MY YM UNIT 2nd Bn, SCR Division 6 Young Marines Attend Dinner In February, three Young Marines were invited to attend the Marine Corps Association and Foundation’s 8th Annual West Coast Dinner held in Carlsbad, CA. The Young Marines met and spoke with many of the attendees. The Young Marines dined with the National Executive Director and CEO, Col Bill Davis, USMC (Ret) and his wife, Brenda. A motivating speech was given by Maj Gen Eric M. Smith, Commanding Gen- eral, 1st Marine Division. The Young Marines were outstanding representa- tives of the Young Marines Program. Pictured (Left to Right) are Southern California Regiment YMOY, YM/MSgt Sophia M. Righthouse (Miramar), Division 6 YMOY, YM/SgtMaj Anna Saucedo (Temecula Valley), and YM/MSgt Luke Smith (North San Diego). -- Submitted by Bret A. Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines By YM/Sgt Austin Lewis Richland County (OH) About a year ago, I lost a very close friend of mine, Colby Hil- dreth. Colby had been my best friend for pretty much forever. When he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 14 on February 28th, 2017, nobody thought he would have so little time left. The next day, there had been a pep rally at school. Just as we were about to leave to go to the gym, I was called down to the office where I then received the bad news. That morning, there had been some complications from the surgery. The parents knew what he would be like if he had continued to live, and they made the right choice. They decided to take Colby off of life support. Though he had not (yet) been a Young Marine, he had a spot in everyone’s heart. My unit had seen how shaken up I was and they helped me out. At that point, I had thrown myself into as many Young Marine events as I could, including the national encampment in Clayton,Georgia,the division five Buckeye Cup, and I was a troop handler at the Division five JLS, held by my unit commander, Mrs. Prosser. I met a lot of new friends at these events that have helped to “rebuild” me afterwards. If you know anybody who has a friend or loved one that has been diagnosed with any kind of cancer, go help them out. Trust me, it helps that person out tremen- dously. The Young Marines Has Helped Me Get Through The Loss of a Friend (Right): Cross Roads (TX) Young Marines with Gunny Claus. By YM/PFC Nayli Deese East Central (AL) I love the Young Marines because it is a fun (and sometimes serious) recreational program. When you first join, you see strangers, but as you get into it it becomes like a family. You have a fun time there, you get motivational advice and you have a good time. You go to interesting places and you march in parades. It’s just a fun thing to be in. It also teaches you a lesson about having a positive attitude. The Young Marines: It’s a Fun Program, and... YM/PFC Nayli Deese The Cross Roads (TX) Young Marines served apple pie to all the attendees of the 2nd Annual H.E.B. Feast of Sharing in Big Spring, Texas, sponsored by the Texas-based grocer. Everyone ate a free Christmas dinner of baked ham, mashed po- tatoes, green beans and apple pie. YM/PFC Megan Goad and YM/ PFC Ruben Lopez cut up the pies, and YM PFC Jayson Garza loaded the slices on his cart and went from table to table serving the desserts. After a long afternoon of volunteering, they all got a visit with Gunny Claus. --Submitted by Carrie Rodman, Adjutant, Cross Roads (TX) Young Marines Cross Roads: Volunteers at Holiday Feast of Sharing 10 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE