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FoothillsKeepingtheparademarchinstep.YoungMarinesSNAPSHOTSElizabethtownRaisingthefagandthepole.SwansboroDoingtheshuttlerun.MusicCityHonoringveteranswithacolorguard. ComingAttractions...ThethemeforournextFallissuethesubmissiondateisSeptember1--isDiscoveringOurNationsHistory.TellusaboutsomethingyoulearnedwithyourunitoraspartoftheYoungMa-rineslargerprogramduringthespringorsummer.BesuretotellusaboutyourpersonalexperienceandhowitrelatestotheYoungMarinesprogramwhetheritwasvisitingamuseumortravelingtoanewdestination.Didyoualsotakeyournew-foundknowledgebacktoyourunitorschoolclassmatesTellusaboutthattoo.Whatwearelookingforisnothistoricales-saysorencyclopedia-stylearticlesbutstoriesaboutwhatyoudiscovered.Ifyourarticlecontainsanynamesplac-esordatesdontforgettocheckthefactsrstbeforesubmitting.Theideallengthis200to250wordsandofcoursewellcountonyoutoincludeoneortwophotos.Forthewinterissue--submissiondateisDecember1--ourthemewillbeYoungMarinesdoinggreatworkinourcommunitiesnationwide.Telluswhatyourunithasdoneduringthesummerorfallthatwasallabouthelpingothersinourlargercommunitywhetherthatmeansveteransneedingalittlehelporaschoolorcommuni-typarkwhereyoupitchedinoryourunitseffortswithRedRibbonWeekorVeteransAppreciationeventsacrossthenation.Pickoneortwohighlightsthatwerefocusedoncommunityserviceinsomewayandtelluswhatitfeltliketobepartofit.WhatdidyouenjoyaboutitthemostWhatdidyourcommunityappreciatethemostDontforgettosendusoneortwophotos.AndifamemberofyourcommunitywantstoshareathoughtaboutthegoodworkyourunitisdoingaskthemtosendalettertotheeditorofEspritatmaga-zineyoungmarines.com.NationalHeadquartersStaffNationalExecutiveDirectorChiefExecutiveOfcerMichaelKesslerExecutiveAssistanttotheNationalDirectorSusanElliottDeputyDirectorJosephVenableInspectorGeneraloftheYoungMarinesJosephBlesDirectorforTrainingandEducationDavidAdamsAssistantDirectorofTrainingEducationKarenAdamsMobileTrainingTeamCoordinatorMichaelGuilesDirectorofAdministrationDeneenHookerDirectorofPublicRelationsJanelleJohnsenDrugDemandReductionResourceOfcerJosephLusignanAdministrativeAssistantforDatabaseManagementJudyJonesWebmasterServiceXpertMediaManagementLLCSanAntonioTexasYoungMarinesNationalHeadquartersP.O.Box70735SWStationWashingtonD.C.20024-0735YoungMarinesEspritMarcDeFrancisEditorJaimeJassoLayoutandDesignYoungMarinesBoardofDirectorsGerryReisChairmanGaryWeisbaumInvitedMemberLorenFunkWilliamBarnesRobertBorkaJackClossonDinaDillonLouisJohnsonWIlliamJ.WalkerGeneOverstreetInvitedMemberWilliamSmithInvitedMemberMichaelTracyFinanceMichaelKesslerNationalExecutiveDirectorJosephVenableDeputyDirectorDivisionCommandersDavidCumminsDivisionOneGeorgeBiedenbenderDivisionTwoJohnGionetDivisionThreeDouglasChampagneDivisionFourRonPownallDivisionFiveMichaelWilsonDivisionSixDivisionYoungMarinesoftheYearYMSgtMajPierceGillmanDivisionOneYMSgtMajDakotaRichterDivisionTwoYMSgtMajAustinCobbDivisionThreeYMSgtMajShanaPerezDivisionFourYMSgtMajCorinMcKeeDivisionFiveYMSgtMajIanSearchDivisionSixESPRITSummer20131OntheCoverChesterpointstothelocationofourrstNationalEncampmentinTalihinaOklahoma.Seepage6.YMSgtMajDakotaRichterNationalYoungMarineoftheYear FromtheNationalDirectorsDeskTwoyearsagowhenIreleasedmyOperationalPlanforthatyearIannouncedthatmyfocuswasgoingtobeonrecruitingandre-tainingourYoungMarines.ThequestionIaskedwasHowdowekeepourYoungMarinesex-citedabouttheprogramandhowdowekeepthemaroundWhiletheanswersmaybesimpleput-tingthemintoeffectisnot.WhenIaddressthisissuewithourseniorYoungMarinestheiranswersusuallyinvolvewhattheunitdoesorshoulddotokeepourYoungMarinesexcitedandthatusu-allyinvolvesthekindsofactivitiestheunitsareengag-ingeveryonein.SoaskyourselfthesequestionsDoesyourunitjustconductdrillandPTordoesitgooutintothecommunityanddothingsDoesyourunitworkontheyoungerYoungMa-rinesandtutorthemsothattheycangetthroughtheirPOsStrongleadersalwayslookoutforthoseundertheirchargeandtheymakesurenobodygetsleftonthebackburnertofendforthemselves.DoesyourunitallowtheseniorYoungMarinesthechancetoleadtheunitToplantheactivitiesHowdoyouradultvolunteerleadersmotivateyourYoungMarinestoachievetheirgoalsandisitworkingWhatstepscouldyoutakeinatactfulwaytoim-provetheleadershipinyourunitItisateameffortafterallandyourleadersshouldalwaysbeopentosug-gestions.DoesyourunitallowtheYoungMarinestopartici-pateinSPACESYoungMarinesremainwiththeprogrambecausetheirunitsdoexcitingthingsworkasateamgetinvolvedandsendtheirYoungMarinesofftointeractwithYoungMarinesfromotherunits.Theyalsostayinthepro-grambecausetheyknowtheseniorYoungMarinesareleadersintheirunits.ThesearethethingsIhearfromparentsandYoungMarinesalike.Thestoriesofthosewhoarestayinginitforthelonghaularestoriesbasedonpositiveexperiences.AndyesitstruethatoutsideinuencessuchassportsorschoolactivitiessometimestakeonawholenewmeaningforYoungMarineswhentheygetalittleolderbutatthesametimetheycanseethatthechancetoleaddoesnotcomealongexcepttothosewhohaveworkedforitandwhohavedemonstratedthepotentialtoleadothers.Anditshouldgowithoutsayingthatanyfavoritisminaunitcandestroymoraleandunitintegrity.Solookatthosequestionsaboveonceagain.DoesyourownunitsurvivetheacidtestIfyouareanadultstafforvolunteerasktheYoungMarineswhattheythink.BetteryetifyouareaseniorYoungMarineyour-selfletyourstaffknowhowyourunitmeasuresup.ThisisyourprogramYoungMarinesandweencour-ageyoutotakeonleadershiproleswiththehelpofyouradultvolunteers.Besafehavefunandcontin-ueyourgoodworkinlivingandpromotingahealthydrug-freelifestyle.AndfollowusonFacebookatwww.facebook.comUSYoungMarinesforthelatestandgreatestupdatesacrossthecountry.SemperFiMichaelKesslerRetainingYoungMarinesAskYourselfTheseQuestions2Summer2013ESPRIT ByYMSgtMajDakotaRichterNationalYoungMarineoftheYear2013-14NorthernKentuckyIrecentlyachievedoneofmybiggestgoalsanddreamstheroleofadvocatebiggestfanandmentorotherwiseknownasNationalYoungMarineoftheYear.ThiswastheresultofallthegoalsIvesetandop-portunitiesIveseizedthroughoutmyYoungMarinescareerallofwhichhavecontributedtomymakingthemostoutofmytimeintheprogram.AsarecruitIwasaskedwhatIwant-edtoaccomplishbeforeIleftthepro-gram.AtthetimeIbelievemyanswerwastherankofgunnerysergeant.ThisisaquestionIcontinuetoaskrecruitsandnewlygraduatedYoungMarinesbecauseitsaquestionweallneedtodevelopthehabitofaskingourselves.Thechallengingaspectofgoalsettingisthateverytimeagoalisachievedafterashortwell-deservedcelebra-toryperiodwemustsetanewgoalinordertokeepchallengingandpush-ingourselvestogreaterthings.Sotaketimetostopandplan.Whileyoureatittakethetimetosurveyandseizetheopportunitiesthatarisewhenyourpassionandmotivationleadyoutowardyourobjective.Summerisanexcellenttimeinthisprogrambecauseitisabundantwithopportunitiestodevelopandadvanceyour-selfbothasaYoungMarineandasayoungAmerican.NewexperiencessuchastheCattleDriveorAviationCampcanopenoureyestonewgoalswedliketosetornewdreamswedliketochasetheyrealsoanexcel-lentopportunitytomeetinspiringandaspiringYoungMarinesfromaroundthecountrywhoareworkinghardtoachievegreatthings.Forthoseofyouat-tendingaLeadershipSchoolsetagoalandthenworktenaciouslytoearnandachieveit.Worktowardstheperfect500PFTfortheIronMikeawardorstrivetograduateinthetop10atALStoearnaspotatthisyearsLeadershipSympo-sium.Opportunitiessuchasthesecanleadtonewfriendsnewperspectivesandnewwaystochaseyourdreamsonestepatatime.YoungMarineswhateveryourgoalsmayberememberthatweareblessedtobeinaprogramthatallowsustochasethemandprovidesuswiththetenacitytodoso.Seizeeveryopportu-nitytheprogramprovidesyouandhelpotherstodothesame.IlookforwardtomeetingasmanyofyouasIcanthisyearandIhopeyouallhaveanoutstandingsummerYMSgtMajDakotaRichterNationalYoungMarineoftheYearDakotaRichterYouAreCapableofAchievingIncredibleThingsByYMSgtMajMcCallBehringerOutgoingNationalYoungMarineoftheYear2012-13InMay2012IwasnamedtheNationalYoungMarineoftheYear.Iwasnothingshortofhumbled.AfteralmosteightyearsofhardworkIwasnallyachievingmygoals.TodayIwanttothankeveryregisteredadultvolunteerandYoungMarinethathelpedmakethispastyearsoamaz-ing.Seeingthehardworkanddedicationofthisorganiza-tionanditsmembershasonlyfueledmymotivationandcontributedtotheprideIhavewhentalkingaboutourmanyaccomplishments.AsIbeginthenextchapterofmylifeIcannotthankyouenoughformakingYoungMarinessuchahugepartofmylifethusfarandhelpingtopreparemeforwhatevercomesnext.IwillcontinuetolivebyourcorevaluesandpromotethisincredibleorganizationwhileIheadtocollegeinthefall.IfIcanleaveanythingwiththemembersofthispro-gramitstocontinuetoworkhardseekself-improvementandpushyourselftowhatyouthinkyourlimitsareandthensome.OnlyyoucandictateyourfutureandIknoweachofyouiscapableofachievingincrediblethings.IlookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwiththisprogramandtoremembertheimpactithashadonmeasIcontinueontofutureendeavors.Thankyouallforbeingapartofthisprogramandmakingusthemostuniqueandamazingyouthprogramournationhastooffer.ESPRITSummer20133SeizeEveryOpportunitytheProgramProvidesYou ByJanelleJohnsenDirectorofPublicRelationsYoungMarinesNationalHeadquartersNearlyfourhundredregisteredadultvolunteersgatheredinRenoNVforthe2013AdultLeadersConferenceALC.Ap-proximatelyone-thirdoftheattendeeswereatALCforthersttime.ALCisaneducationaleventopentoallregisteredadultstaff.TheeventallowsourdedicatedvolunteerstocometogethertoshareideasbuildrelationshipswithotherunitsandgatherupnewinformationtotaketotheirYoungMarinesbackhome.Theconferenceisfullofeducationalclassesmotivationalspeakersbreakoutsessionswithdivisioncommandersdrugdemandreductioneducationclassessocialnetworkingeventsdiscussionpanelsinteractionwithourtrustedvendorsandwiththenationalheadquartersstaffandboardofdirec-tors.AndofcoursetheintroductionofoursixdivisionYoungMarinesoftheYear.ThisyearbeforetheclasseskickedoffattendeesweretreatedtoawelcomereceptionwithacampingthemewhichstirredupsomeexcitementaboutwhatthebigannouncementwouldbefromNationalHeadquarters.Round-robinsessionswereledbypersonscloselyassociatedwiththeprogramveteranadultvolunteersandmembersofthenationalstaffwhosharedtheirexperiencesorparticularareaofexpertise.Thesediscussiongroupsalsoservedasusefulsettingsforat-tendeestomeetnewpeoplefromunitsacrossthecountryandexchangeideas.Thebigannouncementwhichwasasurpriseannounce-menttonearlyeveryonetherewasabignationaleventan-nouncement.ForthersttimeNationalHeadquarterswillhostanationalencampment.ItwilltakeplaceinTalihinaOKfromJuly20to262014seepage6formoreinformation.Youcanalsondmoredetailedeventinformationinthememberslibraryatwww.YoungMarines.com.YoursixDivisionYoungMarinesoftheYearparticipatedinadiscussionoftheskillstheyvelearnedintheYoungMarinesandinlivingandpromotingahealthydrug-freelifestyle.GuestspeakersattheeventincludedMajorGeneralJamesKesslerUSMCandourhonoraryYoungMa-rineracecardriverZachVeach.IfGeneralKesslersnamesoundsfamiliaryouvegotitrighthesyourNa-tionalExecutiveDirectorsyoungerbrotheranditwasapleasuretohavehimjoinus.AwardsandSpecialHonorsForthersttimeeveratthisyearsALCtheYoungMarinesEnriqueKikiCamarenaAwardswerepresentedtounitsfromallsixdivisions.TherecipientsareDivision1BlackstoneValleyMADivision2LtColonelWesleyFoxVADivision3OrlandoDevilDogsFLDivision4MountainViewCODivision5MidwestCentralILDivision6ClovisCAAlsonoteworthytwoofouradultvolunteersBrendaMc-NultyfromMountainViewYoungMarinesCOandGregoryVoorsfromtheSpaceCoastYoungMarinesFLreceivedtheDistinguishedOrderofMeritDOM.NationalvolunteeroftheyearisVivianPrice-ButleroftheCentralMarylandYoungMarinesandtheUnitoftheYearwasawardedtotheOr-landoDevilDogsinFlorida.AsalwaysattheconferencesgrandbanquetouroutgoingYoungMarineoftheYeardelivershisorheroutgoingmessag-es.WewishYMSgtMajMcCallBehringerthebestofluckonherfutureendeavorsassheattendscollegethisfalltopursueherbachelorsdegreeincommunications.Themostanticipatedeventatthegrandbanquetisthean-nouncementoftheincomingNationalYoungMarineoftheYear.ThecompetitionforthenationalawardisalwaystightandagainthisyearallyourDivisionYoungMarineswerede-servingoftheirnominations.OurNationalYoungMarineoftheYearfor2013-2014Drum-rollpleaseis17-yearoldYMSgtMajDakotaRichterfromtheNorthernKentuckyunit.WethankthestaffoftheSilverLegacyResortfortheirhospitalityandpro-fessionalism.AndspecialthanksalsogotoourfriendsatVanguardtheDrugEn-forcementAgencySTEMScienceTechnologyEn-gineeringMathandBrendaMcNultyforprovid-ingherservicesasourALCphotographer.HereatNationalHead-quarterswearesothankfulthatsomanyofyoutooktimeouttocometothisyearsALCtolearnnetworkandmeetusall.Weappreciateallyoudoforouryoungpeople.YouaredoinggreatworktocontinueourmissionofStrengtheningthelivesofAmericasyouth.AdultLeadersConference2013AndALCAcademyDakotaRichter2013-14NationalYoungMarineoftheYear.MajGenJamesKesslerUSMC.4Summer2013ESPRIT UnitsoftheYearDivision1-BlackstoneValleyDivision2-ShenandoahValleyDivision3-OrlandoDevilDogsalsoNationalUnitoftheYearDivision4-MountainViewDivision5-GeneseeCountyDivision6-SoutheastCountyAdultVolunteersoftheYearDivision1-AimeeFaganDivision2-VivianPrice-ButleralsoNationalAdultVolunteeroftheYearDivision3-SammyPierceDivision4-HenryGonzalesDivision5-PatriciaBorkaDivision6-ShannonOrickSTEMScienceTechnologyEngineeringandMathematicsandYoungMarinesByShellyBardALCGuestSpeakerItwasadelighttopresentSTEMbreak-outsessionsatthe2013ALCfortheYoungMarines.ThankyousomuchfortheopportunitytospendtheentiredayonmysoapboxForthoseofyouthatcouldnotmakeithereisarecapofthesession.ScienceTechnologyEngineeringandMathematicsSTEMcareersarehotskillsineverypartofthecountryandresearchshowsthattheearlierkidsgetstartedwithhands-onproblemsolvingthemorelikelytheyaretotakethehighschoolclassesthatsetthemupforcol-legeorentry-leveljobsinSTEMreadthatashigherpayingelds.Evenkidswhodonotseethemselvesasfutureen-gineersorprogramcoderswillbenetfromthecriticalthinkingskillsacquiredfromexperientiallearningopportunitiesthatSTEMprogramsprovide.ThereareclassesprogramsandcampsthatspecializeinSTEMlessonsandac-tivitiesbuttherearealsosimpleandinexpensivewaystointroduceyoungerYoungMarinesandprovideacontinu-umofexperienceforolderYoungMa-rinestogetintoaSTEMwayofthink-ingaboutproblemsolvingandcriticalthinking.Oneresourcesitewhereyoucanlookforage-andskill-appropriateactivitiesishttpwww.stemconnector.org.ThesiteoffersadatabaseofallregionalSTEMprogramstoseewhatalreadyexistsinyourregion.Formiddleschool-agedstudentsIrecommendhttpwww.seaperch.orgindexaterricopportunitytobuildandtestanunderwatersubmersiblerobotfor3-studentteams.FinallyforstudentsinsouthernstatesfromDelawaretoTexasandinterestedinSTEMcareereldsbutwhoalreadyknowthecostofacollegeeducationisgoingtobetoughtomanagetakealookattheAcademicCommonMarket.EnteryourstateofresidenceandtheACMsitewillbringuptheout-of-state-schoolsthatofferspecicdegreesandallowyourstudenttoattendpayingin-statetuition.Logontohttpwww.sreb.orgpage1304academic_common_market.html.EditorsNoteShelleyBardisafliatedwithDoDSTARBASEaDefenseDepart-menteducationalprogramthatbringsSTEMlearningtounderservedkidsinthenationselementaryschools.EvenkidswhodonotseethemselvesasfutureengineersorprogramcoderswillbenetfromthecriticalthinkingskillsacquiredfromexperientiallearningopportunitiesthatSTEMprogramsprovide.AndSpecialThankstoOurSponsorsGlockSOGAmericanLegionChildWelfareFoundationGeneralDynamicsAmeripackErnestJulioGalloVanguardTheMarineCorpsLeagueOurCelebritySpokespersonR.LeeErmeyZachVeachDavidWebbHomelandMarkKesslerandXpertMediaManagementLLC.ESPRITSummer20135TalentLoyaltyandCommittmentfromOurVolunteers 2014NationalENCAMPMEByDaveAdamsDirectorofTrainingandEducationYoungMarinesNationalHeadquartersForthersttimeNationalHeadquarterswillhostanationalencampment.ThiswilltakeplaceinTalihinaOklahomafromJuly20to262014.Inthepastencampmentswithindivisionshavebeendubbedasnationalencampments.Whilethesearegreatexperiencestheyhaverarelydrawnunitsoutsidetheirrespectivedivisionsandwouldusuallydrawabout150to250attendees.The2014NationalEncampmentisslatedfor900at-tendeesThatsNINEZEROZEROTheactualcostofthisadventurenotincludingthetraveltoandfromtheeventwhichistheresponsibilityofeachattendeeis300perattendeeandisall-inclusiveofthecamp.NationalHead-quarterswillpick-upone-thirdofthatcostknockingdownthefeetojust200perThatsagreatdealforwhatawaitsyouthere.Atthecampattendeeswillenjoyeverythingithastoof-ferincludingbutnotlimitedtoswimmingboatingsailingshingarcheryrieryleatherworkinghikingziplinedownhillskiingclimbingwallandhorsebackriding.Therewillbethreellingmealsadayandatradingpostwheresnacksmaybepurchasedaswellassouvenirsclothingandothercampingitems.Intheeveningswewillhavetalentnightsskitsandmoviesattheout-dooramphitheaterandtheremaybeanopportunityforovernighthikingwhilethere.WewantthistobeafuneventforallagesofYoungMarinessobringyourlittleonestooDuringtheweekwewillalsohaveacompetitionforthelong-awaitedDirectorsCup.Weareworkingoutthedetailsastohowbesttoaccomplishedthisbutrestassuredwewillhaveanoutstandingmethodinplaceforthiseventtosharewithyouallverysoon.Formoreinformationonthisrst-timespectacularpleasevisittheYoungMarinesLibraryonthenationalwebsiteanddownloadthe2014NationalEncampmentInformationPacket.Afterreadingthroughtheencampmentinfoifyouareinterestedpleasellouttheformsandsendtheminalongwiththepaymentasspelledoutinthepacket.6Summer2013ESPRIT NTESPRITSpring20137Attendeeswillenjoyeverythingithastoofferincludingbutnotlimitedtoswimmingboatingsailingfshingarcheryrieryleatherworkinghikingziplinedownhillskiingclimbingwallandhorsebackriding. 8Summer2013ESPRITTalihinapronouncedtah-luh-HEE-nuhislocatedinsoutheasternOklahoma.ItsnameoriginatesfromtwoChoctawwordstullyandhenameaningironroad.IronroadreferstotheSt.LouisandSanFranciscoRailwayalsoknownastheFriscothatthetownwasbuiltaround.Talihinaislocatedat34456N95228W.lOKLAHOMAGreetingsfromTalihinaOklahomasFinalFrontierOklahomasFinalFrontierCampTomHaleislocatedinscenicsoutheasternOklahomaandoffersaPoolaNatureCenterShootingSportsLakeBohannonAquaticsWaterFrontaDiningHallMountainTrailsaCraftCenteranAmphitheaterHorseStablesandaTradingPost. ESPRITSpring20139OhandbeforeweforgetHoldoffonpurchasinganycampingequipment.WemayhaveagreatdealforyouandyourYoungMarinesregardingwhichitemsyouwillneedtobring.--D.A.Thisisgoingtobeonehugeeventlledwithfunandadventureforall.Youwillnotwanttobeontheoutsidelookinginsogetyourfund-raisingjuicesowingandgetyourkidstotheNationalEncampment.Wearelookingforwardtoseeingyouthere--DaveAdamsl MotivationYoungMarinesGettingInvolvedStayingInvolvedByTheresaAguilarTemeculaValleyCAIvebeenapartofthisprogramfor10yearsandfourofmyvechildrenhavebeenapartofitaswellasmyhusbandFrankandmysister-in-lawMartie.Whatkeepsmeinvolvedisthekidsallofthem.Watchingthemgrowupgaincondencelearnnewskillsandbecomeleadersissuchareward-ingexperience.WhentheygraduatefromtrainingIseethemsmileandtakeprideinthatfact.ItsgreatwhenthatYoungMarinewhowassoshytakesonaleadershiprole.Oneofthebestthingsiswatchingthemgetexcitedaboutcommunityservice.Atrsttheythinkitsjustworkbutthenyoucanseewhentheyrealizethatitfeelsgoodtohelpothers.Ivewatchedmyownchil-drengrowandbecameleadersbecauseoftheYoungMarines.MyoldestsonBrianisanactive-dutyMarine.MydaughterKatieisnowthetrainingofcerforourunitandwork-ingtowardsbecomingapoliceofcer.MydaughterSammiisgoingtocol-legeandmyyoungestsonJacobisgettingreadyforhislastyearasaYoungMarine.TheYoungMarinesprogramhasgivenmesomanywonderfulexpe-riencesandmemoriesbutmostimpor-tantlyitsbecomeapartofmyfamilyandthatiswhatkeepsmehere.ItsBecomeaPartofMyFamilyMs.AguilarwithsomeofherkidsattheNavyMemorialinWashingtonDC.ByYMPFCTysonHenryEastValleyAZIstayintheYoungMarinesProgrambecausethepro-gramisteachingmetohavethehonorandcouragetogooutintotheworldandpresentmyselfasaproudleader.Itisalsoteachingmerespectanddisciplinehowtoleadotherstoac-complishtheirgoalsasateamtohavecondenceinmyselftogivetoothersandtolearnthedangersofdrugabuseandhowtokeepotherssafefromthesedangers.Asa12yearoldboyenteringintoju-niorhighIamattheagewhereIwillbeexposedtoalotofthesedangers.IalsostayintheYoungMarinesProgrambe-causeIamexcitedtolearnmoreaboutsurvivalandwhattodoinanemergencyformyselfandotherswhomaybeaffect-ed.AsanewYoungMarineIfeelitismydutytotrytobethebestIcanbeanddowhatsrightformeandothers.WhatsRightforMeTysonHenryhonoringourveterans.ByYMCplSavannahRossittoMountainViewCAWhenIenteredtheprogrambackinMarch2012mylifedenitelychangedinmorethanoneway.Iholdmyselfdif-ferentlythanothersdo.Istandstraighterandholdmyselfhigherthanbefore.Istartedtoreallyfocusonmygradesandmakingchangesinmyschoolenviron-mentincludingfriendchoicesandpeo-plewhowoulddragmedown.FromthemomentItookthoserstfootstepsinre-cruittrainingIhavelearnedleadership.Ilearnedthatifoneofusmessesupweallhelpxit.Weareateamwhetheritsintheclassroomormarchingondrillnightsonthedeck.TheYoungMarinesdenitelychangedmylifeforthebetter.ItsChangingHerLifefortheBetterstayingMOTIVATEDINVOLVEDandFOCUSEDBeaRoleModelByYMPvtMarcusWoodsHamiltonMDWhatkeepsmeintheYoungMarinesprogramismotivation.Wejustretiredourgunneryser-geantandoursergeantmajorisnext.ItsreallysadtoseethemgobutattheHamiltonYoungMarinesunitwehavelearnedsomuchfromourseniorYoungMarines.Theyareourrolemod-elseverySaturdaymorningandthatswhatmakesmewanttokeepgoingwiththeYoungMa-rines--tohavethesameeffectonfellowYoungMarinesandoneverydrill.YMSgtMajMattucihasbeendoingthat.Everydrill.Everyclass.HewasthatoneguywhoenjoyedhisdutyatYoungMa-rinesandIwanttobejustlikehiminthisprogram.10Summer2013ESPRITLEADERSHIPTEAMWORKDISCIPLINE ByYMCplJoelAbzunSouthlandCAInthepastIhavehadtheblessingtobeabletoattendthegrandeventwhereaNationalYoungMarineoftheYearischosenfromamongtheDivi-sionYoungMarinesoftheYear.IbelievethattheseYoungMarineshaveworkedhardthroughouttheyearstogettothatposition.Theyhavebeenloyaltotheprogramandtheircommunities.Beingatthiseventhasmademedreamofonedaynolongerbe-ingaspectatorbutoneofthesix.IamdeterminedtoworkharderandgivemybesteffortbecauseweareallcapableofbecomingthenextDivisionYoungMarineoftheYearifwekeepinmindthatweareYoungMarines247.Thisthoughtisoneofthemanythatmakesmewanttobepartofthepro-gramandinspiresmeeveryday.InspiredtoGiveHisBestEveryDayJoelAbzunfrontwithDivisionYoungMarinesatthe2013ALC.FriendshipsandAlltheFunByYMCPLJohnMcKennaMountainViewCOWhatkeepsmeintheYoungMa-rinesprogramisallthefunstuffwedoasaunitandwithotherunitsparadesrecruittrainingNavajoCodeTalkerDaycom-munityserviceandmore.ItissomuchfungoingtoalltheeventsandmakingnewfriendswithinotherYoungMa-rinesunits.Iliketohelpencour-agemyfollowYoungMarinesatalltheevents.ThefriendshipsthatIhavemadeIwouldnotgiveupfortheworld.IwillalwaysrememberthefunthatIhavehadsinceIjoinedlastyearandIwillalwaysdoasmuchasIcantobeencouragingtomyfellowYoungMarines.ByYMPFCKevinEnglishOregonCascadeWAWhydoesbeingaYoungMarinedrivesomanypeopletocomebackevenifthedaywashardandexhaustingTheYoungMarinesprogramdrivespeopletokeepcomingbackbecauseofthewaytheyaretreated.ForexampleIhadaconversationwithoneofmycloseYoungMarinefriendsaboutschoolandhowitwasgettingmedown.HesaidTherewillalwaysbesomethingyouwillnotknow.Determi-nationandpassionarethethingsneed-edtoadvanceevenwiththesimplestoftasks.Pushwithallyourmightandevery-thingwillcomeasareward.Thatgavemeadifferentoutlook.With-outthatYoungMarinesadviceIwouldhavebeenfailingallofmyclasses.ThewayIseeitiswhenIamwithotherYoungMarinestheycaneasilytellifthereissomethingwrong.Thesenseofimpor-tancethereisoverwhelming.EveryYoungMarineiswillingtostepuptothebatandcareforeachothernomatterwhatthecostis.ItdoesnotmatterwhichYoungMarinedivisionyouchoosebecauseYoungMarinesstandunitedde-spitewheretheycomefromwhotheyareorhowtheythink.YoungMarinesprovidesthatspecialspotforanyonewhoneedstheextrasupportofothers.TheWayTheyAllSupportEachOtherMoreConfdentByYMPvtLindsayGallegosClovisCAIenjoybeingintheYoungMa-rinesprogram.Iwasrstintro-ducedtotheYoungMarinesbymymother.Shesaidthattheyteachleadershipdisciplineandteamwork.Alsoshetoldmethatoccasionallywewouldgoonencampments.TherstencampmentIwenttowasatMr.Silviasranchfortheweek-end.Wewentandlearnedmanythingstheresuchashowtostartasafecampreinthewil-derness.WiththeYoungMa-rineswealsowenthiking.TheYoungMarinesisimportanttomebecauseithasmadememorecondentinmyself.YMGySgtMaryWessellandYMLCPLAshleyLimestollAshtabulaCountyOHTheimpactthatweasYoungMarineshaveonothersisincredible.Oneofusrecallsthetimewhenawomanlookedupwithtear-lledeyesasshewaspresentedwithanAmeri-canaginhonorofherlatehusbandsserviceandafter-wardsshooktheYoungMa-rineshandandexpressedhersinceregratitude.ShewentontoexplainhowtheYoungMarineshadgivenherasenseofprideintodaysyouth.RecentlysomefellowYoungMarinesvolunteeredwithusatalocalnursinghome.WewererunninggamesfortheresidentsannualcarnivalandRonaldMcDonaldevengaveusavisitTheseniorsreallyenjoyedbeingtheresharingsto-riesandplayinggamesandtheamountofappreciationtheyhadforuswasamaz-ing.Sowerethelaughsthatweshared.ThisiswhyweareYoungMarines.Sothenexttimeyouputonyouruniformthinkabouttheprideyouareportrayingtoourcountry.Thinkabouthowyouarerepresentingsomethingmuchlarg-erthanyourself.TheJoyofBeingPartofSomethingBiggerESPRITSummer201311 EmilyBuiandafellowYoungMarinestandingguardattheTravellingWall.AReturnThatWasInspiredbyaCousinByYMPFCPatrickMcCoyBluegrassKYIreturnedtotheYoungMarinesprogramaftertakingafewyearsoff.OneofthereasonsIcamebackwasbecauseofmycousinCalvinParkerwhowasattheUSMCRe-cruitTrainingDepotatParrisIslandatthetime.InAprilIwasluckyenoughtoattendthegraduationofPFCCalvinParkerfromRecruitTraining.DuringtheceremonytheParrisIslandMarineBandledthegraduatingrecruitsontothefeldandIwasimpressedwiththeirabilitytoplayandmarchinforma-tionasIamcurrentlytakingbandinmiddleschool.AftergraduationPFCParkertookusonatourofthebase.WegottogototheParrisIslandMuse-umwherewelookedatallsortsofMarinememorabiliaandalsowatchedashortflmaboutParrisIslandanditsvasthistory.IhopetosomedayfollowinmycousinsfootstepsandbecomeafneoutstandingMarine.UntilthenIwillbethebestYoungMarineIcanbe.SheLovesAlltheActivitiesByYMPvtEmilyBuiSoutheastCountyCAIlovebeingpartofthisunit.BeingintheSoutheastCountyYoungMarinesteachesmeleadershiphowtoworkinateamfollowdirectionsanddisci-pline.BeachDayatHuntingtonBeachwastherstactivityIparticipatedin.Welearnedtosaynotodrugsplayedvolleyballjumpedintothewavesandfamiliesbroughtdeliciousfoodtoshare.Theoceanwatercooledusdownonthathotsunnyday.OurunitalsohadaFieldTimeGunSafetyclasswherewelearnedgunsafetyandevengottoshootatatarget.AtanairshowatMiramarinSanDiegowewatchedpeopledoingtricksinairplanesintheskyandalsogottogoinsidetheairplanesandtalkwithpilots.OneofthemostimportantthingswedidthisyearwasstandguardatthetravelingWallofRemembrance.Finallymyfavoriteeventwasthe1stBattal-ionBeachChallengeheldatNewportBeach.WedidArmycrawlsinthesandliftedweightboxesinplaceranamileanddidanobstaclecourserunningintiresnottomentionjumpingjacks.Ithelpedtobuildupmystrengthandwegotadogtagat-shirtandprizesMotivationandDedicationtotheUnitByYMSSgtMichaelaSalasStocktonCATherearemanyreasonsthatkeepmeintheYoungMarinesprogram.Therstreasonismotivation.ThereasonIsaythisisbecauseIrecentlywentthroughsomechallengesinmylifeandIwantedtogiveupbutmyfellowYoungMarinesgavememotivatingwordstokeepmeintheunit.ThesecondreasonisdedicationImadeapledgetoalwaysdomybestnomatterwhathappensandtodowhatIthinkisright.Thethirdreasonisfamily.InmyunitIthinkofeveryonethereasfamilywhenitstimeforworkwearecomradesbutonourdowntimesuchaschowwearefamily.ThefourthandnalreasonthatkeepsmeintheYoungMarinesisthecoreofmyunit.IamtoldthatIamthelifeandsouloftheunitwhichIknowtheyarerightabout.Iamalwaysgoingtobehereformyunit.TheyneedmeandIneedthem.ThatshowitisgoingtobeuntilIamdischargedfromtheYoungMarinesin2015.ByYMLCplJuliaAyersSwansboroNCHesitantandnervouswerethefeelingsIhadthedayIjoinedtheYoungMarines.AndnowIlookbackandwonderwhyIhesitatedintherstplace.InthebeginningIwaswaytooshytoeventalktoanyone.IamstillshybuttheYoungMarineshasraisedmyself-esteem.IvemademorefriendslearnedthingsthatrangedfromdrillmovementstowildernesssurvivalgainedmorerespectformyselfandfromothersandIalsobecamecloserwithmyfamily.MyfatherTimothyAyersisaMarinemyheroandmyinspiration.MymotherShannonAyersisaveteranMarine.TheybothhavebeenandstillaremybiggestinspirationbutIwasdi-agnosedwithDiabetesTypeIwhenIwaseightyearsoldsojoiningtheMarineCorpswouldbeextremelydifcultforme.EventhoughIfeelthatthisprogramisasfarasIllgettobeingaMarinemysisterMichelleAyersalsoaYoungMarinehasalwaysbeenbymysidetosupportandbelieveinme.IwillneverbeasthankfulforanythingasmuchasIamforherandneverwillIregretthedecisionImadethatdaytojointheSwansboroYoungMarines.TherearemanyreasonsthatkeepmeintheYoungMarinesprogram.NoRegretsFromthisInspiredYoungMarinestayingMOTIVATEDINVOLVEDandFOCUSED12Summer2013ESPRIT ESPRITSummer201313TheHonorofBeingPinnedbyDistinguishedVeteransByYMLCplAstonNormandEmeraldCoastFLWhenIreceivedtherankofYMLCplIwasveryhonoredtohavethatrankpinnedonbyColDickColeandSSgtDa-vidThatcheraswellashavingColEdwardSaylorinatten-dancethreeoftheremainingfourDoolittleRaiders.ThismeantalottomebecausetheheroismofthesemeninWorldWarIIwasagreatturningpointinthewarwithoutthemwemighthavelostthewarandnotbewherewearenow.Eightyofthesebravemenvol-unteeredforamissiontheyknewnoth-ingabout.TheyewtheirB-25Mitchellbombersfromthedeckofanaircraftcar-riertheUSSHornet.Duringtheraidthreeofthe80menwerekilledinaction.Eightbecameprisonersofwarandonlyfourofthoseeightmensurvivedthemonthsofharshtreatmentandabuse.Theyhavehad71reunionssincethewar.Ittrulywasanhonortohavemetthesemenandspendsometimewiththem.AboveRightAstonNormandgettingpinnedbythreeheroesotheWarinthePacifc.ByYMLCplCiaraScottShiwasseeCountyMIWhyhaveIstayedintheYoungMarinesSoIcanachievemynextgoal.WhenyoufrststartYoungMarinesyouaretakingyourfrststeps.Asyoumoveonyouaretakingbiggerandbetterstepstosuccess.Firststartsmallandeventuallyyouwilladvanceontobiggersteps.Themoreyoustudythemoreyoulearnthemoreyoumoveforward.Everyonegetsachancetoshineandeverytimeyouhelpothersyouwillachievebiggersteps.Whenyouworkasateamwithothersyouareafamily.Youarealsofollow-ingthethreecorevaluesteamworkleadershipanddiscipline.AllYoungMarinesarethereforyouandyoushouldbethereforthem.Theywillhelpyouupwhenyoufallonyourwaytothetop.Everydayyouretakinganotherstepforwardanotherstepclosertoabiggerrank.Youmaybeaprivatebutsoonyouwillbecomeasergeantwithalittlehardwork.Itmaybehardbutitisworthitintheend.AdvancingStepbyStepintheProgramWhenyoufrststartYoungMarinesyouaretakingyourfrststeps.CiaraScottLEADERSHIPTEAMWORKDISCIPLINE ByYMPFCBrianWallerSiouxEmpireSDIam13andIhavebeenintheSiouxEmpireYoungMarinesforalittleoverayearnowandIamenjoyingitsomuch.SomeoftheotherprogramsIminareBoyScoutsjazzbandandtrackandeldandIjustnishedaprogramatschoolforseventhgraderscalledT.A.T.U.whichstandsforTeensAgainstTobaccoUse.IntheYoungMarinesItaughtaDrugDemandReductionclassforrecruittraining.SowhatkeepsapersonasbusyasmeintheYoungMarinesforsolongyoumightaskandwhatmakesmeplanonstick-ingwithalloftheseactivitiesOnereasonisthateachoftheseactivitieshasgreatbenetsformeandothers.IhopeIwillcontinuetolearnmorethingsfromtheYoungMarinesthatIcanuseformywholelife.SofarIhavelearnedalotofdifferenteffectsthatalotofdifferentdrugscanhaveonmybodyandtheYoungMarineshasalsotaughtmemapandcompassskillsAmericashistorysafetyproceduresforcamp-ingandhowtoexerciseeffectivelyandhowtomarchanddodrillandcolorguard.Ihavealsolearnedtohelpothersbeforemyselfandtobecourteoustoeveryone.NowIhavetheabilitytohelpothersbetter.Ihavelearnedhowmuchpeopleappreciatekindness.Ilovetomakeothershappybecauseitissomucheasiertobehappyifotherpeoplearehappytoo.IhaveplentytimetolearnmoreandprogressthroughmylifeinawaythatwillhelpmetobethebestpersonIcanbeallofthetime.ThisiswhyIstayintheYoungMarines.ImLearningHowtoBetheBestPersonICanBeYoungMarinesarePartofaSingleGreatFamilyByYMSgtMajBethAbzunSouthlandCAWhenIrstjoinedtheYoungMarinesasarecruitIrecallhearingmyveryrstmentorsstatethattheYoungMarinesacrosstheentirenationformedpartofasinglegreatfamily.Weweretobecomecon-tentwithoneanotherasasenseoffamilyemerged.Afterafewyearsthisstatementhasbecomefunda-mentaltotheattitudewithwhichIapproachanewYoungMarineforitisalwaysexcitingtolearnthatourfamilyisoneofthegreatest.ThroughouttheyearsIhavebecomeacquaintedwithmanyYoungMarinesfromdifferentunitsbattalionsregimentsanddivisions.Icannothelpfeelingprivilegedformeetingthemhasalwaysbroughtnewadventuresnewendeavorssomethingnewtolaughaboutandanopportunitytoformnewmemories.IbelievethisconceptshouldkeepusmotivatedtopursueacareerasaYoungMarineforitresultsingrowingeachdayaswelearnfromoneanother.Thispassioniswhatcontinuestomotivatemetoremainintheprogram.TakingPrideinMentoringOtherstoLeadByYMGySgtBraydonHanceClovisCAFouryearsagoIenduredmyrstdayofYoungMa-rinerecruitorientation.WhenIgraduatedIfeltanewkindoffeeling.ThisfeelingwasextremeprideandthroughoutmyyearsintheprogramIhavelearnedthatthisprideisnotjustformyselfbutformyfellowYoungMarineswholearnedalongsideme.NowfouryearslaterIfeelanewkindofprideanditsadifferentkindoffeelingthatshardtodescribe.IfeeliteachtimeIseeoneofmyYoungMarinesshowaqualityofleadershipordosomethingItaughtthem.Thisiswhatkeepsmeinnotthegreatlook-inguniformstheribbonsoreventhethingswegettodo.ItsallaboutgivingbacktotheprogramthattaughtyoueverythingthatmadeyouwhoyouaretodayandpassingthatalongtoyourYoungMarinesubordinates.14Summer2013ESPRITHavingtheTimeofHisLifeByYMSgtDaleLemasterEasternMichiganMIForthelastthreeyearsIvehadthetimeofmylifeintheYoungMarines.ItsbysheeraccidentthatIjoined.ItwasaSundayafternoonafterchurchIwasonthecomputerlookingupstuffabouttheMarineCorpsandhappenedtocomeacrosstheYoungMarines.NotsurewhatitwasbutIclickedonitanywayandtherestishistory.AnywaysImtrulyblessedtobepartofmyunit.IcantbelievehowmuchIvelearnedovertimesuchasdrillmaneuversdrugdemandreductioncom-munityservice--andthelistgoeson.TomyEasternMichiganYoungMarinesIloveyouguysthankyouforthekindnessandfriendshipforhelpingmewhenIneededitandevenwhenIdidntneeditandespeciallyforlettingmebepartofourYoungMarinesfamily.FortheChancetoDoThingsICouldNotOtherwiseDo...ByYMPvtTylerChanceOregonCascadeIliketheYoungMarinesbecauseitprovidesagreatchanceforkidsandteensaliketojointogetherandbecomefriends.ThestafftooRecentlytheOregonCascadeYoungMarineswenttoRiver-viewCemeteryinPortlandforSaturdayandMondayofMemorialDayweekend.TherewereYoungMarinesateachofthefourgatestogreetandhelpvisitors.Weallhadagreattimepassingouty-ersandjokingwithstaff.Wealsohadmanycomplimentsabouthowprofessionalwelooked.Itfeltgreattobepraisedforourhardwork.IliketheYoungMarinesbecauseitpresentsopportu-nitiestodothingsIcouldnototherwisedolikehelpingvisitorstoacemetery.ThatswhyIlovebeingaYoungMarine.LEADERSHIPTEAMWORKDISCIPLINE ESPRITSummer201315ByYMGySgtBraydonHanceClovisCAIhavehadthehonorofbeingrecognizedbymycommunityasaYoungMarineandthereispridethatIfeelwhenIhavetheopportunitytotalkwithsoldiersandveteransabouttheirexperiences.IntheshorttimethatIhavebeenwithmyunitIwasabletoachievegreatgoalsthatIsetformyself.Ihavemadenewfriendsandtheactivitieskeepmefrombecomingboredathome.ThepeerpressuretotrydrugsandIseemanykidsaroundmearetakingdrugstotinortodealwiththeirproblemsisverydistressing.ItcanbechallengingtotryandsaytherightthingtothemandthenbeanoutcastbutIfeelthatthemoralsthatmyparentshavesethelpmedealwiththesepressures.ThebenetofbeingintheYoungMarinesprogramisthatIamlearningaboutresistancetodrugsandtheeffectthiswillhaveonmeandotheryouthisalsoinlinewiththevaluesIplanonapplyinginmylife.AllthishasmademeawareofwhatitmeansnotonlytobeafutureMarinebuttotakeprideinbeinganAmerican.LearningAboutResistancetoDrugAbuseItsAllAbouttheBondWeShareByYMMSgtBrandonMageeLtAlexanderBonnymanTNIjoinedtheYoungMarinesinsixthgradetobelongtoagroup--andforawhilethatwasthereasonIstayed.Andeveryyearafterarecruitclasshadgonebyabout10percentofthatclassincludingminelefttheprogramforvariousrea-sons.ButIstayedtoprovetomyadultleadersandseniorYoungMarinesthatIcouldstayforthelonghaul.Aftersev-enthgradeforawhileIonlystayedinbecauseIdidnotknowofanythingelsetodo.ButthenduringmyhighschoolyearsIrealizedsomethingelseIwantedtostayintheprogramnotbecauseofthegroupbutbecauseoftheindividualsthere.Iwantedtobewiththosepeople.IhavemetcountlesspeoplewhomIhavecometocareforwhomIcancountonwhoIknowshareaneverlastingbondabrotherandsisterhoodwhichcannevercrumble.Ourprogrampromotesahealthydrug-freelifestylebuildingleadersoftomorrowandbecom-ingresponsiblecitizensanddeepdownwearebrothersandsistersthathaveabondthatwecarrywithuswhereverwego.ByYMGySgtBlakeDeWeeseOregonCascadeORIcouldsayitistheSPACESdur-ingthesummer.OrIcouldsayitsthepromotionsortherib-bonsortheencampments.ButthetruthisIstayintheYoungMarinesforyoutheYoungMarinesreadingthisarticle.NotforthemastersergeantsandthesergeantmajorsbutforthePFCsandthelancecorporals.TothosewhomayneverbeonthecoverofEspritbutalwayspourtheirheartintothisprogramIsayYouarethereasonIstayintheYoungMarines.InmyveyearsinthisprogramIhavemetmanyYoungMarineswhostandoutinmymindandmostofthemmightnotgototheSymposium.Theylovethisprogrambutbecauseofthingsliketheirageorsomeotherfactortheywillnotbeabletomaxouttheprogram.NeverthelessourYoungMarinesshowupatev-erydrillandgivealltheyhave.TheseYoungMarinesliterallyarethereasonIkeepgoing.TheyembodythequalityIrespectthemostinpeoplecharacter.InspiredbytheOnesWithCharacterByJohnGionet3rdYoungMarinesDivisionCommanderMyloveforandbeliefintheYoungMarinesprogramiswhatkeepsmegoing.Itsbasedonveprinciples.WhenIwasteachingYoungMarinesatamiddleschoolonceIaskedthemwhytheyjoinedandIwassurprisedthatmostofthemsaiditwasbecausetheywerelookingfordisciplineandleadership.Thirteenyearslateritisstillthemainreason.Asecondleader-shipprinciplethatmotivatesmeisKnowyourselfandseekself-improvement.WearenevertoooldtolearnsomethingnewAthirdprincipleisfriendshipIlovemakingnewfriends--itisagreatfeelingwhenyoumeetotherswhosharethesamepassionyouhave.Asforthefourthprinciplehaveyouevertakenamealtosome-onewhowassickorpaidforstrangerscupofcoffeefornorea-sonatallItsthegreatfeelingyoureceivewhendoingsomethingunselshforsomeoneelseandweintheYoungMarinesprogramembraceit.Fifthandnallyistheprincipleofmakingadifference.PresidentRonaldReagansaiditbestPeopleliveanentirelifetimeandwonderiftheyevermadeadifference.TheUnitedStatesMarinesdonothavethatproblem.IsubmitthatYoungMarineRegisteredAdultLeadersdonothavethatproblemeither.TheveprincipleshaveservedmewellandmyrewardsarewhenYoungMarineswhostillremembermeyearsaftertheyhavelefttheprogramwhentheycallorstopbytosaythankyou.Theseintangiblere-wardsaregreaterthananymedalawardorpromotionanyonecouldeverreceive.AnAdultsPerspectiveItsfortheIntangibleRewardsLEADERSHIPTEAMWORKDISCIPLINE ToBecomeWell-RoundedByYMPvtColeEvansOregonCascadeORFromthisdayforwardIsincerelypromise.WeallrememberthatrstdayofbootcampattemptingtorecitethecreedandobligationwithalltheotherYoungMarinestheintenseyellingthetryingtokeepupwithwhatisgoingonbutnotbeingableto.WhathaseverdrivenalltheYoungMarinesenoughtopushthroughthisrstdayIsitforthemomentwhenyougetyourrstribbonasyougraduateOrisitforwhatcomesafterthatwhenyougettoexperienceallthattheYoungMarineshastoofferFormeitwasbecauseofthelatter.Iwantedtobeabletogooncrosscountrytripsmeetnewpeoplebeexposedtonewactivi-tiesnooneoutsideofYoungMarineshaseverevenheardofandmostofalltobecomewell-roundedandtherebyhelpingmeinmyfuturecollegeandworkingyears.IpushedthroughrecruittrainingandthatiswhyIcontinueintheYoungMarinestotakefulladvantageofalltheseopportuni-ties.ASenseofVictoryandASenseofBelongingByYMPFCCyrusRayOregonCascadeORTherearemanythingsthatkeepmeintheYoungMarines.Onemajorreasonisthateverydayisnewchallengeandnishingdrillwithoutquittingisavictory.Ialsoenjoythesocialinteractionthatcomeswitheachdrillsuchasthefunandconversationswehavewhichcanbeverydifculttohavewithpeopleoutsidetheprogram.AteverydrillIwaitinanticipationforwhatweYoungMarineswillaccomplishtogether.ThegreatestreasonthatkeepsmeintheYoungMarinesisthesenseofbelongingIhave.AsateenagerIlivetohaveapersonalbelongingwithsomethingaplacewhereIfeelathomeandthereisnoplacewhereIfeelmostathomebesidesmyhomeitselfthantheYoungMarines.IplantostayinYoungMa-rinesuntilInishhighschool.ForMotivationThroughtheHardTimesByYMLCplThomasSillOregonCascadeOREveryYoungMarinewhohasbeeninvolvedinsomethinghardatonetimeoranotherhaswantedtoquitandsomeevenhavequit.WhatkeepsindividualsinthischallengingprogramForsomeitmaybethattheirpersonalbestisalwaysbeingchallengedandtheystrivetomeetthatnextgoalnomatterwhatittakes.Perhapsforothersitstherewardofgaininganewrankandgettingtomovefrombeingledintoaroleofleadingothers.Othersmaybemotivatedbyfutureaspirationsandtheoppor-tunitiesanddoorsthatYoungMarinescanopentothem.AndformanyYoungMarinesbecomesafamilyinwhichtheyfeelcomfortablebeingthemselvesandbeingacceptedforwhotheyare.TherehavebeenseveraltimesoverthecourseofmythreeandahalfyearsthatIhavewantedtoquitbuteachtimeIfeltthatwayIfoundsomethingtomotivatemeoftenthroughthesupportofmyfellowYoungMarines.TheimportantthingisthatInevergaveupandbecauseofthatIamgettingtoexperienceandparticipateinallkindsofactivitiesandrolesthatIwouldhaveotherwisemissedouton.AnAdultWhoContinuestoBeAmazedByDanaCozzensUnitCommanderSwansboroNCIhavebeenonstaffwithmyunitforoversevenyearsandhaveheldmanybilletsoverthattime.Irecentlysteppedintothereinsastheunitcommander.Ihavealwaysen-joyedtheYoungMarineprogramandparticularlywhatitdoesforkidsthatneedthatspecialsomethingintheirlives.Theprogramhasdonewondersformysonsincehejoinednineyearsago.Ihavewatchedkidsinourprogramgrowintoamaz-ingyoungadults.HowproudIameverytimetheymeetamilestoneorreachanaccomplishmentthattheyhavesetforthemselves.InAprilthreeofourYoungMarinesgraduatedfromJuniorLeadershipSchoolandagaintheyimpressedmewiththeirdedicationandcommitment.IsalutethemandeveryYoungMarinethatgivestheirallandtrulywantstomakeadifferenceintheircommunity.HowproudIameverytimetheymeetamilestoneorreachanaccomplishmentthattheyhavesetforthemselves.16Summer2013ESPRITstayingMOTIVATEDINVOLVEDandFOCUSEDLEADERSHIPTEAMWORKDISCIPLINE ESPRITSummer201317YoungMarineGraduationsCongratulationstoallournewYoungMarinesandtoallthosewhotaughtandnurturedthem.GoodWorkUnitClovisCADateApril16UCSandraMartinezHonorgradMarcoA.FavelaUnitHamiltonMDDateApril24UCMichaelBehringerHonorgradTyroneRoperUnitCentralConnecticutCTDateApril25UCDonnaPelletierHonorgradTylerPerezUnitDouglasCountyCODateMay4UCJeffreyJ.CooperHonorgradMatthewG.SlaterUnitNorthAlabamaALDateMay4UCMichaelRiceHonorgradJohnathanStuartUnitPensacolaFLDateMay5UCPeterBelangerHonorgradIsaacBranderUnitPyramidRockHIDateMay11UCJohnDiGiovanniHonorgradJoeyHendrickUnitBrookParkOHDateMay12UCDennisBuchkoHonorgradNoahBoylesUnitNatchaugRiverCTDateMay14UCJosephCoutureHonorgradTaylorBuellUnitSanBernardinoValleyCADateMay18UCCarlosMarquezHonorgradWilfredoQuevedoUnitLCplCalebPowersVADateMay25UCStanKennedyHonorgradDesmondSmithUnitCharlotteNCDateMay30UCChristyBernashHonorgradAhmiaFeasterUnitBakersfeldCADateMay30UCRobertCannonHonorgradChristianJ.LozanoUnitRutherfordCountyTNDateJune2UCDavidAssfalgHonorgradEeronCateUnitCarrollCountyMDDateJune3UCRalphDornonHonorgradScottSmithUnitColumbusINDateJune8UCScottRileryHonorgradNonelistedUnitSwansboroNCDateMarch15UCDanaCozzensHonorgradPatrickColemanUnitRougeValleyORDateMarch16UCAnthonyGuilloryHonorgradGabrielleRidenourUnitTemeculaValleyCADateMarch16UCTheresaAguilarHonorGradAnnaSaucedoUnitTornadoAlleyKSDateMarch21UCMichaelWeberHonorGradIsabelBurnsUnitGuadalupeValleyTXDateMarch23UCDinaDillonHonorGradNoahReyesUnitColumbiaRiverWADateMarch23UCAloresVillanuevaHonorGradSarahTaylorandCassieRotertUnitUpstateSCDateMarch30UCJamesRobertsHonorGradMersadysPharesUnitPulaskiMODateApril6UCSteveNutterHonorgradKelseyMcGeeUnitCampLejeuneNCDateApril13UCReginaldWallaceHonorgradMorganK.LawsonPerfectPhysicalFitnessTestPFTYMSSgtJaredBakerColumbusINYMPFCQuandreBentonCapitalCityNCYMSSgtKelseyCrepeauWestoverMAYMGySgtAbbyDangleisWestoverMAYMPFCConnorGoodwinFirstStateDEYMPFCBraydenD.HarrisSiouxEmpireMIYMRecruitMaryHineyLCplCalebPowersVAYMPvtJohnHiottUpstateNCYMPFCMorganK.LawsonCampLejeuneNCYMLCPLEthanLundyPensacolaFLYMSgtMajMatthewMercerMusicCityTNYMPFCBrandonSmithFirstStateDEPresidentialVolunteerServiceAwardsYMSSgtJaredBakerColumbusINGoldYMLCplJosephGibsonColumbusINGoldYMPFCAliviaJohnsonColumbusINGoldYMCplWillowJohnsonColumbusINGoldMr.ScottRileyColumbusINGoldYMLCplJessicaRotertColumbusINGoldMrs.TrenaRileyColumbusINSilverYMPvtRileyCarmickleColumbusINBronzeYMGySgtBenjaminClancyColumbusINBronzeMrs.AmyHoweColumbusINBronzeYMLCplJobeMillerColumbusINBronzeYMPFCAidenPryorColumbusINBronzeLCplShawnRileyUSMCColumbusINBronzeYoungMarineSpecialAchievements 18Spring2013ESPRITThisspringfourformerYoungMa-rinesfromtheCampPendletonCAunitgotintouchwithusthroughlet-tersupdatingusonwhathasbeenhappeningintheirlives.EliGroenewoldenlistedintheMarinesinJulyof2007.HewasdeployedtoIraqin2008and2009andlaterservedwiththe15thMarineEx-peditionaryUnit.SincethenhehasbeenaweaponsinstructoratQuan-ticoatacticsinstructoratofcercandidateschoolandhasworkedforthebattalionoperationsofce.Hejustreceivedorderstorelocateto2ndBN2ndMarinesandbythetimeyoureadthishewillhavejustleftQuantico.Ineverwouldhavehadtheseamazingandlife-changingex-perienceshadInotbeenintroducedtotheMarinesthroughtheYoungMarinesprogramwhenIwasateen-agerhewrites.AfterLilianThompsongraduatedfromSerraHighSchoolinSanDi-egoCAandlefttheYoungMarinesprogramin2006sheattendedTheGeorgeWashingtonUniversityinWashingtonDCwheresheearnedaB.A.degreeinInternationalPoli-ticsandCriminalJustice.ShewasrecruitedbyOrionInternationalandnowhelpsveteransndem-ploymentwhentheyleavetheser-vice.ShealsoaddsthattheYoungMarinesbackgroundonmyresumegotmenoticedbyOrionandIhavebeentherefortwoyears.RyanDaileywasjust11whenhejoinedtheCampPendletonYoungMarinesin1996.WhenhenishedhighschoolhereceivedanNROTCscholarshipandattendedSanDiegoStateUniversityandearnedaB.A.inBusinessAdministration.UponbeingcommissionedintheNavyLieutenantDaileyreportedaboardtheUSSBoxeranamphibi-ousassaultship.DuringthistourheparticipatedinmultipledeploymentsincludingOperationsContinuingPromiseHumanitarianCivicActionandWestpac2009.HissecondtourasDivisionOfcerwasasnavigatoraboardtheUSSGermantownwhichprovidedhumanitarianresponsetothedevastatingearthquakeandtsu-namiinJapan.HeearnedanM.S.degreeinManpowerSystemAnaly-sisManagementatNavalPostgradu-ateSchool.CurrentlyLieutenantDaileyservesastheExecutiveOp-erationsOfcerattheMilitaryEn-tranceProcessingStationinElPasoTexas.LieutenantDaileywritesthathisexperiencesintheYoungMarinesinspiredhimtopursueacollegedegreeandusehisknowledgeandskillstobealeaderforyoungadultsenteringmilitaryservice.AftergraduatingfromhighschoolRyanMagaaen-teredtheMarineCorpsinSanDiegoin2006.HewasassignedasaMachineGunneranddidtwocombatdeploymentstoIraq.HealsohadanotherdeploymenttoAfghanistanandaf-terthatwentto1stBattalion4thMarinesandthentothe31stMarineExpeditionaryUnit.HehasbeenawardedNavyandMarineCorpCommendationandAchievementmedals.Myve-yearYoungMa-rinesexperiencehelpedmetohavegreatsuccessinmyjobasaMarineandinlifehewrites.IhavegivenbacktotheYMprogramassistingastimepermits.Iammarriednowtooandwejusthadababyboy.LifeisgoodWhereAreTheyNow...WhereAreTheyGoing...WewanttotakeamomenttocongratulateYoungMarineGySgtWeimenLioftheDesertunitinArizonawhohasalreadyachievedsomuchacademicallyaswellasintheYoungMarinesprogram.ThegraduatingseniorearnedstraightAsandwasselectedashishighschoolsvaledictorian.HealsoreceivedaPersonalCommenda-tionAwardfromYoungMarinesnationalheadquartersaswellasalocalMarineCorpsscholarship.LiwhocametotheUnitedStatesasanimmigrantfromChinawillbeheadingoffnextfalltotheEastCoasttoattendhighlyselectivePrincetonUniversitywhichalsoofferedhimafull-ridescholarship.GreatjobEditorsnoteCongratulationstoYMGySgtLiandalltheothergraduatingYoungMarineswhowillbeheadingofftocollegeorpursingcareersintheeldoftheirchoicethisfall.Wewishyouallthebestofluckandwelookforwardtohearingfromyouinthefuturekeepuspostedonyouraccom-plishmentsWealsohopeyouwilljoinourYoungMarinesAlumniAssociationseepage30asitgetsunderway.WeimenLishowsoffhisribbons. ESPRITSummer201319ByYMCPLSierraFuentesSanAntonioTXItwasadaythatchangedmylifeJune26th2011.ThatwaswhenIbecameaYoungMarinepartoftherstpla-toontograduateinSanAntonioinover40years.Nowal-mosttwoyearslaterwhilemostteenswerespendingspringbreakonvacationfourofmyfellowYoungMarinesandIpouredourselvesintoTrainingPlatoon4003tobecomethebestYoungMarinestheycouldbe.IrememberedhowmyadultleadershadimpactedmeandIrealizedIwantedtomakethatsameimpactonthesenewrecruits.WatchingthemgothroughthesametrainingIdidwhenIwas14broughtbacksomanymemories.ThemoretimeIspentwiththemthemoreIunderstoodwhatitmeanttobealeader.GoingthroughYoungMarinerecruittrainingwastoughbothphysicallyandmentallyanditisthesamewayifyoureanNCOinstructor.OursoontobeYoungMarinesstayedthewholeweekawayfromhomeaswell.Assistingwithrecruittrainingwehadtowakeupearlierthanourrecruitsandwakingthemupbroughtbacksweetmemoriesofwakingupat0500foramorningmilerun.OneofthecoolthingsandmypersonalfavoriteactivityistheLeadershipReactionCourseorLRC.Itwastowardstheendoftheweeksowegottoseejusthowfartheydcomesincetheirarrival.Itwasveryemotionalwatchingthemgothroughandconquertheob-stacles.Toabletoseeagroupofpeoplewhodidntwantanythingtodowitheachotheratrstandthencometo-getherasateamisanincrediblething.SoMarch16th2013wasanotherdaythatwillstaywithmeforever.ItwasadaywhenIsawordinarykidsearnthetitleofYoungMarine.GraduationadaythatChanGesyourLifeGettingMADDandEndingDrunkDrivingByCindyTownsendUnitStaffPalmBeachesFLDuringWorldWarIdoughboyswasthenicknamegiventothesoldiersoftheAmericanExpeditionaryForcethattookpartinthelaterpartofthewar.HaveyoueverimaginedwhatitwouldbeliketobeadoughboyforjustadayThispastMayoneYoungMarinefromourPalmBeachesunitwasabouttondout.BypersonalinvitationYMCplRandallB.TownsendwasinvitedtobeoneofonlyfouryoungmentorepresentthoseWorldWarIghtersintheNationalMemorialDayPa-radeinWashingtonDC.YMCplTownsendlatersaiditwasanhonorandprivilegetorepresenttheveteransfromWorldWarI.TomyknowledgeIwasalsotheonlyrepresentationofYoungMarinesfromtheStateofFloridaatthiseventhesaid.Iplantousethisex-periencetoencourageotherstoparticipateinthiseventnextyearandevenconsiderstartingasimilareventintheirlocalareassoweallrememberthesacricesgivenoverthehistoryofourcountry.DoughboyforaDayByYM1stSgtAlexLoriaColWesleyFoxVAMyunitdoesalotofDrugDemandReductionactivitiesandoneofourthemishelpingMADDMothersAgainstDrunkDriversandthelocalpolicestaffDUIcheckpointsDUIstandsforDrivingWhileUndertheInuenceofAl-coholthenameofthelawpeoplebreakwhentheydrinkanddrive.Thepurposeofthecheckpointsisbothtocatchdrunkdriversontheroadandtoeducatealldrivers.MyunitpassesoutpamphletsbyMADDthatgivesinforma-tionondrunkdrivingtothepeoplethatpassthroughthecheckpoint.ItsoneoftheeventsthatwedothathelpedusachievetheKikiCamarenaAwardthisyear.OnenightwhenwewerevolunteeringIinterviewedthepresidentofthelocalchapterofMADDonwhysheisin-volvedandwhatkindsofthingsMADDdoes.ShesaidshebecameinvolvedbecauseafewofherfamilymembershadbeenkilledbyadrunkdrivershehasbeenamemberofMADDsince1989.ShesaidthattheMADDprogramrep-resentsandsupportsthefamiliesofvictimsofdrunkdrivingaccidentsandworkstopassnewDUIlaws.TheMADDprogramalsoparticipatesintheRedRibboncampaignastheYoungMarinesdoandtheyalsospeaktoschoolsandotherpartsofthecommunityaboutDUIawareness. ByDinaDillonUnitCommanderGuadalupeValleyTXOurunitwasinvitedtoparticipateintheNBKidfestakid-inspireddaywithover100differentorganizationscom-ingoutwithboothstoletparentsknowwhatthereisoutinthecommunityforkidstoparticipatein.WewereaskedtomanthePlayDohboothaswellashaveaninformationbooth.OurunithadagreattimetakingcareoftheboothshowingotherkidswhatkindsoffunthingstheycanmakewithPlayDohandkeepingitinitscontainerswhendone.Wewereabletoseemanyparentsfromamongthe5700visitorswhopassedthroughthatdayandgavetheminfor-mationabouttheYoungMarines.Wemadegreatconnectionsaswellandasaresultwewillhaveamemberofthelocalhospitalcomeandspeaktoourunitaboutgoodnutritionandthefoodchoiceswemake.Beinginvitedtoeventslikethisnotonlybenetsourunitbutalsothecommunityandital-lowsourkidstoshine.CommunityServiceThatLetsOurYouthShineByYMPvtMatthewFarmerCapitalCityNCItraveledwithmyunitCapitalCityYoungMarinestoSirWaltersGunClub.Althoughthiswasnotmyrsttimeshoot-ingIdenitelylearnedalotfromtheclass.Welearnedaboutdifferenttypesofgunsaboutgunsafetyandhowtousegunscorrectly.IexpectedittobedetailedbutitdenitelywasmoredetailedthanIexpected.Wegottoshoota.22calibertargetrieonethatisnotevenmadeanymoreWelearnedaboutpropergunsafetysuchastheThreeRulesAlwayskeepthemuzzleinasafedirectionalwayskeepyourngeroffthetriggeruntilreadytoshootandkeepthegununloadeduntilreadytouse.Wewereshootinginthebenchposi-tionwhereyouaresittingdownwiththerieonasandbag.Weeachhadftyroundsandveminutestoshootthem.Atthegunrangetherewereninestationsandeachonehadariecoach.Thenthereistherangemasterwhocontrolstheceasereandwhentoloadyourgun.Thistaughtmethefundamentalsofsafegunhandling.IhavetothankthegreatcoachestheyhaveatSirWalters.Ihadalotoffunatthegunclubandwillremembermyex-perienceandmostdenitelytheclass.Iwouldalsoliketothankthestaffofmyunitforsettingupthisexperienceandwillalwayscherishthistrip.SaetyFirstattheRifeRange20Summer2013ESPRITAWeekendLeadershipandTeamworkChallengeByPatrickMcMahonExecutiveOfcerandTrainingOfcerSouthernNewEnglandRegimentNineteenYoungMarinesfromtheSouth-ernNewEnglandRegimentrecentlyat-tendedaweekendJuniorSeniorLeader-shipChallengeheldatCampNianticanArmyNationalGuardbaseinConnecti-cut.ThischallengewasdesignedforYoungMarinestoputintopracticeallthelead-ershipskillstheyhadlearnedthrough-outtheirpreviousLeadershipTrainingSchoolsanditwasninemonthsintheplanning.TheYoungMarineswereformedintofoursmallteamswitheachteamcontain-ingoneAdultLeadershipSchoolALSgraduate.ThreeteamseachhadaSeniorLeadershipSchoolgraduateaswellandtherestoftheJuniorLeadershipSchoolgraduateslledouttheteams.DuringorientationeachteamwasinstructedthattheALSgraduateswerenottobetheirdesignatedteamleaderbutthatinsteadeveryteammembermustassumethatroleatsomepoint.TheYoungMarinestackledan18-ob-stacleCondenceCoursewhichallowedthemtobeginbuildingteamcamarade-rie.AfternoonchowintheeldtheyundertookanintermediateLandNav-igationcourse.OnSundaymorningtheteamswerebroughtouttotheArmysLeadershipReactionCourseandeachmemberwasgiventheopportunitytolead.AttheveryendweallowedthefourALSgraduateswhohadworkedandtrainedtogetherinthepasttotakeononeofthecoursesasateamtheyweregiven12minutestonishthecourseandcompleteditinunderfveminutes.TheYoungMarinesobservingweretrulyimpressedatthecohesivenessofthesefourYoungMarines.TheSouth-ernNewEnglandRegimentplanstoholdoneoftheseLeadershipChallengesagainfollowingourannualJLStrainingtoreinforcewhattheywillhavelearnedintheclassroomenvironment. ByYMSSgtJerryS.CableGreaterRomeGeorgiaGAIhavelearnedthroughthefouryearsthatIhavebeeninthisprogramthatnotallwhowishtojointheYoungMarinescanaffordtopayalottoenroll.Whetheritisthiseconomicrecessionthatweareinorjustpersonaldifcul-tiessuchasalossofajobsomefami-liessimplycantcomeupwithalotofmoneytopayenrollmentduesandpur-chasetherequireduniforms.Irmlybelievethatiftheparentsofthosechildrencouldcomeupwiththemoneythentheywouldgladlypaytojoinourprogram.SobearingthisinmindIsoughttolowerthepriceofen-rollmentforourunitasmuchaspos-sible.Ispentsometimethinkingaboutitandthenithitme.IfwehavemoreYoungMarinesinourunitthenourfundrais-erswouldbemorehelpfultotheunitsnancesandwecouldgomoreplacesanddomorethings.Thisinevitablywouldmakeourunitstrongerinbodyinbrotherhoodwitheachotherandinmind.ItwouldalsoenrichourYoungMarinestimeinourunit.Aftertalkingtomyunitcommanderaboutthistogetherwefoundawaytolowerthepriceofenrollmentby50percent.ThishasalreadygottenusthreenewrecruitsHopefullythiswillcon-tinuetohelpusandincreaseournum-berofYoungMarines.Ihopethatthisarticlehelpsyoutore-alizethatifyouhaveagreatideatohelpwithoneofyourunitsissuesoranideatoimprovesomethingtellyourunitcommanderaboutit.YouwouldbesurprisedathowoftenachangewilloccurasaresultofthatideaSolvingaProblemSoEveryoneWinsESPRITSummer201321TheyCameFromNearandFar...RogueValleyORTwenty-twoYoungMarinesand15stafftookpartinaJuniorLeadershipSchoolinMerlinORduringSpringBreak2013.ThisannualeventheldattheRogueValleyYoungMarinesunitheadquartersisahighlightoftheunitseventcalendar.YoungMarinescamethisyearfromalloverDivisionSixtoattendtheschool.StudentscamefromtheRogueValleyLewisClarkNorthIdahoOr-egonCascadeTri-CityandColumbiaRiverunitsandtheTemeculaandSouthlandunitsinCalifornia.YoungMarineinstructorscamefromtheTri-CityunitinWashingtonStatetheNorthIdahoandSnakeRiverunitsinIdahoandtheShenandoahValleyunitinVirginia.HowtoEnjoyaFiveDegreeMorningByYMPFCJonathanBrightLapeerCountyMIOurunithadawinterencampmentandeldtrainingdayinwhichweweretaughtmanylessonsaboutwhattodowheninasurvivalsituation.Mr.RudnikaMarinetaughtseverallessonsonhowtobeadatarptotieitoffandhowtomakeaverysmallretoheatyourentireshelter.Inordertobeadatarpyoutakeabeadorsmallstoneplaceitunderneathyourtarpthenwithyourotherhandpinchitupwardsoitstaysinplace.Nexttakeparacordorsometoughstringandtieaknotaroundthetarpandunderneaththebead.Youcanthensuspendthetarptomakeashelter.Weallpracticedbuildingshelterswiththesurroundingmateri-alsandtarps.Theleadershipteamstayedthenightinourshelters.Wesatandtoldcamprestoriestostaywarmuntilitwastimeforlightsout.ThenextmorningitwasapproximatelyvedegreesoutsidewhenwewokeupIfoundthewinterencampmenttobeveryenjoyableandanex-cellentlearningexperienceandInowhaveanevenmorepro-foundrespectforthosewhoservedinKorea.JonathanBrightcenterandhisellowLapeerCountyYoungMarinesfnishedtheirshelterjustasthesnowstartedalling. ByKimberlyGibbonsUnitCommanderCapitalCityNCTheCapitalCityYoungMarineswereexcitedtowelcomeSgt.GeorgeCatalonaanIwoJimaveteranintoourreservecentertosharehisstory.Itwasastorywehadonlyreadaboutinhistorybooksupuntilthatday.RecentlyourownYMSgtMajorAustinCobbwasgiventheprivilegetovisitthatislandinthePacicandhegavehisownpresentationabouthisexperiencetothishistoricalsiteaswell.IcanonlyimaginethatthevisitinJanuarymadeYMSgtMajorCobbthinkaboutthejourneythatSgt.Catalonahaden-duredashesteppedonthesamegroundasthecourageousMarinedidsomanyyearsbefore...Sgt.CatalonasStoriesFromIwoJimaByJohnVanOstenbridgeM.D.MedicalOfcerPensacolaFLTheYoungMarinesofPensacolawererecentlytreatedtoanoutstandingpresen-tationonthedangersofdrugusebyDe-niseManassawiththeCommunityDrugandAlcoholCouncilofPensacolaFL.Ms.Manassaspowerpointpresentationcoveredawidevarietyoftopicsinclud-ingalcoholtobaccoproductsinhalantshallucinogensstimulantsopiatesandprescriptionmedications.Thenewersyn-theticdrugsincludingspiceandbathsaltswerealsodiscussedindetail.Backedbyscienticevidencewesawtheeffectsthatdrugscanhaveonyourhealth.Photosshowingtheinsideofthelivingbrain--fromhigh-techPETscansdemonstratedtheharmfuleffectsthatmarijuanaandcocainehaveonthebrainanditsfunction.Examplesofhealthylungswerecomparedtolungsdamagedbytobaccoabuse.Wealsosawhowthelivercanbedamagedbyalcoholandoth-erdrugs.Justasimportantwediscussedtheimpactthatdrugusehasonfamilyandcareerandthewaysitcancauseapersontoloseboth.TheinformativeclasswaswellattendedbyYoungMarinesandstaffaswellasbyparentsandmanyactive-dutyMarines.Welearnedthatthebestwaytoavoidthehazardsofdrugabuseistoneverstartus-ingdrugs22Summer2013ESPRITTheCapitalCityunitwithveteranGeorgeCatalonacenter.WhatIllegalSubstancesDototheInsideofYourBodyByYMPvtHarrisonCoxGeigerVAMorethansevenhundredrunnerscompetedthisyearintheSemperFred5KruninFredericksburgVAandIwasoneofthem.ThisyeartheMarineCorpsintroducedanewcoursewhichincludedthenowinfamousHospitalHillintherstmilewhichrisesinelevation150feetoverthecourseofthatmile.Infactthecourseiscomprisedalmostentirelyofhillswhichgreatlyaddedtothechallenge.HospitalHillfeltlikeitwouldneverendbutIwouldnotquitorentertainthethoughtofjoiningotherswhohadbeguntowalkasIwascheeredonbynumerousMarinesliningtheroadside.Inishedwithatimeof282779thoutof742competitors.IamhonoredtohavecompetedinaMarineCorpssponsoredraceandhumbledtohaverunalongsidemanyveteransofourmostrecentwarsincludingsomewoundedwarriors.Myaccomplish-menthasleftmemotivatedtocontinuechallengingmyselfandIhopetocompeteintheMarineCorpsMarathonSeries10KEventinOctober.HarrisonCoxGeigerYoungMarineCompletesSemperFred5K ESPRITSummer201323FunataColoradoLock-InASpecialKindofCloseness2ndMidwestBattalionThispastMarchthe2ndMidwestBattalionheldaLock-IninDenverCOattheNationalGuardbuild-ing.YoungMarinescamefromallaroundColoradotoparticipateincludingYoungMarinesfromthePuebloPikesPeakMountainViewDouglasCountyandFlatironsunits.Themainpurposeofthelock-inwastohelptheYoungMarinesmakenewfriendsandbuildteamspirit.Manyofthemmetothersintheprogramwhomtheymightnothaveotherwisemet.AsoneofthemputitItwasanincrediblefeelingtoreallyseethatthereisavastnum-berofyoungpeoplejustlikeme.Classesweremixedinwithpurefun.SubjectscoveredintheclassesincludedCPRBasicFirst-AidAdvancedFirst-Aidlandnavigationandusingso-cialmediasafely.TheYoungMarineswholateradmittedtheydeprivedthemselvesofsleepbecausetheyreallyjustdidnotwanttogotosleepgavetheclassesexcellentreviews.Theteambuildingexerciseswereabighit.TheseincludedCapturetheFlagandanight-timescavengerhuntcarriedoutbyteamsarmedwithcompassesandashlights.TherewasalsoaDrugDemandReduc-tionJeopardygameinwhichthewinningteamgottoeattheirchowrst.Anotherteambuilderwasagamewhereeveryonepairedupintoteamsoftwoandonepersonwouldsitdownwhiletheotherwouldsprayshavingcreamallovertheothersfaceandthenfromaxeddis-tancethrowCheetosattheirpartnerthewinningteamhadthemostCheetosstuckontheirfacesAtsomepointinthenightseveralYoungMarinesdecidedtochallengeeachothertoagameof300toseewhocouldcomplete300push-upsinsideof30min-utes.Eventuallytheyalljoinedinandaf-terencouragingeachotherthroughalotofgroansandgruntsmorethanadozenofthemmanagedtoreachthegoal.ItwasreportedthatPogeybaitwastheonlythingthatallowedthemtostayawakethroughallofthis.Spendingallthosehourssoclosetogeth-erundertakingchallengeswithpeoplewhomatrsttheyhardlyknewledtoonebigrewardforallmakingallegiancesandlearninghowtoworktogetherasonegi-antteam.ThefollowingYoungMarinesallcontributedtothisarticleYMPVTDakotaCordovaandYMPVTDanMatthewsPuebloYMCPLAlecHernandezandYMPFCKodyJohnsonMoun-tainViewYMPFCJosephFloresandYMPFCChelseaSihpolDouglasCountyYMSGTHaileyLopezPikesPeakandYMLCPLJasonMcNultyandYMCPLJohnMcKennaMountainViewThemajorityofYoungMarinesmanagedtonishtheir300push-upsthoughtheymightnotbeabletousetheirarmsforawhile--YMCplAlecHernandezMountainViewCOItwasnicetoreallylearnwhoourpeersareashumanbeings.Notjusttherankswewearonouruniformsbuttheheartbeneathourtoughskins.--PFCChelseaSihpolDouglasCountyCODoingaLock-IngivesyouaninvigoratingsensationthatbringsyouthatmuchclosertoyourfellowYoungMarines.--YMPvtDanMatthewsPuebloCO WestTexasServicewasthewordofthemonthinAprilfortheWestTexasYoungMarines.TheystartedthemonthbyvolunteeringwiththeFortBliss9thAnnualMCCASAWalktheabbrevia-tionstandsforMilitaryChildChildAbuseandSexualAs-sault.Theunitledthewarm-upstretchingexercisesforthe500peopleparticipatinginthewalkandthenshowedtheirOoh-rahattitudebykeepingwalkersandrunnersmotivatedthroughcadencesandofcoursetheirenthusiasm.LaterinthemonththeunitvolunteeredtosupportGlobalYouthServiceDayKickoffalsoatFortBlissleadingthePledgeofAllegianceandhelpingwitheventtear-down.TheYoungMarinesalsoenjoyedthemselvesattheeventbyjoininginthelinedancesandgames.TheyalsogottomeetthemayorofElPasoMr.JohnCook.TheyendedthemonthbycompletingtheirserviceprojectforGlobalYouthServiceDaywhichisthelargestone-dayser-viceeventintheworldandtheonlyworldwideservicedaydedicatedtochildrenandyouth.TheWestTexasunitsproj-ectwasabirthdaypartyforhomelesskids.TheYoungMarinescollectedpartyitemssokidsinhomelessshelterscouldhavebirthdaypartiesandsortedalltheitemsandpreparednearly40birthdaybags.ForthemonthofApriltheWestTexasYoungMarineswerecommunityservicesuperstarswhoshowedthatserviceisnotjustanyworditsanactionword.ServiceWastheWordoftheMonthBySeanMarlandUnitCommanderGeigerVAGeigerYoungMarineshadauniqueexperienceduringtheunitencampmentheldatCampUpshuratMarineCorpsBaseQuanticoinVirginia.Saturdaymorningbeganwithanintro-ductionandsafetybriefattheVirtualCombatConvoyTrainerwhichconsistsoffourtrailerunitsconguredwithvehiclesimulatorsthatareusedfortraining.AUSMCinstructortaughtourYoungMarinesaboutthefun-damentalsofrearmsafetyincludingrearmsafetyruleshandlingproceduresandthesafetyrulesusedforthesimu-lators.TheYoungMarineswereabletousetheirleadershipabilitiesteamworkandcommunicationtonavigatethroughsomebasicandintermediatelevelscenarios.AfterwardstheymovedontotheIndoorSimulatedMarksmanshipTrain-erwhereamarksmanshipinstructortaughtthemaboutthebasicpartsandcomponentsofanM16A2servicerieandcoveredtherearmsafetyrulesandhandlingproceduresagain.AfterthesafetybrieftheYoungMarineswereabletoexperiencesomescenariosinbasicandadvancedmarks-manshipshootno-shootjudgmentandmarksmanship.Attheconclusionofthedaywehadadiscussionabouthomerearmsafety.Withtheriseofrearmmishapsandse-riousincidentsacrosstheUnitedStateswewantedtotalkaboutgunsafetywiththeYoungMarinesandfocusonfollow-ingfourruleswhenevertheycomeintocontactwithagunStopwhattheyredoingDonottouchthegunLeavetheareawherethegunisandTellanadultrightaway.TheYoungMarineshadagreatexperienceandmoreim-portantlytheylearnedabouthowtoavoidbeingharmedbysomeonewhodoesntknowhowtohandleagun.LearningGunSafetyFromprofessionalsFourrulestofollowwheneveryoucomeintocontactwithagun1.Stopwhatyouredoing.2.Donottouchthegun.3.Leavetheareawherethegunis.4.Tellanadultrightaway.WestTexasYoungMarinesdoingtheirpartforhomelesskids.24Summer2013ESPRIT ESPRITSummer201325YOUNGMARINESHONORINGTHROUGHOUTTHEYEARHVETERANSHByRomaineWallerUnitCommanderEnoRiverNCThisMemorialDayweekendaswedidthepastfewyearsourunitwenttoWashingtonDCtoparticipateintheparade.Ourrsttouringdestina-tiononthewaytherewastheNationalMuseumoftheMarineCorpsinQuan-ticoVA.Aftertakingaself-guidedtourthereweventuredbackoutsidetogetabetterlookatanantiqueairbrushedChevytruckthatwehadadmiredonthewayin.ThistruckisadedicationtofallenMarineLCPLPhillipVinnedge.Imethismotherthereandsheelo-quentlyspokeofhersonandhowthisrollingmemorialcameintoexistence.Itwasanhonortomeether.OurdaycontinuedwithaguidedghosttourofOldTowneAlexandria.TohearthehistoryofAlexandriacou-pledwithghoststoriesandthelooksonsomeofmyYoungMarinesfaceswaspriceless.SundaymorningweheadedtonearbyMountVernon.MyadjutantReneeNicholsonhadarrangedforustoraisetheagthere--thiswasasecretthatonlysheandIknewaboutbefore-hand.AfterwearrivedandourYoungMarinesdidthehonorswetouredourrstpresidentsexpansivemansionandplantation.WelookedintotheroomsstilldecoratedastheywereduringGeorgeWashingtonslifetimeandvis-itedthegardensfarmandslaveburialground.ThenatWashingtonstombIoverheardthedocentsaythattherewouldbeawreathlayingceremonyinapproximatelyanhour.Asthetimedrewnearforthewreathlayingceremonyweallgatherednearthetombsothatwecouldgetagoodlookattheceremony.Wellthedocentaskedformilitaryveteranstopartici-pateandIquicklyvolunteeredandsodidtwooftheEnoRiverYoungMa-rinesstaffExecutiveOfcerJimmyRi-leyandSupportStaffTimGrap.HowIwishedmyparentshadbeenalivetowitnessthis.YouseeImanAf-ricanAmericanfemaleandthegrand-daughterofasharecropper.Thoughmymothergraduatedhighschoolmyfatherdidnotyettheyprovidedformeandsentmetocollege.IamanArmyDesertStormveteran.NowhereIwashavingjustwalkedthegroundsofaplantationandvisitedthegravesitesofslavesandnowIstoodontheshoul-dersofthosethatcamebeforemelay-ingawreathatthetombofthenationsrstpresident.ContinuedAHumblingMomentattheTombofGeorgeWashingtonByYMCplLaurenLoriaColonelWesleyFoxVAWehadonlybeenbackfromourre-cruitbootcampforafewhoursbeforeIdressedinmycharliesandheadedforRFKStadiuminWashingtonDChomeoftheDCUnitedsoccerteam.WemetupwiththeQuanticoYoungMarinesandwereescortedtoourroominthestadiumtodepositourgearbe-forewalkingouttothelushgreeneldunderthebrightsun.YMMsGySgtBurtonandYM1stSgtLorialaidoutourplanofexecution.Thecolorguardwouldbeontheleftandthehonorguardontheright.Afterashortprac-ticeweheadedbacktoourroomtoenjoylunchandchilluntilitwastimetoperform.Theannouncercalledtheplayerstotheeldandthenitwastimeforourtribute.WeusuallyjustdoacolorguardbutsinceitwasArmedForcesDayitseemedonlyttingthatwealsoin-cludeanHonorGuardfeaturingeachoftheveserviceags.WemarchedoutpresentedarmswhileaNavyof-cersangtheNationalAnthem.Ithinkweallfeltasenseofprideforwearingouruniformsandshowingtheservicememberfansthatwerememberalltheydo.AswewalkedoffalotofpeopleyelledoutcomplimentsandSemperFi.AswewalkedbacktotheroomtostorethegearIcouldnthelpbutsmile.HavingourfriendsfromQuan-ticomadethedayevenmorespecial.Wetookourseatstowatchthegamewhichendedwitha1-1tie.ItwasagreatdaytobeaYoungMarineShowingtheColorsataDCUnitedGame12Spring2013ESPRITByPatrickMcMahonUnitCommanderThreeRiversCTTheThreeRiversYoungMarinesmarchedintheNorwichCTMemo-rialDayParade.ThecommandantfromourlocalThamesRiverDetach-mentoftheMarineCorpsLeaguemarchedwithus.AttheendoftheparadetherewasaceremonyandwreathlayingatMemorialParkinNorwich.YMSgtMajConnorMcMahoninoneofhisnalactsasaYoungMarinewasaskedtolayoneofthesevenwreaths.HonoringtheFallenonMemorialDay HYoungMarinesHonoringVETERANSThroughouttheYearHFoothillsCOFoothillsYoungMarinesmarchedintheCommerceCityCOMemorialDayPa-rade.Itwasaperfectmorningforaparade.TheYoungMarinesnotonlymarchedintheparadebuttheyperformedtheYoungMarineObligationforthecrowdandjudges.Everyonelovedit.TheywereloudandproudImpressingCommerceCity26Summer2013ESPRITIcannotdescribetheoverwhelm-ingfeelingofGodsblessingsthaten-compassedmeasIwentthroughthewreathlayingceremony.ImsuretheslavesthatservedatMountVernonwouldhaveneverimaginedadaylikethis.AdaywhenablackwomanwouldbeeducatedandbecomeanArmyveteranadaywhenablackwomancouldfreelymoveaboutany-whereintheworldandwouldchoosetolayawreathatthetomboftheirownmaster.FormeithadbeenadaywhenIfelteversohumbledandgratefulforthesacricesourancestorsandfellowAmericanshadmadesothatIcouldhavetheopportunitiesIvehad.Free-domisntfreeandmanyhavepaidtheultimatepricesothatwecanhaveexperiencesliketheoneIwasabletohavethatMemorialDayatMountVer-non.ByYMPFCDaolaiChanthiratMecklenburgCountyNCOnMemorialDayweekendourunitwenttoWashingtonDCtopartici-pateintheMemorialParadedownConstitutionAvenuealongwithothersur-roundingunitsfromacrossthestates.Therewereatotalofatleast300YoungMarinesparticipatingintheparadeonMemorialDay.OurunitalsovisitedtheNationalMuseumoftheMarineCorpsaswellastheVietnamandLin-colnmemorials.WewerealltouchedbyvisitingtheselocationsandlearningaboutthesacricesanddedicationofourfellowAmericanswhichhasmadeusmoreappreciativeofourfreedomthanever.EnjoyingtheMemorialsintheNationsCapitalByYMSgtShannonRappMusicCityTNOurunitwasactivelyinvolvedinNashvillesMemorialDaycer-emoniesattheareastwomainveteranscemeteries.WeassistedattheMiddleTennesseeStateVet-eransCemeterywestofNashvilleinPegram.ThereourSilentDrillTeamperformedtwicealongwiththeYoungMarineswreathhonorpresentation.WealsoattendedceremoniesattheNashvilleNationalCemeterylocat-edinNortheastNashville.AgainourSilentDrillTeamperformedseveraltimesandfourofourYoungMarineswerehonoredtorecitethePledgeofAllegiancefortheaudience.Atbothceremonieswegreetedguestswithprogramhandouts.Theweathercouldnothavebeenmoreperfectfortheweekendsactivities.NashvilleCeremoniesACeremonyinSealBeachByYMPvtMadisonBrooksSoutheastCountyCAOurunitattendedaveteransceremonyatthepierinSealBeachCA.Manyveteransandtheirlovedonescametotheceremonytobehon-oredfortheirservice.AstheceremonywasopenedtheNationalAn-themwassung.FourofourYoungMarinespresentedthecolorguard.Theveteranswerelledwithpride.Asthetimepassedmanyspeechesweregiven.Somewerefunnysomeweresadandheartfeltbuteachonetouchedmeinsomeway.Anemptychairceremonywasalsoheldhonoringthemenandwom-enwholosttheirlivesservingourcountry.Thisceremonywasfollowedbyanalspeechandsomepatrioticmusicandourcolorguardtookdownthecolors.TheveteransweYoungMarinesandthepeoplewhohelpedoutwiththewholeceremonywereallthankedforourpartici-pation.AftertheceremonyclosedtheYoungMarinesposedforapicturewithsomeveteransandasweshooktheirhandsIcouldnthelpbutfeelastrongsenseofprideandrespectforthesebravemen.Iwalkedawaywithagreaterrespectforthesebraveheroesthathavedonesomuchforusandourgreatcountry.AHumblingMomentattheTombofGeorgeWashingtonContinued Gettingtheirhandsdirtyintheveteransgarden.ESPRITSummer201327SaddlebackYMLCPLWilliamBlomkersalutesfallenveterans.FoothillsCOFourColoradoYoungMarinesunitsMileHighBuckleyFlatironsandFoothillscametogethertoprovideeventsupportforthededicationoftheColoradoFreedomMemorial.Itwastrulyanamazingeventtobeapartof.TheYoungMarinesshowedex-ceptionalteamworkleadershipanddisciplineandeveryoneattheeventtooknotice.ColoradoFreedomMemorialHYoungMarinesHonoringVETERANSThroughouttheYearHByYMPFCLoganOrrNorthAlabamaALNorthAlabamaYoungMarineswenttotheStillServingVeteransbusinessof-cetoplantowersputinmulchandcleanoutplantbedsinfrontoftheof-ceandaroundtheirSerenityGarden.Ourunitwantedtodothistohelpthepeoplewhohelpourveterans.Wegotowersplantsmulchanddirtdonatedandweprovidedthelabor.Whenwegotthereweallhadverydifferentjobstodo.Someofusplantedowersandothershadtopullweeds.Afewoth-ersthinnedoutmonkeygrassthathadtakenoversomeoftheowerbeds.Weworkedhardtomakethisgardenverynicebecauseweknewitwasnotjustsomeordinaryofcebuildingitwasaplacewhereourveteransourheroeswenttogetthehelptheyneed.Veteranscangethelplikendingnewjobsllingoutformsformedicalassistanceorget-tingsuppliestheyneedtogoabouttheirdailylives.Iwassoproudofwhatweaccomplishedthatdayandwillalwaysrememberwhatwedidforourveterans.AfterwenishedworkinganiceladywhoworksatStillServingVeteranscameoutandtoldusaboutwhattheydoattheofcetohelpourveterans.IknowthepeoplewhooperateStillServingVeteranswerereallythankfulforwhatwedidthatdayandIknowtheYoungMarineswereproudofwhatwedidfortheplaceourveteransgotogethelpandtakecomfort.TheYoungMarinesdidjustalittlesomethingforourveteransthatdaybutifeverybodydidjustalittlesomethingtohelpitwouldalladduptoabigsomethingforourveterans.SomethingtoMakeVeteransLivesMoreBeautifulSaddlebackCASaddlebackYoungMarinesspentMemorialDayinSanClementeassistingthecommunityinrememberingveteranswhohavegiventheirlivesforourcountry.ThisisthefthyearofparticipationandtheYoungMarinesenjoyitasmuchasthecommunityappreciatestheirparticipation.ManycommunityorganizationseachcontributeawreathtoplaceoncrossesandtheStarofDavidplacedinfrontofthecommunitycenterjustforthisevent.TheYoungMarinesescortaveteranorcommunitymemberandplacethewreaththennishwitharespectfulhandsalute.ItisadayoflearningfortheYoungMarinesandawaytogivebacktothecommunity.WreathsinSanClementeTemeculaValleyCATheTemeculaValleyYoungMarineswerehonoredtobeapartoftheCityofTemeculasInauguralRememberingOurBravestonMemorialDayevent.TheyledtheprocessionupMainStreettothecitysCivicCenterfollowedbyTemeculasmayoranditscitycouncilmembers.TheunitscolorguardpresentedthecolorsandYMPFCsDAoustandSaucedopicturedlaidawreathinmemoryofthosewhomadetheultimatesacriceforourfreedom.TemeculaValleyRemembersTheBravestonMemorialDay 28Summer2013ESPRITWhytheHonorFlightMeansSoMuchByLCplDonovanTurleyandLCplCatherineJohnsonBillingsMTBigSkyHonorFlightrecognizesthehardshipsoftheveteransofWorldWarIIaswellasotherveterans.WedothisbyprovidingthemwiththeopportunitytoseetheWorldWarIIMemorialandothermilitarymonuments.TheideaoftheHonorFlightwasconceivedbyEarlMorseaphysicianassistantandretiredAirForcecaptainasatributetothevet-eranstowhomheprovidedcare.InMay2005MorsearrangedforsixsmallplanestotransporttheveteranstoWashingtonDCtoseethememorialhonoringallwhoservedinthatwar.ThemissionofHonorFlightistorecognizeallsurvivingveteransbyyingthemtoatnocosttovisitWashingtontoseethememorials.ToppriorityisgiventoWorldWarIIandterminallyillveteransfromallwars.OneofthemanyveteransalreadyhelpedbyHonorFlightwasamannamedForrestKentMeyerswhosedyingwishwastogoontheHonorFlight.Meyershadservedinthe110thBattalionandwasawardedtheSilverStar.HetoldhisnurseThisisgoingtobetoughbutIhavetogettherenomat-terwhatittakes.Hisgoalwastolivethroughtheightandinfacthediedsixdaysafterreturninghomefromit.TheBillingsYoungMarineshavebeenassistingwiththisproject.Wehavebeenpresentingthecolorsparticipatinginraisingfundsfortheprojectandstandinginformationatairportstowelcometheseveteransbackhome.TheHonorFlighthasbeenabigpartofourlivestheselastcoupleofweeks.Whenweseethevet-eransitbringstearstooureyesespe-ciallywhentheylookbackattheYoungMarineswithsuchpride.Theymakeusfeelappreciated.Wecanseehowmuchthisopportunitymeanstothemandtheirfamilies.Notverymanypeoplewilltakeacouplehoursletaloneafewsecondstostopandthankaveteran.ProudtoPlayaHelpfulRoleByYMPvtPaytonMorrisonGeigerVAAttheQuanticoNationalCemeterytheGeigerYoungMarinesparticipatedintheMemorialDayCeremony.Wehadtosetupthechairsfortheevent.Everyonepickeduptwoormorechairstosetuptheseatsfortheguests.WhentheceremonystartedtheMa-rinestheYoungMarinesandotherassocia-tionsmarchedwiththecolors.EveryYoungMarinesalutedtheagasitwasgoingupandthentohalf-mast.OurunitalsohadthehonortoraisethePOWMIAagandtheVirginiastateag.Thiswasmyrsttimeraisingaag.Itwasaproudmomentforourunit.Towardstheendoftheceremonywhenitwastimetolaythewreathandgivehonorstothefallencomradesweallheardthegunrebutdidnotseeit.Oncetheceremonywasnishedweallpickedupthechairsandcleanedthearea.Itwasanicedaytocelebratetheservicememberswhodiedinthepastandpresentwars.ServingBreakfasttoThoseWhoServedUsByYMCplZacharyMarlandGeigerVAItistimetowakeupandstartbreakfast.ButtodayisnonormalSundayforourfam-ily.Itisanall-you-can-eatbreakfastofeggsomeletspancakesbaconsausagebiscuitsandgravytoasthashbrownsandcoffeeorjuice.Butwedontgettoeat...notyet.ItisbreakfasttimeatMickeyFinnsthatisourunitslocalMarineCorpsLeagueDetach-ment.OnceamonthourunitvolunteerstoservebreakfastatMickeyFinns.IlovemakingbreakfastandhelpingouttheveteransthereatMickeyFinns.Whenwepreparethefoodwerstprecookitandthenwhensomebodyasksforsomethingyup--weeventaketheirordersweputitonthestoveorgrillandcookitthoroughly.Afterwecookthefoodweputitonaplateandserveit.Whentheyaredonewecleanuptheirspotscrapetheplatesandwashthedishes.Whenweservethecustomerstheyseemalittleexcitedandtheyareniceaboutreceiv-ingtheirmeals.WhenthereisdowntimeMr.BillourunitcommanderwillcookforusandthenwecaneatallwewantIlikemixingtheeggsswabbingthedeckandmakingthefoodandputitontheplates--andofcourseeatingmorebreakfast.Myleastfavoritethingaboutvolunteeringthereisthelonghours.Thebestpartisthetips.AllofthemoneypeoplegiveusastipsiscollectedthroughouttheyearandourunitdonatesthismoneytosponsoralocalfamilyforChristmas. ESPRITSummer201329UNITSONTHEGOUNITSONTHEGOUNITSONTHEGOThePyramidRockYoungMarinesinHawaiispentMemorialDayweek-endsupportingveteransassociationsaroundthestate.TheyhelpedAmeri-canLegionPost17holdaceremonyrememberingtheKoreanWarattheOahuVeteransCenter.TheyalsohelpedtheMarineCorpsLeaguesAlohaDetachment363pres-entwreathsattheNationalMemorialCemeteryofthePacicandpartici-patedinthegovernorsceremonyattheHawaiiStateVeteransCemetery.TheQuinebaugValleyYoungMa-rinesinConnecticutassistedinanEasteregghuntinMayheldattheWolfDenCampgroundinPomfretCT.Theyhelpedtherecreationdepart-mentbyplacingeggsindifferentloca-tionsaroundtheeldforthedifferentagegroups.TheSanBernardinoValleyYoungMarinesCAwentonahikeattheEti-wandaPreserve.Theypracticedlandnavigationwithcompassesandmapsandalsolearnedhowtotieknotsonropes.Thetrailwasveryrockyandalongthewaytheyfollowedacreek.Theoutingendedwithchowinashad-edareaaccompaniedbyaDDRclass.--ReportedbyYMPFCTylerTannerEachyeartheRogueValleyYoungMarinesmakethehourandahalftripfromsouthernOregontoYrekaCAtocele-brateArmedForcesDay.Orga-nizersoftheeventsponsoredapancakebreakfastBBQlunchstaticmilitarydisplaysandvintagemilitaryvehiclesandtheybroughtveteransfrommanyconictsfortheYoungMarinestomeet.TheRogueValleyColorGuardproudlypostedthecolorsandledthePledgeofAllegiance.RogueValleyYoungMarinesspeakwithaUSMCofcer.TheFoothillsYoungMarinesCOrecentlyattendedjuniorleadershipschoolattheLeadershipAcademyoftheRockies.Notonlydidtheyhaveagreattimetheylearnedtoworktogetheronagreaterleadershiplevel.Thekidspushedthemselvesphysicallyandmentallyprovingthemselvesonadailybasis.TheCentralConnecticutYoungMarinesweresurprisedandhappytobeaskedtopro-videcolorguardatBostonshis-toricFenwayParkstadiumforabaseballgamebetweenthecitysRedSoxandtheCleve-landIndians.Despitewhatturnedouttoberainyweatheraftertheypresentedthecolorstheyreceivedapplausefromthecrowdandweretoldhowsharpanddisciplinedtheylooked.Theygottoenjoyagoodpor-tionofthegametooandbestofallhadachancetorepresenttheYoungMarinesonnationalTV.TheGuadalupeValleyTXYoungMarinesrecentlytriedsomethingnewtheyaskedaTrackcoachatNavarroJuniorHightocomeandteachtheirunitCPR.Heagreedandtheunitspentthesecondhalfofahalf-school-dayattheschoolcampusundergoingtraining.Nursesfromtheschooldistrictattendedaswellwhichletthemseetheunitinaction.AfterenjoyingapizzaforlunchtogetherthewholeunitdidagreatjoblearningandearnedtheirCPRrib-bons.AsUnitCommanderDinaDillonputitTheunitunderstandsthatCPRisforlifethatnomatterwhereyouareyoucouldhelpsomeoneanddoitright. ByJosephBlesTheNationalFamilyPartnershipthenefolkswhobringusRedRibbonWeekissuedacautionthatthesummermonthsofJuneandJulyarethetimewhenmanyyoungpeoplestartusingdrugs.PamelaHydetheheadofthefederalgovernmentsSubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdminis-trationoffersthefollowingreasoning.Morefreetimeandlessadultsuper-visionmakesummertimeanexcitingtimeformanyyoungpeoplebutitcanalsoincreasethelikelihoodofexposuretothedangersofsubstanceabuseandotherriskybehaviors.Amongthoseriskybehaviorstryingoutthatrstcigaretteexperimentingwiththatrstdrinkofalcoholorstartingtosmokemarijuana.ThissummerwecanaddtothatlistsomethingnewthatsbeenmakingitswayaroundtheInternetTheso-calledcinnamonchallenge.Cinnamonofcourseisaspicethataddsapleas-antavortovariousfoods.Andasanherbalproductitevenhassomeposi-tivemedicalbenets.Thecinnamonchallengeisnoneofthosethings.Itsagameinwhichkidstakealargequan-tityofcinnamonandattempttoholditinsidetheirmouthswithoutwaterfor60seconds.WellheresthebadnewsDoingthiscanlandyouinahospitalbecauseitwillcauseburningpotentialinhalingofthepowderintothelungsvomitingchokingandworse.Thrillseekingwithstufflikethisonlydeservesthreewordsjustplaindumb.YoungMarineshavetheadvantagethoughofknowinghowtoenjoyliv-ingahealthydrug-freelifestyle.Anddoingsoguaranteesyouwillhaveanenjoyableandsafesummer.Summertime-andtheDangersofDrugAbuseByJosephBlesYoungMarinesInspectorGeneral101CriticalDaysofSummerisasafetycampaignofferedbytheU.S.Navy.TheNavyconsidersthe101daysbetweenMemorialDayandLaborDaytobeatimewhenbecausemostofusarelookingforfuntimeswetendtoletourguarddownandendupinmorethantheusuallack-of-safetyend-ings.Byallmeansseekoutfunactivities.Atthesametimetakeacriticallookatanythingthatmaybeasafetyrisk.UseyourYoungMarineskillsofteamworkdisciplineandlead-ershiptondasafesolution.Enjoyyoursafesummerfun101CriticalDaysofSummer30Summer2013ESPRITGreatMemoriesandaBrightFutureSoStayConnectedByJanelleJohnsenDirectorofPublicRelationsWearealwaysdelightedtohearfromformerYoungMarinesandwhattheyareaccomplishing.NationalHeadquartersisnowworkingwithseveralYoungMarineswhohaveshownaninterestinbuild-inganalumniassociationsoyoucanallstayintouchsharememoriesandnet-workwithoneanotherinthefuture.CurrentYMMSgtBrandonMageefromtheLtAlexan-derBonnymanunitTNsaiditwellinhisarticleonpage15AsYoungMarineswearebrothersandsistersandhaveaunionthatcannotshatterwhenweleavetheprogram.Thatbondwehadintheprogramiscarriedwithustowhereverwego.TheYoungMarinesAlumniAssociationYMAAispickingupmomentumthankstosuggestionsfromthosewhohaveattendedtheYoungMarinesSymposiumandleadershipschoolsandtothosededicatedformerYoungMarineswhostillwanttostayincontactwiththeirfriendsandadultmen-tors.ManythanksespeciallytoformerNationalYMOYEd-garHuff2004-05forlead-ingtheinitiativetokeepourYoungMarinesconnectedforyearstocome.WedliketohearsuggestionsfromcurrentandformermembersparentsandadultvolunteersregardingthevisionyoumighthaveforthisnewYoungMarinesalumnigroup.OuralumniteamisagroupeffortcombinedofformerYoungMarinesadultvolunteersandnationalhead-quartersstaff.Wealllookforwardtohearingfromyou.Sendyourthoughtsandideastousatalumniyoungmarines.comTheYoungMarinesAlumniAssociation