DAD’S DEPARTURE: Marines shipping out to the...

DAD’S DEPARTURE: Marines shipping out to the Middle East are leaving behind families and a coloring book, above, written by Camp Pendleton wives to help children cope. . . . Titled “Daddy’s Days Away,” the book encourages kids to express their feelings, to write to daddy, to help mom with the chores. “Whether dad is at home or away, we are a family,” the book says. . . . And why is dad going? “To protect and defend our country.” Originally written for Pendleton Marines, the book is now distributed nationwide.