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 46ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 33 Supporting Michigan’s Environment By YM/Pvt Ethan Fick Lapeer County (MI) We recently took part in a community service helping the Lapeer County Conservation District and Pheasants Unlimited. We built shelters for small animals to allow them to hide from preda- tors and make new nests. We took branches and brush from dead trees and brush piles to make engineered piles that were approximately 8 feet by 8 feet wide. We stacked logs to 2 feet high and then we piled brush and branches until the pile was around 4 feet tall, to allow small animals to hide from bigger predators. We had 20 to 25 Young Marines helping, most of them 15 years old and younger.We didn’t know that it was going to snow, but who knows about Michigan weather? Although it was cold and snowy (in April), we were able to complete 13 ani- mal shelters. We stayed with our squads for safety and accountability throughout the day. I thought that this community service was go- ing to be less than enjoyable, but in the end, we all had a lot of fun! We helped the environment in many ways by building shelters to help animals grow to their expected size. It also will benefit hunters for the next small game hunting season by keeping the rabbit and pheasant populations numerous. The 2nd Tennessee Battalion held an Encampment and High- land Games at Norris Dam State Park, TN, in May. Hosted by Lt Alexander Bonnyman Young Ma- rines unit, North Knoxville (TN) and Blue Grass (KY) Young Ma- rines attended as special guests. We have met them before at oth- er events. There were 58 Young Marines camping out overnight. Norris Dam is part of the Ten- nessee Valley Authority system controlling the rivers of the mountains of Eastern Tennes- see. The Young Marines erected shel- ter halves for sleeping. They ate out- doors, enjoyed friendships, and met new friends.They very eagerly ate (...and ate). We hiked the river trails and completed a two-mile run. Some of trials included a lost baby tooth and a squirrel that ate a Young Marine’s lunch along the way. We sat by the evening fires and told stories. The wildlife was in abundance, especially at dusk. We were told the fol- lowing morning that there was a bear in the park, but if there was, he never ven- tured near us. At least no one claims to have seen him. One parent later called and wanted to know if Young Marines were going to sleep in “half a tent” at Divisional En- campment. We assured the parent that a shelter half was not half a tent. Sometimes, parents need to be educated, too. We learned about Scottish High- land Games. We had made friends with ranked Highland Athletes at a previous outing and they joined us each day. We learned how to conduct a stone throw, a caber toss, a hammer throw (watch out!), tug-a-war and sack races. We challenged each other to be the best. Fifty plus Young Marines can beat seven 300 lb. athletes in tug-of-war. In turn, we showed them our archery skills. The athletes were happy to share their sport with us. In return, we ran for them at the Smoky Mountain Scottish Rites at Maryville College the following Sunday. All of the Young Marines wore tartan colors (and some even wore traditional kilts). -- Submitted by Larry Winters, Unit Commander, Lt Alexander Bonnyman (TN) Young Marines 2nd Tennessee Batallion Encampment (and Highland Games) We built shelters for small animals. We didn’t know that it was going to snow, but who knows about Michigan weather? Lapeer County Young Marines, on a cold and snowy April afternoon in Michigan.