I Joined the Young Marines, and... By YM/MSgt Mitchell Barstow Natchaug River (CT) I was selected as one of First Division’s Public Affair(PA) Cor- respondents. I was selected to attend a course in order to learn about this position. At first, I didn’t know what to ex- pect during the course.It sounded fun, but the experience was much more than what I expected. I trav- eled to Washington, D.C. for a four day weekend and it would turn out one of the best things I’ve done as a Young Marine. I learned the process of photography, interviewing, video editing, writing articles, and how to put more pub- licity on the Young Marines Program. The weekend included things I don’t think I would have done before, such as filming Young Marines News Net- work at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! The Young Marines program seems like a well-kept secret for youth in America, but not for long. In only four days, I made some close friends, and have brought back many skills and activities for my Young Marines unit. The opportunity to become a Public Affairs Correspon- dent has been a blast, and I recommend other Young Marines to apply for this opportunity. “The Experience Was Much More Than What I Expected ” Young Marines Public Affairs Correspondents, on location at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. By YM/Pvt Hunter Izatt Casper Mountain (WY) I joined Young Marines because I really want to be a Marine when I grow up. I also want to travel to cool places and learn how to march. Being in Young Marines will give me many opportunities. During recruit train- ing, I already learned so much. We marched and did drill downs. We even got to eat real MRE’s. We had to do fire watch, which was a little hard. I’ve learned so many new things. Young Marines are teaching us about Drug Demand Reduction, and American history. I like learning things, such as who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Being in Young Marines also taught me some new words like Semper Fidelis, and its meaning: always faithful.It reminds us to try and stay strong and encour- age other people to not give up. I am excited to go on trips. Young Marines gives me the chance to do so much. I would love to see Pearl Harbor and the Tomb of the Unknowns as well as visit other units. Traveling will allow me to meet actual Ma- rines and many types of people. Many nine year olds don’t get that chance! My plan is to be a Marine. I will graduate from high school, go to college for something, then go into the Marines as an officer. I would like to fly aircraft and my ultimate goal is to become a General or a Sergeant Major. I want to keep America safe. Our freedom is very important to me. It is important to others as well, even those who don’t realize it. The Young Marines program is giving me a foundation for my future goals.It will prepare me for much harder things. I have enjoyed my time so far in the Young Marines and I can’t wait to see where they take me! Young Marines Gives Me the Chance to Do So Much M/Pvt Hunter Izatt places roses at the Oregon Trail State Vet- erans Cemetery on Memorial Day 2018. 16 Young Marines Esprit ONLINE