Our five handsome, proud, Stand Alone Marines. Look at those faces! God Bless America.
A local mom contacted me asking if my family would like to contribute gift items for Marines graduating from boot camp whose families are unable to attend the ceremony. The Stand Alone Marines are a group of patriots that attend each graduation with the intent of never leaving a marine without a sense of family on that most important day. My interest was piqued and I looked up Parris Island graduation ceremonies to discover that these events happen almost weekly. When I looked at my calendar, I realized the only free graduation date I had for the next several months was THIS Friday, and it was already Tuesday.
Thursday morning I really began to ponder not just supplying items to say thank you and sending them, but actually bringing my whole family to the graduation. That afternoon, I met my husband at the mechanic’s (because that ol’ wagon of his is seriously on it’s last wheel). I casually mentioned my crazy-last-minute-road-trip-idea to him and he just stared blankly back at me. “I can’t. I have an appointment.” I grabbed his hand and prayed a one-liner…“Dear God, if you want us to go to Parris Island, please cancel David’s appointment.”
Twenty minutes later, the secretary called and said his appointment had just gotten rescheduled. He hung up the phone and said, “You scare me.”
I quickly texted the children and told them to gather all the sweaters, jackets, jeans and closed-toed shoes they could find (remember, we live in sunny South Florida!) and by the time David and I got home, Kristine had purchased road trip snacks, the kids had their blankies packed, and after dinner we just hit the road.
Now keep in mind, we had no contacts at Parris Island to help us find the Marines who had no family. We had no one we knew graduating. I simply wanted to put my hands on some kids who were willing to serve our country and tell them thank you. My grand plan involved taking them to BBQ or buying them a beer, but I really had no way of knowing what was in store.
Courson was just a wee bit tired at breakfast.
By 5am, we rolled into Beaufort, South Carolina, hungry and still having had very little sleep. Some kiddos slept from 10:00pm till 2:00am, but for some reason everyone woke up at 2am and it became a traveling party laughing and singing while Stone (2) shouted “CHRISTMAS LIGHTS” at every 18-wheeler hauling down the road.
Hair in rollers at IHOP. Before coffee and make-up!
So we found a “Hi-Hop” (Courson’s name for IHOP) in Beaufort just a few miles from the base. Everyone still in pajamas and me with all the big girls still
in hair curlers, we ordered enough food for an army. As we fed our troops, a few young men from the base wandered in and we asked about the graduation and what to expect. After breakfast, David helped change the smaller kids into their clothes, and the big girls and I raided IHOP’s bathroom and came out looking Fahhbulous Dahhling. The waitress raised her one eyebrow at us probably wondering what kind of superman trick we just pulled in that restroom considering our lackluster appearance when we entered the premises. Never-you-mind. Now we go to the Marines.
As we drove into the base at 6:30am, dawn was breaking and the cold air had mists rising up from the water surrounding this hallowed ground. “We Make Marines” was proudly painted above the roadway greeting us… as did the multitudes of “Hoo-rahs” and men and women in fatigues running with rifles and climbing ropes. It was a sight to behold for sure. One young recruit was enduring a lambasting from his drill sergeant– push ups in the sand while his battalion looked on. Another group in formation and marching. Still more of them in varied stages of their routine…all giving us goose-bumps and swelling our hearts with pride and adoration. Oh the precious sight of youth willingly serving and sacrificing is one that never gets old. Glory.
Courson read the creed and considered the cost. My little man wants to serve his country too.
We took our seats on the bleachers in 48 degree weather, waiting a solid two hours for the event to begin. Watching the parents and loved ones file in was humbling on a whole ‘nuther level. But when the Marine Corps band began to play their march, the Star Spangled Banner, and the announcer began to explain the history and significance of the varying aspects of the graduation, it hit me. These young men and women, all 451 of them, were willing to sacrifice on our behalf, their very lives. And when they were finally released into the anxiously awaiting arms of their loved ones, we all cried.
We waited for nearly an hour as the crowds dissipated and those few men left without loved ones gathered outside the barracks. Their GI bags in their arms and still donning their proud uniforms, they waited for the base’s bus to transport them to the airport for a long awaited 8 day leave. We wouldn’t be able to take them to lunch (base orders and Chick-Fil-A would have lunch ready for them at the airport– yeah CFA!) but we could spend some time encouraging them, hugging them, and thanking them.
My kiddos made quick work of introductions and thanks. I mostly sat back just in awe of the irony. I realized that it was two years ago to the date that my father had collapsed and subsequently died. I watched one tall lanky young man, imagining my father nearly 70 years ago as he stood on that same base, ready to serve. Ready to give. Ready for life…a newly minted man in a hard won uniform. Oh my heart broke and simultaneously swelled with love and joy. I didn’t even know that kind of emotion was possible.
One by one I asked them what their future position, aim or goal was in the corps. Almost a whisper, one precious son answered,”Uh…food services.”
“What?” I had barely heard his response…
“Food services.”
“YOU MEAN YOU’RE GOING TO COOK FOR MY COUNTRYMEN?” I responded more than just a little enthusiastically! He began to beam. My heart soared and it was all I could do to not just grab him and kiss his servant-minded head! We chatted and laughed and I just kept marveling at what kind of a country we have that these young men would willingly serve in my stead and for the protection of my family…
O dear Lord…mercy me.
Finally the time came to load them onto the bus. The men and women who regularly serve these Stand Alone Marines had been busy passing out cookies and goody bags and gift cards and lots of love…but now we had to say goodbye. Thankfully I was given a moment with just the five of them on board that bus. I told them about my daddy and how much it meant to me on this special day to look into their eyes and see a legacy of love and service. Actually, my emotions got the best of me and I can barely recall what I said with shaking knees.
Folks, I just can’t say it enough. We live in the most awesome frickin’ country the world has ever known and if you don’t give thanks every single day for the freedoms you enjoy and realize that it comes at the cost of over 1.5 million lives lost willingly…then wake up.
Wake up.
Give thanks.
Find a way.
To a vet.
To a serviceman.
In your prayers.
In person.
In any way you can.
Was it crazy to drive 18 people for 17 hours round trip in a 24-hour period for a graduation ceremony where we knew not a single soul? Absolutely. But they were all my sons and daughters. They were all my brothers and sisters. They are what gives me the ability to say and do everything I am able to. I dare you to make a trip like we did. Give some Stand Alone Marine, some precious serviceperson the benefit of family and heartfelt gratitude for enduring all they will on your behalf. You won’t regret a single moment of it and your children will have the mark of respect and honor indelibly etched on their hearts.
Here’s a tribute to the families willing to send off their loved ones to the Marines on our behalf: Sitting In A Sea of Parents.
Sonya says
Just beautiful. I’m in tears.
Lyette Reback says
I was in tears while I was there and I was in tears writing this short recap! It was an amazing trip that will be forever etched in my mind.
Amy says
God Bless the USA.
Thank you for sharing from your touching trip, it continues to touch our hearts.
Lyette Reback says
It was so very worth it. I wish all of my Believe With Me families could have been there with us!
Michelle says
…I remain in awe of God’s handiwork in the form of Lyette Reback & Family.
Lyette Reback says
Thank you Michelle! It was a great trip!
Damienne says
I’m so glad you guys were able to experience that with your family. Seeing the picture of your son ‘counting the cost’ reminded me so much of my own sons who did that same thing at a very young age. (How could they not consider that course with an Aunt, grandfather, & great-grandfather who served in the Marine Corps as well… It was in their hearts and their blood) One of them is currently a Marine serving in Aviation and the other one just signed papers to go in after he graduates college as well so we’ll be back at Parris Island again soon enough. Serving the Stand Alone Marines is such a worthy cause. Those young men accomplished something amazing and it broke my heart as well, to see the ones who had no family there to support them. Thank you for your sweet hearts toward them. I’m sure you made an impression that they won’t forget!
Lyette Reback says
Wow Damienne! What an honor to be the parent of two such fine young men! God bless them both and well done mama for raising two servant minded men who would stand guard over our Republic. Semper Fi!
Jenny says
I LOVE how you answered the young man who would feed our countrymen!
Lyette Reback says
It was so precious! I asked him who his favorite chef was…he glanced side to side before answering quietly… “Rachel Ray.” We had so much fun swapping stories about our favorite cooking shows! Man those kids were awesome. Keep them in your prayers please!
Michele rosado says
Thank you so much!!! We have interacted several times over the years and after each interaction I say (meaning you) she rocks! Thank you for driving all night. Thank you for teaching by example that there is more. ☺️
Lyette Reback says
Thank you Michele! SO glad you have enjoyed the posts! God bless!
JC says
Such a great thing you’ve done! Both my son and I were fortunate enough that folks could attend our respective graduations (San Diego) but many new Marines are often without family there. I can promise you that your gesture is much appreciated by those young men,
Lyette Reback says
It was an honor to hug them and say thank you. The photos we have with them are precious. I sure hope they keep in touch with us…it would be so amazing to follow their journeys.
Wendy Johansen says
Bless you and your family!
Laura says
God bless you all!!
Kaye says
Tears were streaming down my face as I read this. We had the opportunity to see our son graduate at MCRD San Diego just 9 days ago. . . and it was a wonderful experience for us. The changes that happen over those 13 weeks are profound- but the most amazing to me was the growth of my son’s testimony of the Savior. Thanks for caring enough to teach your amazingly large family about these heroic young people. Thanks also for your father’s service. My father and my husband’s father both served and it has blessed our lives.
Lyette Reback says
Aw mama! I didn’t mean to make you cry! But if I were in your shoes, I would probably be crying too. I can just imagine the change that overcame your son as he pressed through training! All the boys I saw at graduation were young MEN. They had grown in wisdom, stature, and strength in those few short months. SO very proud of all of them and thankful for every single service member. Thank you for giving us your best mama…we will keep him in our prayers! xoxoxo
Misty says
My son was part of the graduating Bravo company that day. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. Thank you & your family for taking time out of your lives to show those young Marines some appreciation for what they accomplished. I’m sure it meant more than you realize. Thank you!!
Karen Lyons says
Lyette, as a Marine Mom myself, I here by make you an Honorary Marine Mom as well! Reading your story brought back every memory I have of my sons Parris Island grad in April/2012. I come from a long family line of every branch of our WONDERFUL military. Myself an Army Brat! As a Mom of 7, I prayed that at least 1 of my children would take the road I was unable to take and join the United States Marine Corps, score me one for my oldest son! There are no words to explain what it is like on family day and graduation day, the anticipation is overwhelming, the body shakes are uncontrollable and the tears fall so freely. All with PRIDE! We too had a 17+ hour drive, no one slept, the truck was packed as full as it could be with items of our SAM’s. There would be about 50 of them! I was heartbroken that so many parents/family members were unable for whatever reason to not attend this very special time. I would have taken each and every one of them home with us if I had the chance! THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY from one military family to our honorary military family! XOXOXOXO
Lyette Reback says
An HONORARY MARINE MOM!!!!???? SEMPER FI! I bought myself some camo workout clothes in honor of your bestowing that incredible title upon me! THANK YOU for your incredible gift to our amazing nation…may God bless and protect your son and keep all our men and women safe from every scheme of the enemy. I know your son will do great things in his service. Thank you again for your incredible encouragement! xoxoxoxoxo
Wendy Lofton says
Thank you Lyette for taking the time to show our SAMs that perfect strangers do care. My son is a Marine. While he was in boot camp, I was lucky enough to find a support group for family members with a recruit. The administrator of that page told us about Stand Alone Marines. It broke my heart. I made it a mission to do something. I helped start a group on Facebook that writes to those without support. Or they need extra encouragement during boot camp. It has made a real difference in those recruits and Marines lives, just knowing someone appreciates them and supports them when family and friends couldn’t.
Sandy L says
As the mother of an Army Vet and an active duty SGT in the Marine Corps I want to thank you for your kind gesture and loving act. I know that when my Marine shipped out I went to the airport with him and got a security pass to go to the gate with all of the young men and women who were shipping out on the same flight. We sat and talked, laughed and helped calm nerves and reassure them that they would succeed. I stood to the side and as each one of my new son’s and daughters walked by to board, I shook their hands, looked them in they eye and thanked them and hugged each of their necks and told them I loved them as my own and that I would see them when they walked onto the parade deck to graduate. And I did, I saw them each graduate. What was even more awesome was many of them looked me up during family day just to show me that they had made it, they were Marines. Those who had family there introduced me as their Marine mom to their family. Those who didn’t have blood family there, hung with us and we were their family if even for only a short time. The Stand Alone Marine program is awesome, the Wednesday before graduation, many of the families met at a local restaurant and we set up an assembly line and put together goodie bags with items that we had collected over the previous 13 weeks and brought for them. We had phone cards, snacks, drinks, cards just everything. The look on those young Marines faces as we handed them their bags before they departed was all the repayment you could ask for. And I am so glad that you and your entire family were able to and willing to go the Parris Island and give of yourselves to those young Marines on that very special day something that I know they will never forget and will forever cherish! Semper Fi
Lyette Reback says
It was an awesome sight to see all those young men and women walk that tarmac…standing taller in their uniform knowing that they had become what they set out to be…a Marine. Thank you for your service and for raising such an inspiring young man! We loved the Stand Alone Marine project and we will definitely visit again.
Kelli says
Awesome!! We are military family! I was army and my husband 26 years still active duty Air Force. Our first son is entering the Air Force in a few months! It means so very much to see a family like yours to take the time like you did for the new young volunteers to serve for all of us! THANK YOU ITS THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON ALL OF US!!
Lyette Reback says
Wow! What a legacy of service your family is cultivating! Thank you for your sacrifices and may God bless your son as he soars!
Vickie Evans-Spates says
My mom couldn’t even be bothered to go and see her daughter graduate from Parris Island because my sister’s 48th birthday was more important to her and they had plans to celebrate at Disney. WOW! You took your whole family. I am impressed beyond words and would be proud to call you a friend and share your story with our Military families. Thank you!
Lyette Reback says
Thank you so much for sharing our story! Honestly it was such an incredible honor to see the graduation and I hope we get to do it again! God Bless!
Jessica Ward says
Thank you!
My youngest brother just graduated yesterday in San Diego! I am so proud of him.
I come from a big family. I am the oldest of 7.
My dad served in the Army for four years.
The brother after me served 5 years in the Marine Corp as an officer.
The next brother is currently an officer in the Army, serving in Hawaii.
Brother #3 is an officer in the Army, serving in Georgia.
My husband is a Doc in the Air Force. We are stationed in Alaska but he will deploy in a short while for 6 months.
Thank you for loving on service men and women! Thank you for taking crazy last minute trips with your huge family and encouraging those of us just starting out families (we have a 4.5 yo, 3 yo, & a 10mo and aren’t done yet!)!
This story brought happy and sad tears to my eyes. I know how wonderful it is to support this community and I know how hard it is to be a part of it. Thank you!
Lyette Reback says
THAT is an incredible amount of service members in one family! May God bless each and every one of you and those in your family who hold down the fort while others are deployed! God bless! And I am so glad you came and found our little website! xoxoxoxoxo