Skip to content
YEAR-END GIVING CAMPAIGN
We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation on Year-End Giving Drive! Your support means the world to us and will directly impact our mission. Thanks to people like you, we are able to help more active-duty Marines, their families, veterans, and local youth! 
This year marks 250 Years of U.S. Marine Corps History. Your contribution furthers our mission to promote the legacy of the Marine Corps through historic preservation, free education programs, and community outreach initiatives in order to positively impact Marines, Sailors, veterans, their respective families, and the Nation.
MARINE GRADUATIONS OPEN TO PUBLIC
MCRD San Diego graduations are open to the public!
Click to visit the Depot's website to learn more
GRAD PHOTOS & GRAD BOOKS
The MCRD Museum Foundation maintains a collection of platoon photos, composite photos, and platoon books.
Click the image to learn more about our mission to provide an educational setting for Marines & recruits, support the Command, and serve as a bridge to the local community.
OUR PROGRAMS
The MCRD Command Museum provides free programming to school groups and scouting groups which teach Core Values in a historic setting. We also serve active duty, veterans, and families through outreach programs that strengthen our local community.
SHOW YOUR PRIDE & GET INVOLVED
Shop for your USMC gear here! All proceeds directly support the Museum and its programs for Marines and veterans.
Help preserve and perpetuate Marine Corps history. Become a member, volunteer, or donate today. If you enjoy Marine Corps history, you will be forever moved by this experience!
ABOUT MCRD SAN DIEGO
TOUCH
ABOUT MCRD SAN DIEGO
TOUCH
ABOUT MCRD SAN DIEGO
TOUCH
ABOUT MCRD SAN DIEGO
TOUCH
ABOUT MCRD SAN DIEGO
TOUCH
OUR STAFF

Mr. Paul Lebidine - Director

Paul Lebidine

In 1984, Brigadier General Lebidine enlisted in the Marine Corps in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated Honorman at MCRD Parris Island.  In 1986, following a meritorious promotion to corporal, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program.  After completion of Officer Candidates School, The Basic School, Army Ranger School, and Airborne training, he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (MEUSOC).  His second deployment included Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

In 1994, after a tour at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot ─ San Diego, in which he served as a Series Officer, Headquarters Company Executive Officer, and Protocol Officer for the Commanding General, he served at 4th Light Armored Vehicle Battalion as the Delta Company Commander, and the Battalion Executive Officer.

In 2003, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed as the Executive Officer of the I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, for Operation Iraqi Freedom I.  He eventually constructed and served as the Camp Commander of Camp Babylon, Iraq.

In 2004, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines. 

In 2006, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served as the Senior Advisor to an Iraqi Army Brigade in Al Qaim, Iraq.  In 2007, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Operations Officer for 3D Civil Affairs Group.  In 2008, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served on the Multi-National Force – Iraq, CJ3 Staff as the Advisor/LNO to the Iraqi Prime Minister's National Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq. 

In 2009, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding Officer, 3D Civil Affairs Group.  He deployed and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff C9 in charge of Governance & Development during the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from March 2010 - March 2011.

In Nov 2011 - July 2012, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Chief of Staff for the Force Command Element, Javelin Thrust 12-LSE 1. 

In August 2012- July 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the Force Headquarters Group.  In August 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Deputy Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force (MOB) and deployed from November of 2014 - November 2015 to serve as the Director of the Advice and Assist Directorate, Resolute Support HQs, Afghanistan.

In November 2015 - April 2017, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division.

Brigadier General Lebidine retired from active duty on 1 August 2017.  Brigadier General Lebidine's personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star (with two gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon (with gold star).

After retiring from active-duty, Paul joined the Board of Directors for M. Dyer Global, Pearl City, Hawaii, and he also serves as President of the Lakes Owners Association, a nonprofit corporation.  Paul serves in leadership positions with several veterans’ organizations to include the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of World Wars, and is the current President of the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association.  Paul also serves on the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund Board which is part of the San Diego Foundation. 

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson Law School, and a Master’s in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

JOANIE SCHWARZ-WETTER
JOANIE SCHWARZ-WETTER MUSEUM DIRECTOR

(619) 524-6719
Email

                        VINCENT GONZALEZ
VINCENT GONZALEZ EXHIBITS SPECIALIST

(619) 524-8159
Email

JOHN VAZQUEZ
JOHN VAZQUEZ EDUCATION DIRECTOR

(619) 524-6038
Email

ELLEN GUILLEMETTE
ELLEN GUILLEMETTE HISTORIAN
(619) 524-6720

FOUNDATION BOARD

Our Board of Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but one thing unites them all, a passion for preserving and perpetuating the history of the United States Marine Corps. Many who serve on our Board have a strong connection with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot having drilled on the grinder, been stationed aboard the Depot, or felt the local impact of Marines in San Diego.

FOUNDATION STAFF

WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE MARINE CORPS VALUES

The Museum Foundation is fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate staff who work closely with the Museum staff and Depot leadership to support programs, exhibit upgrades, and outreach efforts. To get in touch with a Foundation staff member, please call the Foundation office at 619-524-4426 or contact us by Email.

Donor Wall

Donor Wall