By YM/Sgt Maj Jascha Ely East Valley (AZ) For the last three years, I have entered the Veter- ans of Foreign Wars an- nual Voice of Democracy Speech competition. The Voice of Democracy is a Speech competition for students in grades 9-12. It is sponsored and run by the Veterans of For- eign Wars. My unit’s Ex- ecutive Officer, Mr. Frank W. Alger, recommended all of his Young Marines who are eligible com- pete in this activity. The theme of the essay this year was “American history, our hope for the future”. In my essay, I took the details of our country’s legacy and laid the impact of how America’s past was important to remember and to cherish. Honestly, I didn’t think was too difficult! Many young people think that an essay competition is too much work, time, and effort. However, if you just put your heart into it, (and make sure that what you write is grammatically correct), you can succeed! I highly recommend anybody within the 9 through 12 grades to enter this competition at your local VFW post. Even if you don’t win (I didn’t win for several years), it’s a great skill to attain to be able to pour your heart out into a speech that will make a difference in someone’s life. For kids who are in grades 6-8, there is also the Patriot Pen competition, which is similar to Voice of Democracy, but it is a written essay (not a speech). This year, I won first at my VFW Post and then took first at District. This allowed me to compete at the State competition, where I took 3rd place for the state of Arizona. This was an awesome opportunity and I really appreciate everything that my Young Marines leadership does to give us these opportunities. I encourage all of you to work toward your goals and use your talents and don’t let them go to waste. Always give your best effort into anything you do. Once you do that, it won’t matter whether you win or lose.As an age-old toy once said, “To infinity and beyond!” Speech, Essay Competitions Provide Excellent Opportunities YM/Sgt Maj Jascha Ely receives award. By YM/Sgt Michael Rivera Eagle (CA) During the summer months our Eagle Young Marines were able to attend our Division 6 Encampment. We were not sure what to expect. Upon arrival in the evening, we were assigned into dif- ferent units and we did not know each other.We just knew we were with fellow Young Marines. I quickly found out I was the senior Young Marine n the Platoon that I was assigned. I was instructed to take charge and get my Platoon in order.Being a Platoon Sergeant in the Division Encampment was outstanding and also difficult, because this is my first time being the Platoon Sergeant with Young Marines that I did not know. It is lot of responsibility, but Young Marines have to be confident. You have to know and practice Leadership to be an effective Platoon Sergeant. The Division Encampment was fun. The different activities we did helped to develop the importance of teamwork.As time went on, we all were growing as a unit. I started to see each of our Platoons’ Young Marines leadership abilities become evident, and see which Young Marines I could depend on and those Young Marines who needed extra supervision. I was able to assign our confident, and experienced Young Marines to su- pervise the less experi- enced Young Marines. The Obstacle Course re- ally demonstrated the need for teamwork, and confidence to overcome difficult challenges. We had Swim Training that worked on discipline, teamwork and leader- ship. More confident Young Marines helped those who were less ex- perienced swimming. The Field Meet that was on the last day demonstrated the importance of good sportsmanship during competitive activities. Through it all I learned that Young Ma- rines look to their leaders for encouragement. On the Division Encampment Dismissal, we rejoined our Eagle (CA) Young Ma- rines unit. We all had many Young Marines stories to tell each other about the encampment. It was wonderful to meet other Young Marines from around other parts of California. I went home and told my family about the fun I had. I am thankful for all the adult volunteers for everything they do for the Young Marines. Division 6 Encampment: We Learn to Lead with Confidence 34 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE