0321 Day is more than a date. It's a gut-check, a brotherhood check-in, and a reminder that no Recon Marine (and no Recon family) is ever alone.

In this Combat Story Special Edition, AJ Pasciuti sits down for a two-way conversation with Randall Parks (USMC, Ret.) the West Coast organizer of 0321 Day—to break down what the day means, why it's grown into a tradition, and how the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF) directly supports Recon Marines, enablers, SARCs, and, most importantly, Gold Star families.

You'll hear the story behind the event's partnership with Ballast Point Brewing, why the Recon community shows up so hard for each other, and how this annual fundraising push funds the Gold Star Family Retreat connected to the Recon Challenge at Camp Pendleton and a week-long retreat afterward.

And yes… Randall also ropes AJ (and Sarah) into the most Recon fundraiser ever: The "Recondo Hundo": 100 miles in 30 days (Feb 20 → Mar 21) to raise money for the MRF. Run it, walk it, bike it, swim it; get involved and bring someone with you.

Support the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation: MRF website: reconfoundation.org

Donate to the Recondo Hundo: support.reconfoundation.org/ajpasciuti

Signup to participate in the Recondo Hundo: support.reconfoundation.org/https-support-reconfoundation-org-2026-recondo-hundo

 

In this episode:

- What "03" and "0321" mean in the Marine Corps

- What the MRF (Marine Reconnaissance Foundation) does and why it matters

- Gold Star vs Blue Star families and why Recon keeps them close

- How 0321 Day grew from texts to a major event

- The Recon Challenge and carrying a fallen brother's name

- The "Recondo Hundo" fundraiser and how to participate

 

If you're a Recon Marine (or served with Recon): On March 21, reach out to somebody and say: "Hey brother, I'm thinking about you."

That simple message can land heavier than you realize.

 

West Coast Event details:

📍 Ballast Point – Little Italy (San Diego)

🕕 March 21 | 6:00 PM

A night of camaraderie, community, and fundraising for the MRF mission.

To attend you must RSVP: support.reconfoundation.org/https-support-reconfoundation-org-0321day-Ballast-Point

 

Subscribe for more Combat Story: real conversations with warriors from every frontline; what combat feels like, what it takes to endure, and how it shapes life after the arena.