YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 21 By YM/ PFC Isabel Lojano PFC Bruce W Carter MOH (FL) It all started with the Winterfest Boat Parade, as I arrived on Saturday Dec. 10th, 2016 to Fort Lauderdale. I just started to get so excited.The lovely lights,the energy and excitement from the people made me feel good about doing something for the com- munity. It was an awareness that we had to help others in the community to make Christmas special for all children. That was what our commitment was as Young Marines. I was glad to be there to promote this wonderful campaign that would bring joy to children. On Saturday, December 17th, the PFC Bruce W. Carter (FL) Young Marines supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with their annual motorcycle Poker Run and Pig Roast event held in the Florida Keys. It was the first time I attended this event, and it was amazing to see the outcome. So many generous people joined this activ- ity that gathered more than 300 people, with 180 Motorcycles registered, and a total collection of $11,000.00. It all began at Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo, on a day full of joy and excitement. I feel proud of being a Young Marine; it has brought me awareness, and taught me to serve the community, among many other values. I’m so glad I was part of this activity that (together with other events organized by the U.S.Marine Corps Reserve) helped more than 5000 children and collected approximately 21,000 toys. This was the Marines tenth year of participation in this event and it was a successful campaign. I will continue to support this program and as many fundraising activities as I can as a Young Marine. In Florida: An Amazing Outcome Top Right and Right:Miami’s PFC Bruce W. Carter MOH unit helped the Marine Corps Reserve collect Toys For Tots this past holiday season. Left to Right: Young Marines YM/Pvt Jaheim Samuels, YM/Pvt Kyrah Bryant, YM/Pvt Michael Falcon, YM/ PFC Isabel Lojano, and YM/PFC Brandon Cruz, take a moment gather for a group photo at a Toys For Tots event.