YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 35 By YM/GySgt Klarisse Base Eagle (CA) I have been in Young Ma- rines since May of 2011. We always do many wonderful activities living a Drug Free Lifestyle.One exciting part is attending SPACES. I went to the SPACES Sailing Adven- ture. It was a week-long trip sailing on a real sailing boat, with other Young Marines us- ing Teamwork,Leadership and Discipline. The first day we created our flags, and assigned duties to our navigator and cook, and got to know our sailboat. Throughout the week we sailed as a group with one person at the helm, one person on look out, one person navigating, and everyone else helping out. Our first stop we had relay races between boats in waters filled with jel- lyfish; we had a lot of fun and enjoyed teamwork while getting to know each other. Everyday was more fun than the next. We went to a maritime museum where we learned a lot about crab fishing, oys- ter collecting, duck hunting, screw pile lighthouses, and the history of Chesa- peake Bay. Every morning one Young Marine on rotation would check the boat’s engine, oil, water, etc.The watch was looking out for colored buoys that helped the navi- gator mark where we are so we could stay on course. At Annapolis, we went on a selfie scavenger hunt where we got to know the area. All in all, this was an amazing expe- rience and everyone was respectful and kind to each other. The best part about this and every SPACES event is that we have the opportunity to make lifelong friends. I thank the Young Marines, Mr. and Mrs. Siegmann, and my parents for this opportunity. Young Marines under sail. SPACES Sailing: Enjoying Teamwork While Sailing on Chesapeake Bay By YM/LCpl Daniel Porras West Texas (TX) Who are veterans? A military veteran is a person who has served or is serving in the armed forces. Those veterans that have had direct exposure to acts of military conflict may also be referred to as war veterans. Many veterans fought for our freedoms.They fought in the Vietnam War, World War II, and in other wars and conflicts as well. Veterans are those who have spent part of their lives, from a few months to many years, serving our country in the military. This is very important because it means that without veterans, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we often so carelessly enjoy.Thank you,veterans!! HOORAH!! West Texas YM: A Moment to Say Thank You to Our Veterans By YM/GySgt Joseph Moreno Eagle (CA) It’s not just opportunities,but ex- periences…whether it is learning Land Navigation, Drug Demand Reduction activity, participating in ceremonies to honor Veterans, marching in parades, Battalion Field Meetings, Leadership Schools, or a PFT, I have loved it all. I started Recruit Training in Septem- ber 2010 thinking that the Young Ma- rines program was going to be another youth scouting type of program, but boy was I wrong. As soon as I got there and stepped on the Yellow Footprints, I was terrified the first day, but I got used to how things were run in the Eagle Young Marines. There were requirements to meet and objectives to be earned, never given, to receive responsibility and get promotions in rank. You are not promot- ed simply because you have spent time in the program. My graduation was worth waiting for! The graduation ceremony was dur- ing the time of the Young Ma- rines’ birthday. Our birthday ball and gradu- ation took place in a giant ballroom, with pictures, awe- some dinner, and a great ceremony. I will never forget, it truly was an amazing day. My first year was great,I was promoted to PFC on October 30, 2011. I embarked on a new adventure of more responsi- bility. I saw that everything I do should be to strengthen others, not just myself. I decided to keep progressing to the very furthest I could achieve. My second and third year was more of a “molding” pro- cess; this was when I started to really try hard. I put forth much effort and at- tended more often.As of fourth and fifth year, I did hit some small issues, but we all have those once in a while. I have learned a great deal from my experiences. Now when there are is- sues at home or school or just in life, I am not discouraged. Demand more from yourself. Do not settle for mediocrity. Be the person everyone respects. You give respect to everyone. Speaking of respect, the many veterans and veterans activi- ties really gave me a deep understand- ing of our United States,the Constitution and what it stands for. Today,I am retiring from the Young Ma- rines. I really don’t know where the time went. I was at a loss of words when the unit Commander and Executive Officer read my Discharge and Retirement from Young Marines. It is something that I al- ways looked forward to. I know I have a good foundation for meeting the world. I thank God, my country, my parents and our Eagle Unit Commander, Executive Officer and adult volunteers for every- thing I am today. A Young Marine’s Reflections Upon His Experiences, Retirement