STICKY POST We interrupt today's regular schedule post for this very important announcement. This will stay at the top of the blog for at least the next two weeks... About the Marine Graduation Foundation - taken from the website The men and women who choose to serve our country as a United States Marine endure more in one day of boot camp than most of us will ever experience in a lifetime, and they do this every day for 13 weeks so that you and I can sleep at night knowing they are there to protect us. None of these men and women should ever have to be alone on the day they can proudly say, "I am a United States Marine". Sadly though, there are many Marines without their families when this day finally comes. Not every family can afford the trip to Parris Island, SC, or San Diego, CA, to share this day with their new Marine, and that is just not acceptable. The Marine Graduation Foundation became a recognized non-profit organization in May 2005 with the help of people like yourself who chose to make a difference. We are now seeking funds to ensure that NO NEW MARINE is standing alone without the support of his or her family after the Emblem Ceremony on Family Day. No donation is too small and with your help, we can make the Emblem Ceremony, as well as the Graduation, a proud, memorable day for a man or woman who has chosen to serve our country as a United States Marine. Thank you in advance for your kindness. The Marine Graduation Foundation, link below, is this week trying to raise enough monies for the next 2 weeks graduations in order to try to give families more advance notice that they will be attending their new Marines Graduation. I am asking you to please consider contributing via the cause usmcgrad.org/index.php?donationsView=all There are 13 Alpha Families needing assistance, and 7 for the Echo & Oscar Companies graduation on October 19th. This is just not for the next two weeks. These wonderful people help families throughout the entire year. Reminders: Contributions are tax deductible. Please forward to friends & family who may be in a position to help! You may now return to reading today's regularly scheduled post below...