A Marine Mom’s Journey
By Elvira Vierstra
Being the mother of three United States Marines is a journey filled with immense pride, deep love, and constant concern. It’s a unique role that comes with invisible stripes earned through sleepless nights, heartfelt letters, and emotional homecomings.
When I first met James, he told me he was a Marine. I knew of his experiences through stories, but I didn’t fully understand what it felt like to be part of the Marine family—especially as a parent—until 2013, when James’s eldest son shared that he was joining the Corps. We sat down together and talked about his decision. He was sure of his path, and we supported him wholeheartedly. I could see the pride in James’s eyes, but I also saw his worry, knowing the challenges and dangers that came with serving—especially given the state of the world at the time.
It wasn’t until tragedy struck that I truly experienced the depth of the Marine brotherhood. On Thanksgiving Day in 2014, we lost our home to a fire. I’ll never forget the look of worry on James’s face. Though my parents took us in and we had a roof over our heads, the feeling of being temporarily homeless hit James hard. We posted what happened on Facebook—and almost instantly, a call came from one of his Marine brothers. He told James about the 1/9 Association and connected us with some Marines in our area.
That was the moment everything changed.
Within hours, Marines James had served with showed up at our burned home. They didn’t just offer comfort—they brought action. They helped us find a new place to live, ensured our kids had what they needed, and reminded us we were not alone. The brotherhood of the Marines wrapped around us like armor. That’s when I truly understood what “Semper Fidelis” means—always faithful.
It wasn’t until tragedy struck that I truly experienced the depth of the Marine brotherhood.
In 2017, James’s middle son Austin—our quiet, reserved, video-game-loving “nerd”—was having a rough time at home. The 1/9 Marines were planning a campout in Northern California, and they invited James to bring Austin. They said it would be good for him. That trip changed everything. Not long afterward, Austin told us—and his mom—that he had decided to join the Marines. We were proud and excited. He could have chosen any career field, but he chose Marine Intelligence. In 2018, he graduated, and today, he’s a Staff Sergeant and an instructor at the MOS Intelligence School in San Angelo, Texas. We’re so proud of him.
With two sons now in uniform, my heart was split between pride and worry. No matter how strong or brave they were, they were still our boys. And though Anthony and Austin are James’s sons from a previous relationship, I worried about their safety as if they were my own.
Then came Alex—my firstborn. Since he was five years old, he’d always said, “I want to be a Marine like my dad.” After the fire, all the kids spent more time around the 1/9 Marines. They saw the strength of the bond, the brotherhood, and the commitment. I think that made a lasting impression on them.
In August 2024, we attended the 1/9 Reunion in San Diego. Alex had the opportunity to sit with Vietnam-era Marines and even speak with the Commanding General of MCRD San Diego. Soon after, he told us he was ready. On April 11, 2025, Alex fulfilled his dream and became a United States Marine.
When he was in boot camp, I felt the same ache I had before. The waiting, the worrying, the quiet dinners at home. But his letters gave me strength. I missed him terribly, but I also knew what he was becoming—and why he chose this path.
Raising not just one, but three sons who have chosen to serve their country in one of the world’s most elite military forces speaks to the values we’ve passed on—and the strength of the legacy they are now part of. I feel pride every single day that they wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. But I will always worry. That’s the heart of a Marine Mom.
In many ways, I feel like I wear an invisible uniform. Being a Marine Mom comes with its own battles—missed holidays, birthdays, and milestones. But we learn to stand strong, to be resilient, and to be proud.
I am honored to be a Marine Wife and a Marine Mom. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My Family’s Legacy
By James Vierstra, Director
I grew up in a very small town in upstate New York. There were only 30 kids in my graduating class. Work was scarce, mostly seasonal jobs like the ski resort where my dad worked for over 30 years. That life didn’t appeal to me. I wanted to do better for my future family. So, during my junior year of high school, I joined the Delayed Entry Program for the Marine Corps.
My family didn’t believe I could do it. They said it was too hard, that I would fail. Coming from a huge family—my mom had 17 brothers and sisters—that meant a lot of people telling me I couldn’t. But my mom supported me, even though I was her oldest and she was scared.
In June 1986, I left home for the first time to attend Marine Corps Bootcamp at Parris Island, South Carolina—REAL boot camp. In September, I earned the title United States Marine. Coming home, I was the first Marine in the entire family, and everyone was celebrating.
I then headed to Camp Pendleton, California for Infantry Training School (ITS). When it ended, most Marines got orders around the globe. Me? I rode a cattle truck three miles down the road to Area 53—Camp Horno—home of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, “The Walking Dead.” I didn’t know much about the unit at the time, but it didn’t take long to realize the pride and respect that came with being part of 1/9.
I served two deployments with 1/9 and left active duty in April 1990. I stayed in California with my girlfriend at the time, Vanessa, and moved to Huntington Beach. But the Marine Corps wasn’t done with me. I received a Western Union telegram calling me back to active duty for the Gulf War.
Back at Camp Pendleton, most of my 1/9 brothers had been reassigned. I was sent to S.W.A.T-G, the Southwest Asia Training Group in 29 Palms, as a combat instructor preparing Marines for deployment. Later, I deployed aboard the USS Blue Ridge, but as we arrived in the Gulf, the war ended. I returned to 29 Palms and left the Corps for the second time in the summer of 1991.
In 1996, I became a dad. My son Anthony was born, and life changed completely. Vanessa and I split, but she was pregnant with our second son, Austin. That same year, I met my wife Elvira. She not only helped raise Anthony and Austin, but she also supported Vanessa and me during a difficult transition.
Elvira and I married in July 2000, with Anthony and Austin in our wedding. In 2002, our son Alex was born. Then in 2008, our daughter Alyssa arrived—Daddy’s little princess.
I never pushed the Marine Corps on my kids. They all knew I was a Marine, but I always told them: the only person who can stop you from doing what you want is YOU. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.
One day, Anthony came to me and said, “Dad, I need to talk to you.” I braced for bad news—pregnancy, car crash, something. But instead, he said, “I’m joining the Marines.” I was stunned, and then I felt proud. He became a Marine and served from 2013 to 2018, stationed in Hawaii. Today, he lives in Arizona with his Marine wife and their two kids.
In 2014, on Thanksgiving Day, while we were at a friend’s house for dinner, we got a call from the alarm company—our house was on fire. When we arrived, the fire department had just put out the flames. We lost everything. I’ll never forget my 6-year-old daughter standing at the doorway asking, “Daddy, where are we going to live now?” I broke down and cried with her.
Thankfully, Elvira’s parents lived nearby and took us in. I was lost. But then a Marine I kept in touch with, Eric Rhodes, told me about the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Association. I had no idea it existed. I reached out, and within hours, 1/9 Marines were at my door. That brotherhood helped me pick myself up and move forward.
After the fire, Austin moved in with his mom and struggled with his stepdad. I had a camping trip planned with the 1/9 guys in Northern California. When they heard about Austin, they said, “Bring him.” So I did. On that trip, Austin met the 1/9 brothers and a Vietnam vet named Chris Lambert, who was also a counselor. Austin opened up, smiled, and found connection.
A few months later, Austin told us he was joining the Marines. Now he’s a Staff Sergeant and an instructor at his MOS schoolhouse—outranking us all! I’m beyond proud.
In 2020, I got unexpected news. I had another son, Phil—35 years old, married with two kids, Kadyn and Makenna. Back in high school, I had dated a girl who disappeared during spring break in 1985. I didn’t hear from her again until a letter in 1987, but I never got the full story. In 2020, Phil reached out. We connected, and it’s been a blessing getting to know him and his family.
That same year, Alex—who had talked about being a Marine since he was five—decided to enlist. In April 2025, his dream came true. He became a United States Marine.
Now, Alyssa has taken an interest in the Marine Corps too. I’d love to see her follow in her brothers’ footsteps—but only if that’s what she truly wants. Being a dad to three Marines is both terrifying and incredibly fulfilling.
Since joining the 1/9 Association in 2014, I’ve felt the power of the brotherhood—Marines and Corpsmen, whether we served together or not. Their support helped shape the path my sons chose. I’ll forever be grateful.
I’ve felt the power of the brotherhood—Marines and Corpsmen, whether we served together or not. Their support helped shape the path my sons chose. I’ll forever be grateful.
I started as the first Marine in my family. Now, we’re six strong. That’s the true meaning of Semper Fidelis.
From the August 2026 issue of The Proud Warrior. Read the full issue