7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Registration
Pick up Packets
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM MarineParents.com Displays
MarineParents.com Outreach Program displays available during the conference hours.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Coffee
Coffee and Registration
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
Opening Comments, welcome from the founder
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM Opening Session
Opening session with speakers specializing in Independent Ready Reserves
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM Break
Break between sessions
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Session I:
Combat Deployment Discussion Panel: Part I
If your Marine has already deployed, or may be deployed again, this session is for you. Prominent speakers will provide you with information on training your Marine has received prior to deployment and a fundamental understanding of the work our Marines are doing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Learn information on types of calling cards used overseas, family readiness, Operational Security, communication during deployment, overseas addresses, FRO, KV, CACO and casualty notification including KIA, WIA, DuSTWuN.
Morning Session I Alternate:
Scrapbooking
Hands-On Workshop: Join scrapbooking enthusiasts and beginners to share ideas and tips and tricks to create an outstanding scrapbook for your Marine or Sailor. This hands-on workshop will include demonstrations plus an opportunity to create a page for your next military scrapbook!
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break
Break between sessions
11:15 AM - 12.30 PM Morning Session II:
What is MarineParents.com, Inc.?
Special Interest Group: What is MarineParents.com? Learn more about how you can create community awareness for troop support with the outreach projects of MarineParents.com: Care Packages and The Care Package Project™, Purple Heart Family Support™ and Operation PAL™.
Morning Session II Alternate:
Combat Deployment Discussion Panel: Part II
Discussion Panel: This session is a continuation of the Discussion Panel from 9:45 - 11:00. We recommend attendance at session I as well. The audience will participate in discussions and have an opportunity for questions and answers with the panel of experts from Part I.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Buffet
Chicken salad sandwiches
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Afternoon Session I:
When Your Marine Comes Home Panel: Part I
Discussion Panel: A panel of experts on the Marine Corps and PTSD will talk with you about homecoming, or retrograde, from a combat zone. Topics will include how to keep travel plans flexible to adjust to the ever-changing homecoming dates, what to expect when your Marine or Sailor returns home, questions to ask or not ask of your Marine, COSR (Combat and Operational Stress Reaction), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Part I of the discussion panel will include informational presentations from each panel member. We strongly suggest attending Part II as well to ask questions and join in discussions with other family members.
Afternoon Session I Alternate:
Meals Ready to Eat: Sampling an MRE
Hands-On Workshop: An MRE, or Meals Ready to Eat, are the ready-to-go meals eaten by our Marines while they are in the field, on missions, and in combat zones. Have you ever wondered what they taste like and what's in them? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn some of the history behind the MREs and get a chance to open and heat an MRE for a taste of what our Marines are experiencing when the MRE dinner bell rings!
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Break
Break between sessions
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM Afternoon Session II:
Veteran's Benefits
Benefits and Resources: Learn about the GI Bill, Home Loans, VA Medical Benefits, benefit differences for retired versus discharged Marines, and more. Take home a wealth of resources in the form of pamphlets and web site addresses. The last 15 minutes of the presentation will include questions and answers.
Afternoon Session II Alternate:
When Your Marine Comes Home Panel: Part II
Discussion Panel: This session is a continuation of the Discussion Panel from 13:30 - 14:45 above. We recommend attendance at session I as well. The audience will participate in discussions and have an opportunity for questions and answers with the panel of experts from Part I.
4:15 PM - 6:00 PM Free Time
No scheduled events
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Reception
Cash bar, light snacks
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Dinner
Buffet style dinner
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM Evening Program
Evening program featuring the keynote speaker.
8:30 PM - 9:00 PM Networking
Opportunities for networking with other Marine families, speakers, authors, and guests of the conference.
