Who is MarineParents.com ~ We Love Our Marines!

You have to read the story of why Tracy Della Vecchia founded this unique organization six years ago. Today, she and her team of dedicated Volunteers offer their time by providing information, encouragement and support to those who post on the message boards. They also share their own experiences while managing the numerous projects of MarineParents.com, Inc.

This Nonprofit Corporation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, and three Advisory Board Members and is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) public charity.

When I stumbled upon their website at the end of July, 2007, I had NO idea the effect it would have on me. The Recruit Parents side of the house became my lifeline while my son was going through boot camp on Parris Island, as I know it has, and continues to be for countless others. (You can read my story HERE.)

Because of the information, support, resources and friendships I found, I cannot imagine others NOT knowing about this website. So I created this Lens to allow more people the opportunity to discover this caring group of people who touch the lives of so many with all that they do for our Marines and their families.

Since I was unable to embed the video (it uses Iframes which are no longer allowed on Squidoo), here is the VIDEO and STORY from July 27, 2005.

It was recently announced that several volunteers received recognition for their volunteer hours of dedication to our Marines and their families. Click banner above to read all about it!

The Story Behind the Move provides a snapshot of this organization's humble beginnings, its tremendous growth, and groundwork for the future.

Since I live miles away from the corporate office in another state, I decided that one way I could help is to update this Lens and get the word out about this HUGE undertaking.

Donations of time, labor and materials, and approximately just $8,000 more to cover the costs associated with this move, and renovation of the new space, are what is needed before the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in mid-August, 2009.

Can you, or someone you know, donate ANY of the following?

• sheetrock (150 sheets, 10')
  
• metal studs (448, 10')
  
• metal floor jousts, flooring (24x29)
  
• drywall tape and mud
  
• paint
  
• suspended ceiling grid, approximately 1750 sq. feet, 70x25
  
• drop-in ceiling tiles (acoustical panels, tin tiles, etc.)

• interior pocket door, 5-6' wide
  
• steel doors, one single 30" and one double
  
• bannister or metal railing for mezzanine area
  
• 4' wide stairwell and railing
  
• baseboard trim and door moldings

• canned lights for suspended ceilings
  
• closet lights
  
• wall lights
  
• carpet, approximately 2440 sq. feet
  
• linoleum or tile flooring for kitchen area and bathrooms, 26x10

• kitchen sink, faucet, plumbing
  
• garbage disposal
  
• water heater (on-demand style if possible)
  
• 2 bathroom sinks, vanity, faucets, mirror, lighting
  
• 2 metal bars for handicap accessible toilets
  
• toilet paper and paper towel dispensers for two bathrooms
  
• drinking fountain
  
• base cabinets and countertop
  
• 15' countertop, 18" wide and 24" wide

• electric outlets, plugs, switches, phone plates
  
• electric wire, phone wire, alarm system wire, cat5, speaker wire
  
• lighted exit signs
  
• doorbell and ringer

• ladder
  
• window air conditioner

• Building partial interior walls
  
• Drywall hanging and finishing
  
• Painting
  
• Construction of a front door and removal of a garage door
  
• Cutting two doors into a wall, installing door frames and doors
  
• Construction of a dropped ceiling (grid system with drop in panels)
  
• Carpet installation
  
• Plumbing
  
• Installation of electric outlets and lighting
  
• Installation of alarm communication system
  
• Installation of telephone wiring
  
• Installation of wall and counter cabinets
  
• Installation of carpet
  
• Packing and moving the office
  
• Trucks to move the office

Here are Photos of the Renovation Progress, as well as the Proposed Schedule of Work and Ways You Can Help.

It does not matter where you live, or whether you can offer the items detailed above. Know that your Donations online (or even by mail), are welcome, as are gift cards (Lowe's or Home Depot), which can be mailed to:

MarineParents.com
PO Box 1115
Columbia, MO 65205

If you need additional information, or can volunteer your time, please call the office at 573-449-2003 or send an email.

We appreciate ANY and ALL assistance so that this fine organization can continue to support Former, Present and Future Marines who . . .

Defend OUR Country;

Honor THEIR Families; and

Sacrifice for YOUR Freedoms!

If you'd like to sign up for the Newsletter so you can stay abreast of all that's going on, please do so.

Or just share this Lens with everyone you know! And direct others to the MarineParents.com website, especially if they love a Marine, or have a family member aspiring to become one of

"The Few, The Proud"!

A search on YouTube for 'squidoo tutorials' will show you a large list of videos that can help you learn how to build your first Squidoo lens.

And one of my personal favorites is a set of recent training tutorials that you can learn from HERE.

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(4-5 stars is the BEST!)