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 54By YM LCpl Michael Rivera Eagle (CA) The Eagle (CA) Young Marines went to Harbor Days to volun- teer to help the City of Oceanside with its Information Booth. Many volunteers were needed to help guide and direct the public on the whereabouts of many booths, double decker bus rides, tall ships tour and the Pirates’ Cove experience and adventure. We handed out many maps and programs for the City of Oceanside to many guests. There were many military static displays such as the AMTRACS, Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Landing Craft, Air Cushion Vehicles, Light Armored Recon- naissance Vehicles and many more. The Eagle Young Marines escorted the elderly across the streets and helped them walk safely in the deep sand. Many parents and their kids stopped to ask us how to join the Young Marines. We were also able to give examples of how we train and what it meant to us. We handed out a lot of flyers about the Young Marines program. The City of Oceanside was very pleased with our unit as we volunteered for more than 9 hours on Sunday when they only asked us to volunteer for 3 hours. We were also interviewed by KCOT-Oceanside Channel about our unit.Their reporter asked me what I thought about Harbor Days and the Young Marines program. With a smile, I said, “ We believe in giving more than you ask for, ma’am”. I also told the reporter about a lot of the things we get to do. They were really amazed. It was a beautiful day with lots of smiles from everyone... even from the Pirates! Young Marines Give Back to the City of Oceanside By YM/GySgt Martin Ragas Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office (LA) I recently attended the national ALS at Camp Rilea, OR. This was a great opportunity to advance my leadership skills and abilities. I would love to go back. I was challenged physically,mentally,and emotionally.With the help of my fellow Young Marines, I was able to achieve what I set out to do, which was to hone my skills as a leader and Young Marine. The most inspirational and motivational memories I have were of all the Young Marines singing. I can remember think- ing of my Young Marines unit back home, and started to sing. Next thing you know I hear another voice singing along, and as I continued many more voices began to chime in. Not only did that sound fill the building, it also formed a lasting bond between all of us. We are family.This could only lead to us all achieving more. I then enjoyed classes, especially the motto classes and mentoring other Young Marines. These classes proved to be very valuable.Everything doesn’t always go well, and this experience was no exception.I remember how our instructor told us “It’s good when things go wrong!”You need to be able to continue your forward motion. One of the classes caught me by surprise because it spoke about how to wear your armor. I wondered, what could that mean? I found out. How you wear your armor is how you portray yourself, your values, and your beliefs to others around you. The stronger your armor is, the more it will show through for yourself and your fellow Young Marines. This ar- mor is as easy to see as that of a Medieval knight upon his horse. Those Young Marines in your charge, that you mentor, will look up to and respect you. They will know that you are always there for them. Lastly, I would like to thank the Young Marines and adult staff who helped guide me through this wonderful learning experience. ALS: “I was Able to Achieve What I Set Out to Do...” By YM/MSgt Cameron Eng Chino Valley (CA) Getting involved in activities outside of Young Marines is a great way to stay active and earn community service hours. As Young Marines, it is our duty to help the community in any way we can, earning a minimum of 50 hours each year. Just because there is a minimum to what you can earn, does not mean there’s a maximum! You can earn more hours by volun- teering with different organizations around your community, one of which is Key Club, a great way for high school students to accomplish some of the many missions of the Young Ma- rines program. I had the great opportunity to speak to one of the officers, Gina Min, to see what the club was all about. The club takes part in many community service events main- ly within our school and Chino Hills, and also participates in events outside of Chino Hills as well and has helped many different organizations when they are in need of volunteers. The club has approximately 100-150 members,ranging from freshman to seniors. Gina told me that Key Club is interna- tional and there are many key clubs in high schools all around the world, adding that they are a very established and well known club. Key Club can be used in Young Marines. Community service hours are received by participating in Key Club events. These events are scheduled weekly and range from painting posters to food distributions throughout the community. Just being involved will get you lots of hours, which can be documented through Key Club as hours you worked. Gina added that it is very easy to join! Visit www.keyclub.org and follow the steps to join. You just have to pay a member- ship fee, which goes towards the Kiwanis organization. A Partnership Can Help You Earn Community Service Hours 48 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE