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ESPRITVolume12014ByYoungMarines NationalHeadquartersStaffNationalExecutiveDirectorChiefExecutiveOfcerMichaelKesslerNationalDeputyDirectorJosephVenableInspectorGeneraloftheYoungMarinesJosephBlesDirectorTrainingEducationMichaelGuilesTrainingEducationSpecialistAlvinHendricksChiefMarketingOfcerGaryWeisbaumUnitMarketingManagerJanelleJohnsenDrugDemandReductionResourceOfcerJosephLusignanDirectorofAdministrationandDatabaseManagementJudyJonesDirectorofFinanceMikeTracyWebmasterServiceTimKupperXpertMediaManagementLLCYoungMarinesESPRITJaimeJassoEditorLayoutandDesignBoardofDirectorsChairmanoftheBoard-WilliamSmithViceChairmanoftheBoard-WilliamJ.WalkerNationalExecutiveDirector-MichaelKesslerInvitedMember-GeneOverstreetGeneralCounsel-HerbHarmonDirectorofFinance-MichaelTracyAppointedMember-LorenFunkAppointedMember-WilliamBarnesAppointedMemberTreasurer-RobertBorkaAppointedMemberBoardSecretary-DinaDillonAppointedMember-LouisJohnsonDeputyDirector-JosephVenableMarineCorpsLeagueLiaison-DaveGardnerYoungMarinesNationalFoundationExecutiveDirector-MikeZeliffDivisionCommandersDavidCumminsDivisionOneGeorgeBiedenbenderDivisionTwoJohnGionetDivisionThreeDouglasChampagneDivisionFourRonPownallDivisionFiveMichaelWilsonDivisionSixDivisionYoungMarinesoftheYearYMSgtMajPierceGillmanDivisionOneYMSgtMajDakotaRichterDivisionTwoYMSgtMajAustinCobbDivisionThreeYMSgtMajShanaPerezDivisionFourYMSgtMajCorinMcKeeDivisionFiveYMSgtMajIanSearchDivisionSixNationalYoungMarineoftheYearYMSgtMajDakotaRichterCLARIFICATIONAnarticlepublishedinVolume4ofEspritLeadershipWisdomfromaLeader-shipDescentwasinaccuratelycreditedtoaTornadoAlleyKSregisteredadult.ThecreditshouldbegiventoZoeJacksonaYoungMarinefromtheColoradounitwhoalsoattendedtheevent.Weregretthiserror.ForYoungMarinesYoungMarinesconcludedabusyandeventfulyearbyparticipatinginRedRibbonWeekactivitiesVeteransWeekandhonoringtheAnnviversaryoftheattacksonPearlHarborHawaiiaswellasperformingser-viceintheircommunitiesnation-wide.Theirstoriesfllthisissue...EnjoyESPRITPage1 FromourNationalDirectorWewrappedupthecalendaryearwithawidevarietyofactivitiesthatkeptusbusythroughoutthequarter.Thecenterpieceofourorganizationisourworkineducatingourmembersandourcommunitiesontheperilsofuncontrolledandunauthorizeddruguse.Ourmantraistomaintainahealthydrug-freelifestyle.WeunderstandthatandwegetitbutwehaveamissiontoensurethatthosewholivewithusinourcommunitiesunderstandthatmessageaswellandbyallaccountsyoureallysteppedupandmadethatmessageloudandclearthroughyoureffortsduringRedRibbonweek.Congratulationsandthankyouforspreadingtheword.Asecondaryroleonethatwehaveassumedoverthecourseoftimeisourworkwithandforveterans.WhileweliketothinkthatVeteransDayiseverydaywetendtoleanmoreheavilyonthoseoccasionsthatallowusthechancetointeractwiththosewhoactuallymadehistory.TheNavajoCodeTalkersimmediatelycometomindalongwiththeIwoJimaVeteransandthosewhoexperiencedtherstdaysofourentryintoWorldWarIIatPearlHarbor.ThispastquarterweenjoyedafewsunnydaysinHawaiibutmoreimportantlywasthatwepaidhomagetothosewhogaveeverythingonDecember7th1941.ThewreathlayingattheNa-tionalCemeteryofthePacicandtheparadethroughdowntownHonoluluweretrulyanexperiencethatIthinkmostwillrememberforalongtime.Andpaycloseattentionforthetripnextyearaswewillofferafewamenitiesthatwehavenotofferedbefore.Thepointtothisisthatwearemakingafewchangestothemagazinethatwehopeyouwilllike.Therstthingisthatourbrandwillbecomemoreapparent.Butthesecondthingisthatwearediscontinuingtheideaofhavingthemes.Wehavesomanyactivitiestakingplaceeachandeveryquarterthatwefeltasthoughwedidnotwanttolimityoutoaspecicsubject.SoforexampleifitsJuneandyoudidsomespecialforFlagDaythentellusaboutit.OntheotherhandifitsMayandyouparticipatedinMemorialDayeventstellusaboutthose.Finallyweintendtoturnthemagazinearoundinamoretimelymannersothatyoureceiveitsoonerandthismeanswewillhavetoworkhardertomeetourprintingdeadlines.Weareinterestedinwhatyourthoughtsaresopleasedonthesitatetoletusknow.SemperMikeKesslerReviewingOurMissionOurWorkandaRemarkablePastYearFollowusonFacebookwww.facebook.comusyoungmarinesandournationalhomepagewww.youngmarines.comPage2ESPRIT GovernorofKentuckyBestowsHonortoYMOYSgtMajDakotaRichterAYoungMarineSgtMajWhosAlsoaColonelQuestionCanapersonbeaYMS-gtMajandaColonelatthesametimeAnswerYesifyoureDakotaRichter17ofCrestviewHillsKentucky.LastMayYMSgtMajRichterwasnamedtheNationalYoungMarineoftheYearandonOct.142013shewasnamedaColonelintheHonorableOr-derofKentuckyColonelsataceremonyheldinHebronKY.TheHonorableOrderofKentuckyCol-onelsdoesnotappointorcommissionKentuckyColonelsrathertheappoint-mentsaremadebythesittingGovernoroftheCommonwealthandonlytheGovernorknowsthereasonforbestow-ingthehonorofaColonelsCommissiononanyparticularindividual.EachtimeIhavethepleasureofbe-stowingamembershiptothisexcep-tionalorganizationonanindividualsaidarecentKentuckyGovernorthegreattraditionestablishedbyKentuckysrstgovernorIsaacShelbyliveson.ThenameKentuckyColonelhasbecomesynony-mouswithstrengthofcharacterleader-shipanddedicationtothewelfareofothers.SomefamousColonelsincludeAshleyJuddWayneGretzkyRonaldReaganBobHopeBillClintonBettyWhiteMarieOs-mondMarioAndrettiNormanSchwar-zkopfOmarBradleyRoyRogersShirleyTempleBlackWinstonChurchillandofcourseColonelHarlanSandersfounderofKentuckyFriedChicken.ItsanabsolutehonortobeinsuchcompanyRichtersaid.CertainlyKen-tuckyColonelisatitleIdneverthoughtIdholdat17.AsmostwhomeetmeknowImverypassionateaboutmystateanditsremarkabletoberecognizedinsuchauniquehistoricalway.AKentuckyColonelisunwaveringinhisorherdevotiontofaithfamilyfel-lowmanandcountrypassionateaboutbeingcompassionateproudyethumblealeaderwhoisnotashamedtofollowandgentlebutstronginwillandcom-mitment.Richterhassuchqualitiesinspades.Shehasworkedveryhardandwithgreatdedicationandsheshadastellartrajec-torywiththeYoungMarines.Shejoinedwhenshewas11yearsoldandcurrentlysheisinhernalyearasamemberoftheNorthernKentuckyunit.LastMayshereceivedtheYoungMa-rineshighesthonorNationalYoungMa-rineoftheYear.Inadditionshehasearned42ribbonawardswiththeYoungMarinesprogramaswellastheDistinguishedOrderofMerittheDEAdeviceforherDrugDe-mandReductionribbontwonationally-awardedPersonalAchievementawardsRecruitHonorGraduateAdvancedLead-ershipSchoolHonorGraduateandmul-tiplePerfectPFTawards.RichterhasearnedthePresidentialVolunteerServiceAwardgoldandwasnamedanhonoraryU.S.MarineRider.YMSgtMajRichteristhepersonica-tionofallthatisgoodabouttheYoungMarinessaidMichaelKesslernationalexecutivedirectorandCEOoftheYoungMarines.Shehasdemonstratedleader-shipjudgmentandinitiativeandshehasbeensuperbasournationalrepresenta-tive.Herpassionasamentorforthekidsintheprogramreallyshinesthrough.AsNationalYoungMarineoftheYearRichteristravelingthroughoutthecoun-tryrepresentingtheYoungMarinesandsheisapositiverolemodelforthe10000youthmembersoftheYoungMarines.MyYoungMarinesretirementwillcer-tainlybeabittersweetdayafterallthattheprogramhasblessedmewithRich-tersaid.ItcomfortsmetoknowthatsimilartomymentorsIllbeabletogivebacktotheprogramasanAdultLeaderinfutureyears.RichterisonthevarsityswimteamatDixieHeightsHighSchoolinFt.MitchellKYwheresheisasenior.OneofhergoalswasrealizedrecentlywhensheheardshehasbeenacceptedtotheCoastGuardAcademy.Anothergoalistopublishabestsellingnovel.IamveryproudofDakotasacceptanceintotheCoastGuardAcademythoughnotatallsurprisedKesslersaid.Nextupabestseller-anothergoalthatIamcon-dentwillbeaccomplished.ESPRITPage3NationalYoungMarineOftheYearSgtMajDakotaRichterwithMr.HendricksandMr.Hufftwoofhermostinspiringmentorsatthe2013NationalLeadershipAcademy. CreatingaSolidFoundationforourEffortsByJosephLusignanDrugDemandReductionResourceOfcerYoungMarineNationalHeadquartersCreatingasolidfoundation.Regardlessofthepaintedwallstheprettydoorsthedecoratedwindowstheowersplantedoutfronteverybuildingthatismadetolastthatismadetomakeadifferencethatismadeprotectmusthaveasolidfoundation.Andoftenthoughsomethingbemoreornateitsnotnecessarilyasstrongandifyouregoingtobuildhigheroorsthebottombetterbesturdy.Suchistheef-fortsofleadingapositivedrugfreelife-styleintheYoungMarines.RecentlyIsawapictureonFacebookofaverysharp-lookingYoungMarineabout12yearsoldorsowithachestfullofribbons.ItwasapictureofhimgivingapresentationduringRedRibbonWeek.ButwhenIlookedattheposterthathewasteachingfromitshowedpicturesofthedrugKrokodiladrugthatisknownforeatingtheeshoftheuser.Whilethismighthavebeenaninterestingpresenta-tionandonethatcapturedattentionbe-causeofthegrossfactorintruththerehaveonlybeenlessthanhalfadozencasesofitsusethatweknowofintheUnitedStates.HowmanyofouryouthneedtoREALLYworryaboutKrokodilwhenmostofthemwillbetemptedbytheGatewaydrugsonadailybasisGatewaydrugstobaccoal-coholinhalantsmarijuanaandprescrip-tiondrugsarethedrugsthatenticeouryouthdownadangerousandunhealthypathandarereadilyavailableinourschoolsourneighborhoodsandeveninourhomes.AftermorethantwentyyearsasalawenforcementofcerIveNEVERmetadrugabuserthatdidntstartwithoneormoreofthoseve.Inordertobesuccessfulourdrugde-mandreductioneffortsneedtoconsoli-dateandfocusonwhatwilltrulymakeadifferenceinourcountry.ForthelasttwoyearsYoungMarineunitsteachtheProj-ectAlertcurriculum.DoesitcovereverydrugthatisavailableworldwideNobutitbuildsthetoolstobeabletosaynotoWHATEVERdrugispresentedoroffered.ItalsohasaleadershipcomponentwhereolderYoungMarinescanbecer-tiedasinstructorsandteachyoungerYoungMarines.Byutilizingthiscurricu-lumwesatisfythemandateddrugde-mandreductionhoursthateveryYoungMarinemustmeetaswellasstandardizethetrainingthatweofferourYoungMa-rinesnationwide.NotteachingityetGotowww.projectalert.comandgetstartednow.Inthenextseveralmonthsyouarego-ingtoseetheYoungMarinesstepupevenmorewithourdrugdemandreduc-tioneffortsandmakenewproductsandinformationavailabletoallofourunits.Whileweknowthatunitsareinvolvedinmanytypesofactivitiestherearewaystocarryourdrug-freemessageoutsideoftheclassroomandintooureverydaylivesandactivities.WhenwearesuccessfulatthisandhavespreadthatmessageandthatmotivationoutsideofourYoungMarinesprogramthenwewilltrulybemakingadifferenceinournation.StartingtheConversationByAimeeM.FaganAdultVolunteerBlackstoneValleyMABlackstoneValleyYoungMarinestooktheRedRibbonWeekMessageoutintothecommunityandspoketokidsparentsandgrandparentsabouttheimportanceofliv-ingadrug-freelifestyleandrememberingthelateDEAAgentEnriqueCamarenaandhissacriceinthelineofduty.TheYoungMarinesspoketomanypeo-pleatalocalagfootballeventthatwasattendedbymorethan300participantsandduringthattimetheyhadtheop-portunitytospeaktoboththeyouthsandtheirparents.ItstartedtheconversationinmanyofthefamilieswhostoppedandheardtheRedRibbonWeekMessage.MydaughterYMLCplLareeOsteenoftheOrlandoFLDevilDogsunitacceptedaProclamationfromourhometownmayorJimGearhartalongwithallofcitycouncilincludingeightsurroundingcities.IwasinaweasIwatchedhergiveathankyouspeechfortheirsupportofourprogramandthehardworkeveryonedoesfortojustsayno.ManythankstotheleadershipoftheYoungMarinesprogramforgivingherthesupportandcouragetostepoutofhercomfortzoneandaccomplishsomuch.SallyOsteenProudparentandAdultStaffAYMParentWrites...---------Page4ESPRIT WHATAnalcoholtobaccoandotherdrugandviolencepreventionawarenesscampaign.WHENRedRibbonWeekisobservedannuallyinOctoberinmemoryofslainDEAAgentEnriqueKikiCamarena.Theredribbonbecameasymbolforeffortstoreducethedemandofillegaldrugs.Readmoreatwww.redribbon.orgRedRibbonWeekAQuickLookARedRibbonWeekPhotoGallerySenatorRichardT.MooreoftheMassachusettsStateSenatedeliversaSenateresolutiontotheBlackstoneValleyYoungMarinesinsupportofRedRibbonWeek.--SubmittedbyGaryEldredgeTheOrleansParishSheriffsOfceYoungMarineswereinvitedtomakeapresentationtostudentsatGentillyTerraceElementarySchoolonOctober282013.TheYoungMarinesspokebeforeastudentbodyofapproximately450Pre-Kthru6thgraders.StudentsareaquaintedwithRedRibbonWeekandweexplainedhowtheYoungMarinesarein-volved.--SubmittedbyAliceB.ReedWestoverYoungMarineswerepresentattheChicopeeMAPoliceSafetyComplexfortheirannualexpiredmedicationdrugturn-inexpiredmedicationsareturnedintotheDrugEnforce-mentAgencyforproperdisposal.YoungMarineshelpedwithcrowdcontrolanddistributedredribbonsandinformationaboutRedRibbonWeekandlaterwerepresentedwithaProclamationfromChicopeeMayorMichaelD.BisonnetteaswellasaLetterofAppreciationfromtheStateAttorneyGeneralMarthaCoakleyfortheirRedRibbonWeekefforts.--SubmittedbyEdwardMitrookYoungMarinesfromtheGeneralRaymondG.DavisMetroAtlantaYoungMarinesmetwithGeorgiasGovernorNathanDealonSeptember102013todiscussRedRibbonWeek.GovernorDealpresentedtheYoungMarineswithaRedRibbonWeekProclamation.--SubmittedbyYMMSgtGageBennettREDRIBBONWEEK-------------------------------ESPRITPage5----------------------------- ByYMSSgtNicholasCozzensSwansboroNCThroughoutRedRibbonWeekin2013theSwansboroYoungMarinestookpartinseveralactivi-tiesatlocalschoolsincludingSwansboroElementaryMiddleandHighSchoolsaswellasQueensCreekElementary.IattendedQueensCreekElementaryaswellasSwansboroMiddleandHighSchoolsoitgavemetheopportunitytorevisitthem.Itookpartinpresentationsforthirdthroughfthaswellassixthandeighthgrades.Whileallofthesepresentationsusedthesameformateachtimeoneinpar-ticularstandsoutinmymindthesixthgradersatSwansboroMiddleSchool.PartlybecauseofthefactthatitwasmybiggestaudienceduringRedRibbonWeekbutalsobecausemyformersci-enceteacherfromthesixthgradesaidtomeNicholasyouvereallygrownup.WhileherremarkcoulddenitelyhavebeenaboutmyheightIknewitwasaboutmylevelofresponsibilityevenmoreso.AfterthatpresentationshehadalsotoldthegroupofYoungMarinesthatIwaswiththatIusedtobeveryshyintheclassroom.Shewassurprisedandimpressedatmypublicspeakingability.Ithinkthisparticulareventandothersareaveryimportantpartofthecommu-nityservicesthatYoungMarinesdotohelppeopleout.CommunitieslikeSwansboroallacrossAmericaarethehometoYoungMarineunitssmallandlargeandaretypicallytheunitssourceofresources.Inordertogivebacktoourcommuni-tiesweshouldbewillingtodoforothersastheyhavedoneforus.ProudtobeapartofRedRibbonWeekOurpresentationWestoverEncouragementfromtheMayorByYMPvtMariclaireSmithWestoverMATheWestoverYoungMarinescelebratedRedRibbonWeekthisyearwithMayorDomenicJ.SarnoofSpringeldMassa-chusettsonOctober232013.TheWesto-verYoungMarineswerenotiedthatMayorSarnowantedtoacknowledgethembyrecognizingtheireffortsintheannualRedRibbonanti-drugcampaignheldinhonorofDEAagentEnriqueKikiCamarena.TheWestoverYoungMarinesreceivedaninvitationtoMayorSarnosofceatSpringeldCityHallafterschooltoacceptaRedRibbonWeekProclama-tionfromtheCityofSpringeldinMas-sachusetts.BoththeWestoverYoungMarinesandtheirparentsweregreetedwarmlybyMayorSarno.WestoverYoungMarinesBassEspinozaRodriguezandSmithjoinedMayorSarnoinadiscussionabouttheoriginofRedRibbonWeekthecontinuingeffortstoseekjusticeforEnriqueCamarenaandtheimportanceofkeepinghislossintheforefrontofourmemorieswhilelivingadrug-freelife.TheWestoverYoungMarinesgaveaRedRibbonandmatchingwristbandtoMr.SarnoafterbeingpresentedwiththeProclamation.Themostinspirationalmo-mentofthevisitwasMayorSarnosrec-ognitionofthecommitmenteachYoungMarinemakesatatimesochallengingfortodaysyouth.AftereachYoungMarinetookturnssit-tingintheMayorschairandposedforaphotowithhimaremarkableexchangetookplace.HopingtoinspirethemtheMayorreassuredthemthattheyareontherightpathandareaninuentialex-ampletoall.EveryoneintheroomwastouchedbythepositivemoodthegoodnewsandaverygenuineconnectionmadethatafternoonwhilerememberingEnriqueCamarena.SpringfeldMayorSarnoassistsWestoverYoungMarinesinobservingRedRibbonWeekDoingSomethingGoodByYMPvtDanielleStokesCapitalCityNCIhadanamazingtimepassingouttheRedRibbonWeekmaterialswewerefur-nishedyersredribbonsrubberbrace-letsslapbraceletsdrugawarenessbro-chures.Ipassedthematerialsouttoallmyfriendsteachersandmybusdriver.OutofmyentireclassIwastheonlyonewhoeventhoughtaboutRedRib-bonWeek.ThestudentsthatIgavetheitemstowereveryexcitedItoldthemwhatthesayingsmeantsuchasAdrugfreemeisahappyme.IspokewithmyteachersandtheyalsosaidIwasdoingsomethinggood.ItfeltgoodbutIfeellikeIcouldhavedonemore.Allthepeo-pleIgavethingstowearthebraceletsandstilltalkaboutthebooksandthingsandIcannotwaituntilnextyearsRedRibbonWeek.Page6ESPRIT ByYMCpl.MarkMcCloskeyChandlerMustangsAZOctoberwasfastapproachingandmyUnitCommanderkeptaskingmeaboutdoingaDrugDemandReductionpresen-tationforRedRibbonWeek.Athoughtcametomymindtotryanddoapresen-tationatmychurch.ImetwithmyPastor.IaskedhimifIcoulddoapresentationfortheSundaySchoolgroupcalledKid-Zone.KidZoneisforpreschoolersthru6thgrade.ItoldhimIwouldfocusonthedangersofsmoking.Hethoughtgivingapresentationtotheelementaryagekidswouldbeagreatthing.IalsodecidedtospeaktooneoftheChildrensMinistryLeaderstomakesurethatshewasokaywithmyidea.Shelikedtheideaofmydoingapresentationbutthoughtitwouldonlybeappropriatefortheolderkids4ththru6thgradewhichwastheageIwasthinkingof.Ididmypresentationanditwentwell.EvenIlearnedallthedifferentbodyor-gansaffectedbysmoking.Itsnotjustthelungsthatareaffectedmanyotheror-gansareinvolvedalso.IalsoaskedmyYouthPastorifIcouldpresentaclassaboutthedangersofsmokingtoourYouthGroup.Hethoughtitwasagreatidea.SothatSundaywasabusydayformewithaKidZonepresentationinthemorn-ingandaYouthGrouppresentationintheevening.IwasalittlenervousatthebeginningofmypresentationbutIthinkitsimportantthatthesekidsknowwhatsmokingcandotoyouandyourbodysotheyllneverstart.TwoPresentationstoYoungAudiencesWerecentlyreceivedthisnoteregardingCplMcCloskeyspresentationIwasthrilledwhenYMCplMarkMc-CloskeyaskedmypermissiontodohisDrugDemandReductiponpresenta-tionatourchurch.Iwashappythathethoughtofusandthathebelievedhismessageoflivingadrug-freelifestylewasimportantenoughtotelleveryonearoundhimeventhoseinhischurch.HedidagreatjobrepresentingtheYoungMarinesandwewereproudtohavehimspeak.Dr.JimPoitSeniorPastorNewHopeComunnityChurchGilbertAZHittingtheRoadforRedRibbonWeekTheShenandoahValleyYoungMarinesspreadoutover3statesandmadeappearancesatCityCouncilmeetingscommunityeventsanddidpresentationsintheirownschoolstocommemorateRedRibbonWeek.Herearesomehighlightpictures.-SubmittedbyGwynnHarrisonESPRITPage7 ByYMGySgtDylanStrongNatchaugRiverCTIamalwaysexcitedtoparticipateinDrugDemandReductionworknotonlybecauseIlearnmoreaboutRedRibbonWeekmyselfbutalsobecauseIenjoytheopportunitytospreadthewordaboutitwhywehaveitandwhatitsfor.Ienjoyteachingotherpeopleinourareathereasonsonwhyitisimportantnottoabusedrugsoralcohol.IwouldliketoreceivetheDrugEnforcementAgencydevicesinceinmyopinionitsamoreprestigiousdevicetohave.IwouldalsoliketoearntheDEAstreamerformyunitsowecanputitonourguidon.MyunitstartedoffthiseventwhenmyUnitCommanderandIwenttoreceiveaProclamationatatownmeetingonOc-tober8th.ItwasquiteanexperiencebecauseIhaveneverbeentoatownmeetingorre-ceivedaProclamationbefore.TheProc-lamationwereceivedcitedtheworkourunitisdoingghtingillicitdrugsandRedRibbonWeekwasrecognizedasatown-wideevent.WespoketomultiplefootballteamsandwentintotheschoolsduringthedaytoteachthestudentsaboutRedRibbonWeekandDrugDemandReduction.Iper-sonallyenjoytheseeventsandhavingtheopportunitytosharemyknowledge.AnOpportunitytoSpreadtheWordFollowingcolorguardforRedRibbonWeekatthePentagonShenandoahValleyYoungMarinesposewithDavidMinetaDeputyDirectorofDemandReductionOfceandJessicaWrightActingUnderSecretaryofDefenseforPersonnelReadiness.TheShenandoahValleyYoungMarinespartneredwithItalianDelightPizzainStephensCityandItalianTouchinMiddletownandWinchesterbyofferingtheRedRibbonpizzaduringRedRibbonweektoraisecommunityawareness.HeDrewAPosterforRedRibbonWeekByYMPVTNoahEsperColWesleyFoxVAIenteredtheRedRibbonWeekphotocontestthroughtheNationalFamilyPartnership.Idrewaposterofaredbridgeconnectingtwoplaces.OverthebridgeisaskedthequestionWhichisbetterToonesideofthebridgeisastormoveracemeteryandtotheothersideofthebridgeisabeautifultentsite.TheofcialRedRibbonforRedRibbonWeektiesthesetwoplacestogetherunderthebridge.ThethemethisyearisAHealthyMeIsDrugFreeIamwearingmyYoungMarinest-shirtinthephoto.IhaveaskedmyschooltovoteformeandIknowmyYoungMarinesfriendsarevotingformeitsgreattohavefriendslikeYoungMarines.NoahEspercreatedthisthoughtfulRedRibbonWeekposter....AndWeDesignedOurRedRibbonWeekShirtsOurYoungMarineswereprovidedwhiteT-shirtsandaskedtodrawadesignforRedRibbonWeek.YMSgtsEllieTrahernMollieCorinoandPFCGabrielleRidenhourshowedtheirartistictalentsandeveryonewasawinner.TonyGuiloryRogueValleyORPage8ESPRIT ByGarryPattonAdultVolunteerUpstateSCWhenhissonTyriqueex-pressedaninterestinthearmedforcesDanielGreensearchedonlinetoresearchdifferentav-enuestoacquianthissonwiththemilitarywayoflife.OnceMr.GreendiscoveredthecorevaluesoftheYoungMarinesheknewthathedfoundtheorga-nizationthatheandhiswifeBeverlydesiredfortheirsonsintroduction.WhatreallygotmyattentionwerethetenetsoftheYoungMarineCreedsaidGreenrecent-lyattheUpstateMarineBallheldinGreenvilleSC.Obeyingyourparentsbeingneatandcleanatalltimes...Imabigbelieverintheimportanceofhowyoupresentyourself.MywifeandIhavealwayswantedourkidsexposedtoor-ganizationsthatpromotestrongvalues.WeveseenrsthandsituationsinwhichgoodpeoplemakepoorchoiceswhentheybecomeadultsandwewanttodoeverythingwecantoprepareTyriquetoknowhowtodealwiththosesituations.Weliketothinkwereinvestinginhisfu-ture.WhatmakestheGreensinvestmentinTyriquesfutureuniqueistheleveltowhichtheyvecommitted.BecauseGreenvillehastheclosestYoungMarineunittotheirhometownofOrangeburgSouthCarolinatheydrivetwohoursone-waytoattenddrill.AnditsnotasiftheGreensdidntalreadyleadbusylives.InadditiontohiscommitmenttotheYoungMarinesTyriqueplaysbaseballandfootballperformsinajazzensembleandplayspercus-sioninthemarchingband.BothDanielandBeverlyGreenserveasvolunteerreghtersandtheydonatetimethroughhisem-ployerspartnershipwiththelocalschooldistrictservingasmentorsforat-riskstudents.DespitetheirhecticschedulestheGreensdontregretthecom-mute.AfterwemetandgottoknowSgtMajJamesRobertsandrealizedhowcommittedhewaswithoutevenhavingakidofhisownintheprogramweknewitsaidsomethingspecialabouthimandthatwedmadetherightdecision.WevebeensuperimpressedwiththeinvolvementofnotonlySgtMajRobertsbutofalltheleadersandparents.IftheycanevertaketimefromtheirbusyagendaslongenoughtopauseandreecttheGreensmightjustrealizethefeelingismutual.AFamilyGoestheDistanceforYoungMarinesBeverlyTyriqueandDanielGreenAhighlevelofcommittment.ALookBackatBattleeldsAdventurousYearByBattlefeldVAYoungMarinesBattleeldYoungMarineshavehadquiteanamazingandadventurousyear.ThankstoMr.MoreheadwehadtheopportunitytobuildaspacecapsuleequippedwithaweatherballoonGPStransmitterfourHDcamerasandSourPatchKidscandybeforesendingtheweatherballoon20milesintotheatmo-sphere.Wehadtoseeifcandytastedanydif-ferentafterbeing20milesinspace.Wefoundittastedthesameandwedidntgetsick.AfterlaunchingtheballoonfromThePlainsVAandsixtedioushoursofsearchingwewereabletoretrievetheproject20mileswestofFredericksburgVAinawoodedareayoucancheckouttheweatherballoonadventurealongwithotheradventuresontheBattleeldYoungMarinesYouTubechannel.OurunitalsoparticipatedinseveralencampmentswithShenandoahandQuanticounits.WehaveassistedwiththeWWIIHonorFlightsattheWWIIMemo-rialinDCassistedwithveteransattheSgtRecklessWarHorseHeroCeremonythe60thAnniversaryoftheKoreanWarinDCandtheMollyMarineDedicationatTheNationalMuseumoftheMarineCorps.WemetveteransandcelebritieswhilevolunteeringattheGIFilmFesti-valandgotreallymuddyparticipatingintheRun-Amuck.OurveryownPVTMelendezsurroundedbyourYoungMarinesinformationsalut-ingtheAmericanagsangtheNationalAnthematthePotomacNationalsbase-ballstadium.Weenjoyedthegameandafterthegamewecampedoutontheouteldandwatchedreworksandamovieonthejumbotron.WehadaterricdayatthePrinceWil-liamCountyPoliceandFireTrainingFa-cility.Wegottoexperiencethepoliceroadcourselearnedaboutpolicehistoryandexploredtheredepartmentsfour-storytrainingfacility.OurfavoriteeventwasmeetingaK-9withhispoliceofcerandvisitingtheirtrainingfacility.FinallyBattleeldtooktotheskieswiththeEAAChapter1099YoungEagles.Wehadtheopportunitytotakethecontrolswhileinightandewsingle-engineair-planesovertheFredericksburgVAarea.CongratulationstoallBattleeldYoungMarinesforcompletingtheirDrugDe-mandReductiontrainingfortheyearandforclockingmorethan1300communityservicehours.AnumberofourYoungMa-rineshaveearnedthePresidentialVolun-teerServiceAward.Welookforwardtoanothergreatyear.ESPRITPage9 HavingfunatEncampmentsALandNavEncampmentAssistsPvt.ScarecrowATeamBuildingEncampmentMynameisKirkMeldrumandIamintheLapeerCountyYoungMarines.Thisweekendwehadanen-campment.Uponarrivingwepickedupourgearandhikedonemiletoourcampwhichwasalreadysetupexceptourtentswhichwehadtosetup.Afterthatweateandhittheracks.OnSaturdayMr.Ellsworthoneofourstaffmembershadsetupanexcitingmapcompassmission.WeweresplitupintotwoteamsAlphaandBravo.IwasamemberoftheAlphasquad.Firstweplottedourcourseandfoundourselvesataforkintheroad.Isawastructurewithabellonitandanabandonedchurchbeyond.ThisledustoPVTScarecrowastuffedmannequinandanenvelopelabeledTOPSECRETwhichdirectedustotakePVTScarecrowtothemedicalcenterbecausehehadabrokenleg.Sgt.Vascottoourleadermadeatempo-rarybraceforhislegwithatreebranch.WeplottedournextcoursetondanairpackageofMREsandhadasmallfeast.ThenaltaskofthemissionwastoambushBravoTeam.WestealthilyapproachedourobjectivebutweweresurroundedWedispersedineverydirectionbutwedidnothavetheammowa-terballsthatBravoTeamhadandwereovertaken.Overallitwasanoutstandingweekendandallofthestaffmembersdidafantasticjob.PVTKirkMeldrumLapeerCountyMIYoungMarinesTheDavidsonCountyYoungMa-rinesparticipatedinthe2ndBat-talionEncampmentatUNCsChar-lotteCampusVentureProgram.TheencampmenttookplaceonSeptember27ththrough29th.Theweekendwaslledwithteambuild-ingevents.Therewereseveralchal-lengecourseslowandhighropecoursestrustfallandthewall.OnSaturdaywedividedupintothreegroupsofthechallengecourses.Inalloftheeventswehadtouseeveryoneontheteam.Oneofthechallengeswastogetwatertoavillagethatwasstrandedafteranearthquake.Wehadtogureouthowtobuildapipelinewithpipethatwascutinhalf.Wehadtowalkonlogsandnottouchthegroundwhileholdingthepipetogethersowedidnotloseanywater.Thenwehadtoputthewaterinabucketthathadropestiedtoitandwalkdowntwologskeepingthebucketlevelsowedidntspillthewater.Everyonehadtoworktogetherpayattentiontoourleaderanddoourparttomakeitasuccess.Saturdayeveningwehadadrillcompetitionitwastherstcompe-titionformostofourunit.Wecamein2ndplace.OurdrillcompetitionteamwascomposedofYoungMa-rinesfromthreeoftheunitspres-ent.--LCplAnnaHurleyDavidsonCountyTNYoungMarinesMorningChow.LapeerCountyYoungMarinesreadyforMissionScarecrowinfullcamo.BravoTeamplottingtheirfrstcourse.Page10ESPRIT Miami-DadeGivingtoThoseWhoHaveNothingBySgt.AustinGordilloPFCBruceW.CarterofMiami-DadeFLFor9yearsIhavebeenaproudmem-berofOperationChristmasChildanor-ganizationthatoperatesallyearrunen-tirelybyvolunteers.ThisorganizationisaChristianfaith-basedministry.Weconducteventsallyearlongtocol-lectitemstogointoshoeboxestobesenttoorphanedchildrenlivinginex-tremepovertyallovertheworld.Inad-ditiontobeingamemberofOperationChristmasChildIamveryactiveintheYoungMarinesofMiami-DadewhereIamaCorporal.BothoftheseorganizationsmotivatemetobethankfulforallthatIhaveandallthathasbeengiventome.OnSaturdayAugust242013therewasaneventhostedbytheGordillofamilycalledSurf-ingforSandals.Thepurposeofthiseventistocollectasmanysandalsaspossibleinoneday.TheYoungMarinesofMiami-Dadewereinchargeofrunningtheeventfromsetuptobreakdown.Thedayconsistedofcollectingdonatedsandals.Therewereavarietyofgamesforparticipantstoplayandasand-sculptingcontest.Ipersonal-lymentoredtheparticipantsofthetug-of-warcontestencouragingthemtoputalloftheireffortintothiseventandremindthemthatwinorloseeveryoneisawinnerbecauseyouparticipated.TheYoungMarinesofMiami-Dadealsomentoredthesand-sculptingcontestassistedincountingthedonatedsan-dalsandhelpedinallaspectsofthedaysevents.BeingamemberofboththeYoungMarinesofMiamiDadeandOperationChristmasChildisaveryrewardingandhumblingexperience.EachactivityIparticipateinishumblingandallowsmetheopportunitytorememberwhoIamaproudcitizenoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandaveryfortunateyoungmantobelivinginthiscountrywhereIamfreetobeapartoforganizationslikethese.ESPRITPage11AboveJustafewofthemanypairsofsandalscollectedduringtheSurngforSandalsevent.BelowYoungMarinesassistedinconductinggamescontestsandorganizationaldutiesandactivitiesthroughouttheday. ByJosephBlesYoungMarinesInspectorGeneralFirstofallthisisnogame.Itisacowardlyactivitywhereseveralreallyterriblepeoplesneakuponanun-suspectingusuallyelderlyadultandat-tempttoknockthemoutwithoneblowandafterdoingsorunwaylaughing.Thisdisgustingbehaviorhasresultedintwopeopledyingasaresultofit.Nooneiscertainiftherewillbemorecasesbutthebestthingtodoisusesitu-ationalawareness.Allthatmeansisbeawareandvigilantofyoursetting.HeresagoodtiptaketheTrafcSafetyAdministrationsadviceWhenyouseesomethingsaysome-thing.SomethingCalledTheKnockoutGameYouCanPreventtheMisuseofPrescriptionDrugsByJosephBlesForalongtimewevebeenawareofthedangerinthemisuseofprescriptiondrugs.Inmostcasestheseareleftovermedicinesinpillformjustlyingaroundbathroomsormedicinecabinets.Theyaretakenmixedwithotherpillsthenswal-lowedjusttoseewhathappens.Thisissodangerousthattheendresultcanbeandoftenisdeath.RecentlyABCNightlyNewsreportedthatthenumberofdeathsfrommisuseofpre-scriptiondrugshasexceededthenumberofdeathsbyautomobileaccidents.Bothhighwayandmisuseofprescriptiondrugsdeathscanbeprevented.Incaseyoundunusedprescriptionmedicationsdontushorputtheminthetrash.Insteadcontactlawenforcementormedicalauthorities.Thenarrangeforturninsotheycanbeproperlydisposedandnotharmtheenvironment.ByYMLCpl.AlexPetersonandYMSgtJonahGeligoffLastJunewetraveledtoAnnapolisMDtotakepartintheMilitaryOrderofWorldWarsYouthLeadershipConferenceMOWW.WeandtwoothersfromKen-tuckyrepresentedtheYoungMarines.Wewereseparatedintoourselectedteamsdependingoninterests.SgtGeli-goffsignedupforFlagDetailwhileLCplPetersonsignedupfortheEntertainmentteam.Eachteamwasassignedamentorwhosecommongoalwasteachingususefulskills.TheFlagDetailwasinchargeofrais-ingandloweringtheNationalandStatecolorseveryday.TheEntertainmentTeamwasinchargeofkeepingtherestofthepeopleattheconferenceentertainedwhenwehaddowntime.Therstdaywewereinchargeofhostingtheicecreamsocial.WhenascheduledeventwascanceledtheEntertainmentTeamheldapartyin-stead.Weattendedclassroomlectureseachdayonethicsmoralsandvariousotherrelat-edtopics.Allofthepeoplewhospoketouswereeitheractivedutyorretiredfromthemilitary.Twopresentationswerenoteworthy.TherstonewasaninteractivepresentationbyanAirForceSergeantaboutprotectingyourselfontheinternetfromhackersandphishers.ThesecondmemorablepresentationwasbyanAirForceColonel.Hediscussedhisexperiencesasaprisonerofwardur-ingtheVietnamWar.Hekepteveryonesattentionformorethantwohours.Thisprogramwasagooduseofourtime.Whilesomepartsofitdidnotal-waysapplytoeveryonetheremostofustookawayknowledgethathelpedusbecomebetterleadersandall-aroundAmericans.Althoughmostofthespeak-erstherewereconnectedtothemilitarythisprogramwasorientedmoretowardciviliansandencouragedustobecomemorewell-roundedcitizensofthisgreatcountry.TheMilitaryOrderofWorldWarsConferenceTheProgramandInstructorsHaveHelpedMeByYMGySgtDylanStrongNatchaugRiverCTIjoinedthisprogramonOctober17th2006andeversincethatdaythispro-gramhasimpactedmeinaverypositiveway.Ithastaughtmerespectintegrityteamworkleadershipwhytostayawayfromdrugsandmore.IvehadtravelopportunitiesandseensomuchoftheworldthatIneverwouldhavewithouttheYoungMarinesprogram.ThroughtheprogramIvemetalotofgoodfriendsbothadultsandkidsbutthereisoneregisteredadultwhohasimpactedmethemostintheprogramNatchaugRiverUnitCommanderJosephCouture.Hecameonthedrilldeckasthetrain-ingofcershortlyafterIbecameaYoungMarineandimmediatelystartedworkingcloselywithallofus.Astheyearspro-gressedhehelpedmeasmuchashecould.WhetheritwasworkingonthePFTwithmesoIcouldpasshelpingmesignoffonmyguidebookworkingtowardsmynextrankorevenonapersonallevel.WithinthelastfewyearshehastakenoverastheUnitCommanderandIalongwithotherhigher-rankingYoungMarinesandregisteredadultshelphimrunourunit.IcannotexpresshowmuchIappreci-atehavingUnitCommanderCouturetohelpmethroughtheprogram.HehasdonesuchagreatjobandhasimpactedmyjourneyintheYoungMarineprogramsomuchthatIamunabletoexpressmygratitudeinwords.OverallImgladImetthisgreatmanhappyIdecidedtojointheprogramandproudtocallmyselfaYoungMarine.JosephCoutureandDylanStrong.LearnMoreAboutMOWWwww.militaryorder.netPage12ESPRIT WhereAreTheyGoingWhereAretheyNowFormerYMGySgtChrisCrowleywastheSeniorYoungMarineatBattleeldVAuntilhegraduatedfromhighschool.Dur-inghissenioryearhewasintheUSMCDelayedEntryProgram.HegraduatedinJune2012andwasofftoParrisIslandontheninthdayofJuly.Heenduredmanyhoursoftraining.AttheendofhistrainingatParrisIslandhewasse-lectedforSecurityForces.FromPar-risIslandhespentafewmonthsatCampGeiger.FromtherehewassenttoChesapeakethenhewenttoCampAllenformoretraining.HerecentlyreturnedfromfourmonthsinCubaandisnowbackatCampAllentrainingfordeploymentsometimeaftertherstoftheyear.IhavealotofrespectformybigbrotherUSMCLCplChrisCrowleyandIreallylookuptohimforhisservicetoourgreatcountry.Ourfamilywillmisshimduringhisdeploymentbutweknowhewillhavemanygreatstoriestosharewithuswhenhereturns.TheBattleeldunitlooksfor-wardtohisvisitingourunitandspendingtimewithusuntilheisdeployed.--SubmittedbyYMSSgtKevinCrowleyBattlefeldVAFormerYoungMarinesMSgtMelvinHallIVshippedofftoMCRDSanDiegoonSeptember172012.HegraduatedfromMarineCorpsBootCamponDecem-ber142012asaPrivateFirstClassthirdgenerationMarine.ThroughouttherstphaseofbootcampheheldthepositionofPlatoonGuide.SomeofourYoungMarinestrav-eledouttoMCRDtowatchMelvingrad-uate.MelviniscurrentlystationedatMarineCorpsBaseKanehoeBayHIandwaspromotedtoLanceCor-poralinJuneof2013.Melvinhaspos-sibleplanstogotoCoachschoolwherehewillhelptrainandcoachontherieranges.--SubmittedbyChristineHallTrinityValleyTXCheckingInReportsfromourYoungMarinesUnitsGreaterClevelandYoungMarinesat-tendedtheClevelandCavaliersseasonopeninggame.ThearenawaspackedwithtenthousandbasketballlfansandfouroftheseniorYoungMarinesSSgtMichaelDulinSSgtMasonDowningCplAlfredoMercedesandCplAnnnieKamp-manparticipatedinacolorguard.WeenjoyedthecoolprivilegesofbeingonthecourtandbeingseenonTV.--SubmittedbyYMCplAlfredoMercedesGreaterClevelandOHTheAlbanyGAExchangeClubFairwasheldNovem-ber5-102013.ForthepastthreeyearsKarenHartmanBattalionAdjutanthassetupaboothdisplay-inginformationabouttheYoungMarinesprogram.ThisyearMs.HartmanplacedsecondfortheYoungMarinesexhibit.AlbanyYoungMarinesalsovolunteeredtohelpoutwiththeAnnualDirtyDevilDogMudRun.WhenhelpingouttheYoungMa-rinespassoutwaterhelpwithToysforTotsandpickuptrash.TheMudRunintroducesmembersofthecommunitytoaMarineCorps-stylecourseruncompletewithobstacleschal-lengesandplentyofmud.Runnerscanexpecttonegotiatetiresropesandotherobstacleswhiletheyrunjumpcrawlclimbslogorslidethroughthemud.TheMudraceteststherunnersall-aroundtoughnessstrengthstaminat-nessandmentalwillpower.FinallytheYoungMarinesofAlbanyparticipatedinCPRtrainingonSatur-dayNovember232013.FifteenYoungMarinesparticipatedandbecameCPRcertied.ThetrainingwasconductedbytheMarineCorpsBaseFireDepartment.ThecoursewasheldforYoungMarinesages12andup.YoungMarineslearnedthecorrecttechniquesandskillstohelpothersintheeventofanemergency.Inadditionthestaffrenewedtheircerti-cationaswell.WethankourinstructorsRogerHallandSeanEdmondsonfortak-ingthetimetoteachthecourse.--SubmittedbyNatanielLowmanYoungMarinesofAlbanyGABlackstoneValleyYoungMarineswereaskedtoassistatthe1stBattalion25thMarineCorpsBall.YoungMarinespassedoutballfavorstomorethan800guestsattheoutsetoftheeveningsfestivities.TheguestofhonorwasGenJohnF.KellyUSMC.GenKellyisanativeofBostonandiscurrentlytheCommanderoftheU.S.SouthernCommand.GeneralKellywaskindenoughtotakeafewmomentstomeetandspeakwithourYoungMarines.--SubmittedbyAimeeMFaganBlackstoneValleyMATheTrinityValleyTXYoungMarineswerehonoredwhenaLifeScoutfromTroop390TerrellTexasaskedifwewouldhelphiminthecommunityservicepartofearninghisEagleScoutRank.HisprojectwastobuildaroominsidethebuildingoftheTerrellVolunteerFireDepartmenttoprovidetheDepartmentwithaplacetostoreequipment.TheYoungMarinesworked7hoursonadrilldayhelpingtobuildthewalls.--SubmittedbyChristineHallTrinityValleyTXTrinityValleyUsingteamworktogetthejobdoneonadrillday.ESPRITPage13 EveryYoungMarinewhoparticipatedwasawareofthestaggeringnumbers12shipsdestroyed2402Americanskilledand1282woundedintheunprovokedsurpriseattack.Tobeabletomeettheveteransthatwereherewasreallyahumblingoppor-tunitysaidYMMSgtOscarPinate17ofthePFCBruceW.CarterYoungMarinesinMiamiFlorida.Theseveteransareslowlypassingawaysosoontherewontbeanyleft.TheYoungMarinesunitsraisedfundsattheirlocalleveltosupplementthecostsoftravelingtoHawaiitoattendthecom-memorationceremonies.TheYoungMarinesusedtheircreativ-ityandappliedtheprogramscorevalues-leadershipteamworkanddiscipline-toimplementuniqueandeffectivefundrais-ingefforts.WhentheopportunitytotraveltoHa-waiiarosethemembersoftheYoungMa-rinesstartedmovingmountainsintheirfundraisingeffortsKesslersaid.There-sultisatestamenttothededicationoftheseyoungpeople.67YoungMarinestakepartinPearlHarborcommemoration.TheparticipatingYoungMarinesunitsQuanticoDivision2-OldDominionRegimentMCBQuanticoVAHamilton-Division2-MarylandRegimentMDUpperMarlboro-Division2MarylandRegimentMDSoutheastCountyDivision6CaliforniaRegimentSealBeachCANorthernKYDivision2KYtheunitofDakotaRichterthecurrentNationalYoungMarineoftheYearColumbiaRiverDivision6NorthWestRegimentKennewickWAPyramidRockDivision6MCBKaneoheBayHIPFCBruceW.CarterDivision3-1stFloridaRegimentMargateFLTheYoungMarinesdontallwanttogointothemilitaryKesslersaidbutthecon-dencetheyvegainedbyvirtueoftheirtimewiththeYoungMarinesisclearlysomethingthatwillsetapathforthemforthefuture.AlthoughtheattackonPearlHarbortookplace72yearsago67YoungMa-rinesexperiencedpowerfulemotionswhentheytraveledtoHawaiiforthe72ndPearlHarborDayCommemora-tion.Inaddition27adultvolunteersaccompaniedtheyouthmembers.ManyYoungMarinesmetsurvivorsofthathistoriceventin1941saidMi-chaelKesslernationalexecutivedi-rectorandCEOoftheYoungMarines.Thoseveteransareineverysenseofthewords-livinghistoryandeachhasastorytotell.Itwasanhonortoattendaneventthatcommemoratedasignicantturningpointinourna-tionshistory.WeareveryproudoftheYoungMa-rinesandconsiderthemacrucialpartofoureventseachyearsaidEarlHur-reyPearlHarborParadecommitteememberandretiredmemberofThePresidentsOwntheUnitedStatesMarineBand.UponarrivalinHawaiionThursdayDecember5theYoungMarinesgath-eredattheMarineCorpsAirStationinKaneoheBayandspentmanyhourscleaningupabeachasacommunityserviceproject.OnFridayDecember6youthmem-bersoftheYoungMarinesperformedasolemnwreathlayingceremonyattheNationalMemorialCemeteryofthePacicHonoluluinmemoryofthebravemenandwomenwhoareinterredthere.AndthenextdaySaturdayDecem-ber7theYoungMarinesledthePearlHarborMemorialParadeinHono-lulu.Theycarriedthebannersofthetwelvecapitalshipsthatwereat-tacked.TheparadesobjectivewastohonortheheroesandsurvivorsofPearlHarborandWorldWarIItopaytributetoveteransactivedutymili-tarymembersandmilitaryfamiliestocelebratefreedomandtokeepinremembrancetheheinouseventsofDecember71941.PearlHarborYoungMarinesHonoritsVeteransPage14ESPRIT AboveYoungMarinescolorguardmemberslefttorightJosephDiGiovanniStormeDiGiovanniBrockLathropandRichardDeuto.LeftYoungMarinesmarchinthePearlHarborMemorialParadeinHololuluonSaturdayDecember72013.LeftYMMSgtOscarPinateleftandYMLCplAlbertVillalobosright.AboveParticipatinginabeachcleanupinKanehoeBayattheMarineCorpsAirStation.ESPRITPage15RightYMSgtDevinSimkinsmeetsaPearlHarborveteran. December72013Adayofremembrance.ByAloresVillanuevaColumbiaRiverWAColumbiaRiverYoungMarinesspentthemorningofDecember42013touringthePearlHarborVisitorsCenter.AswegatheredtoenterthetheatertoseetheshortmovieabouttheattackofDecember71941andpriortotakingtheboatrideouttotheUSSArizonawewerejoinedbyaPearlHarborSurvivorwhoin-troducedhimselfasAl.AltoldushevisitsPearlHarborandtheUSSArizonaMemorialtwiceayear-onMemorialDayandintheweekleadinguptoPearlHarborRemembranceDay.AsluckwouldhaveitAlsatwithintheranksofourunitintherstrowduringthemovie.WhatanhonorAfterwereturnedfromtheArizonahegraciouslyagreedtotakeagrouppicturewithus-ashehaddonein2011thelasttimeColumbiaRiverattendedPearlHar-borDay.AlsharedthemorningwithusandourtimeontheArizonawasmadeevenmorespecialbecauseofhim.Anoutgoingbuthumblemanhedidntvolunteeranyin-formationabouthimselforwhathewentthroughthedayoftheattack.AfterreturningfromHawaiiIwasabletondastoryaboutournewfriendAllenBodenlosonTapsBugler.com.Thelinkhttptapsbugler.comallen-bodenlos-bugle-master-pearl-harbor-survivorWhatablessingfortheYoungMarinesofColumbiaRivertohavemetthisbuglemasterbeabletochatwithhimsharetimewithhimandbridgethegaptohis-torywithhim.ColumbiaRiverOurNewFriendaVeteranNamedAlByYMSgtDevinSimkinsYoungMarinesofGrandRapidsMIMytriptoHawaiiwasablast.IhadthepleasuretolistentoaPearlHarborsur-vivortellofhisexperienceduringtheat-tacksonPearlHarborandwevisitedtheUSSArizonaMemorial.Wetooktheowersfromourleisandplacedtheminthewatertohonorthefallenheroes.AfterwevisitedthememorialwewentonthedecksoftheUSSMissourialsoknownasMightyMo.Wesawtheitsbig16-inchgunsandIstoodonthespotwhereJapansurrenderedendingthewar.Thiswasaveryuniqueexperi-encetostandonthedecksofhistory.OnDecember6wewenttoTheNation-alMemorialCem-eteryofthePacic.TheYoungMarinesperformedawreathlayingceremonytopayrespecttothefall-en.ThiscemeteryiswhereUSMCSgtHenryOliverHansenoneoftheoriginalagrais-ersonIwoJimawaslaidtorest.OnDecember7theYoungMarinespar-ticipatedinthePearlHarborMemorialPa-radeandwewerethebannercarriersfortheshipsthatwereattacked.ItwasaverybighonortocarrythebannerfortheUSSPennsylvania.Itwasaveryhum-blingexperiencetoseeeveryoneatendtopayrespectstotheveteransoftheattacksonPearlHarbor.TheeveningendedwithdinnerintheparkwithmusicprovidedbytheUnitedStatesMarineCorpsBandofthePacic.ACeremonyPaysRespectstotheFallenatPearlHarborPage16ESPRIT YMCplCalebWalkerOregonCascadeDuringSeptemberof2013myfatherandIwenttoPearlHarbor.Iwasaston-ishedbywhatIsawincludingthemorethan70yearsoldcolossalshipstoweringabovemeliketheUSSMissouri.WevisitedtheMuseumwatchedamov-ieonthePearlHarborattackandtookaboattovisittheUSSArizonamonumentwithmanyotherpeople.TheUSSArizonavisitwasanemotionalexperiencethatmademefeellikeIhadaconnectionwitheachofthepeopleontheboat.Themonumentwaswhitewithnamesofpeoplewhodiedduringtheattackandowerstohonorthem.OilstillleaksfromthehulloftheUSSArizona.InthegiftshopIsawanoldergentlemansittingataboothwithastackofbooks.IstoppedtotalktohimandlearnedthathewasretiredUSMCBrigadierGeneralJeromeT.Hagen.WetalkedforalongtimeandhesharedwithmehowhejoinedtheMarineCorpsin1952servedinKoreaandasaDrillInstructorandthenlaterasanofcerduringtheViet-namWarwhereheew483missionsinanA4Skyhawk.Afterhisretire-mentfromtheMarineCorpshewroteaseriesofbookstitledWarinthePacic.IboughtacopyandBGenHagensigneditToCa-lebYoungMarineThisisthewaythePacifcWarre-allywas.Wemustneverforget.Con-gratulationsonyourparticipationintheYoungMa-rines.Stickwithit.SemperFidelisJe-romeT.HagenBGe-nUSMCRet.Ireadhisbookanditisamazing.Itwassuchanin-spiringdaybeingabletovisitPearlHarborandthentalkingwithBGenHagen.ThiswasalifeexperiencethatIwillneverforget.AnInspiringTriptoPearlHarborOneIllNeverForgetByYMSgtMajKeonBurtonQuanticoVAAsDecemberapproachedmyexcite-mentstartedtobuildandbuildasIpre-paredtoparticipateinthePearlHarborAnniversaryeventswithYoungMarinesfromallover.IwasreadytopackupleavethemainlandasHawaiianscallitandheadtotheGreatStateofHawaii.ThiswasmythirdtriptoHawaiiandtakingpartintheactivitiesvisitingthePunchbowlandthePearlHarborsiteexploringtheis-landandspeakingwiththesurvivors.YetitsalwaysanewanddifferentIkeexperi-ence.IlearnsomethingnewIseethingsinanalteredlightandthestoriesalwaysamazeme.SeeingmyYoungMarinesfriendsfromacrossthestatesislikehavingafam-ilyreunion.Wearenolongerlabeledbyunitsortitleswearebrothersandsisters.ThebeautyoftheIslandisbreathtak-ing.TheYoungMarinesparticipatedinawreathlayingceremonytouredtheUSSArizonaMemorialandmarchedinthePearlHarborParade.WealsoattendedaretirementceremonyforYMSgtMajStormeDiGiovanniofthePyramidRockYoungMarinesandacook-outattheDiGiovannishome.AfterourobligationsMr.MichaelGuilesfromHeadquatersgaveusorderstoex-ploretheislandandItakeordersverywell.TheQuanticoYoungMarinesheadedoutforfun.Wetookaridealongthenorthshoresstoppingalongthewayatseveralbeachestoswimsurflearnaboutthecultureandsoakupsomesun.WevisitedhistoricalsitesTurtleBeachsampledlo-calfoodscanvasedtheareatoimmerseourselvesinHawaiianartmusicandlit-eraturewalkedalongtheshorelineandmetafewinterestedpeople.WeevensawafewcelebritiesfromHawaiiFive-O.TheseactivitiesarewhatIlovemostaboutthisprogramitcontinuestoopendoorsforyouthsandconstantlyofferspositiveinuencesonitsmembers.IwillforevercherishmemoriesofthePearlHarborAnniversaryevents.SoHawaiiIsayAlohaoefarewelltoyouandIllseeyounextyearHawaii-AHuiHouKakouUntilWeMeetAgainCalebWalkerandPacifcWarhistorianandauthorBGenJeromeT.HAgenUSMCRetThevisitmademefeellikeIhadaconnectionwitheachofthepeopleontheboat.ESPRITPage17 DoinggreatWorkinourCommunitiesDoinggreatWorkinourCommunitiesYOUNGMARINESRunningaMarathonIPushedOnByYMLCplCalebWilsonCherryPointNCThisyearat12yearsofageIrantheMa-rineCorpMarathoninWashingtonD.C.aspartoftheMarineCorpsForcesSpecialOp-erationsCommandMARSOCFoundationTeamafterraisingtwothousanddollarsfortheFoundation.MARSOCFoundationsupportsactivedutyandmedicallyretiredMARSOCpersonnelandtheirfamiliesaswellasthefamiliesofMarineswhohavelosttheirlivesinservicetoourNation.WhenIappliedfortheMarineCorpMara-thonIwasoriginallytoldIcouldnotrunbecauseIwastwoyearsundertheagelimit.AfterafewemailmessagesIwasal-lowedtoruntheracewithmyDad.Amara-thoncoversadistanceof26.2milessoitisnotanormalPFTrun.Itrainedforseveralmonthstoprepareforthisdistance.ThenightbeforethemarathonIreceivedtheSpiritusInvictusawardwhichmeansun-conquerablespiritfromtheMARSOCFoun-dationformyfundraisingeffortsanddesiretoparticipateevenafterbeingturnedawayoriginally.RunningthemarathonhurtalotbutIpushedontothenish.IwenttoschoolthenextdaylimpingbecausemymuscleswereverysorebutIwashappytobewear-ingmymarathonshirt.MyadvicetoallyouYoungMarinesPushonpainisnotareasontoquit.EachandeveryonesetexpectationsforyourselfhighandpushontomeetthemDontquiteverEditorsnoteLCplWilsonraised2000fortheMARSOCFoundation.CalebWilsonAnunconquerablespirit.ByAimeeM.FaganAdultVolunteerBlackstoneValleyMAThanksgivingWeekendkickedoffourToysforTotsDrive.InpreparationforseveralserviceeventsourYoungMarinesweregivenahomeworkassignment-theyneededtondoutasmuchastheycouldaboutToysforTots.TheydidnotdisappointandactuallysurprisedsomeToysforTotsorganizerswiththeirknowledgeoftheprogram.Theywereabletosharethattheprogrambeganin1947inCaliforniawhenaMa-rineReservistswifewantedtodonateaRaggedyAnndollasaChristmasgiftforaneedychildandcouldnotndanyplacethatwouldtakeit.SotheMarineandhisbuddiessetoutonamission.Thatrstyeartheycollectedvethousandtoystodistributetoneedyfamilies.In2011morethan15milliontoysweredistrib-utedtochildren.Weexpect2013tobeanevenbiggeryear.ToysforTotsBlackstoneValleyDiditsHomeworkStufngthebusandHelpingOurCommunityByYMClaytonSauberanAstabulaCountyOHEveryyearmyunitdoesafundraisercalledStufftheBus.DuringStufftheBuswebringitemstodonatetolessfortunatekidsandafterthatwetrytogetmorepeopleinbyholdingsignsandmarchingaround.Itisreallyfun.Atourlasteventwegotmorethanhalfofthebusfull.Wealsoattendasmallindoorfairwhichsellsclothes.Wetaketheitemsputtheminbagsorboxesandcarrythemouttothecars.Itsreallyfunbutitishardwork.ThepeopleoperatyingthefairsaywereallyhelpthemoutplusitisagreattimeforPTsomeoftheboxesarereallyheavy.Allinallitisareallyfuncommu-nityserviceproject.TheYoungMarinesofAlbanyGAvolunteeredtohelpthelocalPoliceDepartmentwiththeirThirdAnnualThanksgivingDinner.ThisyeartheeventwasheldonTuesdayNovember262013.YoungMarinesSSgtAlexisBaisdenSSgtJoshuaCrawfordandPVTMalikPeoplesandstaffmembershelpedservemorethan750meals.AlbanyServingatThanksgivingPage18ESPRIT ByYMLCplDaolaiChanthiratMecklenburgCountyNCThemonthofNovemberwasthebusiestmonthforourunit.Wedidalotofcommunityservicesforthecommunityandourveterans.Theseser-vicesincludecleaningupourcommunityriversandstreamslotsofcolorguarddutiesandhon-oringourveteransatalocalVeteransDayParade.MecklenburgCountyABusyMonthofServiceFromcleaninguptoprovidingcolorguardtheMecklenburgCountyYoungMarineskeepbusyservingtheircommunity.BattleeldAssistsSemperFiFundProgramByYMSSgtKevinCrowleyBattlefeldVABattleeldYoungMarinesjoinedhundredsofvolunteersonSunday24November2013tohelppackage10700PurpleHeartChristmasornaments.OncepackagedtheornamentsaremailedtoUSMCPurpleHeartrecipientsacrossAmerica.Wethankeveryoneofthesevet-eransfortheirsacriceanddedicationtoourgreatcountry.WeenjoyedhavingMajGenJamesKes-slerUSMCRetandhiswifejoinusatourtableduringthepackingprocess.OurYoungMarinesenjoyedtalkingwiththem.WealsogottovisitYoungMarinesfromColWesleyFoxGeigerManassasandBullRununits.Thiswasourthirdyearparticipatinginthisgreatevent.Wesetanotherrecordthisyearintheamountoftimeittooktopackagethe10700or-naments.Eachyeargetsbetter.Wecantwaitfornextyear.YMGySgtAllysonFaggaandLCplLores-sahClemonsofShenandoahValleyYoungMarinesYMSSgtMeghanJonesofManas-sasandYMLaurenLoriaofColWesleyFoxYoungMarinesprovidedanall-femaleCol-orGuardattheRitzCarltonPentagonCityforthe75thAnniversaryoftheNationalFoundationforWomenLegislators.--SubmittedbyGwynnHarrisonShenandoahValleyVAWeProvidedAnAll-FemaleColorGuardFoothillsInvolvedinOurLocalFestivalForYearsByStacyAndersonFoothillsCOOurunithasbeenapartoftheEstesParkHighlandsFestivalformanyyears.Ourcolorguardtakespartintheeve-ningTattooopeningceremoniestheParadeindowntownEstesandclosingceremonies.WealsohaveaboothatthefestivalthatofferedinformationabouttheYoungMarinesprogramandfacepaintingforthekids.ESPRITPage19 ShenandoahValleyVAYoungMarinesparticipateintheYoungEaglesProgram.PilotsdonatedtheirtimeplaneandfueltoexposetheYoungMarinestoaviationfreeofchargeonOct.52013attheWin-chesterVARegionalAirport.--SubmittedbyGwynnHarrisonShenandoahValleyVAPensacolaConductsaFlagRetiringCeremonyByYMLCplNicholasMorrellPensacolaFLOnNovember16th2013theYoungMarinesofPensacolaheldaagretiringceremonyattheVFWinElbertaAL.Wehadaaghistoryclassandthenwepracticedfoldingags.TheceremonybeganwithMs.KarenoneofourstaffmemberstalkingaboutwhattheagrepresentstotheAmericanpeople.ThenGySgtBelangerourUnitCom-manderandMr.GeorgeourExecutiveOfcerparticipatedwithourunits13YoungMarinesinburningtheagswhilerenderinganhonorablehandsalute.BytheendoftheceremonytheYoungMarinesofPensacolaretired248ags.Welearnedalotfromthiseventsuchaswhythisagshouldbehonoredandhowithonorsthemenandwomenwhohaveservedandsacricedforourcountry.IndianaCleaningupAfteraTornadoByCplMariahHenkSpeedwayINManypartsofIndianawerehitbynat-uraldisasterinNovember.Iwasluckybutaneighboringtownwasnot.WhenIheardthenewsIwantedtohelp.SothenextmorningItookadayoffschooltohelpcleanup.Seeingthewreckagebrokemyheartbutthatonlymadememoredeterminedtohelpthistown.Itwashardworkbutseeingtheprogressmotivatedmeevenmore.Manymem-bersofmycommunitypitchedinanddonatedwhattheycould.Ifitwasntforallthelocalsupportthistownwouldstillbeinruins.Imthankfultobepartoftheserecoveryefforts.SpeedwayWereMakingaBigImpactinaSmallTownByDavidHulettUnitCommanderSpeedwayINOurunitstartedinJanuaryof2013.ThreeYoungMarinesturnedtoeightthentotwelveandnowtwentyfour.OurrstCommunityServicewasonMarch11thandsincethenwehaveloggedalmost3200hoursofCommunitySer-viceasaunit.OurYoungMarineshavehelpedwithprojectsatchurchesanimalsheltersfoodpantriesveteranshospitalspubliclibrariesandMarineCorpsLeaguedetachments.Wehavemadefriendsandpartnersintheareasveteransassistancecommunity.WehaveaninnerunitcompetitiontoseewhocanlogthemostindividualhoursandeightofourYoungMarineshaveperformedmorethan100hoursofserviceineightmonths.OneofourYoungMarinesevenorganizedaSatur-dayStreetSweepinwhichtheYoungMarinespickedupdebrisandtrashinthesmalltowninwhichwedrill.Hishopeistoexpandthisactivitytomanymoretownsandcommunities.ItwasnicewhenpeopleintownaskeduswhatweweredoingwesaidsimplyWewanttohelp.BeingaUnitCommanderisrewardingbutseeingyourYoungMarinesactlikeresponsiblecaringyoungadultsisespe-ciallyrewarding.Imlookingforwardtomanymoreyearswiththesewonderfulkids.OxonHillHelpingProvideAccesstoHealthyFoodByYMCpl.NigelGollmanOxonHillMDTheShareFoodProgrammissionistopromotehealthylivingandstrongercom-munitiesthroughaffordablewholesomefood.Throughtheeffortsofourvolun-teersandthesupportofourcommu-nitytheShareFoodProgramdistributesthousandsofpoundsoffoodamonththroughouttheregion.OurunitsupportstheireffortsbygoingtooneoftheSharewarehousestopackagepotatoesfrom100Lbs.bagstoindividual3lbs.bags.Theyaretakentolocaldistributioncen-tersforcompletingsharepackagesforsalesatreducedcostthroughthecom-munity.ThepotatoesarecoldtohandlebutattheendofitallIfeelgoodbecauseIknowthatwehavebeenpartofanefforttohelpsomeoneinourcommunitytohaveac-cesstowholesomefoodandhealthyliving.Page20ESPRIT HelpingOthersinNeedCanBeJustAsRewardingByYMSSgtNicholasCozzensSwansboroNCAbigpartofwhatwedoasYoungMarinesishelpingourcommunities.Weallknowthatwehavetoraisefundswithinourcommunitiesinordertooper-ateourunits.Butwhatabouthelpingoutotherdeservingnon-protorganiza-tionsGivingofourtimeandtalentsisalwayshelpfulbutworkinghardtoraisemoneyonbehalfofothersinneedcanbejustasrewarding.RecentlyoneofmymomsfriendsaskedmeifIwouldbeinterestedinpar-ticipatinginafundraiserfortheJohnsHopkinsCancerCenterthatfocusesonmalebreastcancer.ShesaidthatIwouldneedtowearwomensheelsandwalklaps.AtrstIwasntsurebutthemoreIthoughtaboutitthemoreIrealizedwhatagoodcauseitwas.OnNovember32013Iparticipatedinthe3rdAnnualFillHerShoeswalkforacuresponsoredbytheLeatherandLaceMotorcyleClubinJacksonvilleNC.Itwashardtondheelstotmysize13feetbutmyneighborshusbandparticipatedtooandlentmetheonesthatheused.Ihadablastandevenran2lapsinthose3-inchheels.MaybenextyearIcanhelpgetateamofYoungMa-rinestoparticipateinthisworthycauseWhereAreYourOpportunitiestoPromoteUsByYMSgtRandallB.TownsendPalmBeachesFLOnSeptember222013aspecialinvita-tionwentouttoseasonticketholdersfortheMiamiDolphinstoparticipateincre-atingtheNFLsrsteverhumanag.AsluckwouldhaveitthePalmBeachesunithassomeclosefriendsthatholdseasonticketsfortheMiamiDolphinsandtheinvitationwaspassedontothreeofourveryownmemberstoparticipateintheevent.PalmBeachesalwayslooksateachlo-caleventandinvitationtoseehowwecanbestrepresentourunitandprogram.Inthiscasewebecame3ofmorethanonethousandpeopletoformtheAmeri-canagonthefootballeldduringtheplayingoftheNationalAnthematopen-ingceremonies.Itisabsolutelyamazinghowa2hourpracticerunthedaybeforecouldbesosuccessfulasyoucanseefromthephoto.Wealsohadanopportunitytospeakwiththeorganizationscommunityrelationsdirectorinordertopromoteourprogramanditsideals.Asaresultwehavebeenplacedonthewaitinglisttopostcolorsatafuturegameandarenowalsoontheirlistoforganizationstoserveinthecommunityinpartnershipwiththem.EveryunitprobablyhasanopportunitytomaketheircommunityawareoftheYoungMarinesandmaynotknowit.Op-portunitiespresentthemselvesinmanyways.KeepyourmindopenvisionbroadandremainalertandyouwillndmanywaystointroduceYoungMarinestotheworldsothatwearenolongerThebestkeptsecretbutratheraprogramfullofgreatopportunitiesforAmericasYouth.PalmBeachesYoungMarineswereapartoftheNationalFootballLeaguesrsteverhumanagatMiamisSunLifeStadiumESPRITPage21 VeteransWeek2013ByYMSgtMajAlexLoriaColWesleyFoxVAOnVeteransweekend2013IhadtheopportunitytoleadtheagprocessionandcarrytheAmericanagforaveteransceremonyinArlingtonNationalCemetery.PresidentObamawastherealongwithothergovernmentofcialsofcersMed-alofHonorrecipientsandotherswhogavespeech-eshonoringveterans.AnHonorFlightsVeteranwasrecognizedwhoismorethan100yearsoldAnotherYoungMarineLCplVillatorocarriedtheMedalofHonorSocietysagwithmeasweleadtheotherveteransorganizationsthroughthecrowdtothefrontoftheam-phitheater.WhiletheylinedupalongtheamphitheaterwallswewentonstagetoposttheColorsandsitfortheceremony.Wewereabout15feetfromthePresi-dent.IwasclosesttoMrs.ObamaandshesmiledatmeasIsatforthepresen-tation.AftertheceremonywewereinvitedtothereceptionwiththeMedalofHonorSociety.WewereabletomeetseveralMedalofHonorrecipientsincludingthePresidentoftheSocietyMr.HaroldFritz.Followinglunchweattendedacer-emonyatGeneralJohnJ.PershingsgravesiteandLCplVillatoroandIwereaskedtostandandholdtheags.Astheafternoonwentonthewindcontinuedtopickup.TheeventwasadedicationtoGeneralPershingslifeandcareerandtherewererep-resentativesfrommostofthealliedcountriespresentwhoparticipatedinawreathlayingceremony.Itwasagreatprivilegetohon-orthemenandwomenwhohaveservedus.ServingatVeteransDayHonorsatArlingtonChicagosOwnHonorsSomeHiddenVeteransByYMCplChristopherRepaChicagosOwnILDuringVeteransAppreciationWeekthisyearmyunitarrangedavisittoalocalretirementcenterwherefortyeightVet-eranslive.WedecidedtohaveapartytohelpthemcelebrateVeteransDay.AstheVeteransenteredintothehalltheysawourColorGuardandallofusinuniformtheysmiledandwaved.OurceremonystartedwiththeColorGuardtheNationalAnthemandthePledgeofAllegiance.OurUnitCommanderspokeafewwordsthank-ingtheVeteransfortheirserviceanddescribedtheYoungMarinesprogram.EachveteranwaspresentedacerticateofappreciationandanAmericanaglapelpin.Tearscamefromtheireyesastheythankedus.Wethenenjoyedlisten-ingtotheirstoriesoverrefreshments.FollowingtheFootstepsandCareerofaGreatWarriorByCPLHaydenLippincottEastValleyAZSMSgtCharlesE.BusterDonnelUSAFRet1921-2013mygreat-grandfatherwasborninLewistonMaineonMarch171921.Hewasbestknownforbeinganoriginalmem-berofthefamousMer-rillsMarauderswhofoughtbehindenemylinesinBurmaduringWorldWarII.BusterDonnelwaswoundedincombatandwastaggedtobesentawayfromthefrontformedicaltreatment.Hetorehistagoffandwentbacktothefront.HisserviceinboththeU.S.ArmyAirForceandlatertheU.S.AirForcewasfrom1937to1964.AfterretiringfromtheU.S.AirForceBusterworkedatBathIronworksinBathMainebuildingshipsfortheU.S.Navyforanothertwen-ty-plusyearsthentakingpart-timeworkatBrunswickNavalAirStationinBruns-wickMaine.Inthelate80shenallyfullyretiredtotheBobHopeEnlistedRe-tirementVillagelocatedoutsideEglinAirForceBasenearShalimarFlorida.SMSgtDonnelwaslovedbyeveryonehecameincontactwith.Heservedasanadvisormentorstory-tellerandadoptedgrandfathertomanyactivedutymilitaryandveteransalikeintheShalimararea.Heenjoyedhavingouryoungwarriorsaroundhimtellingstoriesandtheirseekinghisadvice.HissecondfamilywasourmilitaryandhehadaspecialplaceinhisheartfortheU.S.ArmyRangersandthoseinU.S.AirForceSpecialOperations.In2010Busterwasawardednumerousmedalsandawardsspanninghisservicefrom1937through1964includingtheDistinguishedServiceMedaltwoBronzeStarsaPurpleHearttheCombatInfan-trymansBadgeandmultipleCampaignandBattleribbonsforhisserviceduringWorldWarIIandtheKoreanWar.Atruepatriotmygreat-grandfatherwillbemissedbymanyashepassedawaylastAugust.ActivedutyandWorldWarIIVeteransinvitedmetohonortheSeniorMasterSergeantathisintermentservice.IwasinvitedasanhonoraryparticipantinthecolorguardceremonywithactivedutyArmyRangersandU.S.AirForceSpecialOperationspersonnel.FarewellBusterSemperFiOORAHAfewofmygreatgrandfathersmedals.Page22ESPRIT WestoverMAYoungMa-rinesinfrontoftheVeteransMemorialafterspendingaSaturdaymorningre-aggingSt.ThomasCemeteryinWestSpringeldMAforVeteransDay.Theyhelpedre-agmorethan500cemeteryplots.--SubmittedbyEdwardMitrookWestoverYoungMarinesalsomarchedintheVeteransDayparadeinWesteldMAalongwithmembersoftheWest-eldRiverValleyMarineCorpsLeague.Inthepicturewear-ingdressbluesisCpl.DonDorringtonanIwoJimaveteran.Mr.Dorringtonis88yearsoldandmarcheswiththeMarineCorpsLeagueandWestoverYoungMarineseveryMemorialDayandVeteransday.--SubmittedbyEdwardMitrookByStacyAndersonFoothillsCOOnSaturdayNov9th2013FoothillsYoungMarinesperformedacolorguardceremonyfortheParalyzedVeteransofAmericaMountainStatesChapterattheirannualawardsbanquet.Anotherorgani-zationcancelledunexpectedyandwegladlyaccepted.ItwasabusyVeteransDayweekendlledwithmanycolorguardeventsbutweknewthisonewasspecial.Whenwearrivedwesetupourgearandstartedtowatchastheroomlledwithguests.Itquicklybecameapparentthatthiscolorguardwouldchallengeourskillstomakeitowinthespacepro-vided.Theaislewasoff-centerandtheroomwaslledwithVeteransandthoseonAc-tiveDuty.Theywereatthebanquetinappreciationoftheircommunityservicethroughouttheyear.ItwasntuntilaftertheceremonythatweweremadeawarethatCongressmenEdPerlmutterandMikeCoffmanhadalsowitnessedourper-formance.Afterthebanquetwehadtimetovisitwiththeveteranssharesomelaughsandtakepictures.Itwastrulysuchanhonortobethere.IwassoproudtoshowoffourYoungMarinestoacrowdthatcouldappreciatetheirdedicationtogettingthejobdoneright.AColorGuardfortheParalyzedVeteransofAmericaByYMPvtCalebVanApeldoornCapitalCityNCShortlyaftergraduatingrecruittrain-ingIhadtheopportunitytospendtwoweekswithmyfatherMasterSergeantB.VanApeldoornRetwhoisaVietnamVeteran.DuringmyvisittoRochesterNYonSaturdayafternoonJuly272013IhadthehonortobeapartofaWoundedWarriorsceremony.IttooktoplacetohonorthreewarriorswhohadbeenwoundedwhileservinginAfghanistan.DuringtheceremonyIheldthePOWMIAagwiththePatriotGuard.ThePOWMIAagrepresentsthepris-onersofwarandthosewhoaremiss-inginaction.Beingapartoftheceremonygavemeabetterunderstandingofwhatthemenandwomenofourmilitarygoendureandjusthowimportanttheirsac-ricesaretomywayoflifeandmyfree-dom.Duringtheceremonytherewasonesoldierinparticularwhomadeanim-pactonmylife.Thissoliderhadsufferedburnstohisentirefaceandears.Evengo-ingthroughwhathehadinthistimeofwarhewasstillveryproudtoserveintheArmyandhadnoregrets.Thisimpressedmealotandmademeproudtobepartofacountrythatstandsupforwhatitsbeliefs.SeeingthisceremonyremindedmetobethankfulforeverythingIhaveandforthemenandwomenwholaydowntheirlivesforuseveryday.Ionlyhopetobeasbraveandstrongasthesemenwhowerehonoredthatday.RememberingAnotherGroupofAmericasVeteransIparticipatedinfourVeteransDayceremonies.TwoofthemwereatSt.AndrewsPresbyterianChurchinPurcellvilleVAwhereIparticipatedinthecolorguard.ForanotheroneIwenttotheBallsBluffCivilWarCemeteryforaceremonywiththeVFWofLeesburgVA.ThelastonewasinLovettsvillewhereIcarriedthewreathwithanotherYoungMarinefortheirspecialceremony.IamgladthatIcouldshowmyappreciationfortheveteranswhohaveservedus.--SubmittedbyYMPVTNoahEsperColWesleyFoxVAESPRITPage23 ByYMCplMelodyCondeFoothillsCOJustbeforeVeteransDaywelearnedaboutWarMemorialsinaclassatYoungMarines.Welearnedhowpeoplesubmittheirideasforamemorialandhowade-signgetschosen.Manymonumentstakeyearstobuildsometimesinexcessoftenyears.Manyusesymbolstorepresentvictoryorfree-domForexampleWWIImemorialsoftenincludeanimagefromtheVictorymedaloftheGreekgoddessNikeholdingabro-kenswordtorepresentvictory.WelookedatlocalmemorialsliketheColoradoFreedomMemorialwhichnamesmorethan6000Coloradomenandwomenwhohavediedinwarssince1876.WealsolearnedabouttheNationalWarMemorialsinWashingtonDC.TheNationalWorldWarIIMemorialincludestwoengravedKilroywashereimageswhichwasapopulargraftisymbolonabandonedbuildingsduringWorldWarII.Theinformationintheclassamazedandaffectedme.Inowseethatwarmemori-alsaremuchmorethanjustmonuments.Theytellveteransandthefamiliesofthedeadandmissingthattheyarestillremembered.Theirsacricesareknownandareverygreatlyappreciated.WarMemorialsMuchMoreThanJustMonumentsByYMPFCJacobMassengillSoutheastCountyCAPatriotismPEY-tree-uh-tiz-uhmDe-votedlovesupportanddefenseofonescountrynationalloyalty.Thisisonede-nitionofpatriotismbutIthinkitmeansmore.CaptainDouglasG.PhillipsUSNRetre-mindsmeofpatriotism.CaptainPhillipswasstationedontheUSSRamsayduringtheattackonPearlHarboronDecember7th1941.Hetoldmeofwatchingthebeautifulsceneryfromtheshipsdeckthatmorn-ingwhenherstsawaJapaneseplane.Insteadofcoweringawayhewarnedthefewwhodidntknowwhatwashappen-ingandassistedanothersailorbyload-ingamounted4-inchrapidreguntheireffortsdownedthreeenemyplanes.JayGroffisalsoaPearlHarborsurvivor.Hewasjoltedawakebyahugeexplosion.HedefendedtwoAmericanB-17heavybombersthatwereattemptingalandingandcontinuedghtingfortherestoftheattacks.AfterPearlHarborheservedourcountryforthirtymoreyears.HebecameaBoatMasterMarineSu-perintendentandlaterservedatBrook-leyFieldJohnstonIslandandHamiltonAirForceBase.Transferringtoanadmin-istrativepositionaftertheAirForcere-tiredcrashboatsatypeofhigh-speedoffshorerescueboatheservedinIzmirTurkeyandatthePentagonwhereheworkedfortheSecretaryoftheAirForce.Ifanyoneknowswhatpatriotismmeansthesetwomendo.YoucanaskanyonefromtheArmyMarineCorpsNavyAirForceorCoastGuardandtheywouldallagreethatthesemenaretwooutstand-ingexamplesofapatriotandthattheywouldprobablydothesameiftheyhadtoprotecttheircountryfromattack.TwoVeteransIveMetWhoseLivesDefnePatriotismTheGrandOpeningofaVeteran-OwnedBusinessByStacyAndersonFoothillsCOVeteransDaycanbeagreatdayforaveterantogetafreehaircutcupofcoffeeorsometimeslunch.Foronelocalveter-anitwasadaytowriteanewchapterbyopeninghisownbusiness.FoothillsYoungMarinesperformedcolorguarddutiesonVeteransDayfortheGrandOpeningofalocalQuiznosSandwichRestaurant.Theownerisaveteranandheofferedafreelunchtohisfellowveterans.ItwasabeautifulColoradodayperfectfortheFlagoldfriendsandgoodfood.VeteransWeek2013Page24ESPRIT InMemoryofthe241TheyCameinPeaceByYMPFCLoganBeraNewRiverNCOnOctober231983abombingoc-curredattheMNFMultinationalForcebarracksinBeirutLebanon.ThedeathtollwasthehighestsingledaydeathtollfortheUnitedStatesMa-rineCorpssincetheBattleofIwoJimainWorldWarII.Thenumbersaredevastatinglyhighthebombingkilled3soldiers18sailorsand220Marinesatotalof241Americanser-vicemen.InhonorofthosewhodiedTheBeirutMemorialwasbuiltinJacksonvilleNorthCarolina.MyunittheNewRiverYoungMarinesattendedahistoryclassontheBeirutbombingtaughtattheBeirutMe-morial.IhaveonlybeentotheMemorialoncewiththeYoungMarinesbutIlearnedalotfrommyvisit.ThedayoftheBeirutBombingisaspe-cialdaytomebecauseitmakesmethinkhowdifferentlifewouldbewithoutthefreedomtobemyselfandbeintheYoungMarines.ItalsomakesmethinkthatifallofthesemenandwomenhadntriskedandgiventheirliveswouldtherebeaUnitedStatesIoftenthinkaboutthemenandwomenwhomakesacricesforourfreedomandthosewhohavealreadysacricedforourcountryandIndmyselfstoppingtosalutethemasmyownsmallgestureofthanks.YoungMarinesisalwaysfunandIenjoyattendingtheceremoniesandeventsbe-causeIlearnsomuchandIhavemadealotoffriendsintheYoungMarines....IFiguredOutHowandWhyTheyAttendByYMGySgtBrendenQuinonezYMLCplHarleyBradfordandYMPFCDenverBradfordFoothillsCOAtschoolmanykidsaskmeifIamgoingtojointhemilitary.Ialwaysreplywithasub-tleYesandthatquestionisalwaysfollowedbythequestionWhy.BeforeVeteransDayin2013Ihadnosimpleanswertothatquestion.OnthatdayIstoodinthelowwindsofagrassyeld.ThateldwaspartoftheUnitedStatesMarineCorpsMemorial.Inthecenterofthegrassyeldtherestoodtwomassiveags.OnewastheagoftheUnitedStatesMarineCorpsandtheotheronewastheagoftheUnitedStates.ThememorialalsocontainedagsoftheftystatesandMarineCorpsregi-mentalagsallthesizeofpostags.Thepeoplethereamazedmefortheyattendedeveryyearwhetherithadbeensnowingrainingorinthemid-dleofgreatwinds.AsIspokewiththemInoticedthattheyrangedfromanE-1toaColonelinrank.ThatmomentIguredouthowandwhytheyattend.IhadnoneedtoaskthemwhytheycameforIknewbythelookintheirfaceswhentheannounc-erhadtalkedaboutthementhathadfallenincombat.To-daymyanswerisclearIwishtoservemycountrynotforglorybutforhonor.AsIamdeterminedtoservemycoun-tryIcanstartnowbybeinganhonorableYoungMarine.BostonsSemperFiLuncheonWhataWaytoCelebrateByYMSSgtBrianFaganBlackstoneValleyMAIhavebeentoafewSemperFiLun-cheonsinBostonoverthelastfewyears.Myfatherusuallytakesme.Butthisyearslunchwasamazing.Itisaprettybigeventwithahundredspeoplecomingfromaroundthecountrytoattend.AssoonaswegotthereIknewthisyearseventwasgoingtobethebestoneyet.Whenwewalkedintothebanquetareathereitwas...theWorldSeriesCham-pionshipTrophyTheBostonRedSoxsentthetrophyoverforalltheMarinesandtheirgueststosee.Itwascooltobesoclosetoitandtohavemypicturetakenalongsideit.Butthedaygotevenbet-ter.Notonlywasthereagreatlunchbuttherewereallsortsofheroicpeopleandgreatleadersthere.IhadthechancetomeetHarveyC.BarneyBarnumaCongressionalMedalofHonorrecipientandGeneralJamesF.AmostheMarineCorpsCommandant.WhatanhonorIheardsomegreatspeechesandwastotallysurprisedtoseeourYoungMarinesNationalExecutiveDirectorMikeKesslerattheluncheon.WehadachancetospeakawhileIthinkhewasequallysurprisedtoseeoneofhisYoungMarinesatthelunch.ItwasagreatwaytocelebratetheMarineCorpsBirthdayandVeteransDaySemperFiMedalofHonorrecipientBarneyBarnumwithYoungMarineBrianFagan.VeteransWeek2013ESPRITPage25 HonorFlightsSomeoftheWaysOurUnitsGetInvolvedShenandoahValleyBattleeldandManassasYoungMarinesallcometo-gethertoprovidetheColorGuardfortheAustinTXHonorFlight.PicturedarePFCJeziorowskiandPFCBuckofShenandoahValleyYoungMarines.--SubmittedbyGwynnHarrisonShenandoahValleyVAOurunitheldafundraisingcarwashwithallproceedsgoingtoben-etHonorFlights.MatchingourfundsweretheMarineCorpsLeagueVet-eransofForeignWarsandtheVFWAuxillary.Thefundstotaled1200.ReceivingaletterofappreciationfortheunitfromHonorFlightwereYMPvtsCodyMarvinandZackChiia.--SubmittedbyTonyGuilloryRogueValleyORByYMSgtPatrickAlfordLtAlexanderBonnymanTNDespitethegovernmentshutdownandclosureoftheveteransmemorialsinWashingtonDConOctober9th2013the15thKnoxvilleHonorAirightforEastTennesseeVeteransproceededasscheduledKnoxvilleHonorAirisdedi-catedtohonoringEastTen-nesseeWorldWarIIandKo-reanWarveteransfortheirsacricesonbehalfofourfreedoms.TwiceayeartheyyaplaneloadofveteranstoWashingtonDCtovisitthewarmemorialsbuiltintheirhonor.Itisaone-dayeventwheretheyleaveearlyinthemorningandreturnthatsameevening.Ihadtheprivilegeofgoingtogreettheirreturnightthatevening.PvtRussellandIweretakentotheentrancewhereweweregiventhehonortoassisttheveteransinwheelchairsdownthepro-cessionline.McGheeTysonairportinKnoxvilleisnotalargeairportbuttherewereanestimated1700peopleinthehallwaytogreetthesemenandwomentowhomweowesomuch.AsIguidedveteranCalKirklandthroughtheprocessionIdontthinkonepersonmissedshakinghishandorthank-inghim.ItwashumblingtobeinthepresenceofMr.Kirklandandothermenandwomenwhofoughtsobravelyforourfreedom.IalsogottomeethisfamilywhoverygraciouslythankedMEforwhatIdid.IwashonoredtodothatforhimandIcertainlydidnotexpecttoreceiveathankyou.ItmakesmefeelsoproudtobeaYoungMarine.OurleaderstelluswhenweareinuniformwerepresentallYoungMarinesandtoalwaysrememberourcorevalues.Ithinkthatisonewaywecanhonorourveteransev-erydaybyembracingthelifetheyhavefoughttogiveuswithDisciplineLeader-shipandTeamwork.VeteransWeek2013Page26ESPRITByYMLCplNicholasMorrellPensacolaFLNovember22013startedoutasanormaldayformyfellowYoungMarinesandme.WestartedoffwithaphysicaltnesstestPFTthenchangedintoouruniformslistenedtoadrugdemandre-ductionDDRclassandthenhaddrillpractice.Afterwegotnishedwithdrilweex-pectedourusualdebriefoffutureeventsbutsomethingelsehappenedinstead.WewalkedintotheclassroomandsawatablewithwhatappearedtobeportraitofaWorldWarIIsoldierandanumberofmedalsonittoo.Welookedatitwithcuriosityandthenweallsatdownandwaitedforinstructions.DocVanOstenbridgeoneofourstaffmembersrstexplainedwhatwasabouttohappenwhattheceremonywasandthenaskedforvolunteersforthecere-monyandwegladlyraisedourhands.HechoseYMPVTColeandYMLCplLewistoreadadescriptionoftheevent.ThenhechoseYMLCplMoyeandmetopresentthequilt.WestartedofftheceremonywithareadingandthenDocVanOstenbridgetalkedaboutthewarvet-eranwhoturnedouttobehisdad.HisfatherwroteaboutlandingatOmahabeachaweekaftertheD-DaylandingsandhisjobduringWorldWarIIwhichwasworkingwithanti-aircraftguns.HedescribedbeingapartofGeneralPattons3rdArmyandwhatitwasliketosurvivebattlesduringWorldWarII.ThenafterhiswonderfuldescriptionofhisfathersexperiencesYMLCplMoyeandIpresentedthequiltwhichthese-niorMr.VanOstenbridgedescribedasverybeautiful.Everybodygotagoodlookatthemag-nicentquiltprovidedbyQuiltsofValoranorganizationbegunduringtheCivilWarthathandmakesquiltsforwarvet-erans.TheYoungMarinesofPensacolaandMr.VanOstenbridgeassembledforagrouppicture.SomeoftheYoungMarinesreturnedbacktotheirseatswhileothersaskedMr.VanOstenbridgeques-tionsabouthisownex-periencesduringthewar.IbelievetheYoungMarinesofPensacolalearnedfromthisceremonytoalwayshonorandvalueourwarveteransbecausewithoutthemwewouldnthaveourfreedomsthatweenjoytoday.PensacolaPresentsaWWIIVeteranwithaQuiltofValor ByGaryWeisbaumChiefMarketingOfcerAsIamsureeveryonehasseenbynowtheYoungMarinesHQstaffhaveinvestedsignicanttimeandresourcestoincreasethenationalandlocalvisibilityandawarenessoftheYoungMarinesorganizationoverallandtheveryspecialworktheover11000YoungMarinesand3000plusadultvolunteersdoeverydayacrosstheUnitedStates.Iampleasedtoreportthattheseeffortshavenotonlyprovidedthedesiredresultsbutinfacthaveexceededevenourownexpecta-tions.EverysignicantnationalYoungMarinesactivityin2013waspickedupinnationalregionalandlocalmediainbothbroadcastandprint.Nowtobeclearnoteveryac-tivitywaspickedupineverymarketacrossallavailablemediahowevertheYoungMarineswererecognizedinmarketsacrossthecountryfortheirworkwithveteransandwithreducingdemandfordrugs.AndIamhappytoletyouknowthatweareonlygettingstartedFor2014YoungMarinesmarket-ingandcommunicationactivitieswillmovetoanevenhigherlevelwithexpandedpressreleasesandpublicrelationseffortsbyourpublicrelationsagencyGRPR.Oureffortstoincreasethecontentinformationandsearchcapabilitiesavailableonourwww.youngmarines.comwebsitewillbegreatlyenhancedandwatchforanewlooktiedtoourYoungMarinesbrandplanrolloutearlyin2014.InfactifyouhavenotnoticeditalreadythiseditionoftheEspritMagazinehasalsoincorporatedim-portantelementsoftheYoungMarinesbrandplan.Asmanyofyoualreadyknowitiscriticalforcommunicationtohaveconsistentlooksandmessagesfromanorganizationanditsafliatesunitsinourspeciccaseandoureffortstogetthisaccomplishedarewellunderway.AsthenewyeargetsstartedplansareinplacetobringevengreaterandmoresignicantattentiontotheYoungMarinesatboththenationalaswellastheunitlevel.OurmajoractivitiesincludingtheIwoJimatriptheNavajoCodetalkerseventthePearlHarboranniversaryeventour2013participationisfeaturedinthisissueandallofyourefforts365daysayeartohonorallveteranswillreceiveevengreatercoverageandexposurein2014.Thisplusyourcriticalandimpor-tanteffortstoReducetheDemandforDrugsinthiscountrywillbringmoreeyesandearstotheYoungMarinesveryspecialstory.PlusforthisyearourrelationshipwithIZODIndyCarIndyLightsdriverZachVeachwillbefrontandcen-terinourcommunicationefforts.FinallyIwantedtoletyouknowthatoureffortsin2014willnotbejustatthenationallevel.ThisyearwearehappytoannouncethatwehavereassignedJanelleJohnsontotakeontheassign-mentofUnitMarketingManager.ThisnewpositionintheYoungMarinesHQMarketingoperationwillprovideallofourYoungMa-rineunitsguideanceandassistanceincapitalizingonmediafundraisingandcommunicationwithinyourlocalmarketswheretheneedtogetthewordoutinaneffectivemannerissocritical.Inthenext6-8weeksJanellewillbereachingouttoallofourDivisionleadershipandunitstoidentifyspe-cicprogramsthathaveworkedwellthosethatweregreatideasbutdidnotachievethedesiredoutcomeandthespe-cicneedsofourunitsfromamarketingandcommunicationstandpoint.ThegoalaBestPracticesprogramforourunitstobesuccessfulinallofyourmarketingandcommunicationneeds.Ilookforwardtokeepingyouupdatedonoureffortsandprogressandamhonoredtobeapartofagroupwithsuchoutstandingparticipants.DeliveringTheMessageAsthenewyeargetsstartedplansareinplacetobringevengreaterandmoresignicantattentiontotheYoungMarinesatboththenationalaswellastheunitlevel.EverysignifcantnationalYoungMarinesactivityin2013waspickedupinnationalregionalandlocalmediainbothbroadcastandprint.ESPRITPage27 YoungMarinesAfterActionNorthernKentuckyCelebrityScooperNightatBrustersIceCreamwithXODavidByrdandNationalYoungMarineoftheYearSgtMajDakotaRichter.NorthernKentuckyYoungMarinesStaffhavingalittlefunafterRecruitGraduation.LefttorightYMCplNathanByrdYMLCplIanFranzenYMCplLiamGallowayYMSgtDrewHensleyYMCplChrisGrunerYMSSgtDianteBethayNYMOYYMSgtMajDakotaRichterandYMSgtStevenHoxmeier.PlusSomeScenesfromSwansborosBusySummerTheSwansboroNCYoungMarineswhitewaterraftinginWestVirginia.AttendingthededicationoftheSSgtRecklessMemorialatTheNationalMuseumoftheMarineCorpsinTriangleVAMarchinginthemorningparadeattheAnnualSwansboroMulletFestival.LendingahandasvolunteersattheCrystalCoastPaddlefest.AtaagretirementceremonyatthelocalVFW.AshtabulaCountyOHAshtabulaCountyassistedNortheasternOhiosMarineCorpsLeagueDetachment782inamassivetoysortingunderthedirectionofPamLaughlin--SubmittedbyAlicenLimestollAdutantAshtabulaCountyYoungMarinesPage28ESPRIT GraduationsandSpecialAchievementsCongratulationstoallournewYoungMarinesandtoallthosewhotaughtandnurturedthem.GoodworkPerfectPhysicalFitnessTestPFTYMLCplNAMECantwellEmeraldCoastFLYMLCplEthanLundyPensacolaFLYMMGySgtAlexLoriaColWesleyFoxVAYMPfcJonathanCraigNorthernKentuckyYMPVTJosefViramontesRutherfordCountyTNYMSSgtBrianBookerRutherfordCountyTNDearEspritIhavejustcompletedmy8thstraightperfectPFTIwouldnothavebeenabletoovercomemyinjuriesandachievethisgoalwithoutthesupportofmyunitandotherfellowYoungMarines.AtmyJLSinDallasTexasIreceiveda499physicaltnessscore.AfterthatIwasdeterminednottofallshortagain.AsalongdistancerunnerIhavebat-tledafewinjuries.ItwouldhavebeeneasytofeelsorryformyselfandquitbutthevaluesIhavelearnedinthispro-gramhavepushedmethroughthepainandallthewayto8straight500sonmyPFTsonebeinginmySLSinSmyrnaTennesseeandotherswereapartofahealthycompetitioninmyunitaswepusheachothertowardsournewper-sonalbests.SototheYoungMarinesinmyunitandotherswestandbehindyouwithencour-agement.IfIcanaccomplishthisSOCANYOUSemperFiYMGySgtLoganHankersonTarrantCountyTXUnitNorthernKentuckyDateNovember17UCLynneArnoldHonorgradsReeceKellerJaredDarpelUnitRutherfordCountyTNDateDecember15UCDavidAssfalgHonorgradAnnaC.TumaUnitElizabethtownPADateNotspeciedUCMicheleKeenerHonorgradCocoWardUnitEmeraldCoastFLDateNotspeciedUCLynnDominiqueHonorgradReeceKellerUnitPyramidRockHIDateNotspeciedUCJohnDiGiovanniHonorgradEmilioNovilloUnitTornadoAlleyKSDateSeptember17UCMichaelWeberHonorgradBryceBeckerUnitSouthwestMichiganDateSeptember18UCNotspeciedHonorgradZackaryDeckerUnitSpeedwayINDateSeptember30UCDavidHulettHonorgradSydneySimsUnitEagleCADateOctober5UCPattiSiegmannHonorgradNotspeciedUnitCalvertCountyMDDateOctober13UCRobWillisHonorgradNotspeciedUnitKeystonePADateOctober17UCPaulT.KirschHonorgradJohnORourkeUnitShiawasseCountyMIDateOctober19UCDavidAssfalgHonorgradEricCunninghamIfICanAccomplishThisSOCANYOUImwritingtosayhowmuchYoungMarineshashelpedmyfamily.IlearnedabouttheYoungMa-rineprogramaroundspringof2012andmyoldestsonKylejoinedinAugustof2012.Bythetimehenishedrecruittraininghewasdoingsomuchbet-terinschool.KylelearnedalotinthislastyearofYoungMarinessuchasrepreventioncookingandsurvivalonencampmentsmarchinginparadesandhisfavoriteeventtheGoldenGateEncampment.TheninAugustof2013mymiddlesonAnthonyjoinedYoungMarines.Anthonyhasjustgraduatedfromrecruittraining.IwanttosincerelythankJohnFitzgeraldCom-mandingOfcerandallofhisstaffforplayingahugerollinbothofmysonssuccessesbothper-sonallyandacademically.ThisisanawesomeunitandIrecommendittoallmyfriendsandfamily.NicoleBaraFoothillsCOParentThanksfromaYMParentAnthonyandKyleAllenESPRITPage29 SCHEDULE2014STREETSROADSOVALSST.PETERSBURGSTREETMARCH30ST.PETERSBURGFLA.LONGBEACHSTREETAPRIL13LONGBEACHCALIF.BARBERROADCOURSEAPRIL2627BIRMINGHAMALA.INDIANAPOLISROADCOURSEMAY910INDIANAPOLISIND.TORONTOSTREETJULY20TORONTOONTARIOMID-OHIOROADAUGUST23LEXINGTONOHIOMILWAUKEEOVALAUGUST17MILWAUKEEWIS.SONOMAROADCOURSEAUGUST2324SONOMACALIF.