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  • golf tournament

    6th Annual Sgt Lucas T. Pyeatt Memorial Golf Tournament

    The MCRD Museum Foundation is proud to announce that the 6th Annual Sgt Lucas T. Pyeatt Memorial Golf Tourament will be held on Saturday, 4 May 2024 at the Oaks North Golf Course, located at 12602 Oaks N Dr. San Diego, CA 92128.

  • Marine Family

    MARINE GRADUATIONS OPEN TO PUBLIC

    MCRD San Diego graduations are open to the public!
    Click below to visit the Depot's website to learn more.

  • Code Talkers Platoon

    Grad Photos and Grad Books

    The MCRD Museum Foundation maintains a collection of platoon photos, composite photos, and platoon books. 

  • Founding Fathers

    Our Mission

    Learn more about our mission to provide an educational setting for Marines & recruits, support the Command, and serve as a bridge to the local community.

  • Museum and Foundaton Programs

    Our Programs

    The MCRD Command Museum provides free programming to school groups and scouting groups which teach Core Values in a historic setting. We also serve active duty, veterans, and families through outreach programs that strengthen our local community.

  • MCRD Museum Docents

    Get Involved

    Help preserve and perpetuate Marine Corps history. Become a member, volunteer, or donate today. If you enjoy Marine Corps history, you will be forever moved by this experience!

  • Recruit Gear

    Show Your Pride

    Shop for your USMC gear here! All proceeds directly support the Museum and its programs for Marines and veterans.

  • sentry
  • gate
  • colors
  • semper fi
  • parade

Mr. Paul Lebidine - Director

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In 1984, Brigadier General Lebidine enlisted in the Marine Corps in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated Honorman at MCRD Parris Island.  In 1986, following a meritorious promotion to corporal, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program.  After completion of Officer Candidates School, The Basic School, Army Ranger School, and Airborne training, he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (MEUSOC).  His second deployment included Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

In 1994, after a tour at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot ─ San Diego, in which he served as a Series Officer, Headquarters Company Executive Officer, and Protocol Officer for the Commanding General, he served at 4th Light Armored Vehicle Battalion as the Delta Company Commander, and the Battalion Executive Officer.

In 2003, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed as the Executive Officer of the I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, for Operation Iraqi Freedom I.  He eventually constructed and served as the Camp Commander of Camp Babylon, Iraq.

In 2004, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines. 

In 2006, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served as the Senior Advisor to an Iraqi Army Brigade in Al Qaim, Iraq.  In 2007, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Operations Officer for 3D Civil Affairs Group.  In 2008, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served on the Multi-National Force – Iraq, CJ3 Staff as the Advisor/LNO to the Iraqi Prime Minister's National Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq. 

In 2009, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding Officer, 3D Civil Affairs Group.  He deployed and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff C9 in charge of Governance & Development during the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from March 2010 - March 2011.

In Nov 2011 - July 2012, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Chief of Staff for the Force Command Element, Javelin Thrust 12-LSE 1. 

In August 2012- July 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the Force Headquarters Group.  In August 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Deputy Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force (MOB) and deployed from November of 2014 - November 2015 to serve as the Director of the Advice and Assist Directorate, Resolute Support HQs, Afghanistan.

In November 2015 - April 2017, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division.

Brigadier General Lebidine retired from active duty on 1 August 2017.  Brigadier General Lebidine's personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star (with two gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon (with gold star).

After retiring from active-duty, Paul joined the Board of Directors for M. Dyer Global, Pearl City, Hawaii, and he also serves as President of the Lakes Owners Association, a nonprofit corporation.  Paul serves in leadership positions with several veterans’ organizations to include the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of World Wars, and is the current President of the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association.  Paul also serves on the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund Board which is part of the San Diego Foundation. 

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson Law School, and a Master’s in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

JOANIE SCHWARZ-WETTER
Museum Director

(619) 524-6719
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VINCENT GONZALEZ
EXHIBITS SPECIALIST

(619) 524-8159
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JOHN VAZQUEZ
Education Director

(619) 524-6038
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ELLEN GUILLEMETTE
HISTORIAN

(619) 524-6720

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Our Staff

Our Board of Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but one thing unites them all, a passion for preserving and perpetuating the history of the United States Marine Corps. Many who serve on our Board have a strong connection with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot having drilled on the grinder, been stationed aboard the Depot, or felt the local impact of Marines in San Diego.

Foundation Board

Working Together to Promote Marine Corps Values

The Museum Foundation is fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate staff who work closely with the Museum staff and Depot leadership to support programs, exhibit upgrades, and outreach efforts. To get in touch with a Foundation staff member, please call the Foundation office at 619-524-4426 or contact us by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


KEY STAFF
Executive Director
Daren Erickson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Deputy Executive Director
Angela Kuhn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director of Programs and Philanthropy
Alyssa Christensen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

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Foundation Staff