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Last October YMLCpl Ryan M. Colling- sworth was chosen as the Unit Young Ma- rine of the Year. His dedication through- out the year demonstrated exceptional performance and outstanding leadership. Since his Basic Recruit Training gradua- tion he has worked to move up in rank and was promoted to his current rank of LCpl in April 2015. He leads by example and participated in the Division 6 Encampment. Recentlyhe led his fellow Young Marines by reciting the Red Ribbon Drug Free Pledge at a recent Red Ribbon Drill at the Excelsior High Desert Young Marines. One of his many ac- complishments is that he also received the Gold Level Presi- dential Service Award for volunteering 250 hours or more throughout the year. In addition to being recognized as Unit Young Marine of the Year he received a personal letter from Commander Tim Hille of the High Desert Marines a local non-profit veterans organization in the High Desert. This Young Marine continues to be an active leader in his community. The Excelsior High Desert Young Marines Staff are very proud and honored to have him in our ranks and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the future. -- Submitted by Jeffrey A. Velasquez Sr. Unit Commander Excelsior High Desert CA YMLCpl Collingsworth Excelsior High Desert YMs Select Their Unit Young Marine of the Year By YMSgt Joshua Paquette Fall River MA Young Marines have the oppor- tunity to drill in some unique lo- cations. Some in schools military bases or local VFW facilities. The Fall River Young Marines are hon- ored to be drilling weekly on the decommissioned battleship the USS Massachusetts BB-59. This vessel nicknamed The Big Mamie by its original crew is a part of the South Dakota Classand is only one of two South Dakota Class battle- ships still preserved. Since 1965 The USS Massachusetts has re- sided in Fall River Massachusetts at the United States largest World War II maritime museum Battle- ship Cove. This museum includes not only the USS Massachusetts but the USS Joseph P. Kennedy the USS Lionfish the German WWII vessel the Hiddensee and several U.S. P.T. Patrol Torpedo boats from World War II. Visiting the museum is like step- ping into the pastwhen these ships were new and sailing the seas dur- ing World War II. The Fall River Unit practices close order drill on the rear deck of the ship called the fantail and physical training at a local park just a minutes walk away. Classes are taught in vari- ous classrooms on the ship that all served different purposes in WWII. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have overnight stays on the battle- ship and these are really fun times. Overall I think our unit has the coolest place to drill as we learn to be future leaders. Fall River Our Drill is Conducted on a Historic Battleship from WWII Fall River Young Marines snap to attention on a historic battleship. On November 7 2015 our Young Marines Unit was asked to assist with the joint Marine Corps Birthday Ball of the Lewis B. Puller Leather- neck Square and P. W. Milano Ma- rine Corps League detachments. Our Unit has participated in their Birth- day Ball in the past by providing a Color Guard. This year our responsibilies ex- panded. In addition to presenting the colors our Young Marines served as side boys as the special Guests of Honor were presented. We were honored when we were asked to car- ry out the duties of the ceremonial cake escorts. In attendance were the MCL National CommanadantRichard Gore Sr. National Excutive Diretor of the MCL Tom Hazlett and U.S. Con- gressman Scott Perry R PA. During his speech Congressman Perry ad- ressed the Young Marines and told them that they represent Americas youth who truly care about our coun- try. -- Submitted by Anthony Albright Unit Commander Capital Area PA Capital Area Young Marines Assist at a Marine Corps League Birthday Ball Capital Area Young Marines squared away at a joint MCL Birthday Ball. ESPRIT Page 17