By YM/LCpl Aubrey Dooley Fox Valley (MI) In January 2017,my fellow Young Marines and I were given an opportunity to present Gen Peter Pace USMC (Ret) with a token of our unit’s gratitude for his generous donation to get our unit started. While having lunch with him, he spoke a phrase that I really took to heart, and one I will never forget. That phrase was “Pay It Forward.” He spoke about things he wished he would have done to pay it forward,and it was every- one’s responsibility to do so.  Fast forward to a month later, while those words still echoed in my mind, and an event came across my desk, St. Baldrick’s. For those who don’t know what St. Baldrick’s is, it’s like many other pledge-based events; however, this is completely orient- ed to kids with cancer. I said to myself, I can “Pay it Forward” doing this. I am going to raise money and awareness through this; and shave my head. I spoke to my parents about want- ing to shave my head for St. Baldrick’s and both said no (even though my dad is already bald).We discussed this at the dinner table and I told my dad (a Marine) not to worry, as it will grow back. We then asked our unit commander for permission and he gave it his enthusiastic approval. Fast forward to March 17, 2017. It was a very unforgettable day when I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s. Right now, you are probably wondering is this the point of view of a girl or a guy. I am a 14-year-old girl with hair down to the middle of my back, which I put up when I’m in uniform. I was also able to do- nate my hair to Locks of Love, which makes wigs for kids. I had achieved and surpassed my goal of $1,200.00 by $830.00. Ke- nyon Woods Middle School in Elgin, Illinois raised $18,000.00 for St. Baldrick’s.A total of 27 kids shaved their heads and were able to “Pay It Forward.”   I am a part of one the newest Young Marine units, Fox Valley (MI). General Pace inspired me to Pay It Forward and that is what I did. Now I charge all of you to “Pay it Forward”. Fox Valley Young Marine Decides to “Pay It Forward” to Locks of Love Inspired to “Pay It Forward”, YM/LCpl Aubrey Dooley’s donated hair will be used to make wigs for children with cancer. Before (Left) and After (Right). By YM/Sgt James Slagle Long Island (NY) For two days last April, the Long Is- land (NY) Young Marines had the great opportunity to participate in the Chal- lenging Outdoor Personal Experience (or C.O.P.E.), a program by the Boy Scouts of America. This extremely fun course con- sisted mainly of the one thing which also happens to be one of the Young Marines core values, namely Teamwork. This course included initiative games, trust events, and also a low and high ropes course. A lot of the activities we took part in were group challenges, while others helped to develop our own personal skills and agility. One of the activities we enjoyed was having to climb a 30 foot high ladder (sounds easy enough, right?) but this was no ordinary ladder... this ladder had about a 5 foot gap between each rung and the goal was to get to the top with another Young Ma- rine, and along the way, you eventually figure out the easiest and fastest way to get up the ladder was by helping your fellow Young Marine by your side. This challenge was a true test your teamwork skills (as well as your agility). When I was going up the ladder, I had a fellow Young Marine, LCpl Williams, and together we were able to accomplish more than we ever thought we could. Without the help of each other and a little bit of teamwork we wouldn’t have been able to the smallest extent get up the ladder. Every Young Marine was able to suc- cessfully complete this challenge, no matter the size or age. As long as you believe you could do something it and work as a team anything is possible, and this is definitely one thing that every Young Marine learned on this course. Af- ter the course finished and the day was over, all the Young Marines returned to the barracks and we spent time together, whether it be around the fire pit or sim- ply just playing games. But there is one thing that everyone learned on this trip, that nothing is impossible if you work as a team. Long Island Young Marines: Team-Building with the C.O.P.E. Program YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 17