Southland (CA) Young Marines have been busy these last few months with events, drills and community service. In September, Southland Young Marines and some of our staff had the opportu- nity to train in a new sport, archery. Us- ing a bow and arrow, they received in- structional training at Riverside Archery. Archery is a good challenge for our Young Marines, helping them with fo- cus, discipline, balance and coordination, and teaches goal setting every time they increase distance and focus on smaller target rings. We are extremely proud of our Young Marines, more than half of those that attended were right on target, shooting center mass! Archery builds confidence and self-awareness. Whether their “tar- get” is promoting within the ranks, im- proving academics, or sociability, archery can help our Young Marines hit the bull’s eye! We would like to thank Craig Tanaman and Scott Tandy from Riverside Archery for opening up the training site exclu- sively to us on a day they are normally closed. It was an exciting experience en- joyed by our Young Marines. We plan on scheduling more training events. We also thank Chino Valley (CA) Young Marines who hosted the Young Marine Ball this year and invited us to attend in October. Southland is extremely grateful for the extended invitation. There was great food, friendships, and fun memo- ries shared by all, from the talented Ka- raoke and dance moves to the symbolic cake cutting ceremony. Thank you, Mr. William Eng for the hospitality and for allowing us to share with your unit in the celebration of the Young Marines’ birth- day. We also had the privilege and honor of attending the American Legion Star Post 309’s 90th Anniversary Ball in October. STAR Post 309 is comprised primarily of Los Angeles Sheriff’s employees who are military veterans. Ranks include ac- tive and retired – sworn, civilian, reserve members of the Sheriff’s Department. It was an honor to be among the many men and women who have served their country and later, their local communi- ties as Law Enforcement Officers. Our Young Marines had the opportu- nity to personally meet the Los Angeles County Sheriff, Jim McDonnell. Other dignitaries in attendance included, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Antonio Chapa, representing Supervisor Hilda Solis. STAR Post 309 is a great supporter of Southland Young Marines and we are very excited to continue our partnership. A very special thank you to Sergeant Pat- rick Blanchfield-Gadut (Post Command- er) and Lieutenant Ernie Bille, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Post Adjutant) for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of this event. Thank you American Legion Post 309 for not only honoring our country and our military service men and women, but for also being such a great supporter of var- ious youth groups, including our Young Marines. -- Submitted by Trish Bocanegra, Registered Adult Leader, Southland (CA) Young Marines Southland: A Unit Benefits From Partnerships in Their Community A partnership with a local archery range provided Southland (CA) Young Marines with the opportunity to learn proficiency with bow and arrow. 22 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT