By YM MGySgt Celeste Hamper Division 5 Public Affairs Correspondent Ashtabula County (OH) The Ashtabula County (OH) Young Ma- rines had the privilege to take a unit trip to Washington, DC. We did many fun things and many memo- ries were made. It started off with having a very long bus ride, seven hours. Along the way, we stopped at Flight 93, the memorial site in Shanksville, PA honoring those lost during the 9/11 attacks.It was very moving, seeing their names on the wall. After arriving in Washington, DC, we settled into our hotel. The next day, we went to Young Marines National Headquar- ters. I saw some friendly faces that I recognized… Mr. Bill Da- vis, Mr. Joe Lusignan, Ms. Kaylyn Lonergan, and Mr. Mike Tracey. This was my first visit to the new headquarters location. It is decorated with framed photos of Young Marines throughout the office. Mr. Davis took the opportunity to talk to us and reminded us that we are always Young Marines and when you are speaking to other about the program to remember that thousands of other Young Marines are in your hands at that moment, so take care to represent us well. Also this day, I was awarded my Distinguished Order of Merit. This was an honor to have Mr. Joe Lusignan award this to me. That award was not easy and took a lot of hard work and dedi- cation but always remember whatever you set your mind to, you can accomplish. Following our visit to Young Marines National Headquar- ters, we went to Quantico Marine Corps Base and spent the day there. We enjoyed having lunch with Marines and hearing their stories. We also ran into a former Young Marine from the East Valley (AZ) unit. While we were there we went in various simulators and I was in charge of the com- munication. While on the mission, I was known as “Chesty Actual.“ Being placed in charge of the mission made me use my com- munication skills in order to be successful. Over the next few days we toured the Li- brary of Congress, the Capitol, the National Archives, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Following these, we also visited the World War II Memorial,Kore- an War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Me- morial. It was very moving to see the names of those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. It just gives us another reason to thank those who have served our country. Overall, this was a very fun and memorable trip. Being my last unit trip,(I only have a few months left in the program),I would like to thank everyone that I have met. The Young Marines program is truly amazing and you can not meet the people and experience the trips that are offered anywhere else. Take advantage of the fun and memories now, you will remember them for a lifetime. Ashtabula County: A Trip That Will Be Remembered for a Lifetime 18 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE