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 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54Pueblo YMs: Giving Back on Law Enforcement Day By YM/Sgt Piper Weingardt Pueblo (CO) September 17th was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The Pueblo Young Ma- rines had the amazing opportunity to give back to the local enforcement in our area. Coordination was arranged to visit the Pueblo police de- partment, the Colorado State Patrol, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s office, and even our local fire department. The goal was to give the officers a token of appreciation and thank them in person. Our Young Marines put in many hours (as well as our staff making the care pack- ages!), hand making all cook- ies (almost 500 cookies) and blue line bracelets to give out to all the officers. I can say from first hand sampling that all the homemade cookies looked absolutely delicious! Pueblo Young Marines put together a party of seven hard chargers from our unit, to carry out the service of the day which consisted of going to all three law enforcement offices, giving out the cookies and chatting with our local officers, as well as thanking them for all they do in our community. Our Young Marines even got a tour through the police department, showing us some of the more technical side of their jobs. Each station was more than happy about our gifts and thanked us as well. I can say that as a result of all the Young Marines at- tendeding that day that we learned a lot about giving back to our local law enforce- ment. They do so much for our community, so it’s good to at least give back to them one day a year. Pueblo Young Marines would urge other units to do something,at least once a year, for your local law enforcement. They keep you safe, take care of you, and take care of your town. Give your local law enforcement a hand shake, pay for their meal, or even just say thank you. It’s the little things that will make their day. On 1 October, the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines cel- ebrated the 51st Young Marine Birthday with a ball at the American Legion Post 507 in Newhall, CA.The sold-out event, coordinated by Executive Officer Mark Sears and Staff Mem- bers Rachel and Richard Ramirez, and headed by the commit- tee of Staff Sergeant Chandler,Corporal Corey,Private Ramirez and Gunnery Sergeant Segoviano, was an enormous success with members of the community coming out to recognize and honor our Young Marines. Guests were greeted by two Young Marines sentries at the door who welcomed them and open the door for them. After the presentation of the colors and the sing- ing of the National Anthem (by Executive Officer Mark Sears) Unit Commander Retired Master Sergeant Tim Stratton read the traditional birthday message. Keynote speaker Dick “Tar- zan”Jeffrey,the guest of honor,spoke of his time in the Marine Corps as a sniper in Viet Nam and how being a Marine helped him to face any situation and come out on top. There was a ceremonial cake cutting and awards presenta- tions to members of the community and staff who had do- nated goods or money to our unit. We also had a ceremo- nial reading describing the POW table at Post 507, educating those who may not know what all the items are on the table and their significance. There was no shortage of dress blues as many non-ac- tive Marines attended. Many members of the Marine Corps League and the 1st Marine Division were in attendance. After the awards ceremony, two SCV Young Marines received their well deserved promotions: YM/LCpl Corey to Corporal, and YM/SSgt Segoviano to Gunnery Sergeant. After the ceremony, our Young Marines served the plates, all catered by local res- taurant StoneFire Grill. After dinner, it was time to have some fun and get the dancing music on. It was a real pleasure to watch these young men have a lot of well-deserved fun after a year full of drill, com- munity service and attendance at multiple events. This year was an exceptional year for our Young Marines, a year many of them will never forget—a year they should be very proud of not only as members of the community who make a difference, but as Young Marines who have enriched the lives of those around them. Semper Fi! -- Submitted by Mark Sears, Executive Officer Santa Clarita Valley (CA) Young Marines Santa Clarita: Celebrating Our Exceptional Year YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 29