By YM/Cpl Michael Manley Atlantic Coast Young Marines The Atlantic Coast Young Marines had a great morning at Applebee’s in Jacksonville, FL. Our Unit Commander, Ms. Gib- bons, gave us a chance to raise money by selling Applebee’s breakfast tickets. We sold tickets to fam- ily, friends, neighbors and we even donated some to local veter- ans. Before breakfast started, we were all assigned specific jobs. My job was greeting customers at their tables. People were very nice and a few asked me questions about the Young Marines. It was nice to be able to talk about the Young Marines and see their interest. I even met a few Marine Corps veterans. Hearing some of their stories was the best part of my morning. Some of my fellow Young Marines had the same job I had, and other Young Marines were assigned different jobs. Some cleared tables, some Young Marines were holding doors, some were seating people, and older Young Marines (16 years and older) were serving food and washing dishes. Ms. Gibbons also had people cleaning the parking lot and sweeping inside. Ms. Gibbons believes that we should always leave a place in better shape than we found it, so we always try to do a good job. While I was refilling a drink for a veteran, he asked me ques- tions about the Young Marines. He told me a few of his Marine Corps stories. He then surprised me by giving me a challenge coin. I couldn’t believe it! He said he appreciated me talking with him, but the truth is that I loved hearing his stories as much! After that, it was just about time to switch jobs. My next job was to clear tables and reset them. Ms. Gibbons instructed me on how to do this and put me in charge of the task. After this job, I had one final job. I escorted people to their tables. This was a very interesting job, because I had a chance to talk with many different types of people. I directed them to their table and told them someone would be right with them. People enjoyed talking to all of the Young Marines. They es- pecially liked our cammies! Many of the veterans enjoyed seeing so many young people who love the Marine Corps so much. Breakfast was a big suc- cess. People thought the food was delicious and that we did an outstand- ing job. We are so thankful that everyone came out to support us, and that Applebee’s hosted this event. Semper Fi! ACYM: Our Successful Fundraising Breakfast Event at Applebee’s Getting underway... By YM/GySgt Sophia M. Righthouse Miramar (CA) Last March, USMC LtCol Keith allowed the Miramar Young Marines to tour VMM-363 on MCAS Miramar. The Young Marines toured the hangar facilities and learned about the maintenance of the V22 Osprey. The Young Marines also learned about the required flight gear and were shown and handled safety vests and helmets and used night vision goggles thanks to USMC Sgt Venegas. The Young Marines were then taken to the flight deck where they boarded and toured a V22 Osprey.After the tour, the Young Marines visited the unit’s Ready Room where Lt- Col Keith provided lunch. It was an awesome day with the Miramar Young Marines! I encourage Young Marines to stay active, participate, and take advantage of all the program has to offer. Besides the Young Marines, where can youth spend the day with U.S. Marines and tour an active flight line? Our Awesome Tour of the Flight Line at MCAS Miramar Right (Above): Our unit with the V-22 Osprey. (Below): Learning about the aircraft’s mission. 40 • Vol.2 • 2017 • YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE EDITION