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 46UNIT MYYM East Valley Earns Marine Corps League Commendation On February 22, 2016, Bill Ebright, the Department of Arizona Marine Corps League Commandant, had the pleasure of awarding the National Marine Corps League Commendation Award to the East Valley (AZ) Young Marines on behalf of the Young Ma- rines National Executive Director, Bill Davis. The East Valley Young Marines have made an impact in the state and served more than 120 hours for the Department of Arizona Marine Corps League during the National Convention. They welcomed all Marine Corps League Members at Phoe- nix International Airport and assisted them in a variety of ar- eas. The East Valley Young Marines have had such an impact in the community that not only was the Department Com- mandant there to present the award, but also in attendance were Past National Commendant Eddie MacIntyre, Saguaro Detachment Commandant Jeffery Metcalf (with members of his detachment) and members of the PVT Joe Hardt and Tuc- son detachments. This was a great honor for the East Valley Young Marines and shows the close working relationship that they have developed with the Marine Corps League in the State of Arizona. -- Submitted by Frank (Gunny) Alger, UC, East Valley (AZ) Young Marines On February 29, 2016, YM/SSgt Sophia Righthouse of the Miramar (CA) Young Marines received the Youth of the Year Award from the City of San Diego, presented by Dis- trict 6 Council Member Chris Cate. YM/SSgt Righthouse received the honor for her involvement in the Young Ma- rines and efforts to improve her community and honor veterans through her Valuing our Veterans Flagpole Proj- ect. YM/SSgt Righthouse is pictured with the Youth of the Year Award. -- Submitted by Bret A. Righthouse, Miramar (CA) Young Marines YM/SSgt Righthouse named San Diego Youth of the Year Cross Roads: Their Own Library The Cross Roads Young Marines have a unit library added to their new facil- ity. The community of Big Spring, Young Marines par- ents and staff have gathered up several books for their unit library.Their shelves are full of books on the subjects of American History, Military History, Drug Demand Re- duction and First Aid. The Young Marines just love sitting and reading the books on their spare time. The library not only teaches them about the subjects of the Young Marines that they study in their guide books, but also aids them in preparing for their speeches and reports and research papers. Some Young Marines do not have internet access or a way to get to a library and this helps them tremendously.The bean bag chairs from our local furniture store really gives our kids a great place to enjoy learning and get comfortable with a good book. -- Submitted by Carrie Rodman, Unit Adjutant, Crossroads (TX) Young Marines By YM/LCpl Zachary Sanders Imagine School at North Port (FL) On April 21, 2016 at my regular after school drill, I noticed a man in a digital desert camo. I had never seen him attend one of our drills. He was talking to our Master Gunnery Sergeant. He was Colonel Simmons and he is the back seat crewman of an F-18 Hornet. He came to speak to us, and I took away three good lessons from his speech: Don’t let any disability slow you down, when in a team be as a team, and do as you are told without hesi- tation. We all hope he comes back to visit us again. Encouragement From a Colonel ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 4