By YM/Sgt Marilyn Tran Antelope Valley It is customary forYoung Marines to honor the Young Marines’ birthdate, on October 17, 1965. The Marine Corps’ birthdate is November 10, 1775. To show our respect and courtesy,we thank all who has served to fight for our coun- try and freedom. My unit, Antelope Valley (CA) Young Marines, was able to render a salute with our hearts to the Marine Corps on their birthday. In order to show them our best, we gave them our best by pre- senting them a color guard consisting of our best and most experienced color guards; YM/Sgt Marilyn Tran, YM/Cpl Megan Tran, YM/LCpl Michael Herrera, and YM/LCpl Jacqueline Chavarria. When we arrived, we took a visual and made just a few practices. Wearing our Service Cs, it started getting cold, so we had to post far back of the bar.When we stationed at ease, we had the chance to look around the building and what they had displayed on the walls. They had a ‘Remembrance Wall’ which had photos of all who represented every military branch. Next to us, there was a huge glass box that displayed R. Lee Ermey’s costume with his ‘Smokey Bear’ cover from the motion picture, Full Metal Jacket, when he portrayed Senior Drill Instructor, GySgt Hartman. Finally, it was our time to pres- ent.We all slowly marched to cen- ter ourselves with the stage. One of the difficult things was to avoid hitting the plane above us (and we didn’t). Once the colors were presented, every Marine immedi- ately stood respectfully. Next,YM/ Cpl. Matta from our unit, sing the National Anthem. He is one of the best singers you’ll hear. Once we concluded the ceremony, we re- turned back inside to see why was there such a huge crowd forming. As it turned out, R. Lee Ermey, the Young Marine’s national celebrity spokesman was present. He is an honorary Gunnery Sergeant. Even though retired, once a Marine, al- ways a Marine. As soon as we learned was present, we all took a photo with R. Lee Ermey. We received many thanks and hand- shakes. R. Lee Ermey then shook our hands and told us each to keep doing what we do. I couldn’t be any prouder. We are thankful for having the opportu- nity to honor those who have fought for our country and our freedoms. Antelope Valley: Color Guard at USMC Birthday Event By YM/MSgt Luke Smith North San Diego (CA) We started off the first day of 2018 with a Divi- sion 6 Junior Leadership School.Under the direction of Mr.Grimes of North San Diego, and Mr. Hoff from Southern Oregon, the Cad- re were briefed and pre- pared before arrival. YM/ SgtMaj Hoff and YM/1st Sgt Lynch welcomed their staff which included four instructors and a logistics chief. Twenty five Young Marines checked in at 1600 and prepared for a “Junk on the Bunk”inspection.What followed for the next four days were classes that would help these Young Marines Lance Corporals and Corporals transform into leaders within their units. With instruction on Drug Demand Reduction, Project Alert and Drug Prevention Education, they can assist with quarterly DDR Training. Classes on Essential Subjects, History, and U.S. Citizenship form the base of knowledge for all Junior Young Marines. Components of Physical Fitness, Daily 7 Instruction and the PFT allow for building strong bodies. Knot Tying and Map & Compass provide valuable field skills. Young Marines are evaluated during a Uniform Inspection and Close Order Drill Performance. The most important aspects of Lead- ership are covered in knowing the Du- ties and Responsibilities of the Junior Young Marine, the Qualities of a Leader, 11 Leadership Principles and the Leader- ship Evaluation Form. Practicing the art of Public Speaking is essential for an ef- fective leader. We were fortunate to have the National Young Marine of the Year, YM/ Sgt Maj Angel L. Orozco, on site with us for the duration of the school. Proving that our Leadership Schools are producing quality Young Marines, he was an inspiration, and an added bonus to the students in attendance.Aside from the classes, drills, quizzes and exams, it is the formation of relationships that come from attending a school that hold the most memories. Spending time Team Building,sharing ideas and information and just laughing and having fun. It’s a good time to connect with old friends and make new ones. It was an opportunity for YM’s from California, Oregon, Montana and Arizona to come together and experience something that will bond them for a lifetime.The purpose is to train leaders who will then go back to their units with new skills and knowledge to share.To stand tall and proud and to lead. Division 6 is striving to utilize the special talents and skills of its members to teach, mentor, and as our NMOY is fond of saying,“Motivate and inspire.” Division 6 Junior Leadership School: To Motivate and Inspire MY YM UNIT 12 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE