Aurora woman organizes USMC Family Bears Across America

A Marine Corps family support group which sends care packages to deployed Marines as part of "From Home to Our Heroes," is run by a local resident from Aurora, Illinois.

Denise Caliendo has been busy bringing smiles and pride around the U.S.

The USMC Family Bears Across America Project was organized by Caliendo two months ago to bring support, awareness and pride, as well as many smiles, across America for the next 18 months. Marine Moms are taking the nine bears on their journey visiting families, communities, veterans, and schools.

The USMC Bears - Faith, Hope, Grace, Liberty,Clara, Opha Mae, Courage, Valor and Freedom - are nine vintage Boyds Bears, dressed in patriotic attire, carrying the U.S. Flag, Marine Corps Flag, and pins showing support for the armed forces.

During their journey, the USMC Family Bears Across America will be traveling with the Marine Moms through their communities,and attending many events and collecting photos of their journey with a journal of the bears' travels, and a book to collect favorite community and family recipes.

The group of Marine mothers and families have also sent over 10,000 care packages to deployed Marines and armed forces over the last 3 years.

This project is complete funded by the Marine Moms, their friends and families.

Marine Moms are a huge support for the Marines. This project was a way for them to not only show their love and pride, it is bringing awareness to supporting Marines, remembering veterans and showing pride in the U.S.A.