Category: Families

Families, Military Benefits & Support

Red Cross Hero Care Mobile App

The American Red Cross Hero Care Network enables us to provide critical services to military members, veterans and their families all over the world. They can access these Red Cross services by downloading the FREE Red Cross Hero Care App on any Apple or Android device. The Hero Care Network offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources worldwide. … Continue reading Red Cross Hero Care Mobile App

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Families, General OCS Advice

Top Financial Tips for New Military Families

Serving in the military, both enlisted and as an officer, can be overwhelming, especially financially. The military brings new opportunities, as well as challenges. From transitioning from base to base, long deployments, and the general demands of serving. Although there may be a lot on your mind, one thing to consider early on is your financial plan, including savings, investments, education, insurance, and other benefits … Continue reading Top Financial Tips for New Military Families

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Marine OCS Graduation
Families, The Basic School

Marine OCS Graduation

Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation is finally here! The day has finally come when you get to see your Candidate walk across the parade deck at Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation! It’s been a long 10 weeks as they have been away in Quantico. Here are our tips for getting the most out of the Family Day and Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation.   Most … Continue reading Marine OCS Graduation

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Families, General OCS Advice

Why The First Salute?

The first salute also called the “Silver Dollar Salute” is one of the most important traditions in a new Marine Officers commissioning ceremony. Who gives the first salute? The first salute lives on as a tradition to honor the enlisted service member who has had the most impact on you. Many candidates choose a Sergeant Instructor they were particularly impressed with or ask a family member or … Continue reading Why The First Salute?

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Families

A Marine Mom’s Guide to Boot Camp

From the moment that your son/ daughter signs their enlistment contract for Marine Boot Camp it is normal to experience a host of emotions during this time. Intense pride, anxiety, and fear of the unknown are common feelings for parents, family and friends of  service members.  Understanding what to expect when he/she leaves for boot camp will, hopefully, alleviate some of your fear and soothe your … Continue reading A Marine Mom’s Guide to Boot Camp

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Families

Top Tips for Families: Before, During, and at the End of OCS

We’ve created this short video series to share the most important tips for families of OCS candidates to keep in mind. Got any other questions or suggestions? Before OCS Remember to get the Sandboxx app to send support and get the best information and connections! During OCS At the End of OCS Keep an open mind, go crazy with your support, and don’t be surprised … Continue reading Top Tips for Families: Before, During, and at the End of OCS

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OCS Families
Families

The Insiders Guide to 2017 OCS Graduation/Family Day

Welcome Marine OCS Family and Friends! This is your definitive guide (updated for 2017) to navigating OCS Family Day and Graduation from those who have done it before. Think of it as your free travel guide to OCS. The day has finally come after long weeks of separation and it’s time to see your candidate walk across the parade deck at Brown Field. They appreciate … Continue reading The Insiders Guide to 2017 OCS Graduation/Family Day

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Mail at OCS: Platoon Sergeants and Sergeant Instructors with Officer Candidate School (OCS), inspect uniforms and equipment of Delta Company candidates aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA on January 24, 2017
Families, General OCS Advice

Receiving Mail at OCS: What You Need to Know

What Mail at OCS Means to Your Candidate Mail at OCS is often the highlight of the day. Many candidates enjoy receiving sports scores, newsletters, newspaper clippings, etc.: anything they would have normally kept up with at home. Family and friends are encouraged to share fun stories, summer adventures, or jokes as this keeps candidates grounded and affords a moment of escape from the stress … Continue reading Receiving Mail at OCS: What You Need to Know

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drill-instructor-ipad-quantico-parris-island-training
Families

iPads at Marine Corps OCS (and MCRD, too): Crazy Experiment or Great Idea?

In the past at OCS, candidates and their families have been totally separated, unable to communicate except through physical USPS mail. That distance and separation have been slowly chipped away over the years due to technology and evolving traditions. Previous Changes Some time ago, Liberty periods enable candidates to call home on many weekends. In recent years, the mobile app Sandboxx enables families to quickly … Continue reading iPads at Marine Corps OCS (and MCRD, too): Crazy Experiment or Great Idea?

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Families

Proposing at OCS Graduation: Mistake or Perfect Timing?

It’s flashy, it’s exciting, it’s the combination of two of the most momentous days of your life. But is proposing at your OCS graduation also a decision you will regret? Ryan and Jenny Ryan and Jenny first met in biology class in their suburban Georgia high school. Their personal chemistry was evident nearly immediately. Jenny started coming to Ryan’s baseball games with her girlfriends, while he … Continue reading Proposing at OCS Graduation: Mistake or Perfect Timing?

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