Tuition Assistance Troubles, 2014 Pay Raise Information and More!

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MarineParents.com Newsletter

In This Issue

Great Gear for Marines and Families
Deployment
Homecoming
Tuition Assistance Trouble
Navy Cross to be Upgraded?
2014 Pay Raise Information
"Ambassadors in Blue" Celebrate 65 Years of Service
Quick Reads
A Gift in Your Name

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Spread the Word!

Do you know a Federal employee?
Click here to help spread the word! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kYoUuC77qrI7Ir0UT_zYDLVwuzh_d50I44N71oQuahCtLPPnAyEzIOb99DMUtAW2tkmTQRFQziwgchN19ltKEunUp4a7Tl5Ccp2_l7JDdWGVP3ElG6dKTXZlWeNikpIbY4=]
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Learning Center:

Operational Security

When communicating online, your Marine's privacy is as important as Operational
Security. Please respect YOUR Marine's privacy!

Click to learn more! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kbgLPJxzFG4U4CnqKXhw2P_j9myBXki-2lXuEQW6ADj9UMTN29jeJGM8rtSiJeOruLutqR0HmgWzMw_eEBNV3mggpgH2gPOEIJOJ11wmwdEhL2sDQli-WtdMnnZzzjcZIswOtrZyak6g0YLMafDYL0L]
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EGA Shop

Gear for Marines and Family Members at the EGA Shop:
Help Your Marine to the Next Promotion with Books from the Commandant's Reading
List!
Click here to [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5ka94YEqJaMHbiAK3ftYDYn7rsNRd4S-9Sp7WY2enBvEBvifrvrKKScqYQHADA7Cq8aBgTXiUq6exHYXdRlLX1JhgOP0IUSsgwAre5nCbChr6qrUJPlJbzicrezRYIqfeCPUPKN_YmJc_CY-RgZRL07V5u8yCNFBjLDdzVIx9mB6bQ==]
shop books! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5ka94YEqJaMHbiAK3ftYDYn7rsNRd4S-9Sp7WY2enBvEBvifrvrKKScqYQHADA7Cq8aBgTXiUq6exHYXdRlLX1JhgOP0IUSsgwAre5nCbChr6qrUJPlJbzicrezRYIqfeCPUPKN_YmJc_CY-RgZRL07V5u8yCNFBjLDdzVIx9mB6bQ==]
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Chat With an Expert

To learn more about our confidential chat with Dr. Bridgett Cantrell tomorrow, Thursday,
December 12, 2013, please click here! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZKQeYRK_8AFgXcX-wZ9ZAO7PSfX8DP01WUodkzhxbSkEo964vHswt4AwfG9UGGbCi_3V792RLo5WoHAtYTvGwSfgRDM39brg7WMFEc9mK2b7wD_s9D0YO8E_Q2bg9f1efFTHSj0HJTQcS9p1uL_Jtp]
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Learning Center:
About Deployment

Preparing for Deployment [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kY97w_qDW_VXfdWMVWmOmcswLAh2Cr3nJ8k-OI9o2CKaWis4ysmTfs-MMCx8a7rzJ5KhTEABtiSHgT8nLGjz0E9-j2gAlTKCLR2vHLlcr8TrHoK3yHxwaDj8fmFGmSxpo-iGNUtJ4TToawu0AdTwbOl]

Arrival "In Country" [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kYhDEQFlnSAz1WD2YIg5zjYoqmlO0Jh931eD45BAchtDGw6Jx3R16Iyqxx3G2G-ZklN9pXLlGRVkrLbVr9NT0cIUSPnL298X80jx6wPj4B-M1rhGNkrZCL3GKxEG1yu82NTgGwxEE8ZSiW59EAjkzI6]
Communications [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kaeFRh_fas2Aih-KeickCi7e0Chskuxz05KAA-3viFsiWOKlBp9azWbvTrS9jjEcrB1styErPLulHW5uOrEXefm5U5jX7SwWGDP1U3UTcaMmgH3CQst3UN75ER-rCjBmAKmKMSQSUnzB0WVQrXpgBCb2iTlwrbn_nY=]
From your Marine, with the USMC, and with other families

Issues During Deployment [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kbGfYlHehnmHeaPrq8xOMYEZWmMxBERyZcQJHgJsBudXK35eTFfmf7YR_8yemk1NWsKp4z4-xbHu1UGiF-soG4SC_ZDscitmDWnnH1rBE78Q5lbJ_GX3d4MJB7cq7Cke5La6EhacAjuQHfEhZqjVyIXjP6CZXRgIM8=]
Bills, taxes, legal issues, injuries, notification from the Marine Corps

Your Health & Well Being [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kby7DeJeiNChmppNRTrb_QlsYKaBeB_YsiSuMvVVhwWC8yffDHWP0o9z42xsIgOd8Il_gPujnCqZI_46k-mSgeeiPXMkK2AIRC5STovoqsUIV7FDopEx6zHiQKZxccPISOYtep0OiZE4A==]

PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZKQeYRK_8AFgXcX-wZ9ZAO7PSfX8DP01WUodkzhxbSkEo964vHswt4AwfG9UGGbCi_3V792RLo5WoHAtYTvGwSfgRDM39brg7WMFEc9mK2b7wD_s9D0YO8E_Q2bg9f1efFTHSj0HJTQcS9p1uL_Jtp]
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Learning Center:
About Homecoming

Overview of Process [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kbpvYnCWOHd0dmAItfg5BYkHBj45V1tBbyalauXrPk_daKeoMqpysxbt6dFxP4BUZkXiev3RfGEQ0R_RDIHezpgvmpZVrMYKR2i_MymDkr2N54bB5fAH6qIlNsEXgLBgI_XlJ4vgvxvf9IZ8Eyd8HZ_KMVImhCgb7A=]
Homecoming Workbook [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kbuZHS5sZ-M69TKP3-if_IlIq70HVyUE0KSWAen3-OSDuVrTajL-HFsUNPhDZ56DWIZy1KTP5FrOev51Vrh8AY1UDyDzRqQWCFknFMAtpaOJy6_rxeq5E58AhAFU7r1yPixN0YrV0aq8csj-NoWsyeqSgYLE76vHc2TxLSRM-Jntw==]
Return and Reunion Guide [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kYfbFnjbix8Jt3ADBrWOGHaUSD4BBAcXpG7bWH6U32eYQI7N4Q4r0ls_1IpPiuDcEJ6sfHap3svN7PGtBuGKNvpZ1A1tW2PDm9J2IZgxBjSbw6yCXPA-Vqzd_tE64DbEcgd2ZOSyc_o0YqB-xMjh3ORPxXpWNx6wZWUBEXYkL2F3q4hbHRhKc9W]
Travel Plans [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kbHl4X3wmIYINkjkJbJGQXxH0iiXsiLUUHql1OzOXv5fCgEEaJQFv3QjxlW5UHPZSISCIv0sk0DI_11NOktMTwJGtL2aGCIqN-AbbtjLwsa0eNm7CYso-FuuM2OZd4EMdmh0nOxG3d2wo_3FQn1g2jG]
Post-War Help & Links [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5ka8bPvXc3N1flpPlgNiRyod4SrG-00gm-lPPBp0C_hel_sdzgAw9krBOECAPfDx2pV8ynj0r9-EzngsZAeFvwuzITgiNVQUlM5pGgQ5nqf6R5--SHFO2llNQc7c6-zFK09GJk5azjBl_Q==]
Homecoming Supplies [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZW91kM1v6QHdkf5rClrklKuclcTa9PeQmfIgAkokMFNGpE05V_Fv2xVUB83LRwpEgWPUwD0t9UnjcAUFS_9i_GhFqqxe0hE_Q3tODU40G3Fcf3lfXibyPMhKFLWStkFJPosXp2c5aFlHr5vHm6smdxRONSbiFb6QQjMILpyZoJTw==]
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December 11, 2013
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Greetings!
If this is the first edition of the Marine Parents newsletter you have received,
WELCOME! If you are a returning reader we are glad you have joined us and are
thankful for your support.
Despite a promising report from Marine Corps Times in late November, Marine Corps
tuition-assistance programs are desperately short of funding. See what this means
for you or your Marine in our first article.
Due to new evidence, as well as a determined set of supporters, a heroic Marine's
Navy Cross may be upgraded to the Medal of Honor by Secretary Hagel. Learn more
about it in our second piece.
Due to budget constraints, the Senate and White House have limited next year's military
service member pay raise to 1 percent, the smallest annual increase in military
pay in 40 years. Read more about this in our third article.
65 years ago this week, the foundations of the Marine Security Guard program were
laid when the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense signed a "Memorandum
of Agreement." Read more about the "Ambassadors in Blue" in our fourth piece.
Next, we have a series of quick read articles. Learn about the journey of an Iraqi
woman who went from military translator to U.S. Marine and about two Marine families
that received wonderful holiday surprises this year in our second-to-last piece.
Finally, the holiday season is upon us and that means it's time to start shopping
for gifts for loved ones. If you're not sure what to get someone this year and are
looking for ideas, consider MarineParents' "A Gift in Your Name" option from our
EGA Shop. Learn more in our final article!
God bless and Semper Fi!


Tracy Della Vecchia

Founder and Executive Director
MarineParents.com, Inc.
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Tuition Assistance Trouble Brewing

Funds Lower Than Reported, Outlook Unclear
In a Marine Corps Times story published Nov. 22, the publication reported that the
Marine Corps planned to spend $44 million on the educational assistance program
during the 2014 fiscal year, and that only one-third of the $11 million first
quarter budget had been spent so far. However, due to either incomplete or erroneous
information, that now appears to be incorrect.
Instead of $11 million, it appears that the Corps only had $3.5 million available
for tuition assistance during the first quarter, and that money was quickly distributed
among installations based on historical use over the past three fiscal years.
Despite the fact that President Obama's 2014 spending plan included $44 million
for Marine Corps tuition assistance programs, Congress has yet to pass a budget
amid its ongoing battle over the budget and debt ceiling.
As of now, it is unclear how much money will be available for the second quarter,
but the amount may be similar so eligible Marines looking to take advantage of these
funds should apply now.
Click here to learn more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kb9wowKdXnYyo15iTUcWpLYnP5sX_27DlPziT0i4eSnkyl4IHKCnlETFH7qHzZ_dzQIHaVCnWjlgAdenBXHMXmtVIT6momSWWnCQoQI1WhEDZq2Vh2E-PY6QNpSNDfHwvkcsJTqUz3RQZq2qWVdO8EdtOTlfdFsUUUZIbAPYE5V4N99zVn8xtXitSNBQNlEyqZ8zAggFFWdyBCykODBRcuw0e9TaNAYOEi3Q-GR3FeOQA==]
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Medal of Honor Decision Being Weighed by Hagel

Navy Cross May be Upgraded

Despite repeated setbacks, supporters of Sgt. Rafael Peralta are optimistic his
Navy Cross will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor (USMC photo)

On November 15, 2004, 25 year old Sgt. Rafael Peralta was killed while on patrol
during the Second Battle of Fallujah, Iraq. That day, Sgt. Peralta and his team
were clearing houses in the city as a part of Operation Phantom Fury. Despite not
being required to enter the houses himself, Peralta chose to do so anyway.
Sgt. Peralta and his squad cleared their first three houses without incident but,
while inspecting the fourth, insurgents with AK-47s opened fire on the Marines,
striking Peralta multiple times. As other Marines returned fire, insurgents threw
a grenade at the Marines and the two Marines with Peralta were unable to exit the
room. Reports from the Marines who were with Sgt. Peralta state that despite being
severely wounded, Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbed
the blast and shrapnel, and instantly lost his life, allowing the Marines on his
team to survive.
Click here to read more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZGaP6iY6rb48pGScLjgy40hsLbfe55BDQGMwo6yquAB0_vu4p81jpUtR-BuoMrth07KEmCe-s_4lqrqpVc6U5cQXSYW63dLckZzIQA_5Xc_ViwwDt3hw4ae9yGGoF-6-kTpNIHVZuMd1Njb3P8P_P6]
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1% Pay Raise for 2014 Likely

Would be Smallest Annual Increase in 40 Years

Negotiations in Congress have resulted in a 1 percent military pay raise for 2014,
which would be the smallest annual increase since we went to an all-volunteer military
in 1973, edging out 2011's 1.4 percent increase, which had been the previous all-time-low.

Military service members should be due a 1.8 percent increase under the federal
pay formula that is still a part of permanent law, and the House approved that 1.8
percent raise in June, but the Senate Armed Services Committee backed President
Obama's August 30 decision to exercise his power as the government pay agent to
cap the increase at 1 percent.

The 1 percent raise, effective January 1, 2014, will also end a string of 21 consecutive
years in which the military pay raise matched or exceeded private-sector wage growth.

Click here to learn more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZqloBBocCzHm4G_g4aO_mxoRNyRz3nCX3X0rvBthypIpXLfD5UzilaQsQi8tcveFS3pZzrtCTzZrow8hTQu3JqGpS-NV1sINuiEmDWfwKffON-JY5jZvTtbHqAhDLaBU0wDPuBXM6MlAn4dGmrB16CPnL_d_bxSteQ4cKVAo5fjB-EbeAvAqDoEcFvdVRtt0rfNRhtXKkgpSd6a25LKjmOE13LJqTKlcc=]
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"Ambassadors in Blue" Still Standing Guard After 65 Years

Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Celebrates Anniversary

LtGen Gaskin (4th from left) poses with then-ambassador to Denmark, Laurie S. Fulton,
and the Copenhagen embassy Marine Security Guards in a 2010 photo
(Photo courtesy of State Dept.)

65 years ago this week, on December 15, 1948, then-Secretary of the Navy John L.
Sullivan and then-Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal signed a "Memorandum
of Agreement" that laid the basis for the foundation of the Marine Security Guard
program. In the six-and-a-half decades since, Marine embassy guards have served
with honor and distinction, protecting U.S. diplomatic missions, interests, and
personnel around the world.
Click here to learn more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZGFeSn_xgZKtapRB0c2XX5ENW_weG95WtI3rK_2j-nSHw7va67JAF-YQH8nK0o7WMNA8DHebg8l3b9oVD_akQmZ4zjn1aJ93bQBSK-o6WPVLKRUTuZHcKIGD4TkwxaPz8ku5ZWn1vlTOf64gsCXZ1MtI1CPAT06y6or_9REHpo3A==]
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Quick Reads

Iraqi Interpreter Joins the Corps, Holiday Surprises


*

Pfc. Salman graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Training Nov. 15, 2013. (Photo by
Sgt. Amber Williams)

In 2003, Aseel Salman was a 20 year old woman living in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation
Iraqi Freedom. When an American soldier was shot, Salman used her dual-language
skills to serve as a translator for the American military during the ensuing investigation,
and continued to operate in that capacity for the next several years, accompanying
the Army on numerous raids and missions. After obtaining a special visa and moving
to the U.S. in 2008, Salman decided she wanted to be a Marine, finally joining on
June 6 of this year. Salman graduated from recruit training with Platoon 4039, November
Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, on Nov. 15, 2013, with the rank of Private
First Class. Click here to read more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kaeRcCspzALLXgoT5y-hb79uUbe5TyCcwr3k6jstRc6b0Rj7V2vSr2RPBa-YJAwYZieFYUP6bufbMlwYHvjkVDzqYzMjtW9VUrNhZGeXX7Hiap3tMRanQCRrUA9y3jIo-Y3aVuYtZClS-EYVP6TjaMM8Z10l0DnUN0zt6WDOc5OZMoK2ttg61JFWfEfzbhuknoZQUum6qqt5ScBiDNC45wjjU56xs9ZC7uf_RZ_McbMiw==]

* Thanks to the efforts of Wells Fargo and Operation Home Front, a nonprofit organization
that provides emergency and financial assistance to the families of service members
and Wounded Heroes, Marine veteran Ryan Dinkel and his fiancee, Melanie Nordhaus,
of Lodi, California, have received quite a Christmas present--a new, mortgage-free
house! Click here to read more... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kYuVAxAH-Fb3oWgkbtUFIMY7ymHaOJaPqadnGBGT26sGB_LymgzadZfO0cwS6xDicOo_vDCRwP1819_JRTXrkxOQ1iRgHkYhmc7KLBKl2GwJudxEyf6jRqYW4DHO2oiB67lbhD6tV86qL6sFemwi6iA87G9lkqDLz5MO_rFnkfX8b5JSlJtoNsp8TD37p14KSsqsnxDibdC8mDcvFVItLtl9x-PE9zfGmdVzkt1qAjMrTXtAwhDPc_OYI8w6YomHkucksiP1GHoUw==]

* The Sunday before Thanksgiving saw one Marine family in Michigan receive a surprise
that made this year's holiday one they'll never forget. On Sunday, November 24,
the family of Marine Captain Josh Munsee was invited onto the field during a break
in play during an NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
to watch a special video message from him (Munsee) in Afghanistan. As Munsee's wife
and three children watched the video, Munsee, who wasn't scheduled to return home
until February 2014, jogged out onto the field with a bouquet of flowers to a huge
ovation from the fans and a stunned family.
To watch Captain Munsee surprise his family, please click here... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kZIF_qfKMQO5i-3cdWo7bfSsIEltGAcRWO_7o-5vOyHd3uPW-tfco4nlJUWNm6KAzyg_ptXXmHo0kyoI8bWlLZkjp_imeHIUEF7AJAOnlYbMOD2xXCNTgsZ32lJNNVABuXSxhWAgGQ9Eg7ornvKbK5AktORgwVZSXG_okZ5Ok80TxI1Bxe9A3jlO8D4oXXDzCwAj7-c1S6_nhjmQ4G5TaV1-e6hGWQ9UpaUetpQHoHSLg==]
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Support Our Troops this Holiday Season

Give "A Gift in Your Name"
The holidays are upon us and you know what that means--it's time to start shopping
for Christmas gifts for family members and loved ones! If you're struggling with
what to get for people this year, we encourage you to consider our "A Gift in Your
Name" option.
To give "A Gift in Your Name", just visit our EGA Shop [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kax0vwYrZiQLDomAyx02rncPS0meQStbJIvfTmE3yqGsOFebyMpOw1UZtMgNV7qFY7NnWE1JxBZJ2lPcvf1bhbaaOE0QnBZ4Uj42zN4RCyrm_1pZfwGRQtF9hC0ADxCLUBz7CSC8zUr9zu5mtdT3IVCOX-KHAi972aggddOQTHhJw==]
and follow the instructions. You will first have to decide if you want to donate
to Purple Heart Hero Support (PHHS) or to the Care Package Project (CPP).
If you choose to donate to PHHS, you purchase a gift donation this holiday season,
and we'll send a gift card to your gift recipient letting them know that you've
made a donation in their name. You select the amount of your gift donation in $25
increments.

If you choose to donate to CPP, you purchase a gift sponsorship this holiday season,
and we'll send a gift card to your gift recipient letting them know that a care
package will be sent on his/her behalf to a Marine in Afghanistan. Your gift recipient's
name will be included in the overseas package to be mailed out January 18, 2014.
The Marine may choose to write back to your gift recipient. Your gift sponsorship
can be for one or several care packages.

To learn more about giving "A Gift in Your Name", please click here... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NvHT6Jon5kax0vwYrZiQLDomAyx02rncPS0meQStbJIvfTmE3yqGsOFebyMpOw1UZtMgNV7qFY7NnWE1JxBZJ2lPcvf1bhbaaOE0QnBZ4Uj42zN4RCyrm_1pZfwGRQtF9hC0ADxCLUBz7CSC8zUr9zu5mtdT3IVCOX-KHAi972aggddOQTHhJw==]
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We hope this week's edition of our email newsletter has been useful for you and
your family. If there are topics you would like us to address, or if you have other
suggestions for the newsletter, please contact us.

Banner Photo--Moron Air Base, Spain - Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose
Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response load an MV-22B Osprey for helicopter
rope suspension training at Morón Air Base, Spain, Dec. 6, 2013. SP-MAGTF Crisis
Response is a self-mobile, self-sustaining force capable of responding to a range
of crises to protect both U.S. and partner-nation security interests in the region,
while also strengthening partnerships throughout the U.S. European Command and
U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (Photo: Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher
III)

MarineParents.com, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) public charity. MarineParents.com, Inc.,
was founded in January 2003 in response to parents' needs to find information and
to have "a place to connect and share"® with one another during their Marine's career.
Our free online services and connections have expanded to support and educate Marine
moms and dads, spouses, families and friends. We've helped 400,000 Marine and recruit
families during boot camp, training, active duty and deployments. We've shipped
more than 34,000 care packages overseas to our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan,
sent 60,000 prayers and letters to injured Marines and served thousands of meals
to wounded heroes and their families on the East and West coasts. You've found
"a place to connect and share."®
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MarineParents.com, Inc. | P O Box 1115 | Columbia | MO | 65205