homecomings.
Tinian Declared Secure
August 1, 1944, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 8/1/2026
On August 1, 1944, Major General Harry Schmidt, commander of V Amphibious Corps, declared the island of Tinian secure. This declaration came after nine days of fighting Japanese forces that were occupying the island.
The combination of surprise, heavy pre-assault bombardment, and effective logistical support resulted in significantly fewer casualties (344 killed and 1550 wounded) than were experienced in previous landings during the Corps' Pacific Campaign. As a result, the assault on Tinian was coined "the perfect amphibious operation of World War II."
The Official Marine Parents Community Network
Join us today to meet other recruit and Marine Parents!
Published on 8/1/2026
Marine Parents is transitioning to our new, exciting social media platform, Marine Parents Community Network (MPCN). Our platform is a dedicated space for all things Marine Parents, featuring discussion forums and groups where Marine Corps family members and friends can connect and share their experiences. The platform is designed with your privacy in mind—we don't collect or sell personal data, and we don't track surfing habits. Join us at ConnectAndShare.com!
