Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
By YMLCpl Ryan Douglas Bodnarik Capital City NC This past September the Capi- tal City Young Marines lost a very important person James Haslam USMC Ret. who passed away af- ter a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was the founder of our unit and a huge influence on the lives of many youth and adults involved with the Young Marines program. My mom often tells the story of how my Grandpa Deans friend Mr. Haslam would invite us each year to come and watch the Memorial Day Parade downtown. As a toddler I would try to reach out and grab at the Young Marines as they marched past the crowds. Mr. Haslam would laugh and smile and sayIts okay Ry. Youll get there one day. And now I am a Capital City Young Marine. I owe it to Mr. Haslam and his vision for this unit. I know that I speak for the Capital City Young Ma- rines when I say that he was an inspiration to so many in our unit and will be missed by all. Semper Fi Mr. Haslam. We love you Capital City Remembering Our Units Founder Mr. Haslam with Capital City YMs. Why I Volunteer A Committment to the Young Marines One day while I was patrolling the streets of San Antonio Texas I passed a parked car that blared obnoxious music. The teens who were gathered around it stared down onlookers. I called for another unit and upon their arrival we approached the group of youths whose ages were between 13 and 17 years. Upon checking their IDs I learned all had previously been in trouble with the law.They were respectful to a point but it was a mocking respect Their poor at- titudes were apparent during our con- versation. But as they opened up about their home lives I shuddered... I thought to myselfIs this their fault or the fault of their environment As I returned to my regular duties I couldnt get those kids out of my mind. I have three sons Robert Christopher and Samuel. Although I am not a rich man my sons have never wanted or been without. They dont know what its like to go to bed and wake up hungry scared or unloved. I could not fathom what that is like. I felt and still feel genuine sorrow for those young men who will never know peace and unconditional love. This is why I volunteer. I am ever-pres- ent in my sons lives focused on all that they do. I want them to see their father side-by-side with them in everything. I want to help mold them into leaders and fine young men. And to that endnot so long agosome- thing extraordinary happened I began to volunteer with the San Antonio Young Marines. Before I knew it I seemed to gain over forty new sons and daughters. Not only was I trying to shape my sons but now I directly impacted the lives of dozens of kids. And I want success for all of them. I want them all to know that someone believes in them. That is another reason why I volun- teer. All adult volunteers have made this commitment to their Young Ma- rines. You can either believe in the youth of our city bringing them up and in- stilling the best in them or you can just drive by those kids on the corner hoping that someone else will take the initiative and believe in them. -- Submitted by Christopher Redman Training Officer San Antonio TX Young MarinesMr. and Mrs. Christopher Redman with two of their three sons. JAMES HASLAM 1929 - 2015 Before I knew it I seemed to gain over forty new sons and daughters MY YM UNIT Page 10 ESPRIT