USMC Graduation Information

Welcome

For over 14 years, Max Beerup has been helping Marine Corps families prepare for Graduation Day. Now, he has compiled all of this information into a website!

Note from the webmaster: I added Max's pictures (left and below) without his approval or prior knowledge. He has maintained this site for the sole benefit of the Marine Corps families and has never asked for anything in return. In this effort, I think a picture, at the very least, is in order.

Max says he was never a "REAL Marine". His brother and son were "REAL Marines". He spent many years with the Corps as a Fleet Marine Corpsman. He always wore the Marine "uniform of the day" but never wore dress blues because that is STRICTLY a Marine uniform.

"REAL Marine" or not, to me Max is part of that elite group, i.e. the ones who know the true meaning of Semper Fi and live and breathe by it. Thanks for all you've done, Max! You're a credit to the Corps and everything it stands for.

-Gretchen Miller
Webmaster

Here are just a few of the helpful facts that you'll find here:

NOTE: Due to the need for tightened security, there have been some changes to the schedule, particularly the cancellation of Wednesday activities. See Thursday for the latest changes.

As an introduction, I am Max Beerup, I live in Kansas City, Missouri and I am the Dad of a Marine. About 14 years ago, we went out to San Diego to see our son graduate. At that time, there was no help from anyone... Learn More

Shop as early as you want, however, as I stated above, I suggest you do not buy until after your recruit has completed 3 weeks of boot camp... Learn More

There are many great places to stay in San Diego, and I am sure they would take GREAT care of you, however, I do not know all of them. I do know of two that will take care of you... Learn More

This part is super simple, jeans and shorts for everything, yes Mom, I said everything. Remember, we are not going out there for a fashion show... Learn More

Take all the cameras with you can carry if you want. My suggestion is, don't even think of going out without a camcorder... Learn More

If for ANY reason, anyone is going out that has a difficulty with a lot of walking, I recommend taking a wheel chair with you. I know, you don"t want to go around in a wheel chair, and I can appreciate that. If for any reason you can't handle all the walking, one of two things are going to happen... Learn More

When you arrive in San Diego by air, have your seats on the right side of the plane with a window seat. On the right side as you are sitting down looking up towards the pilot, here's why... Learn More

You will be present for the Morning Colors Ceremony and I am telling you this, DO NOT miss Morning colors, it is the pageantry of the Corps... Learn More

This website is designed to give you all of the information you need to prepare for the graduation of your Marine from the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego, California. If you cannot find something you need, contact Max to see if he can help you out!