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What it Means to be Unit Commander in New Orleans By Jamil Champagne Unit Commander OSPO 2LA Im a former active duty Marine and also an 8-year veteran Or- leans Parish Sheriffs Deputy. Being from Brooklyn NY and witnessing drug abuse inflict its damages on a generation has afforded me insight into the sometimes cruel streets of the Big Easy or New Orleans. When I took this job I was aware of the realities of what drugs do to a community. I started out in the jail system and while interacting with so many young people in the system Ive come to the realization that most have similar reasons for why they are in their situation a lack of education lack of extra curricular opportunities after schoola lack of discipline in the home and drugs. It was at this time I was introduced to the Young Marines program and its core values towards Strengthening the Lives of Americas Youth. Orleans Parish Young Marines and surrounding units in Lou- isiana are supported by our local Sheriff Departments.Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman has given his unwavering support for our program his entire time as the Sheriff of Orleans Parish by providing meals for drill and providing for many of our units expenses as well. After working in the jails for more than two years I was most fortunate to join the Orleans Parish Young Marines. Working as a Sheriffs Deputy and a Unit Commander affords me the best of both worlds. With my experiences among in- carcerated youth it was easy to pinpoint and correct where a lot of other youth could go wrong. Under the direction of Capt. Jack Bettis a 39-year Command SgtMaj of the United States Marine Corps we have received various awards from Unit of the Year to several Proclama- tions from the City of New Orleans. Annually the Young Marines perform no less than 100 hours of community service by marching in parades providing Color Guards at various events and also speaking at youth symposiums. More importantlythe Drug Demand Reduction program is a key component in keeping our kids out of trouble and being a Sheriffs Deputywe have first hand knowledge of situations that impact youths in a negative way. Seeing so many of our kids graduate high school and the Young Marines program then moving on to better things is so rewarding that it cannot be described in words. We are impacting lives in the most positive way and I am extremely lucky to be part of this team. Our program is described as a Youth-Led Organization and that is exactly how the Greater Cleveland Young Marines Unit operates. As the Unit Commander Mr. Freidhof appoints Young Marines to serve as assistants to many of the Adult Leaders and encourages the Senior Young Marines to per- form those duties. This goes a long way to instill the confi- dence in todays youth to go on to achieve. Mr. Freidhof puts forth many hours outside of drill to get things for the unit or regiment done in time. Chris Freidhof will always be a model of leadership. He doesnt stop trying to improve himself or the Young Marines. He pushes them to be the best they can be. He sets the ex- ample in what to do and is always available to help guide the Young Marines whenever they need it. Division 6 Holly Lewis Holly Lewis is a wonderful role model for all Young Marines commanding their respect and trust. A former Young Ma- rinethe youthknow that she understands their perspective. Asfemale advisor she helps mentor the female Young Marines. She sets standards high and encourages all to reach that standard. She is young enough that the female Young Ma- rines relate to her and mature enough to have an adult outlook. Holly is able to interpret Young Marines behavior based upon current youth culture and is able to help staff understand todays youthculture She is able to see things through the eyes of the Young Marines. Ms. Lewis organizes special events that keep Young Marines engaged includ- ing female overnighters 13 and over events and a mother daughter tea. Holly also serves as AMO and looks after the health and safety of our Young Marines and staff. She is always prepared and on alert for potential safety issues. In other words Ms. Lewis teaches leads andsupports our Young Marines and staff in many areas. She is dedicated and loyal to thevalues of the Young Marines and aworthy candidate for Adult Volunteer in the spotlight Spotlighting Young Marines Division Volunteers Red Ribbon Week in Music City Music City TN Young Marines were very much in tune with Red Ribbon Week even wearing red moustaches along with bracelets lanyards and assorted neck wear Page 8 ESPRIT