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 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46By YM/PFC Triston Jensen Eagle (CA) This past November and December, the Eagle (CA) Young Marines, along with Active Duty Marines participated in supporting the Toys for Tots pro- gram, which collects new unwrapped toys each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in communities around the country. Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys for needy children. Since then, this charitable endeavor expanded across the nation and has made U.S. Marines the unchallenged leaders in looking after needy children at Christmas. The goal is to deliver a message of hope, which will build self-esteem and encourage needy children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. A shiny new toy is the best means of ac- complishing this goal. Christmas time is the hardest time of the year for a lot of families. This program changes kids’ lives. Many of the Eagle Young Marines are the same ages of needy children. We had a great time getting out at the stores and encouraging shoppers to give Toys for Tots. I absolutely believe the Eagle Young Marines enjoy doing this. Eagle Young Marines and Active Duty Marine Volunteers helped collect more than 2,300 toys for needy children. It feels good to be giving back to the community. There are so many kids out there who are in need, and sometimes Christmas toys can’t be provided for them. Every kid should have a Christmas. It’s an honor to be a part of this Young Marines program. Eagle: Giving Back to the Community Through Toys for Tots My First Color Guard: A Confidence-Building Experience By YM/PFC Michael Rivera Eagle (CA) I have been in the Eagle (CA) Young Marines since June 2015. I recently was given the opportunity to participate in a Color Guard. I was not sure of myself at first. Eagle YM/Cpl Klarisse Base helped me learn the rifle Manual of Arms. YM/Cpl Base was the Color Sergeant and gave commands clearly. She assured me and had confidence in my abilities. As we practiced, I remembered the im- age of the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi on the Young Marines’ emblem. It meant so much that I could honor all those Marines by being in the Color Guard. We formed up and began the drill card. We performed to the best of our abilities, and were outstanding. Afterwards, all Young Marines demon- strated great sportsmanship at the 5th Battalion Drill Competition. There were many parents from all the units viewing our Color Guard as we marched to all the commands. The rifle was heavy at first, but as we continued, my confidence increased, and I felt as if I could hold the rifle forever. As we finished and marched off, YM/ Cpl Base commanded Order Arms, we cased the colors. We saluted after cas- ing the colors and people clapped and cheered. I will always remember my first Color Guard. I am ready for our next Color Guard. Every kid should have a Christmas. It’s an honor to be part of this Young Marines program. The rifle was heavy at first, but as we continued, my confidence increased, and I felt as if I could hold the rifle forever... MYYM UNIT ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 11