“[My husband] was killed in action while deployed to Iraq. Shortly after his funeral I felt disconnected from the Marine Corps community and alone with no support. I never realized how much a part of the Marine Corps family I had come to feel and was further saddened that I no longer felt a part of it. . . I attended one of the Command Museum’s Tun Tavern Tuesday events to catch up with old friends and reminisce about where my husband and I had met. . . Reconnecting with the Marine Corps through the museum’s Tun Tavern Tuesday event has brought me back to the Marine Corps family I missed so much and given me a connection to be involved with various events throughout the year.”

“When I was in middle school, my class took a field trip to the MCRD Command Museum. I loved learning about all the history of the Marine Corps and more specifically about the stories of what Marines have done in service to our nation. I decided that joining the Marine Corps was going to be my way to better myself, my life, and serve my country just like the Marines I learned about at the museum. I was humbled and honored to receive the Silver Star for heroism in combat during the Gulf War and have gone on to open my own law practice. I never knew that visiting the museum that day would have such a positive impact on my life and help guide me to where I am today.”

"The Charlie Puth concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park was such a heartwarming experience! It was my first time there, and as a San Diego local, it brought back memories of where I met my late husband. The view was breathtaking, and I got to reconnect with some widow sisters after years apart. We danced the night away, and it felt so good to laugh together again.

I want to give a big shout out to The Family Forever Program and all the donors like you, who make these moments possible for our Gold Star/Widow/Widowed community. Your support means everything to us. It helps us heal and keeps the memory of our loved ones alive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

“My parents moved to San Diego from Mexico City before I was born and have always told me stories about our Mexican heritage. . . My school visited the MCRD Command Museum through the Museum’s Field Trip program which bussed us over. While at the museum I was shocked to learn a lot about Mexican American heritage, the Mexican American War, and the history of Marines in Southern California. We tried on old uniforms, were able to touch and try out tools my ancestors used, and even sample different types of food during our visit. I’m proud to be American, but I’m also proud of my Mexican heritage and now I know a lot more about how the two came to be!”

“Our everyday life is busy with work, school related activities etc..but to have that 1 day or evening regardless this being time spent for a couple hours is great to spend time together with my kids.  Pictures are taken to capture the moment of their smiles, silliness and having a good time..being able to laugh again and escape for a few hours are moments I love with my kids. 

I am thankful for these Mom moments with my kids. 

Plus, I had the opportunity to meet a Goldstar kid from Vietnam War era. It was a touching moment hearing her story and I shared my loss story too. I made a new friend and connection.

Thank you to the Sponsors for providing these special moments for ALL of us.”