Crossroads: Our Unit Learns Map and Compass Skills Crossroads: On Becoming the Unit Young Marine of the Year By YM/Sgt Ryker Grover Crossroads (TX) To represent Crossroads (TX) Young Marines as Unit Young Marine of the Year would be a great and humbling honor. It would mean so much to me be- cause my unit and fellow Young Marines are very dear to my heart. In the three and a half years since my recruit- ment, I have truly em- braced this wonderful program. I have grown and matured beyond my twelve years through disci- pline, teamwork and leadership skills, all of which have positively influenced my day to day life. I have formed strong life- long friendships with my Young Marines brothers and sisters and have participat- ed in more than three hundred hours of community service to my hometown. I have also learned the valuable lesson of living a drug-free lifestyle. Ad- ditionally, I have strength- ened my love of military history and increased my appreciation for the sac- rifices of our veterans. Overall, I love the Young Marines program because it makes me a better and more confident person. I think I would make an excellent representa- tive of the Young Marines program and believe I can make a difference as Young Marine of the Year. I understand and embrace the hard work , dedication and perserverance it takes to excel in this program. I understand how intimidating the role of leader and the responsibility it entails can be. However, I also understand the rewards that come from conquering your fears and pushing yourself to your limits. I have learned that in order to be a good leader you need to know those limits, strive to over- come them, take responsibility in all that you do, and lead by example. I joined the program in March of 2014 at eight years of age. it was difficult at first, but I enjoyed every minute and per- sonally experienced what a dramatic and positive influence this program can have. I completed recruit training, graduating as Honor Graduate, and served as a Team Leader and Squad Leader. This past summer I attended and com- pleted Junior Leadership School, one of the toughest and most rewarding weeks of my life. Currently, I am the acting Platoon Ser- geant and serve as the unit’s Chaplain and as a member of our Color Guard. It has all been a great honor,and I look for- ward to what the future holds as a Cross- roads Young Marine. Semper Fidelis! YM/Sgt Ryker Grover. Young​​ Marines: They Can Be Your Family and Friends I don’t fit in at school and I don’t have friends that I can hang out with. I’m not the same size as the other girls and I don’t wear popular clothes. My hair is mostly unmanageable and I don’t think I am pretty. My mom tries to help me but she is busy and I mostly take care of my- self. I don’t get very good grades, either, but I really try to. Do you know why I don’t feel sorry for myself? I am a Young Marine! I wear the same uniform as everyone else and it fits just right.My hair is slicked back into a bun, and it’s a good hair day. I have dozens of friends that laugh with me and help me study my Guidebook so I can get promoted. The staff care about me and ask how I’m doing and make sure that I have chow. We work hard and help other people. There are a lot of people much worse off than me. I will start school next week and there are Young Marines from my unit going to my school. I’m going to have friends and I’m going to fit in and I’m going to work hard. We win as a team and lose as a team. They are all winners, so guess what that makes me? -- Submitted by Marie Smith, Adjutant, North San Diego Young Marines YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 25 Our Young Marines are learning Maps and Compass skills in classes. YM/Sgt Chance McMurray demonstrated and taught our Young Marines and recruits the need for the class. If you ever need to learn anything, this would be one of the top things to learn. You never know when you may be lost and with the skills of the maps and compass, you’ll be able to find your way anywhere you are. With these skills we have learned, we accomplished our goals and made it back to base camp safe and sound. -- Submitted by Carrie Rodman, Adjutant, Crossroads (TX) Young Marines