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 46This is a small picture of just how im- pactful this trip is to so In our Young Marines weekly activities, encamp- ments, SPACES, trips to National Code Talkers’ Day, Pearl Harbor, scholarships and leadership schools, we learn team- work through games to emphasize the strength of a whole team. Young Marines does promote the idea of supporting your team members, and this trip showed that our weakest link is the definition of the strength of a group. Please tell a story about a veteran you spoke to. “ I feel like I might be putting some of this battle to sleep. It’s a relief, coming back.”-Sgt. Abraham Eutsey. This was a quote from Mr. Eutsey on a Marine Heroes Instagram page. many people. It just proved to me how im- portant it is to stay physically sharp. People need to respectfully sit and lis- ten more to the wisdom that the Great- est Generation in American history has to impart. Respect any veteran, our ser- vice men or women in that manner. I am sincerely thankful for the op- portunity to meet all of these amazing people. The Young Marines learn his- tory, but the veterans learn peace and forgiveness. Many of the stories I heard on this trip are stated above, but Mr. Eustey was my most important veteran to remem- ber. He had much to say and wishes to return to Iwo Jima again.When I asked him if he will be coming back in the future, he said, “Not next year, but I hope to one day. It is time to give someone else a chance.” He is a man I admire and aspire to emulate. He is selfless, courageous and has many more exceptional qualities. Did you imagine yourself on that island in WWII? Can you tell your feelings? Every drop of sweat,blister,tear and sunburn just proved to me how difficult the men fought. This island is brutal in every aspect and I can’t imagine gunfire on top of the already extreme heat! It’s unfortunate that not many Americans understand or care to know what these men went through and how tough they are, in- side and out. Mrs. Davis and I brought up the rear, as we physically struggled in the heat and ter- rain to keep up with the rapid pace of the other Young Marines. I knew that if I was on that island in WWII, I may have been one of the first casualties. It just proved to me how important it is to stay physically sharp to pre- pare for any task life throws at you during a day.I also learned that mental stability is key to survival. Combat action during the Battle of Iwo Jima, 1945. (USMC photo) On Iwo Jima: This island is brutal in every aspect, and I can’t imagine gunfire on top of the already extreme heat! Sign Up Today! alumni.youngmarines.com The mission of the Young Marines Alumni Association is to be a vital partner in the success of Young Marines! Through meaningful engagement and support of lifelong connections, the Young Marines Alumni Association (YMAA) aims to strengthen all Young Marines – past, present, future. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Our Mission YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 43