The Stand Alone Marine Project was started by two Drill Instructors' Wives, Jennifer Iddins and Meghan O'Reilly Torrence, in Beaufort South Carolina. There are some Marines who graduate from the historic Marine Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island, SC who do not have any friends or family attend their graduation. The SAM project arose out of a strong desire to make sure each of these new Marines had someone there to shake their hand, congratulate them for their accomplishment, and thank them for their service. Through local volunteers, and with donations from families of graduates that are attending the graduation, items and Gift Cards are delivered in goody bags to the Marines while they wait to board the bus on to their next destination. The volunteers chat with the Marines listening to their stories about how they wanted to become one of The few and The Proud & what motivated them to step on the Yellow Foot Prints some 13 weeks earlier. The new Marines truly enjoy the personalized interaction with civilians for the first time in months. Please go to your company admins on your company support page or message us directly on this page for more information and to get organized for your company!
