By YM/Cpl Zachary Sanders Imagine School at North Port (FL) Back in March, my unit took a trip to South Carolina to visit Parris Island. We stayed for about a week and went around almost the whole base! We did the laser rifle range, got to go and watch real recruits at the actual rifle range, went to the museum, went to the yellow footprints, did the crucible,well not all of it, and at in the actual chow hall. The bed were ok but, personal time was really fun in the barracks. My unit is already planning on making another visit to Parris Island next summer. I plan on going because I had lots of fun. All in all, it is a great learning experience. Especially when you have a real drill instuctor(Thanks Staff Sergeant Emery!) teaching you everything you need to know not to get in trouble. The ISNP Young Marines Encounter MCRD Parris Island, SC Young Marines and their real drill instructor; The famous yellow footprints where it all begins in the USMC. A Young Marine’s Memorable Class Field Trip To Washington, D.C. By YM/Cpl Michael Coleman Chesty Puller (OH) I recently went on my eighth grade field trip to Washington D.C. I would like to send out a big thank you to Mrs. Julie Schmidt my middle school principal and my unit commander Ron Pownall for allowing me to wear my Young Marine uni- form to Arlington National Cemetery. Before we arrived at our hotel, we stopped to see the Iwo-Jima memorial. I had learned that only three of the six men who raised the flag on top of Mt.Su- ribachi made it home safe- ly. The next day, we went to the White House to take pictures of the front lawn. I could tell that President Trump was probably in the building because, there were people on the roof of the White House. And I’m pretty sure I caught a quick glimpse of President Trump, but I’m not sure. After we went to the White House, we went to the Capitol building for our group photos. Later on that evening, we started the tours of monuments. I was pleased to finally see the Vietnam War memorial along with the Korean War memorial, I was also glad to see the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. On the following day we went to Arlington National Cemetery. That day I wore my uniform to Arlington to honor those that gave their lives for our free- dom. I have never seen so many head- stones in my life. I saw the Kennedy me- morial. I was so amazed to see the Tomb of the Unknowns. I was able to see the changing of guard,which was impressive. Our last place to tour was the Air Force memorial, which is simple in comparison to others but still impressive. This was the best school field trip in my life. By YM/Cpl James Mack Atlantic Coast (FL) I went to Parris Island about three weeks ago over spring break with 13 other Young Marines, we did a lot of PT. I think I did more push-ups there than I did in my whole life. I was extremely exhausted along with a lot of others; the chow was very good. We had all kinds of fun and hard work on this trip, like when we did more than 200 push-ups in about an hour. We also, went swimming, bowling, and out to eat ice cream. We went on a 60 ft rappel tower and learned to tie our own harnesses.Then we went to the gas chamber. First we ran in, then ran out, then the second time we had to sing the National Anthem. We also, went to a virtual rifle range where we all shot at a vir- tual target screen. We also, went to a “O” course. Then we went to the confidence course,we all did very well on both courses. We also drilled a lot, with a Marine SDI named was Sgt Carty. In all we had a lot of fun including, going to the Marine Corps Museum. The only bad thing about the trip, was there were a lot of Parris Island’s notorious sand fleas. The sand fleas left welts on my arms for 2 or three weeks! But I loved Parris Island and I want to go back. Parris Island: Learning Skills, and an “Itch” to Return... YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE EDITION • Vol.2 • 2017 • 35