Sometimes it can be the best decision that your son or daughter, husband or wife, brother or sister ever made.  It has given them confidence, and an unendng sense of patriotism.  Sometimes you may think that they are wise beyond their years. 

And they are.

Other times the Marine Corps can be the cause of our highest degree of stress.  This roller coaster ride starts the day you hear those words "I've joined the Marine Corps."  Then just like that, the children that you have given so much to have left to go to boot camp.  It feels like they have just disappeared--you can't call them, and you pray they don't call you because that's not a good thing. 

Then comes the day that you head to Parris Island (or San Diego!).  You experience one of the highest highs when you see your child become a United States Marine and you bring them back home.  But wait--something has changed.  They walk a little taller, seem more reserved, more--more adult. 

And they are.

And of course those 10 days fly by and off they go to MCT (Marine Combat Training) or SOI (School of Infantry).   At least now you can talk to them -- well you wait for them to call you--but at least it's not like boot. 

You try to talk to your friends and your co-workers.  They seem  to understand but you know they don't have a clue how difficult it can be.  They don't understand why you tear up when you hear the Star Spangled Banner, or why when the subject of politics and the war comes up you become quiet. To them it's just another subject to talk about.  To you it's personal.  It's a sacrifice that you make every day.  It's a sacrifice your loved one has chosen to give freely so that the ones who "don't get it" can continue to live free. 

Then comes the deployment.  Then the homecoming.  Then the next deployment--  

At MCFSC we understand those feelings better than anyone else.  We have all been there, done that, or are getting ready to do it again, or do it for the first time.  Whether your Marine is your son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, niece or nephew, grandaughter or grandson, or even that very special someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, we understand. 

That's why MCFSC has what we call Chats.  Chats provide the opportunity to spend some time with others that know the ups and downs, ins and outs, and coping strategies.  We  will cry with you when you need it, laugh with you when its funny, and most of all share your pride in your Marine as you share our pride for the job that our Marines do. 

Chats are conveniently located in and around Central Ohio.  We also have a group in Ironton, Ohio and a chat in Springfield, Ohio.  We will soon have a chat in Cincinnati.  These are informal get togethers where we share our stories with others that understand. 

The next pages of this site focus on each area chat and are updated monthly by our chat coordinators.  Also each page has a form that you can complete to tell the coordinator of your interest in attending their chat.  Just complete the form and they will get in touch with you.  We are there for each other.  Please join us.