By YM/Cpl Maylyn Tran Antelope Valley (CA) Last March, members of California’s Antelope Valley and the Excelsior High Desert Young Marines units took a trip to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, CA to watch a USMC Battle Color Ceremony. The event consisted of a performance of a squad from the Ma- rine Corps Silent Drill Team, a display of the color guard, and a presentation of the Marine Corps Band. The journey took about an hour, but it was worth it. Just after 9:00 AM, the Antelope Valley Young Marines began their expedition to connect with the Excelsior group in Victorville, CA. From there, the caravan of vans continued on to Barstow. At the base, the two units were directed to the parade deck outside and we sat down on the metal bleachers. The Young Marines socialized and introduced themselves to each other. Suddenly, the announcer of the event told us that due to strong winds, they will be moving to the gym. At the gym, the Young Marines and their RA’s stood amongst several civilian families, vet- erans, Sea Cadets, and members of the Marine Corps crowded on two sides of the gymnasium.After the chairs were set up, the show began. Since the gym was not big enough for a whole platoon to do their performance, only a squad from the Silent Drill Team came to the event. They slowly marched in from a doorway and halted at the center of the floor. They then started their routine by spinning their rifles, doing right and left shoulder arms, attaching bayonets to their rifles, and performing an inspection that was obviously unlike any inspection that I had ever seen. When the drill team was finished, the announcer declared that the event was done and the audience was al- lowed to leave. The color guard and the silent drill team mem- bers later came out to answer questions from the remaining audience, while having their pictures taken. The group of Young Marines then separated and took the time to contact the Marines before settling down to take a photo with the color guard team. Afterwards, we left the base and went to eat dinner, After we had finished our dinner, we all went in our designated ve- hicles and drove off in separate ways to return home. Most of us were tired from the big day so many of us fell asleep for the rest of the ride home. The day conclud- ed with a formal dis- missal and each parent got to take their Young Marines home. Although we didn’t get to view the whole pro- gram that was scheduled, we did at least get to see the Marine Silent Drill team perform. I hope we have an opportunity to do this again next year! Antelope Valley: We Visited a Marine Corps Logistics Base Fourth Annual 2nd Battalion, S. California Division 6 Encampment By YM/GySgt Luke Smith Division 6 Public Affairs Officer North San Diego (CA) For the past four years the Southern California Regiment 2nd Battalion has headed to Julian, California for an encamp- ment. All units in the Battalion were represented; Miramar, North San Diego, Temecula Val- ley and San Diego.We stay at the YMCA Camp Raintree. There is a rustic Ranch House and Bunk- house for billeting. Friday night we check in, split into Platoons and Squads and begin designing our identifying Guidons. Saturday morning is PT, Morning Colors and chow before we put in about 4 hours of community service. There are always many projects to complete as we help the YMCA staff prepare for their summer guests. Trails were cleared, brush cut back, and plant- ing of trees and shrubs to estab- lish a garden area. This year a group also began a rail- road tie stairway into the hillside. The afternoon con- sisted of the fun activities. Archery, BB Gun Range, Sling shot paintball, rock climbing wall, soccer and the awesome GAGA Pit. We had free time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. We got in a swim qualification on Sunday morning and had a visit from Mr. Lee, our Division 6 Commander. Even Ches- ter showed up! This year each unit had newly graduated recruits that attended for the first time. 100 Young Marines sharing the same experience is one of the great things about this program. 20 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT