' Parris Island

Your recruit is there. You haven't heard a word except that call...that scary call where all you heard was "I am at Parris Island"...click. Now you are left to wonder. What's happening to my child? My Spouse? Are they ok? When will I hear from them? What are they doing at Parris Island? Questions, so many questions. So much worry. What should I be doing? I feel so helpless, so uninformed. I'm not used to this, I always knew where they were what they were doing...

The first stop on our Plan a Visit tour of Parris Island starts with YOU connecting with other parents/spouses/families/friends who are looking for answers to the questions above.

How Do I Do That?

Visit the Parris Island Family and Friends Message Board! This website instantly connects you with other parents, spouses, family and friends who are in the same situation as you--they have a loved one at Parris Island and are looking for information.

http://parrisisland.yuku.com/

Parris Island Family and Friends board connects you with other parents in the same company and maybe even the same platoon! You'll find a training matrix that you can use to track what your recruit is scheduled to do every day of his/her training. The site is moderated/run by Marine Wives, many of whom are stationed at Parris Island. You will find comfort and understanding, and a sense of relief because even though you cannot talk to your recruit, you'll know what they are doing and are almost ready to do even before they do! It's easy to join, just go to the web site, register, with a username (a word of caution, make it very generic, don't use anything that identifies your recruit) and a password and you are ready to go. You can read all the messages, go into the chat room and talk with others. It's a must for all who have a loved one at Parris Island.

Connect with other Marine Parents at MCFSC, of course! Attend a packing night, then a chat, volunteer--get involved! Giving to others is what MCFSC is all about. Our members have been where you are now, and can offer tips and tricks, strategies to cope, and a shoulder to lean on.

Start planning your trip to Parris Island! MCFSC Member Della Golden recently went through the Parris Island experience. She wants to share her knowledge with you...

PARENT BOOT CAMP

by Della Golden, Marine Mom

The purpose of our group is to voice concerns, ask questions and support others who are going through smiliar situations.

MCFSC meets the second Friday of every month at 6:30 pm. The address is

8384 North High Street

which is at the corner of St Rt 23 and
Lazelle Rd
in Worthington. We generally discuss future plans of the group and assemble care packages to be shipped to our Marines overseas.

Discussions include topics such as fund raising, chat nights and upcoming activities. We also assemble to welcome home Marines at the airport and provide support to family and friends.

After general discussions, the group works together to pack and mail an average of 80 care packages to our Marines in Iraq, Afghanastan and Africa. All care package items are donated by local businesses, individuals, schools and other organizations. Volunteers and donations are greatly needed and much appreciated. Each Marine receives two boxes per month from our efforts.