By YM/PFC Chloe Marler Southern Maryland (MD) I’ve never volunteered anywhere un- til I came to the Young Marines. It’s been my home since I joined, and I thank them for allowing me the opportunity to ac- complish many things, and leading me in the right direction, encouraging me to try things that I haven’t ever thought of. When I heard we were volunteering at a veteran’s home, I jumped on that oppor- tunity as quick as I possibly could, some- thing I wouldn’t have done previously. Volunteering at the veteran’s home was a new experience on so many levels. I met so many nice people. I heard sto- ries about when they were deployed in different locations, such as Alaska, Korea, and Vietnam. I heard stories of animals they had seen, of the environments they were in. I saw the sparkle in their eyes when they spoke of seeing their families after being gone for so long. It made me think. I already know I’m going to be a JAG lawyer under one of the branches of military. I’ve wanted to help my country, it’s been my dream, for as long as I can remember. I’ve experienced many hard- ships in my life and I’ve decided to de- vote my being to make this country safe. I want to focus on my school, go to col- lege, get my job, save lives. But not only did it make me think of what I wanted to do, but what others had done. They fought for our country, to give us our rights, our freedoms. Yes, this job is hard.They go out every day willing to die for us, not knowing whether the goodbye they said to their family or the ‘I love you’ had been the last. They go out not knowing what awaits them. But I feel that the families have it the hardest.They don’t know about anything until it has already happened; that they lost them or that they’re safe. The vet- eran’s home, when I had gone, was lively in spite of all the sadness these soldiers have been through, witnessing all the war and destruction. I’ve seen veterans from every branch; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. My own family has served in every branch. The veteran’s home seemed so familiar to me even though I had never been in one. The Young Marines have become my family, my home, teaching me the ways of life, not only my own, but those of others around me. I’ve learned so many new things, and the lives of these retired soldiers are only a small fraction of all that I now know. I’ve come so far in my Young Ma- rines career, in my life, and I still have so much yet to come for me. I learned not to take for granted the things I am given, because these soldiers have lost so much and didn’t get the liberties I am blessed with. I thank them for their service from the deepest parts of my being. I cannot ex- press my gratitude. This place, these lives, these people I have met and friends I have made, they truly are a blessing. And I am truly blessed. Veterans’ Home Volunteering: Serving Those Who Served Us The outstanding 2nd Battalion, SCR (including North San Diego and Miramar Young Marines) marched in the San Diego Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11, 2017. Below: USMC Cpl Michael Cofer, USMC LCpl Da- izhan Ennals, USMC LCpl Tylor Currey, and USMC LCpl Erica Mittelstaedt with YM/MSgt Sophia M. Righthouse in front of the old San Diego Police Headquarters in San Diego, California. -- Submitted by Bret A. Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines Veterans Day: San Diego YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 15