I want to let you know how impressed my husband and I are with the Cen- tral Mass (MA) Young Marines organization. In particular, Officers Estrada, Stone, Angel Rivera and Officer Stone’s wife, Barrie, have all been very caring, attentive and accommodating for my son,YM/Pvt Geno Corey, since day one of his joining Young Marines in the fall of 2016. More than once, Officer Stone and Barrie have helped Geno overcome his fears of going to Recruit Training by talking to him in person and on the phone. They have been wonderful in helping Geno. Tonight was Geno’s graduation from Recruit Training, to becoming YM/ Pvt Corey. It was a very big challenge for him to make it to the graduation, as over the past two months Geno became very ill and missed most of the Monday night drills in January and February. Then, he was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital in late February; after a few days he was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disorder, Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). At one point last week, Geno could not walk for more than a few minutes without extreme fatigue and muscle pain. This disorder is attacking his muscles, especially in his legs, and his skin. He developed a lupus-type rash all around his eyes, a rash on his arms, hands, torso, neck and legs. The Rheumatology and Dermatology teams at Boston Children’s feel that a virus brought out the illness, along with exposure to sunlight. Recent strep-throat infections could have contributed to the disorder. Geno will undergo intense and aggressive steroid treatments for the next two to three years, along with a chemotherapy drug Methotrexate admin- istered once a week. He will also be given Bactrim to ward off illnesses, as the Methotrexate suppresses his immune system. In about a month, he will also start Physical Therapy to regain muscle strength. As you can see, Geno has a long road ahead of him to get back to his strong self, but we have hope and faith that he can and will do it. Tonight, Officers Estrada and Stone made sure that Geno could sit during the Opening Ceremony and the beginning of the Graduation Ceremony. Geno only had to walk and stand when it was his time to be pinned and given his dog tag by Officer Estrada, and he was allowed to return to his seat after this. Geno was very nervous about going to the ceremony, but he quickly felt relieved when he was met with the help and caring of these officers. I also especially thank and congratulate YM/ PFC Angel Rivera, a teenager, who was overly caring and helpful to Geno tonight. He made sure Geno had all of the appropriate items for his uniform (we haven’t been at the drills lately to get the entire uniform), he taught Geno how to put on his boot bands, and he walked Geno up to the Graduation line and stood with him in case he needed assistance. This is not the first time YM/PFC Rivera has shown empathy and caring toward Geno and the other cadets, as he has made sure through text messages during the fall and winter that ev- eryone knows what is expected of them for each week’s drill. Geno has enjoyed YM/ PFC Rivera’s company since the first week of drills. Rivera is a very special young man, whom we have no doubt will go very far in life. He sets the perfect example of what a Young Marine should be. Thank you for the opportunity that Young Marines has given our son, Geno, to feel proud of himself. Tonight, even though he is physically ex- hausted and will probably be extra tired tomorrow, he told us how proud he is to be a Young Marine! With Respect and Regards, Melissa & Keith Corey Central Mass: Thanks From A Young Marine’s Parents YM/Pvt Geno Corey at his graduation ceremony. A determined and courageous recruit takes his place among Young Marines of the Central Mass (MA) unit. YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 31