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A Few Brief Words of Farewell Page 2 ESPRIT Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.comusyoungmarines and our national homepage www.youngmarines.com By Mike Kessler Young Marines National Executive Director I write this final column with a host of very mixed emotions.In fact I have written it sev- eral times and finally decided that short and sweet is best. I have far too many people to thank and far too many memories to share all of them good. I will be forever grateful to the organiza- tion its members and staff for the chance to be a part of something so very special. This is a program that delivers on its promises and forwards a message that really works. The proof of that lies in the hundreds of suc- cesses we have all seen as our Young Ma- rines age out of the program and go on to make contributions as valued members of our society. Our Alumni Association staffed and led by those who have made an impact while serving in the Young Marinesis all the proof you need. I was blessed to have an incredible staff past and present who had vision compas- sion and loyalty all in the name of making theYoung Marines a powerful youth program that would leave its impact on thousands. It was that same staff and the incredible hard work of our volunteers that allowed us to catch the eye of a United States Congress and their belief that who we represent and what we accomplish truly matters. To our volunteers thank you for your years of support.We have witnessed our fair share of ups and downs but you hung in there like the invested mentors you are and helped us through it all. Each time we made a change to anything you were the ones who had to adjust and you did so ultimately. Feel free to pat yourselves on that back because you deserve it. To the National Staffyou guys are the great- est. I wish more could see you on a day-to- basis as I have to be able to appreciate just how much work you put into enhancing the legacy of the organization. Each one of you brings a special talent that makes us who we are. And that most certainly includes the crew at XMM who have been the creative juices behind many if not all of our success- es. You have all performed at a level that would be hard to match in any corporation. And finally to the Young Marines continue the challenge.Nothing comes easyin lifebut it comes more easily to those who are pre- pared. The Young Marines does many things well but what it does best is to prepare you for increased challenges. Trust me when I tell you that if you continue the course you will progress at a rate much more signifi- cant than that of your peers. I am so thankful for having had this oppor- tunity. We will never forget the hundreds of friends we have made. On behalf of my wife Kim and me we would like to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. Very Respectfully and Semper Fidelis Michael B. Kessler