By YM/ SSgt Joseph Sheppard North Knoxville (TN) The Knoxville Police Explorers is a community service-based program, as- signed as volunteers for the patrol di- vision, for young people between the ages of 14 to 20. The Knoxville Police Explorers Post #300 completed a to- tal of 3,113 hours of community ser- vice. When I got the chance to ask the post’s executive officer, Conner Timms, what it was that they do he responded, ”The post’s primary duties include assist- ing the patrol division with traffic and crowd control at major events, Such as University of Tennessee Football games and the Tennessee Valley Fair, as well as helping with crime prevention outreach and safety education events”. He continued by saying,”The Explorers also assist patrol on ride-alongs as well as the Criminal Investigative Division on open homicide cases”. When I asked Explorer Timms what the post meant to him he told me, ”The Ex- plorers program is a way for me to get closer to my goal to become a Police Officer and teaches me valuable les- sons about law enforcement”. Explorer Timms is currently 19 years old and plans on joining the Marine Reserves, then returning to Knoxville to become a law enforcement officer. N. Knoxville: Community Service Assisting Law Enforcement The Knoxville (TN) Police Explorers. By YM/PFC Scott Farris New Castle County (DE) Could you imagine waking up on Christmas morning and not having any presents? Well, on November 25th, the New Castle County (DE) Young M’arines had two shifts volunteer to collect donations for Toys for Tots. This or- ganization collects and distributes toys to families that are in need. The first shift consisted of myself, YM/PFC Scott Farris and three oth- ers from my unit, recruits Thomas Farris,Liam Stanko and William Bur- bank. We collected toys and cash to help make this year’s Toys for Tots event amazing. In my opinion, the event was a complete success. During the first shift we recieved so many toy donations that we loaded up an entire Humvee. We were also given cash donations as well, so if needed we could get more toys for the less fortunate children of New Castle County, Del- aware. The second shift consisted of YM’s LCpl Bruce Cannatelli, YM/PFC Adam Gill, YM/CPL Robert Turner and Recruits Josiah Dolan and Ju- deah Dolan. At the end of the event we raised $350 in cash donations and loaded up 3 Humvees full of toys! All Young Marines who participat- ed in this event are happy to know that less fortunate children will have Christmas gifts. In conclusion, the event was a huge success and I am proud to be a Young Marine. New Castle County: We Volunteered to with Help Toys for Tots YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 27 For Young Marines Parents: Fall In to Find Out! Parents, want more information about what your child is doing in the Young Marines? Do you want to watch their progress as they work for that next pro- motion? Every Young Marine, and their parents/guardians, have their own web- site called “Fall In.” From the Dashboard you can see your Young Marine’s ribbon rack and check the status of DDR train- ing, physical fitness tests, and commu- nity service. You can also see progress towards their next promotion. In the menu, you will find their record book, a portal to submit Esprit articles and photos,and the organizational chart. Help them prepare for their future in the program using the Practice Tests, Promo- tion Chart, Billet Chart, and the link to Young Marines University (YMU). Learn about ribbon requirements using the interactive Awards Chart. You can even view your Young Marine’s attendance history throughout their time in the pro- gram. Need birthday and holiday gift ideas? Chester’s Supply Depot now links direct- ly to the Young Marines shop within the Vanguard Website.Use the link at the top of the page to set up your Vanguard ac- count to receive discounted pricing! Fall In today! Simply go to members. youngmarines.com, click on the red “Log- in” button, and enter the Young Marine’s first name, last name, and pin number (last four digits of SSN.) -- Submitted by Patricia Borka, Director of Administration, Young Marines National Headquarters