ACYM: Saying Goodbye to a Great Friend of Ours By YM/LCpl Michael Manley Atlantic Coast (FL) A great friend of the Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines, Mr. Joe Covella, passed away on January 24, 2017. Mr. Covella, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, served proudly for 20 years. His awards included the Combat Action Ribbon. Mr. Covella was also involved in the invasion of Grenada in 1983. In the Marine Corps, he served as a Drill Instructor and Small Arms Weapons Instructor. He was active with the Marine Corps League after he retired, and regularly attended Marine graduations at Parris Island, SC. He was extremely involved in North Florida High School sports officiating and supported youth athletics throughout North Florida. Joe Covella was a big part of the Atlantic Coast Young Marines since it was started. He attended many events and helped get us involved in serving the community. He was a hero in many ways. He was a great friend and will be missed very much by all of us in the Atlantic Coast Young Marines. Joseph F. Covella, 1954-2017 MY YM UNIT By YM/Cpl Halle Roberts Lenawee County (MI) I would like to tell you about my Unit Commander Joseph L. Steveson, who recently passed away. Everyone in my unit called him “Gunny”, because he served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. I remember him being happy all the time. However, I remember when I first joined, I was scared of him. Then as the months went on, we started getting close to each other and one of my favorite memories with him was when we were driving back home from our field day, when the music on and Gunny was singing and smiling for the rest of the trip home. Gunny and I probably had our ups and downs, but I can say he was always there for me. Though he may be gone that doesn’t mean he’s not here. He will always be here in spirit, in our minds and our hearts. Gunny was a great man, a great father, and a great friend. He was always there through the rough times in my life; he was like a father I never had. He pushed me to do better and I remember the words he said to me “Fight harder even though you want to give up, just keep fighting, and never put yourself down because you can do and be anything you want to be”. As a Unit Commander, he pushed us until he couldn’t push us anymore; but now God is keeping him safe up in Heaven. He’s not in pain anymore; he no longer has to suffer. He’s free and one day we will all be joined with him again. When we are, we will have our first drill up in Heaven. Please keep him in your prayers and if you have ever met this great man, think about the good times you had with him. In our time of sorrow, Gunny’s son, Christopher, told me that “the next time you are sad or upset think what would Gunny say or what would Gunny want you to do”. We all will miss him and thank you for letting me tell you my story. R.I.P GUNNY LOVE YOU YOU’RE FREE NOW We Remember Our Unit Commander,A Great Marine Young Marines say‘Farewell’ to Lt. General Lawrence Snowden Many Young Marines who have participated in the annual Reunion of Honor trip to Guam and Iwo Jima, are remembering Lt. General Lawrence Snowden, USMC (Retired). Gen Snowden, 95, died Saturday, February 18, in Tallahassee, Florida. Gen Snowden was the senior American survivor of the Pacific war’s most famous battle, the 36- day fight for the island of Iwo Jima. He landed with the 4th Marine division on Iwo Jima, Febru- ary 19, 1945, 72 years ago. He also served in the Korean War and Vietnam. The Reunion of Honor takes place annually. American and Japanese veterans come together for remembrances of their fallen brothers and to recall the fierce battles that took place on the two islands during World War II. The Young Marines act as escorts for the veterans during the trip, and many have had the honor of meeting Gen Snowden. “I was honored to accompany Gen Snowden back to Iwo Jima in 2012 and 2013,” said McCall Behringer, former National Young Marine of the Year.“He was a great example of leadership and passion for the cause of repair- ing the United States’ relationship with Japan.” Gen Snowden dedicated much of his post-military life to peace, reconciliation and service to fellow veterans. He always emphasized that the reunions were not a celebration of the American victory, but a somber recognition of the sacrifices by soldiers on both sides. Before his retirement in 1979, Gen Snowden rose to three-star rank and was Chief of Staff, Head- quarters Marine Corps. “From Iwo Jima to his days as a general officer to his post retirement work on the Reunion of Honor, Gen Snowden was a true American hero,” said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), National Executive Director and CEO of the Young Marines.“The Young Marines join me in remembering his brave deeds.” LtGen Lawrence Snowden, USMC (Ret) YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 7