Editor’s note: This is the last story in a three-part feature in Penn State Today in honor of Military Appreciation Week.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State's 12th annual Military Appreciation Week pays tribute to active and veteran service members, and this year's theme has a special focus on military families who have members serving or who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The week-long celebration began Nov. 3 and will culminate in the Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 10. Each year, military members of the Penn State community are encouraged to submit "Profiles of Service," which can be viewed at militaryappreciation.psu.edu.
Penn State community members are also invited to share military family stories this year. Below, an alumnus and his family shared their story and how it led them to settle in the Penn State community.
Captain Charles McCole
Charles McCole has served for almost 19 years after enlisting in 2005. McCole has served Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 Detachments Charlie and Alpha. He attended Penn State to complete his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. McCole currently serves as the Marine Officer Instructor and Operation Officer for Pennsylvania State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Chuck met his wife, Marcia, in high school, and they have been together ever since. The couple has two children: Drake is 11, and Paige is 9. Marcia knew early on in their relationship that Chuck would join the military and wanted to be a part of that journey. She explained the Marine Corps spouses have an unofficial motto of "Semper Gumby," which means always flexible. Marcia says, "Even when you think you have everything planned out, the military life will throw you a curve ball, and you are back to square one."
When asked what she likes best about being in a military family, Marcia recalls meeting many wonderful people who have become like family to them. She shared another typical phase in the military community: "Friends are the family you choose." Marcia explained how difficult being away from family can be, but having a close-knit group of friends experiencing the same situation is comforting and incredibly important.
Paige, Chuck and Marcia's daughter, remembers all of the exciting places they've gotten to call their home. When asked what advice she'd give another child in a military family, she said, "be prepared to say goodbye to your friends because you have to move a lot, but you can still keep in touch no matter where you are."
Paige's older brother Drake shared a fond memory of getting to go into the air traffic control tower at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. He shared a similar sentiment to Paige when asked what advice he'd give to a child in a military family by saying, "get the girl's phone number before it's too late!"
After 18 years, 7 houses and 5 states, the McCole family is happy to plant their roots in Happy Valley and begin the next chapter of their lives. Captain McCole and his family are happy to settle in the State College area and said, "This community is very welcoming and supportive of our nation's finest. We are honored to continue representing the military community in our forever home of Penns Valley.
Military Appreciation at Penn State
Penn State has a long-standing and proud tradition of serving the men and women of our military through education benefits, resources, support and more. Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni with military connections can submit a profile of service for the opportunity to be featured on the University’s Military Appreciation website and other materials. Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu to learn more.