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 46By YM/GySgt Joseph Rodriguez Southeast County (CA) Many times people will see a young individual in a camouflage uniform and ask, “Who are you?” Some of us will give a simple answer and say just plainly,“Young Marines”and carry on with our busi- ness,while some of us may have the opportunity to go in depth with who we are, and reply at a greater length, “We are a drug demand reduction program and focus on strengthening the lives of America’s youth.” But why read off a script when you could describe who we are? Many times we tell people,“We’re the Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts, and JROTC combined”, but why? Why say just that, when we are so much more? Yet, we continually describe ourselves with these limited and lackluster replies. So the question still remains, who are the Young Marines? We’re a drug demand reduction program that focuses on strengthening America’s future. We take part in quarterly Drug Demand Reduction training, which explains the dangers of abusing drugs. Drug abuse affects an individual’s future and the lives of those around that individual. We are a program that orients and follows the values and principles instilled in every United States Marine. The core values of Honor,Courage,Commitment hold us to a high stan- dard.Young Marines hold up those core values, as well as the program’s very own, Leadership, Teamwork, and Discipline. Young Marines are held to a higher standard than that of their peers. Young Marines respect the motto, earned never given closely to their heart. Before an individual can earn the title Young Marine, or even wear the Young Marines uniform they must go through a rigorous recruit training cycle. Recruits are challenged both mentally and physically, re- cruits undergo a training period that builds up the recruit’s confidence and personality. When the Unit Commander sees that the recruit class has received all necessary training, recruits may earn the title of Young Marine. Young Marines may then earn ribbons and rank. We are placed into leadership billets and challenged to a higher standard with that job. We attend Leadership Schools to increase our knowledge and discipline.We are trained on how to instill discipline both in the field and in civilian life.We honor the 14 leadership traits of JJ DID TIE BUCKLE [ Justice,Judgement,Decisiveness,Integrity, Dependability, Tact, Initiative, Endurance, Bearing, Unselfish- ness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Enthusiasm]. Young Marines follow the Young Marines Creed and obli- gation. As Young Marines, we also have many different op- portunities that no one else has, such as our National Pro- gram known as SPACES (Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools). Schools consist of leadership courses. Adventures have a historical emphasis and are designed with the younger child in mind. In contrast, older Young Marines can participate in Challenges. Challeng- es consist of training in areas such as survival skills, wilder- ness training, and water-based activities. Young Marine En- campments provide the opportunity for Young Marines of all ages to gather together and train as a large unit of up to 700 Young Marines at a time. More than 1,000 Young Marines participate in the SPACES programs each year. Young Marines are all taught to respect our Nation’s flag and those who have served to protect our freedom. Young Marines also show a love for God, and appre- ciation for the opportunities they have that so many others don’t. So with all these opportunities, why just stick to a manu- script or to a lackluster description, when you could describe so much more? So go ahead, give it a try, spread the word, tell the world who we are. When You Are Asked,“What Is theYoung Marines?”... By YM/PFC Leon Penson Miami Valley (OH) Along with other members of my unit, I had the privilege (and honor) to be present at the Honor Flight on May 28, 2016. We were able to meet and thank the veterans as they returned (and we even met one female veteran). Prior to go- ing to the airport to meet the veterans, our unit had been at the Veterans Hospital, where we worked at a Drug Demand Reduction information booth. I saw a car with a television station’s logo on it and told my grandmother about it. She told me to tell them I wanted to be on TV, so I did. While I was speaking with the reporter I told her about the Honor Flight I would be attending later in the day. She said she would come. The reporter did come. I was interviewed, along with some family members and friends. I told them “We want to show that the Young Marines demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and discipline. We are al- ways there to help.” I was so proud to speak about “My Young Marines.” I was able to do this due to the encouragement from my grandmother (for sure), but also because of the teachings that I have re- ceived since my enlist- ment in the unit from volunteer military men and women. I have become more respectful, responsible, and depend- able. Our Unit Commander, Mr. Keagan Miller, had given us lessons in public speaking only a few weeks earlier. These gave me the courage and ability to speak loud and clearly, while being direct. I am very proud to call myself a Miami Valley Young Marine. “...Very Proud to Call Myself a Miami Valley Young Marine” 36 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE