The Cross Roads (TX) Young Marines of Big Spring, organized a campaign in their community to give back to their local vet- erans. The Young Marines are installing free smoke detectors in the homes of their local veterans in the Howard County area. The smoke detectors were donated by the Red Cross and the Northside Movement group. Our first customer was to Mr. Gary Scott, USMC (Ret.)of Big Spring. He was appreciative to our Young Marines that he ser- enaded them with the Marines Hymn on his bagpipes! The Young Marines are still installing smoke detectors along with some for hearing impaired veterans.No veteran should be without a smoke detector and we are more than eager to aid our heroes for their safety in their home. -- Submitted by Carrie Rodman, Unit Adjutant, Cross Roads (TX) Young Marines Cross Roads: A Different Kind of “Smoking”Campaign (L-R): Cross Roads (TX) Unit Commander Roger Rodman, Gary Scott, YM/CPL McMurray, YM/CPL Grove and Ray Stephenson. By YM/ LCpl Kelly Burkart Greater Cleveland Young Marines My unit had the opportunity to be involved with the Annual Piston Power Show at the IX Center last March.The Piston Power Show is where any vehicle powered by a piston engine, car, trucks airplanes and military vehicles are shown to the public. I’ve attended this event twice now. This years’ theme focused on Women in the Military. One way military women were honored, was by having an all Female Color Guard. The Greater Cleveland Young Marines were asked to participate in this event. Our unit sent a female color guard to march behind a lead color guard of female veterans. This was an honor to be part of this unique female event. During the event the Young Marines and I were able to speak with female veterans about their service and experiences. We also spoke with active duty military personnel. There were also stations set up show- ing how women served in important roles during the history of the military. Being 10 years old, a female in the Young Marines, this event has really inspired me to continue to serve in the Young Marines with honor. I look forward to one day joining the ranks of active duty females in the United States Coast Guard. Greater Cleveland: Local Event Honors Women in the Military By YM/LCpl Josiah Booth and YM/PFC Luc LeBay Rochester Hills (MI) On Memorial Day, the Roches- ter Hills (MI) Young Marines unit participated in the Ferndale, MI Memorial Day Parade. The parade honors the fallen soldiers in Michi- gan who have died for our country. We participated in the parade by holding signs displaying the name, rank, branch, picture of the soldier, and holding banners displaying the year during which they died as we marched by. It was a very special duty. One family made a special request. They asked for the sign of Air Force Lt Col F.Jackson,who died recently, to be put in a special spot in the parade. One of us carried it at the front of the parade section, while anoth- er one of us carried the Michigan state flag next to his sign. In addition to our Young Marine unit, there were others wanting to assist holding the signs in the pa- rade. Our unit is proud with what they did that day, and they had an hon- orable Memorial Day. Rochester Hills: Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT 19