• From our National Young Marine of the Year YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 3 As my term as the National Young Marine of the Year comes to an end, we look forward to the next National Young Marine of the Year. This year we once again have excellent Divi- sion Young Marine of the Year picks and it’s going to be hard competition during the Adult Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. I would like to congratulate all of them for their selection. They are now the top six Young Marines in the country and it shows. I look forward to meeting all of you in Los Angeles at the beginning of our Iwo Jima and Guam trip. As all of you continue to move forward in this program, re- member to always set goals that you think are impos- sible. If you put effort and work into this program it will reward you with opportunities no one else your age has. However, the moment you give up, is the moment that you get less out of the pro- gram. Always give maximum effort and never quit. Along the way to achieving your goals you’re going to encounter many obstacles and the most important thing is how you learn from them. You must take every obstacle or problem you encounter as a learning experience and continue moving forward. And never give up. One last thing, I would like all of you to consider, whether you’re a YM/Private or a YM/ Sergeant Major. What kind of leader are you? Ask yourself this one question: If nobody had any rank, would any Young Marines still want to follow you? This is important, because if Young Marines are following you by choice it shows you have been a true leader. A leader who is fair and has demonstrated all thirteen of their leadership traits. Being a leader is more than giving orders and being in charge; As a leader, you should be helping your Young Marines and ensuring their safety and well-being throughout every task. I find many Young Marines mistake leadership with power. To be a leader is to be someone who looks out and cares for their subordinates. A leader who looks for only power is someone who will never be able to lead anyone at all. I have been humbled by many opportunities over my year as National Young Marine of the Year and I have met many great people. This pro- gram has been a life changer for me and influences every decision I make in life. It would be remiss of me not to thank everyone who helped me get here. My parents, Unit Commander (SgtMaj. Mitrook), Executive Officer (Mr. Barthelette), and Division Commander and former XO (Mr. Dittrich). They have all helped me become the person who I am today and I will never be able to express how thankful I am to have them in my life. I hope all of you make the most out of this program and take every opportunity you are provided with. Stay motivated! YM/SgtMaj Joseph J. Bacon 2016 National Young Marine of the Year As a leader, you should be helping your Young Marines and ensuring their safety and well-being throughout every task.