The impact of the FOCUS Program is best described by our Graduates. Everyone’s experience is different but, as the following stories show, each experience is life-changing.
Jacob
FOCUS Graduate: September 2014
Joshua Tree, CA
USMC 2001-2005
“After losing my job in 2013, I became overcome with toxic feelings of worthlessness and anger that spilled over into my family life. I needed help because my family – wife, son and daughter – were all suffering, too. After attending the FOCUS session, I have found a sense of direction. I have been attending courses to pursue my goal of working in the medical field. I feel like I am a part of my family for the first time as they are slowly letting me re-enter their daily lives. And I owe who I am today to the Men, Women, and Marines of the FOCUS Marines Foundation. Thank you.”
Jason
FOCUS Graduate: September 2016
Oceanside, CA
USMC 1996-2015
“The FOCUS foundation is one of the top ten ‘life events’ that significantly contributed to where I am today as a civilian. I thank you for the transition assistance, vote of confidence, and demonstrating HOPE for our veterans. Semper Fidelis, warriors of the sea.”
Justin
FOCUS Graduate: May 2022
Brandon, FL
USN Corpsman (FMF) Sep 09 – Feb 16
When I was medically retired from the military, I lost my sense of identity and purpose. Full of anxiety, depression, and no sense of belonging, feeling lost in the world I wandered around for 6 years wrecking marriages and my own life. Then, I finally gave in and attended FOCUS. It changed my life 100 percent. The program at FOCUS and the Marines that make it what it is showed me how to pave a new path, find a new purpose, and gave me the tools and community to deal with life’s challenges. The FOCUS family loves and cares for its Marines and Corpsmen. I will be forever grateful to The FOCUS Marines Foundation for helping me get my life back on track and helping me find happiness in my new purpose. God Bless The FOCUS Marines Foundation and God Bless the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi!
Tor
FOCUS Graduate: June 2013
Murrieta, CA
USMC 2002-2006
“FOCUS is responsible for the 180 degrees turn around in my life. Since leaving the class I have found the strength to apply for programs like The Mission Continues, EBV, Team Semper Fi, and even return to seek higher education. I have been accepted into all three programs, and now a fire burns inside of me that cannot be extinguished by the frost of fear. Nick Popaditch (Gunny Pop) brought me to tears as he encouraged me to look inside and revive my esprit de corps. Gunny Pop’s words echo in my mind, “A Marine is a Marine when times are bad. At 4 a.m in the morning and the weather is bad, that’s when HOORAH and Semper Fidelis matter.” The velocity of growth in my life has gone up from zero to sixty, and it is increasing as the days pass.”
Tyler
FOCUS Class: March, 2015
Lake City, FL
USMC 2003-2006
“FOCUS helped me to realize that I am not the only Marine who has come back into society with a little baggage on their shoulders. The first time I ever heard about FOCUS I envisioned a shotgun cabin and classes held under a tent. Our imaginations are able to fool us; and so mine when I finally made it to FOCUS three years later. The staff and numerous resources were astronomically impressive. It all turned out to be a rewarding experience.
…. FOCUS lets a Marine know they’re not alone, they’re apart of a legacy, and people really really care about them. It is my deepest wish that in the end of a number of attendants to FOCUS will be equal to that of an entire Division.
