Bis-Man Marine Parents Get a Special Announcement | Video

Van Tieu | 2/26/2013

They`re called the few, the proud, the Marines. And who could be prouder? How about their parents?

At the first anniversary gathering of the Bis-Man Marine Parents, a support group came together and received an exciting announcement.

"I always say, it`s tougher being the spouse of a marine or the parent of a marine," said Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk.

For North Dakota Marine Families. It is even harder because there aren`t marine bases nearby. Their sons and daughters are deployed for several months and they say the only form of communication is a letter or a Facebook message.

"We`re proud, but it`s a hard thing to go through."

That`s why Julie Schwann and Laurie Edinger started the BisMan Marine Parents, a growing support group for those with sons and daughters in boot camps, deployed, or who are retired from the Marine Corps.

Tonight, they celebrated with special guest, Public SeviceCommissioner Brian Kalk, a decorated former Marine from Bottineau. He came to share his experiences in the Marine Corps and give advice to the families, but also on the agenda: a special announcement from the Military Ovation, which helped start the group.

"I just knew this was the group that I wanted to share this with first," explains Shelle Aberle.

No one in the group knew what it was about, not even Commissioner Kalk.

"It will be a packed house for a free concert with the President`s Marine band."

The President`s Marine Band hasn`t been to North Dakota in 10 years, and this group of parents will be hosting the band when they arrive.

"We`re excited!"

The group said it was a great surprise to celebrate their one year anniversary, and bring Marine families together.

The President`s Marine Corps Band will be performing at the Bismarck Civic Center on October 14th.

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