MILQUEST FEATURING CARISSA J. MARINE

Carissa spent over half of her life overseas, although as a military spouse she has yet to live abroad. Proudly born a Californian, her parents were missionaries and she was raised in the west African country of Cote d’Ivoire. She did not permanently reside in the United States until her graduation from an international high school. She began attending college in San Diego, CA.

Carissa actually met her husband overseas, as his parents are missionaries as well; however, it would be several countries, states, a degree and an enlistment later that they finally married. Her husband has been an active duty Marine for ten years, and they have been married for almost eight. They now have three beautiful children and it was while pregnant with their first child that Carissa dreamed up “The Little Marine.”

She wanted to create a series of children’s books that would teach American history and military traditions that she could read to her own kids. Her first book, The Little Marine and the Flag, teaches the history and proper respect for the American flag. Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, this book was officially released in November 2008. Carissa hopes to add to the series in the near future with other “Little Marine Books” that continue on with United States and military themes. She chose “The Little Marine” not only because that is her last name, but also due to the fact that the character has great admiration and respect for his father, a United States Marine. Please visit www.thelittlemarine.com for more information. Carissa’s next book signing is Saturday, November 7th at the Books-A-Million in Jacksonville, NC from 10:30am-noon. She had originally just hoped to print a book for her own children, so she is beyond grateful for this opportunity. Carissa thoroughly enjoys the people she meets and the stories she hears because of her book. Carissa’s MilQuest Responses:

In the words of a military spouse: 1. If you could change one thing about U.S. foreign policy, what would it be? We need a deep respect for other cultures while taking care of our own first and foremost. 2. If you had all the money in the world at your disposal to use for improving one thing for military people, what would it be? Providing great jobs for all our veterans and wounded, and financial stability for the families of those who paid the ultimate price. 3. If you could take one person from any era, any country, into battle with you, who would he or she be? My husband. 4. Who is the military person you most respect? The USMC Commandant (all of them, and their wives). 5. What is the most important thing civilians can do to support their troops? Let them know that they are in our prayers. 6. What do you most love about military life? Pride and purpose. 7. What is your military pet peeve? Military spouses who think they wear rank. 8. What is the most important leadership principle? Integrity. 9. What or whom is your most frequent military ghost? Raising my children without their father. 10. What is your favorite project or organization that benefits military people and how can others contribute? The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund: http://www.semperfifund.org/

“Shall we dance?”