By YM/Sgt Maleek Etienne Atlantic Coast (FL) My unit took went on summer trip to Chestnut Ridge Retreat, The National Whitewater Center, and to Carowinds. The first couple of days we bunked at the Retreat and had a blast! We participated in various activities from story based team- building to horseback riding and outdoor sports/ activities. This was the first time I have ever been horseback riding, so I was very nervous about it, so nervous that I started to have those “what if?” type of thoughts. One was “What if the horse doesn’t like me and doesn’t do as I command?” or “What if I do something wrong and it stands on its hind legs and knocks me off of its back?”. On top of all those thoughts, my buddy,YM/ Sgt Christie was as scared as I was, because my loving horse, Reba, was too close to his ag- gressive horse, Candy. He started yelling, “E, move back, look at her ears, they’re moving back, so that means she’s getting angry and we don’t want that...” . But once I was able to get Reba to stop bullying him, YM/Sgt Christie and I were able to have a fun and safe ride through the Dean Trail. Our next visit was to Carowinds Amusement Park, located on the border line of North and South Carolina.With its amazing rides and water park, it holds one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the United States. I had a great time there because I got to spend time with some of the new Young Marines who recently graduated. A Young Marine was hav- ing trouble making a shot at the Sprite 3-point Basketball Contest Booth. In comes the almighty Sgt E (that’s me!) to come save the day and walks out with a winning prize. After that, the day just got better and better keeping in mind that I made someone’s whole day. Our last visit was to the National Whitewater Center, where United States Olympic teams come to practice and compete. I feel like this was a great way to end this wonderful trip. We went from using our physical fitness techniques to get us through the high ropes/zip line course and mountain biking, using our impeccable disci- pline to get us through those level 1-4 rapids in the whitewater course, and rock climbing. After doing all the main courses that were on our sched- ule, we had enough time to go around the back of the center and go either kayaking or flat boarding, in the Catawba River. Overall,I can definitely say that the four years I have been in the Young Marines, that was the best trip that I’ve had so far and if I could, I’d love to do it all over again! Atlantic Coast: One Unit’s Unforgettable Summer Trip All gathered for a group photo! Two Young Marines from our unit recently retired due to high school gradu- ation. YM/GySgt Albright and YM/Sgt McSherry. Both Young Marines have been with our unit for more than five years. They have been very active with the unit, especially the color guard. We have the distinct pleasure, every year, of presenting the colors at the Marine Corps Ball for several of the Marine Corps League detachments in our area and these two Young Marines have been present at each one.The Lewis B. Puller Jr. Detachment felt very strong- ly that these Young Marines should be recognized for their commitment and service to the various leagues over the years. Following the ceremony, these two Young Marines were presented with the Distinguished Citizens Award Bronze by Don Geesaman, Commandant of Lewis B. Puller Jr. Marine Corps League Detachment. We are very proud of them and wish them well in their future endeavors. --Submitted by Lori Bennett, Capital Area (PA) Young Marines Capital Area: Two YMs Honored by MCL Detachment By YM/PFC Skyler Jackson Upstate (SC) I’m 14 years old and in 9th grade. It’s an age that brings forth a lot of decisions and a lot of influences, some good and some bad. This will sometimes make life difficult. As the second-born child, I know life can get tough for my mom rais- ing kids. We were introduced to the Upstate Young Marines and that was a game-changer for me. Being an Upstate Young Marine has taught me to be self-disciplined, motivated, and to con- quer my fears. I’ve learned how to control my anger, stay drug free, and make responsible choices that positively affect my life and the lives of people around me. I am learning the importance of being a good citizen through many volunteering opportunities and being a positive influ- ence in my community by helping my neighbors.The program has greatly encouraged me to keep my mind and body clean at all times and to keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play. I think being a Young Marines will open up many doors of opportunity for my future. I am and will always remain most grateful for the Upstate Young Marines program. It is showing me how to be a responsible and caring person. From Upstate: What the Young Marines Have Taught Me MY YM UNIT YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Online 7