By YM/GySgt Alex Moebius Division SIx Public Affairs Correspondent Captain Art Jackson (ID) I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Dumfries, VA, for the Young Marines Public Affairs Officer Course. This course teaches Young Marines from each Division how to project the Young Marines program in the media. We learned how to cover SPACES events, and other events in our re- spective divisions, as well as how to conduct an interview, write press releases, and use graphics such as pictures and videos to tell about the Young Marines program. The course was four days long, and was held at Young Marines National Headquarters in Dumfries, VA. After everyone had arrived, we ate dinner and got to know each other. The next day we all went to the White House and the Pen- tagon. Our experience provided us with a lot of history and useful information. Later that day, and on the next, we learned about the basics of photography,producing videos,and writing. In groups we were tasked with making our own videos, to include interviews, pictures, and audio, all while being edited by the Young Marines in the group. We then had a “Young Marines Film Festival” where all of the groups showed their films and were interviewed about them after- wards. Included in the Festival was popcorn, laughter and prizes. Prizes were awarded to the winning team. On Sunday,we went to the studios of Fox News Sunday and saw how they produced shows. It was very inter- esting. It requires a lot of teamwork and dedication, along with years of work and practice. Later that night, we went to the National Executive Director’s house for dinner and a fun last night with everyone. Overall it was an amazing time with all of the Young Marines and adult staff, one I will never forget, and recommend to every Young Marine. Learning Skills at the Young Marines Public Affairs Officer Course By YM/MGySgt Macie Ross Division Two Public Affairs Correspondent LCpl. Caleb John Powers (VA) On Memorial Day, my unit had the opportunity to march in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC. Young Marine units traveled from all over the East Coast to partici- pate in the parade that honors our fallen heroes. Several adult staff members were present with their Young Marines units. Among the registered adults was one who helped me when I was flying home from California. I had an issue when the airline checked me in wrong. They thought I had been lost. I almost missed my flight, but Ms. Hull stayed behind, risking that she and her son might miss their flight as she took care of me. Seeing her again was an incredible experience, and it reminded me of everything that the adult staff do for us. Young Marines tend to take our adult volunteers for granted. They give up their time to come to drill, plan activities, have parent meetings, run recruit trainings or take their units to events like the Pearl Harbor Remembrance week in Hawaii. They do these things at their own expense, and so much more. We wouldn’t be the Young Marines we are without them be- cause they encourage, teach, mentor, and inspire us. It doesn’t matter what unit you’re from, or if they know you, they will al- ways help you. These adult volunteers stay on after their chil- dren have retired because of their dedication to the program. Some Young Marines retire, and return as adult volunteers to help the Young Marines program. The things we do wouldn’t be possible without them. Make sure you thank your registered adults for all they do to make this program successful. A Reminder: Remember to Thank Our Adult Volunteers We all went to the White House and the Pentagon. Our experience provided us with a lot of history and useful information. Young Marines Esprit ONLINE 29