By YM/PFC Daniel Porras West Texas (TX) Why do people abuse Drugs? Some- times kids and teens try drugs to fit in with a group of friends. Or they might be curious, or just bored. Someone may abuse drugs for many reasons, but often because they help the person who seeks to escape from reality for a while. A drug might — temporarily — make someone who is sad or upset feel better or forget about problems. But this escape lasts only until the drug wears off. Drugs don’t solve problems, of course. And abusing drugs often causes other problems, on top of the problems the person had in the first place. Somebody who abuses drugs can become depen- dent on them, or addicted. This means that the person’s body becomes so ac- customed to having this drug that he or she can’t function well without it. Once someone is addicted, it’s very hard to break the addiction. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, sweating, and tremors (shaking). These sick feelings continue until the person’s body gets adjusted to being drug free again. When people talk about a “drug prob- lem,” they usually mean abusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs, such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and heroin. (Marijuana is gener- ally an illegal drug, but some states al- low doctors to recommend it to adults for certain illnesses.) Why are illegal drugs dangerous? Il- legal drugs aren’t good for anyone, but they are particularly bad for a young per- son whose body is still growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. Cocaine, for in- stance, can cause a heart attack — even in a very young person. While abusing drugs, people are also less able to do well in school, sports, and other activi- ties. It’s often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do stupid or dangerous things that could hurt them (or other people) when they abuse drugs. Many Reasons for Drug Abuse, and Many Reasons to Avoid It Young Marines: Submit your Red Ribbon Week Stories and Photos! By YM/ MGySgt Lauren Loria Col. Wesley Fox (VA) This past June, I had the op- portunity to complete a project that had been in motion for two years. I dedicated a bench to my unit’s namesake, Col. Wesley Fox. This project started when a former member of the unit came up with the idea, but he graduated before the proj- ect could be started. I quickly picked up the project and started fundraising by send- ing out letters to businesses, but I had little success. Also, finding a location was difficult, since there seemed to be no need for a bench, until we were blessed by the Fairfax County Parks Department, who were so excited to welcome this bench into their park. We returned to fundraising to buy the bench, and once again we were blessed to have the Elks Lodge #2406, the host of our meetings, collect enough plastic to donate to an organization and in return they gave them a bench. The Elks Lodge generously gave us the bench they received and that became the bench in the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The money collected from local businesses was used in purchasing the two colored plaques that were placed on the bench and the items needed for the reception after the dedi- cation. The ceremony had to be can- celled the first time due to weather conditions, but was re- scheduled to the third of June which turned out to be a beau- tiful day. Sadly, Col Fox could not attend due to medical con- ditions but we hope he will be able to visit the bench one day. Joining us in the dedication was the National Executive Di- rector of the Young Marines, Col Bill Davis, Division Two Com- mander, George Biedenbender, two representatives from the park service, and a representa- tive from the office of Congress- woman Barbara Comstock of the 10th District of Virginia. I briefly spoke about the project, and all the effort that was put into it, and why I chose to honor Col. Wesley Fox. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the bench. Short- ly after, and to my surprise, the representative from Barbara Comstock’s office presented me with a Congressional Record to be read on the House floor on June 6th. This project took a lot of time and effort from all parties involved, but it really turned out to be an outstanding thing, and I’m so thankful to have gotten the help I received and to have been presented with a Congressional Record at such a young age. The Young Marines program really opens doors, and I intend to open as many of them as I can. In Memory: A Bench for Our Unit’s Namesake, Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines proudly accepting rtecognition from the office of U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock, of Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Online 11