San Diego Blog Stories
Within this blog you will find everything from Funeral planning for Veterans to Newborn photography. While we capture many events and share as much information as possible, our main goal is to serve others. We currently do that by providing information and curating things that are needed, primarily for our Military community in Southern California.
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Good Reads for New Military MoMs | 2025
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
Top 4 Book Reads for Military Spouses
Top 4 Good Reads for Military Spouses & Significant Others
Navigating life as a spouse or significant other of a service member headed off to Boot Camp or deployment is hard enough, want to stay busy reading? If you love reading or want to start up to better understand the transition your love is going through during their first years of service (including deployments), here are our top picks!
Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives by Jocelyn Green 4.8 out of 5
The 5 Love Languages Military Edition: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman & Jocelyn Green 4.7 out of 5 from 1,814 global ratings on Amazon #4 in Military Families (Books)
You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse by Jen McDonald 4.7 out of 5 #155 in Military Families (Books)
Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses by Lizann Lightfoot 4.5 out of 5 #93 in Military Families (Books)
First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title
First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title
Drill Master DI Ribbon Hat Ceremony | MCRD San Diego, CA
Staff Sgt Andrew Brand has been stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego with Golf Company for some time. He started off as a regular Drill Instructor, and finished off his time as Drill Master September of 2022.
This was no easy feat; Staff Sgt needed to extend his orders as a reservist and promise his time -far- beyond what was originally expected.
First Marine to ever hold these two titles!!
When a Marine needs to pick their “B” Billet, they usually pick between Drill Instructor and Recruiter Duty. Of course, there are pros and cons to both… Few pick BOTH. That’s the case for Gunnery Sergeant Jose Flores. He has served as both a recruiter on the east coast and Drill Instructor on the west coast. Where the real anomaly lies is he has received BOTH Recruiter of the Year (2014) AND Drill Instructor of the Year (2021).
Jose Flores enlisted at the age of 17 in 2008 and has had an incredible career. He is currently service as the the Recruit Training Regiment drill master, (prior Fox Company DI) and also received his Doctorate Degree from Grand Canyon University in Organizational Leadership.
How to get into USS Midway for FREE!
Want to get into USS Midway for free?
USS Midway Museum is offering free admission to all Marines who have just graduated from MCRD San Diego. This offer is good for immediate family members and guests. Simply stop by the admissions desk at USS Midway museum on your graduation day and let them know you are a new Marine.