YM/Sgt Nathaniel Paredes Quantico (VA) In April,the Quantico (VA) Young Marines unit par- ticipated in the Health and Wellness Fair at Graham Park Middle School. Young Marines MSgt Jones, YM/ Cpl Borka, YM/LCpl Sholtis, YM/Pvt Craddock, YM/Pvt Austin, YM/Pvt Branscum, and I set up a booth at the fair, which included a drunk driving simulation to give a small glimpse of the effects of drunk driving. A large number of children and fami- lies were attracted to our chosen ac- tivities because of the tricycles and our uniforms. We provided information on the Young Marines program. We par- ticipated in the fair because of our role in teaching America’s Youth to live a healthy drug free lifestyle. The over- all mission of the fair was to bring the community around the school together, promote our Drug Demand Reduction program, and to get the families to meet and support one an- other. Not only did we see Young Marines connecting with the families by us sharing our experiences in the program, but we saw other families doing the same. When the coordinator of the event spoke with us, she expressed her concern about a lack of community well-being, and I think this event really helped the entire community grow. While reaching out to the commu- nity was the main purpose of the fair, the Young Marines also were able to tell others about our experiences in the program, and our recruitment pro- cess. Many families had questions about the program, and I’m proud to say that the Young Marines were able to answer their questions with full knowledge on the program. I want to thank the Young Marines and the volunteers that partici- pated in the event for their time, and their efforts to support the fair. I would also like to thank those who invited us to participate in the event. Overall, the event was a big success! Quantico: Assisting Our Community’s Health and Wellness Efforts MY YM UNIT Mitchell County YMs: Leading a Parade to Support Autism Awareness By YM/PFC Quintasia Lytle Mitchell County (GA) On April 14, 2018 The Mitchell County (GA) Young Marines got together and traveled to Dawson, GA to attend the eighth annual Autism Awareness Resource Fair, sponsored by the Advocates for Autism Resource Center.The expo and resource fair allowed parents of children with autism to learn about the developmental disorder. In Dawson, we met a group of students from Westover Marine Corps Junior ROTC, whom we competed against. We also met U.S. Marine SSgt Richard from the base, and he told the Young Marines “If you never give up you will get bigger and better things”. The Mitchell County Young Ma- rines led the 8th Annual Autism Parade, as event host Ms. Lisa Perry re- leased balloons to honor kids diagnosed with autism. Leading the parade: Mitchell County (GA)Young Marines. Lancaster County (PA) YM/GySgt Caitlin Cole will be attending West Chester Univer- sity in the fall, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. YM/Cpl Amanda Griffith will also be attending West Chester University and will be declaring a major in September.YM/ Cpl Connor Hamilton will be attending the University of North Georgia as an ROTC Cadet.This summer he will be learning Arabic at the Summer Language Institute and continuing studies in the field of Computer Science. Upon graduation he will be com- missioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S.Army, with hopes of working in the field of cyber security in the U.S. Army Cyber Corps. YM/LCpl Joshua Ostrowski and YM/Pvt Mitchell Poco are planning to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.YM/LCpl James Thompson will be enlisting in the United States Navy. -- Submitted by Diana Six, Unit Adjutant, Lancaster County (PA) Young Marines Lancaster County: We Send Best Wishes to Our Graduating Seniors, Class of 2018 From Lancaster County (PA) Young Marines graduating seniors YM/Cpl Amanda Griffith and YM/Cpl Connor Hamilton. 10 Young Marines Esprit ONLINE