By YM/Sgt Demitri- Lashawn Coles Temecula Valley (CA) Three years ago, when I graduated recruit training and I became a Young Marine, I began learning about rib- bons and other awards. Our Young Marine Master Sergeant, YM/MSgt (Ret.) Samuel Montejano, had this one ribbon that no other male Young Marine in our unit had and that ribbon was the Perfect Physical Fitness Test ribbon. Seeing that inspired me to want to earn that ribbon when he left and take his place in becoming the only other male Young Marine in my unit to accomplish this task in recent years. Within that first year of training for the Perfect PFT ribbon I started to gather ideas about how to achieve this goal. I thought to myself,“YM/MSgt Montejano played sports, maybe I should try out for a team?” I joined the wrestling team. After a year of hard work and determination I was getting closer. I was improving, but I still had a long way to go. I had to think ahead. With my birthday approaching, the point values would be changing. My effort would need increase to compete in those age brackets. I needed new ideas to improve further. I concluded that I needed to get involvemed in outside activi- ties in order to gain a well rounded physical ability. I couldn’t just rely on wrestling and Young Marine activities. This was my goal. And so, I began to go to work with my great Uncle, Chief Warrant Officer Gary Reed (USMC, Ret.), so that he and I would be able to lift weights together. This helped me stay focused. When the opportunity presented itself, I even took a stab at high school football. When my Uncle retired from the Marine Corps, the lack of a weight lifting room did not hinder my spirit. Seeking the help of my guidance counselor at school, I was able to be switched into weight lifting class for PE. After three long years of training and pushing myself to the limit, I am proud to say that as of March 28, 2018 I achieved my goal. It was not easy, but I learned to keep a cool head, and thus came success. I am proud to be the first male Tem- ecula Valley Young Marine to earn the Perfect Physical Fitness Test ribbon since Young Marine Master Sergeant (Ret.) Samuel Montejano and will in turn work to inspire others to set a goal and see it through. The Perfect PFT Ribbon: Achieve Your Goals Through Hard Work Former Three Rivers (CT) Young Marines and 2012 Division One Young Marine of the Year, 2nd Lt Connor McMahon has graduated The Basic School and will soon be attending the Infantry Officers Course. - Submitted by Patrick McMahon, Unit Commander Three Rivers (CT) Young Marines Former YM Graduates From The Basic School Mitchell County: I’m Proud of My Brother, Now YM/MSgt Brown By YM/Sgt Danyall Brown Mitchell County (GA) On April 4, 2018, my brother,YM/GySgt Johnta- vious Brown was promoted to Young Marines Master Sergeant. As a YM/MSgt, He will be holding the billet of a First Sergeant. As a first sergeant his job is to assist the Com- pany Commander by doing such duties as are assigned and will be principal assistant to the Company Commander in supervising the ad- ministration of the company. He will operate the Company Command post under the general supervision of the Executive Officer of our unit. I congratulate my oldest brother on his set- ting such a great example in a Young Marines way. OORAH! YM/MSgt Johntavious Brown receives congratulations from younger sister, YM/Sgt Danyall Brown. Mitchell County Young Marines YM/LCpl Dedreon Knight (Left)and YM/LCpl Yagaira Martinez (Right) welcomed YM/Sgt Danyall Brown (Center) on her return from completing JLS.YM/Sgt Brown was presented with some USMC items. YM/MSgt JohntaviousBrown with Mitchell County (GA) UC, MSgt Nathaniel Lowman. 26 Young Marines Esprit ONLINE