MY YM UNIT By YM/Cpl Nicasio Cruz Greater Cleveland (OH) My unit had a chance to attend the Cleveland National Airshow. Our main purpose was to work two food booths and sell as much food as we could in order to raise funds for the unit. While working, we made a fun competition between our two booths.We made up fun games to try and beat the other booth. I enjoyed working the entire weekend and having this friendly competition. I also had the opportunity to act as the unit photographer, which is another activity I really enjoy do- ing. One benefit of working at the airshow was to watch the air- show as well as see all the exhibits. Walking onto the C-130 transport aircraft was amazing and a little intimidating at the same time. It was a very fun time also to watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform and roar through the skies of Cleveland. The experience over the entire weekend was a very rewarding and fun time with my fellow Young Marines. Greater Cleveland: Working at Cleveland’s National Airshow By YM/Pvt Austin King Western New York (NY) My unit just recently went camping at Camp Whitman. We had a lot of fun. I love when we get to do things like this. Although I have only been a Young Marine for two years, it still feels like I’ve been a Young Marine forever. Some times I am asked by my friends “What are the Young Marines about?” and I reply to them by saying “The Young Marines program is about respect, honor, leadership, and just being a good person in general. Also it’s about so much more”. I am proud to be a Young Marine and I never want to join another youth organization. Once a Young Marine, always a Young Marine! Western NY: “What Being a Young Marine is Truly About” By YM/MSgt Enrique Herrera Tri-State (WV) Happy 20 year anniversary Tri-State Young Marines! Our unit has been strengthening the lives of the youth in the Tri-State region (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) since 1997. We are fortunate to have two original staff mem- bers still with us, Unit Commander Gabriel Arlia and Execu- tive Officer Raymond Barth. Their leadership and support is what has made the difference in the lives of so many Young Marines. It is amazing to hear the stories from parents who started as Young Marines and are now bringing their chil- dren to join. I just want to say Happy Anniversary to Tri-State Young Marines, and may this be our best year yet. Tri-State YMs: Celebrating Our Twenty Year Anniversary Celebrating two decades, the Tri-State (WV) Young Marines. USMC Corporal Matthew Lowenthal, a former Young Marine, and a Registered Adult with the Miramar (CA) Young Marines, was recently deployed to the middle east. Miramar Young Marines organized a unit collection of needed items for Cpl Lowenthal and his fellow Ma- rines. Included in the shipment was a banner signed by all of the Miramar Young Marines and Staff. We are waiting for your safe return! -- Submitted by Bret A. Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines Miramar: A Former YM and Registered Adult is Deployed Above and Right: Miramar (CA) Young Marines, gathered here to send their good wishes to a deployed Registered Adult. YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 5