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By YMMSgt Hannah Witham Desoto FL I went to Window RockAZ for the ob- servance of National Navajo Code Talk- ers Day and I participated in a number of activities such as visiting and volun- teering at the Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park and the Navajo Vet- erans Memorial in addition to running in the 5K event. I had the pleasure of meeting and assisting some of the the Navajo Code Talkers and other special guests. I was assigned the billet of Special Guest Es- cort. It was my responsibility to accom- pany SgtMaj Gene Overstreet the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. When I was introduced to him the day of the event my heart just dropped but that feeling was soon replaced with a big smile as we spent the day walking and talking about how much the Young Marines program means to us. Meeting SgtMaj Overstreet made my whole week. Going on this trip to Ari- zona for this event was a memorable experience and I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate. Meeting the 12th Sergeant Major at Window Rock With SgtMaj Overstreet and Mrs. McNulty. The Generations of Honor 5K Thanks to Our Guide By YMPFC Chantai Earl Temecula Valley CA I attended National Navajo Code Talk- ers Day and it was a great experience. But when it came to the 5K Run I felt discouraged and I thought about volun- teering instead.I had never participated in a 5K run beforeso I didnt know what to expect.When I found out my unit was running together as a platoonI thought that would be fun. We fell in and went to the starting line with our guide. We started off well but after about a mile people in our platoon started falling behind. We kept going but they were still walking.Then our guide came out of formation while we were running and he went back to get the others in our formation who had fallen behind. He ran about a quarter mile back to get the others and he started motivating and pushing them to keep going. Everyone finally formed up and we kept running. Apparently we ran too far as a lot of people did but I didnt notice. We followed our platoon leader and we kept running. About halfway through people started falling back again and once again our guide went back pushed and motivated them but some of them had injuries. They formed their own platoon and we kept going. In the last mile I started to fall back but again our guide came back. He told meThis is our momentyou see behind those buildings is the finish line you wont quit here you will quit there. His words motivated me so I sprinted all the way to the finish and when I crossed I felt like I was on top of the world. My legs were really sore but I didnt care. After the 5KI actually figured out I had run a 6K instead of the 5K as a lot of other people had done. I thought Wow that wasnt too bad and on our units bus ride home thats when I realized we couldt have done it without our guide. Thanks For An Event That All Young Marines Enjoy By YMSgtMaj Brian Fagan Blackstone Valley MA One of the many adventures I ex- perienced this past summer with the Young Marines was Navajo Code Talk- ers Day. It started in Colorado with a long long bus ride picking up Young Marines along the way. We finally reached Window Rock AZ. We began with some community ser- vice cleaning up around the monu- ment next to Window Rock and also cleaning up the Navajo Zoo. Our first night in Arizona we met Young Marines from different units and different parts of the country and got to know each other. To the surprise of many Young Marines LtCol Mike Kes- sler showed up bringing along a new face many of us did not know yet Colo- nel Bill Davis incoming National Ex- ecutive Director of the Young Marines. The Young Marines were happy to see them. The next day was the day for the pa- rade and the ceremony for the Navajo Code Talkers. The Parade started off with a speech from Maj Gen Daniel Yoo Commander of 1st Marine Division. We later visited the Code Talkers Monu- ment.There was a ceremony dedicated to the brave men of the Navajo Nation who answered Americas call. One part of the ceremony was the performance of traditional Navajo dances. Like many Young Marines there I had never seen this before and I was fascinated by it. The final day featured an event that many Young Marines were anticipating the 5K Run. The Young Marines along with many locals were very excited and everyone had fun. It was finally time to go home. This is the part of the event that everyone loves because they get to go homeand hates because we have to leave behind some great friends. All of us had fun at this event because of the efforts of Young Marine Staff YM Sgt Maj Tyler Jones and YM1st Sgt Josh Borka along with the rest of their staff. We also thank all the adult staff who make these events possible. Specifically two people who should be recognized are Mrs. Brenda McNulty and Mr. Joe McDonough who both play a vital role in making this event a suc- cess every year. National Navajo Code Talkers Day 2015 Young Marines ESPRIT Page 11