• From our National Executive Director Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/usyoungmarines and our national homepage www.youngmarines.com It was a phenomenal summer, Young Ma- rines! More than a thousand of you partici- pated in various SPACES events this year, and whether your adventures were on land, in the mountains, in simulated air, on the water, or underwater, you learned history, experienced adventure, and continued to develop your leadership skills. I’ve seen many of you at multiple events, and I am thrilled that you could take full advan- tage of all that our program has to offer. In addition to our SPACES events, thousands of Young Marines attended encampments and leadership schools across our nation. Our National Encampment at Camp Rainey Mountain near Clayton, Georgia, was covered in our latest edition of the Young Marines News Network, but that is only one of the many fantastic en- campments that took place. From California to Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and others, Young Marines had an exciting time, well-documented in all the stories and social media posts that were shared. Please join me in expressing my sincere appreciation to the motivated volunteers who helped make your adventures happen. Every- one that attended a SPACES event, school, encampment, or other adventure this sum- mer could do so because an adult volunteer gave their time and energy to come out and support the Young Marines. We cannot do it without them, and you can never say thank you enough. If you thought you were tired, remember that they labored before you rose and after you slept every day to make these extraordinary events so wonderful. One of the most impactful things to me as I traveled to many of our summer events was not only the opportunity to visit with you, but to watch as you interacted with one another. I saw new friendships formed and exist- ing friendships strengthened. For the Young Marines attending their first national event, know that you will likely see many of these comrades again over the coming years. Technology allows for a closeness that many of your Registered Adults and I never had in our youth, but it’s always good to see a friend again in person. My hope is that you will cultivate your relationships, share your ideas and feelings responsibly with one another, and know that you are never more than a text or call from someone who shares your unwavering commitment to discipline, leadership, and teamwork. It is heartening to me to know that you will be able to support one another, even if it’s across hundreds of miles, throughout the year. Finally, as you begin to interact with oth- ers back home, I encourage you to reach out to those who may be adrift. Let them know about our program, about our values, and about our commitment to the selfless service of others. Share your stories, adventures, and sense of accomplishment that you have as a Young Marine. Aspire to inspire, so that, when you lay your heads down each night, you know that you have spent your day worthy of the title Young Marine! As always, stay safe, stay motivated, and keep living that healthy, drug-free life. Semper Fidelis, Col Bill Davis, USMC (Ret) National Executive Director, Young Marines Young Marines: Aspire to Inspire Others Share your stories, adventures, and sense of accomplishment that you have as a Young Marine 2 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Online