God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

After 13 years as a Marine Corps spouse, I’ve learned that this prayer has the most profound meaning for Marine Corps families.  I clearly remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and exhilarated I felt on that initial trip to Parris Island to have the first contact with my Marine on Family Day and receive my introduction to the Marine Corps.

There were so many new things to learn, so many unknowns about the future, and so many anxieties about the man he’d become.

Years later, when he returned from his third deployment (8 months in Iraq), I was no less nervous and anxious, but I was far better armed with a deep understanding of the meaningfulness of this prayer to my Marine Corps family.

While I know you’ve probably heard this prayer many times in your life, my first recommendation is to read it again and again – to reflect on what it means to you for a moment each day.  My hope is that it brings you the peace it has brought me.

As for the things you can do to make Family Day and Graduation as smooth as possible:

1.    Dress for comfort on both days.  Family Day is an excited rush of outdoor walking in often sweltering heat (even during the winter months sometimes).  Prepare yourself for this with the right clothing, so you can stay focused on the fabulous stories your Marine tells (instead of plotting to sneak off and buy Band-Aids for your poor blistered feet).

2.    Graduation is held outdoors except in bad weather (which usually refers to rain but can also refer to freezing or dangerously hot temperatures).  Seating is on stadium bleachers similar to those at a typical high school football game.  It’s absolutely understandable to want to dress nicely for such a huge occasion, but I wouldn’t recommend anything fancier than a skirt for ladies or khaki pants for men.  Those same bleachers are infamous for their ability to collect the typical afternoon island drizzle.  Come prepared with something to wipe them down and a trash bag if that something needs to be disposed of.

3.    Behave as you would as a guest in someone’s home.  It’s perfectly expected that you’ll have loads of questions, and the personnel aboard the Depots want to help you.  Try to ask all of your questions respectfully and listen closely to the answers you’re given.  Do your best to follow all instructions (whether on a mailing from the command, a posted sign on base, or directions from someone on base).  If anything is unclear, please ask!  No one expects you to arrive an expert on anything, and everyone understands that you’re nervous, tired from travelling, and overwhelmed with emotions and information.  The Visitors Center can be a wonderful resource, so stop there on arrival and collect information and their phone number for follow-up questions.

4.    Follow your Marine’s lead.  Let your Marine decide what’s comfortable for him/her.  Some Marines won’t kiss or hug.  Others will be affectionate.  All will certainly be conservative and reserved, but this doesn’t mean they’ll all be the same!

Congratulations and welcome to our Marine Corps family!  I wish you all serenity and safety.

Semper Fidelis,
Shane Miller
The Recruit’s Depot
843-524-3376
sales@TheRecruitsDepot.com
www.TheRecruitsDepot.com