Stories

U.S. Marines, family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, May 14, 2024. - A U.S. Marine with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to embrace his family after returning from deployment to the Indo-Pacific in support of the Unit Deployment Program and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, May 14, 2024. Consistently forward-deploying enables 3rd MAW squadrons to maintain combat readiness, deter aggression, and strengthen alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

Marines Return Home From Deployment - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit depart a landing craft, air cushion during the 13th MEU’s homecoming at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 6, 2023. The 13th MEU and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group completed a seven-month deployment supporting theater security cooperation exercises and security operations in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garcia)

Marines paint canvases during a Art 4 Healing class at Camp Pendleton's Behavioral and Deployment Health center, Oct. 17. The program is designed to support emotional healing through are and creative expression for those living with pain, grief, fear or stress. - Marines paint canvases during a Art 4 Healing class at Camp Pendleton's Behavioral and Deployment Health center, Oct. 17. The program is designed to support emotional healing through are and creative expression for those living with pain, grief, fear or stress.

Tom Babayan and Tami Patton, both Families OverComing Under Stress project trainers, Family Readiness Center, Camp Pendleton, help children learn about deployment during a “Warrior Kids Workshop” sponsored by Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Family Team Building. The workshop is a three-part program for children ages 5-12 that help them cope with various deployment issues. - Tom Babayan and Tami Patton, both Families OverComing Under Stress project trainers, Family Readiness Center, Camp Pendleton, help children learn about deployment during a “Warrior Kids Workshop” sponsored by Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Family Team Building. The workshop is a three-part program for children ages 5-12 that help them cope with various deployment issues.

(From left to right) Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Marino, Sgt. Mark Plummer, Cpl. Ricky Giden, and Lance Cpl. Oscar Gracia, sit proudly after receiving their Purple Heart medals at Camp Pendleton’s Wounded Warrior Battalion West barracks, Aug. 20. Since April 5, 1917, the Purple Heart has been an honorary award received by military members who have been injured or killed in battle. - (From left to right) Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Marino, Sgt. Mark Plummer, Cpl. Ricky Giden, and Lance Cpl. Oscar Gracia, sit proudly after receiving their Purple Heart medals at Camp Pendleton’s Wounded Warrior Battalion West barracks, Aug. 20. Since April 5, 1917, the Purple Heart has been an honorary award received by military members who have been injured or killed in battle.