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By Lynn Dominique 1st Fl Regiment Charlie Battalion Com- mander Emerald Coast FL Unit Commander Why do I do this If you have been in this program long enoughyouve asked yourself this question many times if you havent be patient you will. It is 1209 and I just finished my last official duty of a two night three day Battalion encampment DISMISSED Im beat. Its been non- stop and when there was some down time the Young Marines continued going non-stop. Note to self Dont schedule down time at an encamp- ment it only serves to mislead the Registered Adults. Hearing the Bat- talion Senior Young Ma- rine issue the command Dismissed sounded re- ally good. The long three-daytwo- night trip was over and now I could enjoy some real down time. Well maybe not quite yet I still need to break down my tent pack up my gear run down the Medical Officer before he leaves the site to try and locate some misplaced equipment do one last sweep of the grounds and an office we used and return the key to the Officer-of-the-Deck. Note to self Dismissed does not pertain to the Commander. Now the drive home and the time to ponder that nagging question Why do I do this. .. By the time I arrive home the ques- tion Why do I do this no longer ex- ists. It has been replaced with an over- whelming feeling of honor. Honor to be considered a Commander. Honor to be in the company of so many caring and incredibly hard working Registered Adults... Honor to watch former Young Marines now Registered Adults not only share what they have learned in the program but also strive to make it better. The biggest honor of all to have the opportunity to watch teach and help Young Marines gain Discipline grow in Leadership and embrace the principle of Teamwork. I cant even re- member what made me ask Why do I do this That question now seems like something only a crazy person would ask. Note to self Encampments will make you temporarily crazy. My highlights from a Battalion en- campment The Moto run running with the last Young Marine and help- ing them discover what they are able to accomplish if they dont quit... Watching a unit with very little drill experience give it their all in a drill competition and then over- hearing their comments of the need to practice more. Working with a Young Ma- rine who just doesnt get map and compass and with a little one on one direction watching that same Young Marine complete the course. Working with a first-time Battalion Senior Young Ma- rine and seeing his can do attitude and willingness to do whatever asked. Actually seeing the benefits of the snake class as it turns out a pygmy rattlesnake was also sharing our camp. Working with great unit command- ers. Seeing the commitment of a unit to drive all night and arrive at 0030. Having Young Marines and Registered Adults ask to be awakened at 0030 in order to help the last arriving unit set up camp. Why Do I Do This A Battalion Encampment- Through the eyes of a first-time Battalion Commander One of the biggest honors The opportunity to teach. Tour de Jefferson A Ride Through Louisianas Scenery By YMSgtMaj Kariel Mayer JPSO3 LA On the first weekend of November 2014 the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Young Marines went out to support the numerous bike riders participating in the annual Tour de Jefferson. Only minutes from New Orleans the Tour de Jefferson family bike ride is truly a unique way to experience the scenery of Louisianas heart- land. As the riders began to pour in the Young Marines served food to the riders offered con- gratulations and had an all-out blast. We even got to talk to some riders who had participated in more than a hundred of these types of events all over the country. The riders told us that they were surprised to meet such wonderful kids and one man even thanked us- not for anything outstanding but just for being cool kids We had a great time helping ev- eryone out so much that it didnt feel like work at all. After all thats what Young Marines do ESPRIT Page 9