Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46Encampment: Deep Down in Louisiana,Close to New Orleans By YM/GySgt Robert Berning JPSO Young Marines In December, we held our annual unit encampment at the beautiful Fontaineb- leau State Park in Mandev- ille, LA. Eighty four Young Marines attended, including twelve Young Marines from Plaquemines Parrish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines. Our encampment consisted of a variety of training and fun activities, including hik- ing,building campfires,organized sports, team building, archery, air rifles, flag folding, qualified field skills, running an obstacle course, close order drill, marching, physical fitness and discussing leadership skills. We also watched movies and played board games. With all of the training and activities, we would get hun- gry, but that was covered with what seemed like an unlimited supply of food. It was hard to stay focused on early morning physi- cal fitness while smelling the aroma of bacon and eggs with all of the trimmings. We prob- ably gained weight with all of the southern home cooking. Overall, I had a great time and learned a lot about (and from) my fellow Young Marines. I also thank the Plaquemines Parrish Sheriffs Office Young Marines for attending our en- campment. Winter Warriors in WA: The Snow Encampment Adventure By YM/PFC Garrett Kincaid Linn/Benton (OR) One of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made in my life, was joining the Young Marines about a year ago. For the first time in my life, I have found a group of people I belong with. I’ve participated in several community service events, Color Guards, and much more with my unit. As a PFC, I did not expect too much excitement or to be a part of important events, but I was so wrong. One drill, my Unit Commander walked up to me and asked if I wanted to participate in the upcoming Winter Warrior campout. I was shocked, because I am only a PFC in my unit, but I wouldn’t miss a single oppor- tunity to join in anything the Young Ma- rines has to offer. I am glad I went on that trip. Winter Warrior is a one-night campout in the snow up in Koshko Snow Park, WA. My unit, the Linn/Benton Young Marines, as well as Emerald Empire and Lewis and Clark Young Marines, all had some quali- fied Young Marines who attended. Once we arrived, we set up temporary shelters (or hooches) to keep off the near-constant precipitation. In more than four feet of snow, I was one of the few who seemed comfortable in that en- vironment. After getting some chow and setting up a fire, we hit the rack for the rest we would need for the next day’s activities. The next morning, after my firewatch shift, we prepared for the stations which contained a variety of different activities and challenges. For my team, the first was shooting. I’ve had experience with firearms since I was 8, but I amazed even myself with the .22 rifle’s accuracy. Next was land navigation. I enjoyed this sta- tion, but had one of those learning mo- ments where the compass needle was five degrees off course, and then I had to backtrack our steps to the starting posi- tion. Following chow was first aid and cross country skiing. With our skis on, we trekked up to the first aid station. You’ve never experienced true humility until you’ve fallen more than 20 times, and the rest of your team is 60 feet ahead of you as you scramble to get back up. But it was still a lot of fun. Bottom line, we were shown the skills of safety and teamwork (and we had fun). I am ex- tremely proud to have been able to at- tend this encampment, and I left with new experiences that I will never forget. Semper Fidelis to all Young Marines! ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 31