YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Volume 2, 2022

Page 1


ESPRIT Volume 2 | 2022 By Young Marines For Young Marines National Headquarters Staff William Davis

National Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer

Wilson Lee

Deputy Director/Chief of Staff

Patricia Borka

Director of Administration

Abra Hogarth

Director of Strategic Communications

Jeremy Jones

Director of Operations

Felice Sava

Director of Finance

Michael Hoff

Regional Support Officer

Kathy Howe

Development Officer

Division Commanders Robert Dittrich, Division One George Biedenbender, Division Two John Gionet, Division Three Tammy Williams, Division Four Jeff Porta, Division Five Leigh Dick, Division Six 2022 - 2023 National Young Marine of the Year YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox Division Young Marines of the Year YM/SgtMaj Aylei Connolly, Division One YM/SgtMaj Ian Ross, Division Two YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox, Division Three YM/SgtMaj Benjamin Shaddinger, Division Four YM/SgtMaj Alexis Keister, Division Five YM/SgtMaj Sean Laghaei, Division Six

Our Support

DES, Inc. Database Developer Vanguard Industries Supply Depot Xpert Media Management, LLC Esprit Magazine, Website & Marketing

www.youngmarines.org

Combined Federal Campaign

OUR LEADERSHIP Chairman of the Board - William Smith Vice Chaiman of the Board - Richard Yoder Treasurer - Melissa Crane Board Secretary - Tom Craig General Counsel- David S. Jonas MCL Liaison- SgtMaj Angela Maness Appointed Member-Beverly J. Harrington Appointed Member-Zach Johnson Appointed Member- Sheryl Murray

Appointed Member-SgtMaj Gene Overstreet Appointed Member-MajGen Angela Salinas Appointed Member-Howard Snow, PhD-ABD Advisor-Dennis Biddick Advisor- Andre Hollis Advisor- Terri Laskey

CFC11954

Executive Director - Mike Zeliff

2 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


• From Our National Executive Director Young Marines, the country. We now have a robust support Welcome to what is always the most exciting structure and links to each Division. We also edition of Esprit each year, the issue where want to celebrate the stories of our Alumni we announce our national awardees for unit as they use the lessons of Young Marines to and volunteer of the year, as well as our most further their success in life. They are all in prestigious Young Marine honor, the National and kicking off this new program with Camp Young Marine of the Year. We are back to Chester for our youngest Young Marines. normal for the most part again and it has been Summer will be here by the time this issue a busy year already across the organization is published. I ask that all of you be extra with so much more to come this summer! I am careful as the temperature begins to rise. consistently impressed with the articles sent Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be safe in from all of our six divisions, and I am proud throughout all of your summer adventures. I and humbled by the work you are doing across also ask that all of you look after your fellow our country. Young Marines and be sure to represent We had an amazing Adult Leaders yourselves and the program well. NYMOY Conference this year. Our Adult Volunteers Glaskox and I look forward to seeing many had a great time learning new ideas and of you this summer at National and Regional concepts to bring back to their units as well events, most certainly at Camp Chester and as some amazing motivational sessions. The Navajo Code Talker Day. And one last thing, highlight of the ALC is always the awards please take photos and send us articles about banquet. This year’s selection process was your adventures for the next Esprit. We want extremely difficult as usual which speaks to to tell your stories. Now, time for you to read the quality of our volunteers, units, and Young up and enjoy this issue. Stay motivated, stay Marines. The winners are all listed inside, engaged, and keep living a healthy, drug-free but I recommend you watch the latest Young life! Marines News Network or our social media Semper Fi, to watch videos of these great Division and Col Bill Davis, USMC (Ret) National winners. YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox Young Marines National Executive Director is our new National Young Marine of the Year, and he is doing a great turnover with YM/ SgtMaj Koch at National Leadership Academy this summer. YM/SgtMaj Glaskox is full of energy, and I hope as many of you get to meet him this year as possible to interact and share his enthusiasm for this program and Young Marines. I am very excited about the new Alumni Association that is covered in this issue. The Alumni gathered to work on ways to improve their outreach, inclusion, and operations. I Col Davis and Division Young Marines of the Year taking hope that those of you leaving the program a break during the shooting of the Young Marines News this year will sign up. Also, please pass the Network video at the Adult Leaders Conference word to any former Young Marines you know to get signed up. The new program is set up to better pass information along to former Young Marines to keep them updated on all the great things our program continues to do across Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/usyoungmarines and our national homepage www.youngmarines.org

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 3


• National Young Marine of the Year By YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox National Young Marine of the Year 2022-2023

Hello Young Marines! It is that time of year where a new National Young Marine of the Year is chosen, and I am honored to fill that role. I remember being 8 years old, flipping through the Esprit magazine just to see what the National Young Marine of the Year had to say. To me, they were always a role model, a big brother or sister that set an example and encouraged me through their actions and words. I cannot express how excited I am to be that person in your life. I want to be that role model you look up to, a big brother, that helping hand when you fall, and that voice in your ear always saying to never give up! As National Young Marine of the Year, that is my promise to you! I joined the Young Marines program in 2012 at the age of 8. I can confidently say that was the best decision of my life. The Young Marines has taught me how to lead, how to get out of my comfort zone and most importantly, how to fail. Failing is an essential part of success we sometimes overlook. We can get so caught up in our goals that when we have a setback, it can seem monumental and impossible to overcome. In the program and in life I have had many setbacks, inconveniences, and failures, but everything happens for a reason Young Marines! I want to share with you the tagline that has helped me so much throughout the program and in life; “Stay motivated, stay engaged, and live to inspire!” Stay motivated - in life, there will be many times that you will fall down, but your attitude towards that situation determines everything! Even when you feel drained and beat, 4 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022

stay motivated. Pick yourself up and remember how far you have come. Failure is often the precursor to success. So, remember Young Marines, when you fall down, stay motivated and encouraged because success is right around the corner. Stay engaged – it is so important to do as much with your time on this earth as possible. In the Young Marines program maybe that looks like going to that leadership school, that SPACES trip, or that public speaking event. Outside the program maybe that means making new friends, going for a job interview, or trying a new food. I encourage you all to stay engaged with the world around you and seize every opportunity. This can be scary and uncomfortable at times, but remember, we only have one life. Make it count! Live to inspire - this one is the most important to me. There can be so much negativity at times in our world. It sometimes seems so big and scary, but WE can change that. As Young Marines, every single one of us are leaders and we are constantly being observed. So why not live a life that inspires the people around you? Think about one of your mentors, maybe a senior Young Marine, a friend, or a parent. Think about how they influence you with their words and actions. How they inspire you to be better and do better. As the leaders of tomorrow, that is how we are called to act. We are called to live to inspire. As your National Young Marine of the Year, I promise to continue to stay motivated, stay engaged, and live to inspire all Young Marines throughout our program! This coming year is going to be so exciting! I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible. Never be afraid to introduce yourself to me, I would love to talk to you. Have a safe summer and remember Young Marines, “Stay motivated, stay engaged, and live to inspire!”


2022 Young Marines Adult Leaders Conference Recognition and Awards presented for Outstanding Achievements by units and individuals

YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox Selected as 2022-2023 National Young Marine of the Year YM/SgtMaj Jason Martin Glaskox, 17, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is a member of the Mid Cumberland Young Marines based in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. The unit is under the command of Charles Ware. Glaskox joined the Young Marines at the age of eight. His interests outside of the Young Marines program include Varsity basketball. He is a member of Tennessee’s Honor Society. He is the son of Teresa and Ken Glaskox. Mrs. Glaskox is the Mid Cumberland Young Marines’ acting unit Adjutant. We congratulate YM/SgtMaj Glaskox on his selection as 2022-2023 National Young Marine of the Year.

YM/SgtMaj Jason Glaskox 2022-2023 National Young Marine of the Year

Mid Cumberland Young Marines Mt. Juliet, TN

Guest Presentations Offered Inspiration, Insights and Motivation to Conference Attendees Young Marines National Executive Director Col Bill Davis offers welcoming remarks at the opening of this year’s Adult Leaders Conference at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, MO.

(Left): A lively presentation by Mark Kamp, Economic Rockstar, of Opportunity Rocks. Kamp spoke of team building and togetherness in order to lead to the path of organizational growth.

(Left): Tom Holland. Owner and Director of Wilderness Adventures, a company that organizes life-changing adventures for young people in remarkable locations. Holland spoke of his vast experience in working with and helping develop young people through outdoor adventures and experiences

Thanks to our six Division Young Marines of the Year!

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 5


Accepting awards on behalf of their units from DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis and Col Bill Davis

Presentation of 2022 Drug Enforcement Agency Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Division Awards The winners of this year’s Young Marines Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Division Awards were announced at the Adult Leaders Conference at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, MO. The award is named in memory of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena (a former Marine). Camarena worked in Mexico and had come close to exposing the top leaders of a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline when he was brutally murdered in 1985 at the age of 37. Special Agent Camarena posthumously received the Administrator’s Award of Honor, the highest award given by the organization. In his memory Enrique S. Camarena Foundation was established in 2004. National Red Ribbon Week was also established in his memory. It is a time set aside to teach young people to avoid drug use. One of the qualifiers for the award is unit participation in Red Ribbon Week. The winners: Division 1: 1st Place- Natchaug River Young Marines (Danielson, CT) Division 2: 1st Place -Manassas Young Marines (Manassas, VA) 2nd Place- 8th and I Young Marines (Washington D.C.) 3rd Place-LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines (Fredericksburg, VA) Division 3: 1st Place-Milton Lewis Young Marines (Gainesville, FL) 2nd Place-Orlando Devil Dogs (Orlando, FL) 3rd Place- Upstate Young Marines(Greenville, SC) Division 4: 1st Place- Guadalupe Valley Young Marines (Seguin, TX) 2nd Place-Casper MountainYoung Marines (Casper, WY) 3rd Place- Baton Rouge Young Marines (Baton Rouge, LA) Division 5: 1st Place-Miami Valley Young Marines (Huber Heights, OH) 2nd Place-Scott County Young Marines (Scottsburg, IN) Division 6: 1st Place-Miramar Young Marines (San Diego, CA) 2nd Place-Southeast County Young Marines (Midway City, CA)

DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis with Young Marines National Executive Director Col Bill Davis

Special Thanks from Headquarters Young Marines

Young Marines Alumni Association Committee Staff Members

6 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022

The following organizations helped make this year’s ALC a success: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Safe Surfin’ Foundation/Cyber Swat Wilderness Adventures U.S. Representative Jack Bergman Mayor Dan Borgmeyer, St. Charles, MO St. Charles Visitors Bureau


(Left) U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) at Saturday’s Banquet.Serving his country in uniform for 40 years, Representative Bergman has spent time all around the United States – and the world. He is the highest ranking combat veteran to have ever served in the U.S. House of Representatives. From his business to his distinguished military career, and currently in Congress - Representative Bergman is driven by his commitment to serving others.

The Young Marines Alumni Association’s 2022 Samuel K. Beamon Public Service Award, presented to Brian Wheelock of Traverse City (MI) Young Marines

Division Unit of the Year Award Winners

Units and Volunteers Receiving Recognition, Division Awards

We congratulate the following units and volunteers whose efforts inspire our program. Young Marines Units of the Year Division 1 – Rhode Island Young Marines Cranston, RI Division 2 – Mecklenberg County Young Marines Charlotte, NC Division 3 – Mid Cumberland Young Marines Mt. Juliet, TN

Division 4 - Rocky Mountain Young Marines Ft. Collins, CO Division 5 - Lapeer County Young Marines Lapeer, MI Division 6 - Southeast County Young Marines Midway City, CA Young Marines National Unit of the Year: Mid Cumberland Young Marines, Mt. Juliet, TN

Division Volunteer of the Year Award Winners

Young Marines Division Volunteers of the Year Division 1 AVOY – Wayne Hamilton, Rhode Island Young Marines, Cranston, RI Division 2 AVOY – Melanie Foster, Swansboro Young Marines, Swansboro, NC Division 3 AVOY – Dr. Steve Black, Imagine at North Port Young Marines, North Port, FL Division 4 AVOY – Trey Capers, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines, Harvey, LA Division 5 AVOY – Amanda Hardy, Miami Valley Young Marines, Huber Heights, OH Division 6 AVOY – Patricia Bocanegra, Southland Young Marines, Pomona, CA Young Marines National Volunteer of the Year: Patricia Bocanegra Col Bill Davis with National Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Patricia Bocanegra

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 7


MYYM UNIT

A Few Of the Best Things About Being a Young Marine By YM/LCpl Alexandra Clark Capital City (NC)

The Young Marines is a great program to help young people become better in life. I personally like the Young Marines program because it teaches us to have respect for God, our country, our flag, our heroes, others, and ourselves. We also learn discipline, teamwork, and the importance of the drug demand reduction and living a healthy, drug free lifestyle.

We also have a lot of fun in the Young Marines, and we learn many new things and skills by going on encampments and different trips, marching in parades, and taking part in other fun activities. Our staff members teach us new things every Monday at drill. That is why I think the Young Marines program is a great program that helps young people.

Building Bonds, Helping Our Community, and Each Other By YM/PFC Emily Tabor

Imagine at North Port (FL)

Do you like having close friends? Well, you may think it is difficult to have a bond with more than 70 people, but at Imagine School of North Port, you learn, grow and laugh with our Young Marines unit. In the Young Marines, nobody has ever doubted that we have each other's back. We all have a special connection and value the relationship we have built amongst ourselves. In our unit, individuals I have never doubted that I can rely on the Young Marines of Imagine School demonstrate leadership. Our unit has volunteered time with reading camps, retirement For example, Imagine Young Marines have NCO’s in our homes and more. Helping others not only bonds us with our unit. This helps us build bonds because we view higher own unit but with others as well. ranking Young Marines as people we look up to. To put this Young Marines at Imagine learn to build self esteem by in perspective, you may have an individual in your life who helping others. In many situations, we have put smiles on you value and admire. This may be a family member, parent, faces and laughs that filled the room. As a Young Marine, I sibling or a teacher. You may look up to them because you am proud to say I have built many bonds within the unit. I aspire to be like them. This relates to the Young Marines’ have smiled, learned, and laughed with many individuals in bonds because lower ranks strive to be like the higher ranks. the unit. I have never doubted that I can rely on the Young The higher ranks set an example, as a parent or teacher Marines of Imagine School. I cannot wait for more memories would. To continue, Young Marines build bonds by helping to be made with the unit. others. For example, as a unit, we participate in volunteering.

DAR Awards its Youth Citizenship Medal to Texas Unit On February 26, 2022, the Lone Star (TX) Young Marines received the Youth Citizenship Medal from the Michael Stoner chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. These Young Marines have demonstrated the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism. The Lone Star Young Marines’ Unit in Dallas, TX, commits to developing the next generation of leaders while giving back through a variety of service projects that benefit our community, In 2021, Lone Star Young Marines unit had the opportunity to participate in several community service projects in the Dallas area. These services include yard work with the Voice of Hope Ministry around West Dallas, grounds maintenance at Valley View Christian Church, and Back to School for Heroes in partnership with Operation Homefront. In the months of November and December our unit has raised funds for the National Wreaths Across America Day and took part in the National Wreaths Across America’s wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The Young Marines were each presented with a certificate, check, medal, cookie, and a gift bag. -- Submitted by Crystal Farris, Lone Star (TX) Young Marines 8 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


A Michigan Encampment Teaches Cold Weather Safety By YM/SSgt Keegan Szajner Traverse City (MI)

The Traverse City (MI) Young Marines hosted a winter encampment with Lapeer County (MI) Young Marines. It was a short 24 hour encampment where Young Marines got to build their own snowbank shelters and then spend the night in them. Young Marines also learn useful survival skills and cold weather tips to keep them safe in cold Northern Michigan weather.

Times When Young Marines is More Fun Than Work

By YM/LCpl Peter Stoppiello Imagine at North Port (FL)

Yes, you work and sweat, but you also have fun in the Young Marines. We do different activities and community service projects which can all be fun. The Imagine School (FL) Young Marines take part in fishing tournaments, we visit the Treeumph! Activity Park, we go to trampoline parks, paintball and laser tag competitions, go on hikes, and much more! When you think of the Young Marines, you might think of lots of work and difficult tasks, but there is so much more. I’ll explain why Young Marines can be fun. The first thing are the fishing tournaments. Obviously, you fish until a certain time and then whoever has caught the biggest fish or the most fish is awarded a trophy. Next is going to Treeumph!. If you don’t know what Treeumph! is, it is a giant park in the

trees and you can ride zip lines until you get to the end of the course. Other fun activities are competing in paintball and laser tag events. Now that I told you about the fun activities, let me talk about the physical fun activities, like hikes. Hikes are fun activities that give you the opportunity to know other Young Marines while you get a good workout. Our unit also participates in parades. You’ll get a good workout at these, too, and marching in parades, you and your Young Marines unit get to go to various festivals and enjoy a good time. These are just some of the activities that our unit does (and there is so much more). Now that you know about how much fun the Young Marines are, why don’t you ask your friends to join the Young Marines and have all the fun in the world?

Young Marines’ Memorable Visit to MCRD Parris Island By YM/GySgt Gilberto Berrios

were fun! The team building exercises were also fun, some were a little more difficult than others, but we were all able Following a seven hour bus ride, we to complete them successfully. When arrived at the front gate of Parris Island, we weren’t doing PT or obstacle courses, SC. We were all nervous and excited, after we had to get our uniforms ready for a few more minutes, the bus stopped. the inspection we had near the end of Then, we heard footsteps coming up on the trip. That inspection was much more the bus, and a USMC Drill Instructor (or strict than any Young Marines inspection DI) stepped on and ordered all of us to I’ve ever had. I passed the inspection (we get off the bus. all did). We also had to have our bunk and During the week of March 26-30, 2018, the area around it clean and neat, with members of my unit visited Marine Corps everything from our bed made in order. Recruit Depot Parris Island. It was an We had our shoes under the bunks all in amazing experience, it was challenging one direction. but fun at the same time. We lived for While there, we visited the museum and a week in the same barracks as Marine A group photo in front of the Iwo Jima the PX (Post Exchange), where we spent recruits would. We ate in the chow hall, and the food was really good, which monument at Marine Corps Recruit Depot a lot of money. I went there with $120 and Parris Island, South Carolina surprised many of us. left with $0.00! After a very long week, we Besides sleeping in the barracks, and eating at the chow started to pack our things, and loaded back up on the bus for hall, we took part in plenty of activities that challenged all of the last time. Although we were all ready to go home, we were us. We ran the obstacle courses, did team building exercises, going to miss the time we had there, and the experiences and a lot of PT. we had. One of the sergeants who accompanied us on our Although it was cold in the mornings, it quickly warmed trip had basic training there some years ago. Overall, visiting up and running in the heat wasn’t fun, but we had to push the Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island was an ourselves if we wanted to succeed. My personal favorite experience I will never forget. part of the whole trip was doing the obstacle courses, they Imagine at North Port (FL)

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 9


MY YM

YMs Attend and Assist at a Military Vehicles Show By YM/Pvt Robert Smith

UNIT

Atlantic Coast (FL)

I loved the re-enactment because we were allowed to pick up the spent shells after the event. I also helped out by picking up trash. Another reason why I loved it is we saw a helicopter flying, and later we were able to see the inside of the helicopter. Also, we saw WWII era tanks in motion and weapons being discharged (firing blanks). On the morning of the event, it was really cold. We ate some good food. Lastly, we got to take pictures by the tanks and other vehicles. I thought the event was fun!

YM/Pvt Robert Smith in a British Scout Car Left: Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines with a Sherman tank at the show hosted by the Military Vehicles Preservation Association

We Helped Clean After the Show, Too By YM/Pvt Ethan Long Atlantic Coast (FL)

We saw tanks and many other military vehicles. I volunteered all day helping with the 50/50 raffle. We saw a re-enactment of a WWII armor battle using vintage vehicles (The World War II tanks were so loud we had to wear ear plugs). Afterwards, I got to help pick up cartridges, which we were allowed to keep! -- Submitted by Rosanne Vernon, Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines

Learning of History at a Re-enactment By YM/LCpl Adonai Teague Atlantic Coast (FL)

I attended the Military Vehicles Show and was stationed at the entrance of the event to collect donations for the first shift. My buddy and I changed stations to find out if any booths in the event wanted to donate. One of our objectives was to earn more donations for the veterans than our rival unit, Black Creek (FL) Young Marines. At around 1:00 p.m. the re-enactment began, with the military vehicles re-enacting the July, 1943 Battle of Sicily during the Second World War. The island in the Mediterranean Sea was successfully conquered and brought fame to American Gen. George S. Patton and British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, whose battles with German and Italian forces were depicted in the movie Patton. Overall, the event was super-fun and very educational. -- Submitted by Rosanne Vernon, Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines

Right: YM/LCpl Adonai Teague at the Military Vehicles Show

10 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


An Unforgettable Helicopter Ride Over Austin, Texas By YM/LCpl Berry Croft

MY YM UNIT

Capital Area (TX)

In Fall of 2021 , the Capital Area Young Marines had an amazing opportunity to ride in Texas Army National Guard Uh-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Our Unit Training Officer, SGT Bailey assisted in planning this event for our unit as a surprise to us. When we arrived at the hangar, we could hear the helicopter shutting down. I was told by the crew chief that they were doing the beforeflight checks to ensure our safety. We gathered in the aircraft hangar’s briefing room so the flight crew could give us the safety briefing, a short video which included procedures on how to enter and exit the helicopter and how to put on and take off the seat belts. The flight crew was CW3 Delatorre (Pilot in Command), 1Lt Ralph (Pilot), and Sgt Bailey (Crew Chief). There were two lifts for our unit that day. As we boarded the helicopter, Sgt Bailey handed us headsets so that we could talk to each other and for hearing protection. Once Sgt Bailey ensured that we were secure in the seat properly, the flight crew started the helicopter’s turbine engines. Then the rotor blades were spinning, and we taxied out from our parking pad to the take-off location. We flew around Austin, Texas, and we were able to see a lot of the city. We saw the Texas State Capitol, downtown Austin, and the University of Texas football stadium. We also saw Camp Mabry (the headquarters of the Texas National Guard) and Lake Travis. While were flying, the pilots did a few 60-degree bank turns and high-speed cyclic stick climbs. It was very entertaining. Then we landed, taxied to our parking spot and shutdown the helicopter. While we were shutting down, the crew chief opened the cabin doors but told us to stay in our seat until the engines were off and the blades stopped spinning. Once everything stopped, we exited the helicopter. This was very special to our unit. We thanked the flight crew with deep appreciation, and then we watched as they pulled the helicopter in for the post- flight checks and inspections that the crew chief needed to do. On behalf of the Capital Area Young Marines, we thank CW3 Delatorre, 1Lt Ralph, and Sgt Bailey for this amazing flight and this once-in-a-lifetime chance to do something most young civilians don’t ever have a chance to do. --Submitted by Kristina Kennedy, Capital Area (TX) Young Marines

In Memoriam: Former YM/PFC Tristan S. Pope If you are a Young Marine or are involved with the program, you know that we are one big family. And like any family, we are heartbroken to have lost one of our members. We pride ourselves on discipline, leadership, and teamwork but what we value most are the companionship, our memories and individual growth. When Tristan S. Pope joined the Young Marines, he was honored as the most improved recruit in his recruit training class. While in the program, he cared for his community through hours of community service. He reached the rank of Private First Class before retiring to attend the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, a voluntary residential academy in Pierce, ID. Tristan was very passionate about the Young Marines and the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy and a very patriotic young man; he had big goals and dreams to become a pilot one day. Sadly, he was taken from this world too soon. He was a kind soul who the world was lucky to have, and a great inspiration for myself and for many other Young Marines. May he rest in peace. -- Submitted by YM/GySgt Oriana Puaauli, Captain Art Jackson (ID) Young Marines YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 11


LEFT RIGHT, YOUNG MARINES LEARN HOW TO MASTER LEFT RIGHT, THE BASICS LEFT RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT, A Recruit Learns to Get in Step at Drill By YM/Rct Adriana Ciaccia Imagine at North Port (FL)

“Left, Left, Left, Right.” The Gunnery Sergeant called. I was completely out of step. The unit commander yelled “Get in Step!” But I didn’t know how! So I found a way to resolve it. If you're marching as a unit and you're out of step it makes the marching look messy. If you practice marching, it will make your marching look so much better. It may take some time to master the skill. That’s why we practice marching at drill. If you keep practicing, over time, you’ll perfect the skill. It is super important to keep practicing, even at home. The most important part is paying attention to your instructors when they are calling cadence, so you stay in step and aren't causing other people behind you to get out of step. Make sure you’re not taking steps that are too big or too small, because you could cause everybody in your platoon or your squad to be unaligned. Those are some important steps to get better at marching and why it is important to practice. Make sure to practice and you’ll stay in step!

Why I Enjoy Marching With My YM Unit By YM/Sgt Logan Santiago Berrios Imagine at North Port (FL)

Have you ever marched in a parade? I’ve been to too many parades to count. First, the Poinsettia Parade. It was probably the best parade I have ever been in. That parade had many people clapping when we marched past. Veterans saluted as we marched by. People complimented us and said we did an outstanding job. People gave our Unit Commander compliments. I’ve been in this parade three times. All of my experiences were outstanding.

12 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022

Next was the Swamp Cabbage Parade in Labelle, Florida. That parade is also really fun. Personally, I think the best part of the parade is the festival. We attend that parade every two years. I try to go to that parade every time our Unit Commander sends out the listing. The festival is so much fun. Every time I leave I have a full stomach. In conclusion, the parades are the best thing I enjoy in our Unit. There are so many more. Parades are so memorable. I love hearing the different types of cadences Young Marines call.


AttennHUT!!! Marching in Parade “A Good Kind of Scary” By YM/Pvt Julia Bradford

He said, “Get ready, Young Marines ”. Then a Young Marine in my unit yelled, “ Unit AttenHUT, Right FACE , Forward MARCH.” As we started marching down the street, I can't I remember my first time explain how I felt with all the people clapping and smiling doing community service at me and the other Young Marines in my unit. It was scary, like it was yesterday. It but a good kind of scary. I couldn’t help but smile. I know, I was a parade. Waking up at know I was in uniform but it was exhilarating. The crowds 6:00 a.m. just to get ready. that are just there to see you march and clap just for you. I was shaking as I put on After the parade, my partner, YM/Cpl Emily Dinena (now my blouse. Soon I bloused Sergeant) and I explored the festival and ate food until my trousers, still shaking we popped. It was so fun, and I had a stomach ache when with nerves. I got on the bus and soon we started YM/Cpl Emily Dinnea with YM/Pvt Julia I got home from how many fries and hotdogs I had eaten. The next morning, I could hardly roll out of bed to get the trek to the parade. As we Bradford, and YM/LCpl Aurora Cardinal relax after marching in a parade breakfast, I was so sore. My legs hurt so bad. I felt like I had arrived at the waiting area, just marched the whole parade again. I was so lazy that I heard a Young Marine yell “Fall in!” I jumped out of my seat, shocked with how loud Sunday, I just didn’t want to leave the house. My sister had to and commanding his voice was. After falling in, we all went bring me lunch and dinner. Even though I ate too much at my last parade, I can't wait immediately to dress right, dress. I don't know if I was the only one this nervous but my palms were clammy and sweaty. for my next one. Just count this parade/festival as a lesson My Unit Commander yelled, “Eyes, Ears” and we all snapped learned: Don't eat too much or you might just burst. our heads to look at him and hear what he was about to say. Imagine at North Port (FL)

RIGHT FACE, FORWARD MARCH A Few Tips for Growing Into Leadership, Being In Charge By YM/Sgt Cayne Roser

Imagine at North Port (FL)

your subordinates for no reason, you have to have a reason to discipline or correct a subordinate, and make sure that your disciplinary actions are fair to everybody. Don’t treat a person that you know or like any differently. If all deserve a disciplinary action, it should be the same for everybody.

Have you ever been in a situation where you have to be in charge, but don’t know how to be in charge? Well, here is the first tip and it is to be friendly, but not their friends. This means you can be friendly in a certain place and time, but when there is something that needs to be done, you have to put that friendly hat down and put on the leader hat. Even if you know people and are friendly with them, there will be times when you have to take charge of them and tell them what to do. The second tip is that you don’t let anyone take advantage of you, especially if you are friendly with them. They will try to get away from work that you assign to everyone. The third tip is to not be a hypocrite. If you tell people what to do, then you have to do it with them. If you tell people to run or do something with PFT involved, or even cleaning up, you have to do whatever it takes to get the thing done. Fourth is to be understandable. Make sure your subordinates understand you and have heard your instructions clearly. Ask if they have any questions to make sure that your directions have been understood. Young Marines squad leaders marching in step with the cadence caller at the The fifth is to make sure that you don’t punish Swamp Cabbage Parade in LaBelle, Florida

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 13


Learning Facing Movements Can Take a Lot of Practice By YM/Pvt Hendrick Arbelo Imagine at North Port (FL)

“RIGHT FACE!” said Corporal Raposa. I tried doing it and I couldn't, because I had not practiced my facing movements the day before. I decided to tell him the truth, that I didn't practice. He told me, “Practice, Practice, Practice.” The words confused me and they also didn't mean anything important to me until I got on the bus and thought of his three words. I kept hearing, “Practice, Practice, Practice.” Then…the bus stopped. I got in my parents’ car, and then I realized what he meant by practice, practice, practice. He meant for me to practice my facing movements, and what I had trouble with. When I got home, I practiced my facing movements and then it was time for bed. The next day, the bus dropped me off at school and I waited and waited for the bell to ring then…”RING”. I was sprinting so fast I was the first one to go into the classroom and there he

was, the most skilled man in human history, Corporal Raposa. I sat down as fast as possible. Sergeant Black told YM/GySgt Brennan Santiago to march us outside. And then we were outside the classroom marching, led by Brennan. “FALL IN” . in my head, I was thinking ”Please get Corporal Raposa” and soon, I was in the group with Corporal Raposa. He commanded us to fall in and then we practiced facing movements. He looked at me and said, “Hendrick, you are on fire.” It was Thursday, and I had mastered my facing movements. Corporal Raposa called “ Young Marine Arbelo, front and center.” Sergeant Black explained how I practiced all my facing movements and said to the unit, “Give him one”. I can't forget that day, not only because of all my hard work and practice, but also that OOHRA! From that day on, I started to…Practice, Practice, Practice.

An (Almost) Eight Mile Walk Bonds YMs with Recruits By YM/LCpl Elijah Medina Poudre River (CO)

On a Saturday morning we had just fallen in and though all of us were tired, that morning was packed with fun. We started to march, then YM/LCpl Toms and I took turns calling cadence. On our first break we saw our first animal, a deer. Even though our legs hurt, we all kept it together and looked for wildlife. Then we saw Greeley, Colorado’s first skiing resort on Shark Tooth Mountain. We saw a few bald eagles on the way as well.

This walk was our first FRC (Final Recruit Challenge) in a long time. It is a hike we did with our recruits and it bonded the Young Marines and the recruits together. We encouraged each other like we depended on it, which we did, and then after we had that last break we only had one more mile to go, through a city. We just walked for almost eight miles and saw our families waiting for us. They made us chow and it was so good! A day after my leg was sore, but I was okay. I was happy to do the hike. I recommend doing the FRC on the Poudre Trail, so you can see a lot of nature and animals.

Young Marines Practice Drill at Home By YM/PFC William Whiting Imagine at North Port (FL)

Left right left right left. I am so tired of listening to my sister calling cadence. But it is good practice for both of us. My sister and I are both members of the Imagine School Young Marines. She is a Lance Corporal and I am a PFC. One time she was marching me and then I saw the garage door getting closer and I was waiting for her to call the command column left so I wouldn't walk into the garage door. A few seconds later I walked into the garage door and we both laughed together. But it is good practice. This is why practice is good because you do not want to march a platoon or the unit into a wall. Also practice is good because you will learn how to do all of the facing movements. 14 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


Staying Motivated is Key to Success in the Young Marines By YM/Cpl Aiden Morrisette

I realized that I was considered senior among some Young Marines. This boosted my ego and caused me to GIVE EM ONE! OORAH! take Young Marines seriously again. Being motivated is the key When I finally earned promotion to Lance Corporal, I to succeeding in the Young really started helping out in the unit. Because I spent so Marines, therefore, everyone long as a Private First Class, I was really knowledgeable should want to be motivated. in many aspects. This made me a senior Lance Corporal. Once you lose motivation, With the new rank came some new responsibilities. I you’re as good as gone. Trust would actually attend events and even lead one major me, I would know. I have one. This motivated me once again to keep going. been in the Young Marines After being a Lance Corporal for just over a year, I for more than four years, with was promoted to Corporal without Junior Leadership Iagine at North PortYoung Marines two of those years at the rank in a local parade School as soon as my Unit Commander permitted me. I of Private First Class. If you was gaining experience and a good reputation quickly hold a rank for long enough, you may want to give up. Luckily, after leading a few events and Color Guards. I have even led I didn’t. My motivation came back when I finally took the the unit in three parades in the last six months. initiative to get promoted. In conclusion, just being able to help the new people, as the It all started when I was in 6th grade. In our unit you cannot NCOs did with me years ago, is motivating enough. Seeing have poor grades and get promoted. I wasn’t the best student events succeed that you help lead is a fantastic feeling and and was struggling with some of my classes, so I couldn’t get keeps me wanting to do more. I’m sure others can share this promoted. Then I got used to not having any responsibilities experience as well. Maybe they’ll keep helping the future and just existed in the unit. I didn’t really do anything until generations of Young Marines, too. Imagine at North Port (FL)

Learning Command Voice is Essential to Communication By YM/LCpl Janiyah Rodriguez Imagine at North Port (FL)

Have you ever been talking to someone or marching and you couldn’t hear the person talking or calling cadence? You have to be loud so everyone can hear you over the cars, crowds, and even the Young Marines themselves. You have to be loud so you can be able to show you can call cadence, especially if you’re a Lance Corporal, because, in our unit, that skill is needed to be promoted. You’re marching, and marching, and marching. Other Young Marines are telling you you’re messing up, but it’s not your fault. It’s the person calling cadence. You couldn’t hear them. You think ahead to that parade you have in a couple of months. If you're out of step then, and other Young Marines are out of step too, because of that person calling cadence. The parade is going to be a mess. That would be terrible, and embarrassing for your unit. If we can’t hear them over a couple of cars... How are we going to hear them during a parade above a crowd of cheering people? After that Young Marine was finished drilling, it was your turn. You're nervous, anxious, you don’t realize how hard this is until you actually do it. You stand in front of seven or eight Young Marines, and start calling cadence. You could hear the other Young Marines mumbling and trying to find out which foot they were marching on. When you were done, you asked for constructive criticism, and everyone was saying how they couldn’t hear you. You start thinking back to what you were thinking earlier, how the parade was going to be a mess if no one could hear you calling cadence. After everyone finished drilling, you and that

other Young Marine met up and started practicing together. Each of you got louder each time you did it, and by the time you were done, you both sounded ready to drill. You both practice everyday, and by the day of the parade, you both sounded great. Everyone could hear you, everyone was in step. It looked great. It sounded great. When the parade was over you felt great, you accomplished being loud in front of a lot of people. Everyone was complimenting you, your unit, everyone. You all felt great. What would have happened if you didn’t practice, you didn’t think about. You're just glad you did practice.

Learning to master a Command Voice assures that cadences are heard and marching units keep in step

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 15


Who We Are Tens of thousands of youth have passed through the ranks of the Young Marines since its inception in 1959. The Young Marines Alumni Association seeks to reconnect all former Young Marines back to the national youth organization by providing a platform for them to engage with other alumni and inspire future generations of Young Marines.

Chair and Vice-Chair Intentions Together we are looking to make a more inclusive and transparent cadre of Young Marines Alumni members who want to better the Young Marines program for the youth we currently serve. We want to work closely with HQYM and the YM Board of Directions as we work towards success with our three main intentions. One being the retention of adult volunteers and building a pool of alumni for micro-volunteering. Secondly, having alumni members who celebrate diversity and continue to honor inclusiveness into the program. Lastly, with more Young Marines joining the Alumni Association after graduation, we will develop a survey that will help the organization gain information about our members so that we can share it publicly. As our alumni have received so much from the program, we want to make sure what we are giving back is equal to or higher.

https://youngmarines.org/unit/alumniassociation/AlumniHome

16 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


CONNECT

INSPIRE

ENGAGE

Active Initiatives

Projects in the Work

Camp Chester Samuel K. Beamon Public Service Award Michael B. Kessler Scholarship Leadership School Awards Alumni social events Alumni engagement at local events Senior Seminar

The Young Marines Alumni Association transition team has been working extremely hard at revamping the association and we would like to take a moment to thank each and every person that has helped along the way. We are proud to announce the team is moving along nicely and has added 14 new committee members. Along with this the committee team is hard at work with lots of ideas. These ideas include: Camp Chester, scholarships, ALC 2022 social event, leadership awards, exit survey, and volunteer survey. Be on the lookout to see what the Young Marines Alumni Association has to come!

YMAA Charter Signing

On January 12, 2022 at Headquarters Young Marines, the Young Marines Alumni Association had a relaunch event and charter signing. There we talked about the exciting changes and opportunities that are taking place in the coming months. Thank you to those that attended, especially the nine alumni that were present, and all the other alumni and supporters that watched virtually.

Memberships

Chairman of the Young Marines Board of the Directors, Bill Smith, signs the new Young Marines Alumni Association charter

Learn More

Donate

BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! @YOUNGMARINESALUMNIASSOCIATION @YMALUMNI YOUNG MARINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 17


Community Service Hours? Volunteer for Class Adjutant BY YM/LCpl Amya Sternquist Imagine at North Port (FL)

Looking to get more community service hours? If you are, then you should try being your unit’s adjutant. The class adjutant helps the Unit Commander by passing out all the graded papers, such as email tests, rank structure, and military time practice papers. I became class adjutant one early morning during the first few weeks of the school year. “Who wants to be the class adjutant for first period?” I remember my Unit Commander calling from the front of the room. I remember raising my hand, and seeing several other students raising theirs as well. He looked at me, and wrote my name on the board next to the words, “Class Adjutant”. Now, you might be thinking that being an adjutant is pretty simple, but it’s not. Depending on your class, you might have as many as twenty five people in it.

So, passing out 2-3 papers isn’t going to be easy. There are many ways to sort and pass out papers, but I have a technique that helps me save a lot of time. First, you have to arrive into class early, so that almost nobody is in the classroom. Then, you separate the papers by subject. For instance, some papers might be rank structure, and some papers are on the weekly class email test. Then, you take your papers and divide them into high school and middle school. Now, you have four piles. Whenever someone walks through the door and goes to their seat, search through either the middle or high school piles and find their papers. Then, give it to them and you’re done! In conclusion, being class adjutant is a job to keep you busy, and will help get you community service hours.

A Community Service Project at the Local Elks Lodge On March 26, 2022, the Miramar Young Marines worked a community service event in El Cajon, CA at the El Cajon Elks Lodge (Lodge 1812). Seventeen of the unit’s Young Marines worked as servers during an Elks fund raising banquet. The banquet hosted more than 200 guests. There was a flurry of activity as the Young Marines, dressed in their uniforms, scurried about the banquet hall refilling the guests’ water, iced tea, and coffee, and clearing the tables of dishes throughout the four-hour event. The Young Marines received many compliments and much praise for their efforts. They were diligent, dedicated, and

professional and were outstanding representatives of the Young Marines program. The Elks Lodge collected tips for the Young Marines' efforts throughout the evening, donating the money to the Miramar Young Marines. The Elks donated a total of $438.25 in tips to the unit! The Miramar Young Marines have developed a partnership with the El Cajon Elks Lodge and have been volunteering with their lodge for ten years. This partnership benefits both the Elks Lodge and the Miramar Young Marines. The Young Marines provide a multitude of Color Guard ceremonies, Honor Guard ceremonies, and an annual Flag Day ceremony at the lodge. Young Marines work the Elks Toys For Tots event, distributing toys to hundreds of community members during the Christmas Season, and have worked during their food drive distribution, assembling food bags for the local community. In appreciation towards the Young Marines, the El Cajon Elks Lodge has graciously donated money to the unit’s general fund and to the unit’s Valuing our Veterans flag pole project. The Elks allow the use of their ceremonial hall, banquet hall, and outdoor patio for Young Marines recruit graduations and retirements, all free of charge. On many occasions, the Elks have even served the Young Marine Honor Guard a special Barbecue hamburger lunch on their spacious outdoor patio after they have performed their flag dedication and presentation ceremonies. The Elks’ generosity and hospitality are beyond reproach. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded in 1868 in New York City and has since spread to almost 2000 locations throughout the nation. They are, “A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, (is) an inspiration to youth, (and) a friend to veterans, and more.” Seek out an Elks Lodge near you and start your Young Marines unit’s partnership. -- Submitted by Bret Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines

18 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


Winter Camping: Snow, and Something Called a Quinzee By YM/PFC Caleb Svec Traverse City (MI)

I enjoy Young Marines a lot. One of my favorite things are the encampments we have at our camp, Camp Buday. Michigan gets a lot of snow, so we went on a winter camping trip, which was a lot of fun. We made quinzees (shelters made from snow) and slept in them for one night. It was a lot of fun building them! Lenawee County (MI) Young Marines joined us. The food was great, all enjoyed it. We had hot chocolate and we had s’mores. Also, we played Capture the Flag (yes, in the winter). We also do summer camping trips. They are so fun. We play Young Marines and snow shelters during their Winter Camping Trip at football, volleyball and other games. There are many other Camp Buday, MI Young Marines there, which makes it a lot of fun. this. We also have a rope that we climb across. We have the At Camp Buday, there’s an obstacle course. It starts with a red paracord that we pretend is a laser and we have to get to balance beam then there’s a tall ladder. There are two wooden the other side and we can’t go through one that we already poles with metal poles going up to the top. Then there are went through. We had a lot of fun doing all of these activities. over-under poles. Then there are tires that you go through I always look forward to going on camping trips, especially at and then touch the flag pole. We track our times while we do Camp Buday. I enjoy Young Marines. It's a lot of fun!

We Learn Life Skills Through Tug of War Competitions By YM/LCpl Kyle Empey Imagine at North Port (FL)

The Tug-of-War is a bi-weekly event that we, the Imagine School at North Port Young Marines, love to take part in. As the platoons in our company face off against one another to win the coveted golden trophy, a symbol of two weeks’ worth of bragging rights. We use the strength and determination found in all Young Marines to win. Although it is a great thing to be able to show off and brag about being the winning platoon, we also gain some very important life skills from it, such as teamwork, motivation, and determination. All of this is learned while also having a blast at one of my personal favorite activities. So how does Tug-of-War actually teach us anything? Isn’t it just a game? Yes, it definitely is a game, but it’s more than just that, it’s a competition as well. What’s the difference between a game and a competition? A game is something that you have fun doing, like playing video games or watching TV, whereas a competition is something that people compete against each other in order to achieve a goal, the keyword in this being “compete”. Tug-of-War, is a combination of both. The Tug-of-War is an event that every Young Marine I know has so much fun with, but it’s also competing to win the trophy. So, let’s move on to why it’s important. As mentioned before, it teaches us teamwork, motivation, and determination. First, the Tug-of-War teaches us teamwork because in order to win the Tug, you and your partner(s) have to be synchronized in every movement you do, communicate with one another, and combine your strength in order to pull the other team until you win. This applies to every person’s life because someday, whenever you have to work together with someone, you’re going to need the skills of communication and synchronization if you want to successfully complete your

The winning team poses with trophy (foreground) and secures bragging rights for two weeks

goal. As the saying goes, “there is no I in teamwork”, which is something that Tug-of-War teaches you. Secondly, Tug-of-War teaches the necessary skill of determination and motivation. There is a difference between these two words. Motivation is the drive to get started on something, and determination is the drive to finish it. How do these two words relate to the Tug? Well, in order to get yourself prepared and ready for the Tug-of-War, you need to have the motivation to want to do it. If you don’t have any sort of motivation and just feel like being a little lazy today, how are you going to be able to win? The same thing applies in life. If you want to be lazy, then how are you going to succeed in whatever your task? Tug-of-War teaches you with its two different outcomes: Either you get motivated and win, or you are lazy and lose. You need to have the determination to win. If you don’t push yourself to win, you’re not going to win. In the end, Tug-of-War is an activity that we Imagine School at North Port Young Marines love to play, both for fun and for competition. The Tug-of-War has built up the skills of teamwork, motivation, and determination in all of us and it will in you, too. YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 19


Bedford Competition Promotes Safe Marksmanship for YMs By YM/SgtMaj Ian Ross

LCpl Caleb John Powers (VA) Division 2 Young Marine of the Year

Recently, 22 Young Marines from Divisions 1, 2 and 3 attended a National Young Marines Tri-Division shooting competition at the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office range in Bedford, Virginia. Young Marines units participating included the General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta (GA) Young Marines, Gettysburg (PA)Young Marines, LCpl Caleb John Powers (VA) Young Marines, Manassas (VA) Young Marines, Milton Lewis (FL) Young Marines, and Orlando (FL) Devil Dogs Young Marines. Before the competition, we visited the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. It was absolutely awe-inspiring. Seeing the size and the severity of the monument was humbling. The D-Day landing on June 6, 1944 was the largest air, land, and sea operation in history. It included more than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and most importantly, 150,000 servicemen. The reason this monument is located in Bedford is because it was the community that suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. After visiting the monument, we moved on to our safety briefing for the shoot the next day. The Bedford County Sheriff's Office allowed us to use their range and also showed us some of the equipment that they use. On the day of the event, we competed with .22 rifles, shooting at paper targets 50 yards away. The four highest scoring Young Marines will be given the opportunity to compete again on November 18, 2022 at HQYM/American Veteran’s Center Big Shot fundraising competition in Ashburn, Virginia. The four winners and two alternates from the Tri-Division competition are:

20 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022

1. Dearion Mason Parker - LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines 2. Dylan Seay - LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines 3. Michael Machosky - Manassas Young Marines 4. Alex Mendoza – General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta Young Marines 5. Ian Ross – LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines 6. Anna Schrimsher – LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines Last November, several Young Marines from the LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines were able to participate in the Big Shot competition and it was a great experience. It was held at the Silver Eagle range in Ashburn, VA (an indoor range). The evening consisted of target shooting with 9mm pistols. The winners were awarded trophies and bragging rights. It was a fun and competitive event, and you should consider participating if you enjoy shooting. After the competition part of our event was over in Bedford, we spent the rest of our time having fun practicing shooting pistols at steel targets. During the event, the Bedford County Sheriff's Office demonstrated their “corner shot pistol” and their Heckler & Koch UMP 45. They demonstrated semiautomatic, burst, and fully automatic operation. After the competition, we concluded with a pizza/pool party and our awards ceremony. It was a ton of fun, and everyone did an amazing job shooting and shooting safely. Photos by M. Colin Burch Photography


HONORING VETERANS

Santa Clarita Young Marines in a Veterans’ Day Ceremony By YM/Pvt Dodger Larson Santa Clarita Valley (CA)

On Veteran’s Day (along with two of my fellow Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines), I volunteered to meet our Marine Corps League liaison in Simi Valley. We had no idea what we were going to do. In the morning, I woke up at 0600 hrs., ate breakfast, and put on my Cammies. A Young Marines Staff Member picked me up at 0800 hrs. In the car with two other Young Marines, we drove to Simi Valley Veterans Plaza. We three got out of the car and helped a member of the 562nd Air Force Band. When we walked to the main area, we noticed it had a small pond with many geese. Nearby was an American flag surrounded by the U.S. Armed Forces flags. As we got a closer look, we saw that they had a replica of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Our MCL Liaison arrived with color guard gear. We didn't know it, but we were going to shoot an M1 Garand for a 21-gun salute. For the color guard, I carried the POW/MIA flag. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars called to the colors, we marched in and faced the crowd. A veteran’s daughter sang the National Anthem, followed by a member of the Civil Air Patrol reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We marched off, stowed our gear, and listened to a presentation of the history of the Tomb of the Unknowns. The time came. We had practiced for a while, got into positions, and then the command came “fire!”. The first shot

Top:Young Marines assist in firing the 21-gun salute Above: A replica of the Tomb of the Unknowns

was surprisingly strong for only a blank! The first shot scared off all of the geese, the second shot told them not to come back. After we took a few pictures, we met up with some other Young Marines at a restaurant in Newhall (CA). During that Young Marines event I felt especially proud serving my country by serving others. Semper Fi!

-Submitted by Catherine Hagopian, Adjutant, Santa Clarita Valley (CA) Young Marines

North Port Young Marines in a Veterans’ Day Ceremony By YM/LCpl Haylee Anders Imagine at North Port (FL)

Do you ever get a good feeling when you put a wreath on your door? Well, you can get an even better feeling when you place a wreath on the grave of someone who served for this country. If it's a relative, friend, or stranger, you’ll feel amazing doing so. I know, because I was a part of this event. It's called Wreath Across America. The Wreaths Across America organization brings wreaths to different cemeteries in order to place wreaths on the graves of veterans to honor them for their service. At Wreaths Across America, there are many people and volunteer

groups who help with this event, such as our Young Marines unit as well as other units throughout the United States. When you attend these events you feel special and important. Your behavior should be serious and you should be respectful. When you finish and look over all the wreaths, you feel so good about yourself. There are other ways to help during the event. One such way is help put wreaths in trunks of cars of people, in order that they can go place the wreaths for a relative, friend or a fallen comrade.

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 21


HONORING VETERANS

In Orlando, Honoring Spanish-American War Veterans I am the Unit Commander for the Orlando Devil Dogs, we are a young unit full of Young Marines who want to stride and be leaders. I had one of my Young Marines write what he thought about the event that we helped on our last drill. Here is what he wrote. -- Submitted by Luis Cambal, Unit Commander, Orlando (FL) Devil Dogs

By YM/PFC Hunter Muller Orlando Devil Dogs (FL)

On February 26, 2022, the Orlando Devil Dogs went to Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, FL, to clean the graves of the section, where the Spanish-American War Veterans are buried. Arriving at the graves of the fallen, it saddened me deeply to know that YM/PFC Muller and fellow Young they’re forgotten, left to Marines cleaning one of the markers at Greenwood Cemetery history, faded away. It felt like an honor being able to clean the graves of the forgotten soldiers and show my gratitude and thankfulness towards the soldiers known only by God. The graves were in an extremely dirty state, so cleaning them required a bit of hard work, but was all worth it. First of the graves that stood out was Robert G. Huge SgtMaj US Marine. It was a great honor to knew he served as a Marine and gave his life for this country, so I and others could be alive and free today. Following that was Philip Rosenberg, the last commander; Charles W. Burrows, a Marine of an unknown rank; Lewis Ebert, Corporal, U. S. Marine. I felt great pride knowing they all served faithfully for the United States, while we cleaned the muck, filth, and soil from their graves. I could sense the gratitude they would have felt in knowing people came out to care for their graves and remember them. In a sense, nobody seemed to pay much respect to them, as they fought in what is now a largely forgotten war. It was a great honor for us to come out clean their graves and to pay our respects to them, even if for a short time.

Furthermore, my fellow Young Marines and I felt a sense of pride in doing our duty to honor our soldiers, who were forgotten to history, knowing that they were forgotten and abandoned, while their graves decayed. This made me realize how much more we should honor and remember our times of peace and stability. I wouldn’t want to be forgotten. No one else would want to be forgotten, either. So being able to give them a last thank you made me ecstatic with pride and happiness. I am sure they would appreciate the gesture. Despite not knowing these soldiers, it made me really appreciate our freedom given by veterans. To protect those who cannot protect themselves or to fight the enemy soldiers so we can live in freedom. I knew deep down, eventually anyone of us one day may find ourselves in their boots doing what they did for us, for everyone in our country. And all the feelings I have stated is shared by others, such as YM/PFC Parrish when he stated, “I felt as if the spirits were full of joy because no one shows them respect and no one visits them, even though they gave their life for our future, they gave their life for our freedom, and they gave their life just for people to ignore them.” So, all in all to any veterans I can speak for America that we thank all the veterans who served and faithfully fought for our freedom.

Orlando Devil Dogs at the monument honoring veterans of the Spanish-American War

1898: When the United States and Spain Went to War The Spanish-American War Spanish and the Americans began to was fought between April negotiate an end to the conflict. As a and August of 1898. It began result, Spain gave up Guam, Puerto Rico following the sinking of the as well as Spain’s possessions in the West USS Maine in the harbor of Indies and the Philippines. Havana, Cuba, amid tensions In 1976, a team of American naval between Cuba and Spain (and investigators concluded that the Maine The USS Maine (BB-10) Spain and the United States). explosion was likely caused by a fire that Military actions between the ignited its ammunition stocks, not by a United States and Spain took place around the world, Spanish mine or act of sabotage. including at the Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines Source: Nautical History Gallery and Museum. www.nhgallery.org/uss-maine and the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. By August, the Image Source: Library of Congress 22 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


HONORING VETERANS

Miramar YMs Pay Their Respects at a National Cemetery On February 26, 2022, the Miramar (CA) Young Marines spent a day at the Miramar National Cemetery cleaning the headstones of the many brave men and women interred there in order to pay their respect for the sacrifices made for our country and our freedom. The white marble headstones are porous and can be stained by contaminants in the air and water. The Young Marines, using buckets of water, mild detergent, and soft-bristled brushes, worked as a team, moving quietly down the rows of white marble headstones, cleaning each one in succession, bringing them back to a glistening white. As they cleaned, the Young Marines took note of who was buried there and reflected upon their ages, ranks, wars they were in, and their branches of service. They were amazed to find several headstones listing three wars (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam). All were in awe. Headstones listed the person’s branch of service, and wars as Korea and Vietnam; one headstone listed a veteran’s service in three branches of the Armed Forces and service in two wars. They wondered aloud about what it would have been like to speak to such an individual and what stories they could have told us. The Young Marines cleaned several hundred headstones in one section of the cemetery, section 15. Throughout the day, relatives visiting their loved ones stopped to talk to the Young Marines and thanked them for their efforts. The Young

Marines were moved by this experience and all wanted to return another day. The Miramar National Cemetery comprises 313 acres of land and is located on the North-West corner of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on the grounds of old Camp Kearney and Camp Elliot. Camp Kearney, an Army Camp founded in 1917, was named after BGen Stephen W. Kearney, a leader in the Mexican-American War. The camp was one of many established at that time as a mobilization and training center for troops being sent to the battlefields of WWI. Camp Elliot, bordering the east side of Camp Kearney, was a Marine Corps Base founded in 1940 and named after George F. Elliott, a former Commandant of the Marine Corps. This National Cemetery was designed for 161,000 burials and is expected to serve San Diego area veterans for the next 60 years. -- Submitted by Bret Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 23


HONORING VETERANS

Pins Honor Vietnam Veterans In March, Guadalupe Valley (TX) Young Marines conducted the Vietnam War Veterans Pinning. Five Vietnam Veterans attended and were presented with pins in honor of their service. The ceremony took place at the SS American Memorial in Seguin, TX. Following the event, the Guadalupe Valley Young Marines stayed for a campout at the facility. --Submitted by Dina Dillon, Unit Commander, Guadalupe Valley (TX) Young Marines

The Guadalupe Valley (TX) Young Marines honored these veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces during the time of the Vietnam War, (November 1, 1960 to May 15, 1975). This year’s honorees included Navy veteran David Beanziger, Army veteran Thomas Garcia, and Air Force veterans Frank Gerhardy, Reno Reiley and Larry Miller.

Amazon Smile Program The Amazon Smile Program is an easy way to raise money for the Young Marines every time you shop, at no cost to you. To use Amazon Smile Program: • • • •

Go to smile.amazon.com and log in using your usual Amazon.com login. Click on the AmazonSmile link at the top of the page and then click on the Add Charity button under Your Current Charity. Choose Young Marines of the Marine Corp League, Inc. (this is the legal name associated with our Federal ID number). Then simply shop like you usually would. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, but with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Young Marines.

Get the word out! Tell friends, families, people in the community that this is a great way they can support the Young Marines. If Amazon wants to give money away, then let’s make sure we take advantage of their generosity! For more information about the program go to Learn More About AmazonSmile.

24 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


Some Thoughts on Learning How to Lead

Why Learning Good Leadership Habits Should Be a Priority By YM/Cpl McKinley Cartee Imagine at North Port (FL)

There I was, during a Young Marine Battalion Encampment. We were doing a hike, but this wasn’t just any hike, we were doing the hike with no trail and no map, just a compass and directions that were given to my platoon sergeant. He followed the directions as he thought they were written. He would assure us, “Oh, I know where we are going.” News flash: he didn’t, and because he didn’t want us to give our input, we couldn’t tell him that we were going the wrong way. Long story short, we were the last to eat, as we arrived at 1900 hours. Now, what was the cause of this whole situation? The leadership of my platoon sergeant. You never want to be a bad leader when you're in charge of a group, and you never want to be in a group where the person in charge doesn’t have very good leadership skills. Bad

leadership can lead to bad results, these results include low group confidence, challenges becoming more challenging, harder time staying together, the group not reaching its full potential, causing discontent within the group, and just an overall difficulty with anything the group does. To avoid these situations, there are a few things you can do. When you are going to lead a group, always take into consideration your personal flaws and emotions and keep them in check, focus on how you affect the group and make sure you aren’t causing anything, always encourage and listen to the ideas of others in your group, make sure you are showing good morals and ethics, and always keep your group in check, to make sure they’re on task or check with them on how you are doing as a leader. When you notice the person in charge of a group is using poor leadership, you can give constructive criticism, or you could go up the chain of command and suggest to the leader above them to talk to your group’s leader. Now, I’m not saying you should tattle on them, unless they did something real bad, just tell the leader above them that your group leader needs some improvements. If you follow these suggestions, then you won’t end up like Mr. Bad Leadership, stranding your group in the middle of nowhere.

How YM Junior Leadership School Made Me a Better Leader By YM/Sgt Emily DiNenna Imagine at North Port (FL)

Wearing a red national t-shirt, my khaki bottoms and my cover, my hands sweating, I nervously waited in line to check in to my first day of Junior Leadership School. I didn’t know what to expect. This is my first time going to a leadership school. Little did I know that the skills that I learned in those two weekends would help me become a better leader. The first weekend was a difficult adjustment, to say the least. We woke up to get ready at 0530 hours to be in a formation 30 minutes later in full uniform. Throughout the day, we attended classes and participated in physically challenging activities such as running an obstacle course at the camp. We had classes in map reading and compass class and a class on the qualities of a leader (and what strengths leaders should have). We split all of the students that were at the Junior Leadership School and put them in their own squad. Each person had a designated time to lead that squad. One of the things that you have to do to pass Junior Leadership School is to pass an exam that shows your ability to lead a group of people to a certain place using certain commands. The next morning also came very early. At 0530 hours, we were awaken to get into a formation 30 minutes later. This

time we were wearing our PT uniform. We were getting ready to take the Physical Fitness Test. For the next hour and a half, we were doing physical activities that included a one mile run, sit-ups, the flex arm hang,shuttle run, and the v-sit and reach. The Registered Adult Volunteers at the school made sure that I was pushing myself and that I never gave up no matter how difficult the event. All of the events that occurred at Junior Leadership School, all of the intellectually and physically, challenging activities, helped shape me into the leader that I am today. The two weekends at Junior Leadership School helped give me the confidence to be able to call cadence for a group of people, a skill I would have never been able to achieve if I wasn’t pushed out of my comfort zone when I was in Junior Leadership School.

Young Marines receive Certificates of Achievement upon completing Junior Leadership School

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 25


My Personal Journey Through Leadership By YM/Sgt Hannah Weinrich Imagine at North Port (FL)

Imagine standing in front of a whole platoon of Young Marines, and all are waiting for any commands that you are going to give them. You get that feeling of accomplishment and joy that you have made it through the ranks. Well, that's what I feel every time I lead in any opportunity that has been given to me, whether it’s drill squad or simply leading a color guard. I have been in my unit for seven years and been given so many leadership opportunities that I thought I would never get. I am most proud of the leadership opportunity that I had in leading my unit’s silent drill squad. I

love seeing the drill squad learning what I’ve taught them and using that knowledge to complete a successful demonstration. It also makes me happy knowing that the knowledge will stay with them and they, too, can lead the drill squad. Another proud leadership opportunity I had been given was being able to teach the new recruits in my unit. I felt a sense of joy when I taught these recruits the basics (which include marching, facing movements, and the creed and obligation). When I was a recruit I dreamed of leading recruits and teaching them what I learned, and now many years later I am able to achieve that dream. There are more opportunities that I was given in the unit that I could write a book about, but these examples are some of my proudest opportunities I have taken. I encourage others to step up to as many leadership positions as they can, because the more leadership skills you gain, the more successful you will be in the Young Marines.

A Young Marine’s Essay: Established American Values Will Continue to Guide Us During Times of Adversity By YM/SgtMaj Jason M. Glaskox Mid-Cumberland (TN)

Since the beginning of our country's history, we have faced adversity. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Wars, foreign and domestic, terrorism, inter-country disagreement, cultural oppression and most recently a deadly pandemic that has swept the world by storm. Despite the odds, our country has always overcome the many struggles and difficult scenarios we have faced. The question is, how? How has a country that can seem so divided at times unite to overcome such immense challenges? The answer stems back decades ago, when our founding fathers set forth values that have governed the American people since 1776, our American values. Throughout history you will find the American people to be patriotic leaders who can unite to endure and conquer any scenario. There is no better example of this than the recent world wide COVID-19 pandemic. Our world has been swept by storm by the COVID-19 pandemic. The infection and death rates of this never before seen virus was astonishing. Many were unprepared for such an outbreak and were left seemingly hopeless. With such a virus

ripping through the United States, how would we combat this? Once again, the American people relied on the values instilled in us decades ago. Health care workers endured long hours, local communities raised money and awareness businesses closed their doors to prevent spreading the virus; Americans across the country sacrificed happiness, time with family and friends, wealth and normality to combat this virus. Through the values we uphold and the sacrifices we volunteered, the American people once again united to endure. “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger–but recognize the opportunity,” said former President John F. Kennedy. COVID-19 has been a dangerous opportunity for the American people to once again realize what our foundation as a country is. At the end of the day, what makes our country the “land of the free and home of the brave” is the values we have kept dear to us since inception, our American values. EDITOR’S NOTE: YM/SgtMaj Jason M. Glaskox of Lebanon, Tennessee, is a member of the Mid-Cumberland Young Marines in Mt. Juliet, TN. Jason has also served as Division 3 Young Marine of the Year for two years. He was named 2022-2023 National Young Marine of the Year at this year’s Adult Leadership Conference.

Federal Employees and Military Members:

The Young Marines’ Combined Federal Campaign Number is 11954 We Appreciate Your Support!

26 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


STRIVE for all FIVE!

With Motivation and Practice, a 500 Score is Within Reach By YM/LCpl Conner Sayers Imagine at North Port (FL)

You look around and you hear people exhaling and exhausted. You have your hands above your head. You’re tired, finishing the mile run. Sergeant Jake tells you to keep your hands above your head and get a drink of water. You realize that you came a minute short of getting a 100 on the mile run. Here are strategies to get a 500 on your PFT. Have you ever been mad/upset when you come just a little short of getting a 100 a PFT event? YM/Sgt Jake once had this same problem. One day, three years ago, when YM/Sgt Jake was a PFC, he was 1.72 seconds short on the shuttle run. He got a 100 on everything else. This got him a 490 on the PFT. PFC Jake was discouraged at these results, but the unit commander motivated Jake to not give up. Jake decided that when he got home he would make two white lines and practice for days. Four months later, at the next PFT, he had been promoted to Lance Corporal. Now YM/LCpl Jake received a 100 on each of the events, and this gave him his first perfect PFT. Three years later, Sergeant Jake has been promoted to Staff Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Jake is now motivating YM/PFC Peterson, who was discouraged because he scored a 495 and

he was going for a 500. Staff Sergeant Jake gave him some strategies. He suggested that Peterson buy a pull up bar and practice his flex arm hang. Staff Sergeant Jake also suggested that he should make two white lines in the yard and practice the shuttle run. PFC Peterson listened, and practiced. When the next PFT came, Peterson scored a 500 on the PFT. He couldn't be happier at that moment. At the next drill, YM/SSgt Jake was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and PFC Peterson was promoted to YM/LCpl. January 2022: The PFT is happening again. It's the mile run time, and Private Jefferson comes two minutes short on the mile run. He stays motivated and asks YM/GySgt Jake how to improve for the mile run, and is told to run one mile everyday and time himself. So Private Jefferson practices for five months, running one mile everyday. At the next PFT, Private Jefferson finishes the mile run a minute earlier than he needed to get a 500. February 2022: YM/GySgt Jake has helped two Young Marines to get a 500 on the PFT. Private Jefferson and PFC Peterson both have achieved 500 scores and are starting to help people give the same strategies to other members of their Young Marines unit that YM/GySgt Jake gave them. The unit commander is very proud of YM/Gy Sgt Jake, so at the following drill YM/GySgt Jake was promoted to Master Sergeant. YM/LCpl Peterson was promoted to Corporal after he came back from JLS. YM/Private Jefferson was promoted to YM/PFC and a few other members were also promoted. A new recruit got a 500 score during the PFT at the recruit training and everyone was impressed. Use these strategies to get a 500 score on your next PFT.

Practice, Stretch and Pace Yourself For Your Next PFT By YM/PFC Chloe Santiago-Berrios, Imagine at North Port (FL)

PFT stands for Physical Fitness Test . The PFT has five events. The events are V-sit , sit- ups , mile run , shuttle run, and flex arm hang or pull- ups. These are a few tips to use during the five events of the PFT. First, we’ll talk about the flex arm hang / pull ups. All girls do flex arm hang. Let's say you are 13, then you have to hang 21 seconds to get a 100%. In Flex arm hang for boys, the highest score you can get comes from hanging for 30 seconds. Pull ups for boys, age 13 and older require eleven for 100% score. Next is the V-sit and shuttle run. V-sit is where you sit on the ground and reach. You have three tries and then the fourth one counts (a tip: stretch before you do it). Shuttle run is when you start at a line and run and grab the bottles. You are also timed. A tip is to always stay low. Finally, there’s the mile run. The mile run is the hardest event for some people. You run one mile. You should never start off going your fastest, or sprinting. You should start at a light jog pace, because you will not get tired as early as you would starting off at full speed. You should go full speed at the end by the finish line. YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 27


Pay close attention to all of the individual elements in your Physical Fitness Test -- your final score is a total of all five

PFT: Those Scores Will All Add Up at the End of the Day By YM/Pvt Tyler Randall Atlantic Coast (FL)

The PFT (Personal Fitness Test) is important! You need to see how fast you can run a mile, and work on getting better for the next run. Also, we have practice runs and the PFT run. Scoring below 199 on the PFT is not good. A score around 200-299 is okay, from 300 to 399 is good, and a score above 400 is great. A perfect score (of 500) is the best! Another event besides the run is the pull-up bar. Also there is the leg stretch (sit and reach), sit-ups, and the shuttle run. All add up to your score! -- Submitted by Rosanne Vernon, Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines

Unit Encampment Offers Challenges By YM/PFC Eian Vernon Atlantic Coast (FL)

I was very happy to attend my third Unit Encampment at Camp Blanding, Florida, which is the training base for the Florida National Guard and some activities of the Florida Air National Guard. The camp is located near the city of Starke, in Clay County. When we were on our way to the encampment, a few of the recruits seemed scared. I wasn't supposed to speak to the recruits yet, so I didn't. When we got there we put our gear in the barracks. We went to the field to do our training, and then we went to sleep. I woke up for fire watch duty, then later I went back to sleep again when fire watch was over. In the morning we did PT (physical training.) Then we went to the rappel tower and the obstacle course. I rappelled down the big tower for the first time! The next day we packed up camp and went home. -- Submitted by Rosanne Vernon, Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines

28 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022

YM/PFC Eian Vernon wearing safety gear required for rappeling.


Tell Us About Your Young Marines’ Perfect PFT Scores! Unit Commanders and Adult Volunteers are encouraged to submit information about your unit’s Young Marines who have achieved Perfect Physical Fitness Test Scores. Please include the date of the test and (if available) a photo of your Young Marines, so that we can share this proud achievement with the readers of Young Marines Esprit magazine.

Another Perfect PFT! First Perfect PFT!

On January 29, 2022, YM/Sgt Roman Schumacher scored another perfect PFT. This is his 2nd 500 PFT score for the unit. He also scored a 500 at JLS. Thanks to our three Young Marine Schumacher brothers for keeping the Unit PFT average score high! --Submitted by Scott McKenna, Unit Commander, Rocky Mountain (CO) Young Marines

Congratulations to YM/Sgt Abbigail Purdy of General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta Young Marines who earned her first perfect PFT on April 20, 2022.

--Submitted by Rebecca Thomas, General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta (GA) Young Marines

YMs PFT - You’ll Need to Pass for Promotion Eligibility By YM/PFC Ricky Robertson Imagine at North Port (FL)

PFT stands for Physical Fitness Test. It is a test that you must pass to get promoted. The score you must get to pass varies upon your rank. The minimum score is 200 up until YM Lance Corporal, then it becomes a minimum of 250 points to pass. The five events in the

PFT are sit-ups, flex arm hang (if you are 12 years or under), pull ups, v-sit, shuttle run, and the mile run. To get a 500 (a perfect score), you have to get a 100 in each of the events. To get a 100 in an event you have to get a certain time or amount of something which depends on your age and gender. The younger you are the less you need and if you're a female (in most events) you need a little less than if you are a male.

Young Marines Siblings Provide Rivalry and Motivation By YM/LCpl Chiara Rocco Keystone (PA)

I am fortunate not only to be a member of the Young Marines, but to have my four siblings in the program as well. It is nice to have members of your family in the program, because even when you are not at drill, they can still help you study your knowledge or do PT. It is also fun because whenever we have a PFT, there is always a certain amount of sibling rivalry about who will get

the highest score, and this can help you push yourself even harder. This past year I had the awesome experience of being an assistant drill instructor for the recruit class my youngest brother was in. It was an opportunity I was very grateful for. To all those who do not have a sibling in the Young Marines, never fear. You can make fantastic friendships in the program, and these people can motivate and inspire you to do your best work in everything you do.

Jimmy Trimble

Jimmy Trimble Jimmy Trimble

pro in consequas ra niendeliquo cum que et ratiis et es et iur simoleni re quame presequi odia conecto tatur? Qui ipidem ut fugiatent. Ibusdan diaepel lorecusantem de etur apid maio molorem eictium el mil min re voluptiorem vel et laut esti aut apitatibus eum nimporporum eribus. Denisi totaspi debitatem coneceaquam haribea rchilibus et, que int

diaepel lorecusantem de etur apid maio molorem eictium el Ibusdan diaepel lorecusantem de etur apid maioIbusdan molorem eictium el mil min re nimporpovoluptiorem vel et laut esti aut apitatibus eum nimporpomil min re voluptiorem vel et laut esti aut apitatibus eum rum eribus. rum eribus. totaspi debitatem coneceaquam haribea rchilibus et, que int Denisi totaspi debitatem coneceaquam haribea Denisi rchilibus et, que int

SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

This award is presented annually to two Young Marines who exemplify the fine qualities of James “Jimmy” Trimble III. Trimble was doluptatior a star athmint. Solorrum Eptur mint. Solorrum imenimi ncienis denis ipit Eptur alitius imenimi ncienis denis ipit doluptatior alitius doloris nonsequiNe alis debisi inihill orioreptia derspelita volorepe nonsequiNe doloris alis debisi inihill orioreptia derspelita volorepe Eptur mint. Solorrum ncienis denis ipit doluptatior alitius professional baseball to first serve his country in the Marines. lete who passedimenimi up the opportunity to play He died at as verfero odipic totas providere, ut ene qui conemporum aspidellam qui conemporum aspidellam as verfero odipic totas providere, ut ene doloris alis debisi inihill orioreptia derspelita volorepe nonsequiNe proetinesconsequas ra niendeliquo cum que et ratiis et es et iur simolepro in consequas ra niendeliquo cum que et ratiis et iur simoleage on March 1, 1945 Iwo qui 19 conemporum aspidellam as verferoon odipic totasJima. providere, ut ene ni re quame presequi odia conecto tatur? Qui ipidem ut fugiatent. ni re quame presequi odia conecto tatur? Qui ipidem ut fugiatent.

Applications are due September 1st, 2022 by mail to education@youngmarines.org Full information will be sent to all Unit Commanders and is posted on the Content Management System under the Program/Events page. The mission of the AVC is to guard the

legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, we preserve the stories – and lessons – of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn.

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, we preserve the stories American veterans. Through oral history and lessons- of veterans andprograms present, preservation,past educational and from which future generations can learn.

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, we preserve the stories – and lessons – of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn.

civic events, we preserve the stories – and lessons – of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn.

YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 29


1st Degree Lifesaving Award Presented to Arizona YM An award presentation at Phoenix, AZ Station 54 was made on March 12th, 2022, by Young Marines National Executive Director Col William Davis and the Desert (AZ) Young Marines. A Lifesaving Award 1st degree was presented to YM/ SSgt Salvador Velazquez of the Desert (AZ) Young Marines, based in Glendale. In addition, two awards were presented to the Phoenix Fire Department for the outstanding efforts they made in saving a Young Marine family’s house. On Nov. 5th 2021, YM/SSgt Velazquez saved the lives of two of his family members during an early morning house fire. The Phoenix Fire Department Units responding to the scene were E44,E40,E172, BC161, SQ44, L161, E54, WDC, BC3, U171, E925, R15, SDC, FI27, FI39, PI3 and CR16. On March 12th, during the Desert unit's promotion and awards ceremony, Mrs. Angelica Davila and YM/SSgt Velazquez presented the Phoenix Fire Department Battalion Commander and Fire House 54 with an award of appreciation and thanks for everything they do for our communities. --Submitted by Mark McCain, Unit Commander,Desert (AZ) Young Marines

Col Bill Davis presents 1st Degree Lifesaving Award to YM/SSgt Salvador Velasquez Center: Angelica Davila expresses appreciation to Phoenix firefighters

My Account Profile

Update Your personal information

Parent Portal

Online management system for parents of Young Marines The portal allows you to stay up to date and maintain all of your Young Marines family information in one location. Manage your Young Marines, family/emergency contacts, and personal/medical information. You will now re-register your Young Marines and register each of your Young Marines for the events they qualify for. Access the Parent Portal through www.YoungMarines.org by using the login button in the top right corner and follow the steps to set up your account. If you need assistance please contact Patricia Borka at info@youngmarines.org. Once your account is set up, you will login and then you will be taken to a landing page where you will have access to the Parent Portal features as well as announcements, calendars, guidebooks and additional information.

Family Contacts

Attach and manage your Young Marines and the Family Contacts

My Young Marines Profile

Update Your Young Marines personal information

Medical Info

Update personal and medical information

Health History

View medical history

Medications

Authorize and update medications

Allergies

Update Allergies

Immunizations

Keep immunizations up to date

Agreements View and sign agreements and waivers

www.youngmarines.org

30 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


Cooperative Projects Work to Benefit Women Veterans While attending the National Women all-natural ingredients, filled mason of Influence Awards banquet in order to jars with the mixture, and included receive the Next-Gen Award on behalf instructions. The jars were delivered to of Young Marines Alumni Sophia M. another team of Young Marines, who Righthouse, I was seated at a table decorated the jars with ribbons and with Jodie M. Grenier, a Marine Corps a Young Marines tag. These jars were Veteran, and the Chief Executive Officer included in their Bright Beginnings of The Foundation for Women Warriors. Baby Shower gift baskets. Speaking with her, it was obvious The Young Marines had a great deal that she was involved with a valuable of fun while serving their community non-profit organization the Miramar Miramar (CA) Young Marines making items for and assisting an extremely worthwhile The Foundation for Women Warriors Young Marines could assist with our cause. Our unit looks forward to our next community service efforts. opportunity to assist The Foundation for The unit first assisted the foundation by having a Young Women Warriors. Marines Adult Volunteer assist them in assembling holiday The Foundation for Women Warriors is gift bags for women warriors and their families at their a 100-year-old non-profit organization Southern California facility. Then in March of 2022, we found a dedicated to honoring and empowering way in which we could get the unit’s Young Marines involved. the women veterans’ community. The foundation was sponsoring the “Bright Beginnings Baby Originally known as Military Women In Shower Drive”. Young Marines made products for their gift Need, the Foundation was established baskets. in 1920 as a housing association for The Young Marines donated everything needed for the widows, war nurses, and mothers of project. First, they made dozens of organic sugar scrubs for fallen service members. Their mission Hand Print Clay made by use by expectant mothers. The Young Marines formed up in states, “We are on a mission to serve Miramar Young Marines teams and set to work. A team of Young Marines carefully women veterans and their children measured and mixed the all-natural ingredients to make so that their next mission is clear and continues to impact the organic scrub. Next, they filled decorative mason jars the world. Our programs enhance the personal and economic and sealed them. The jars were delivered to another team wellbeing of women veterans and address the growing needs of Young Marines who decorated the jars with bows and for the increasing population of military women transitioning ribbons and added a Young Marines tag. Next, Young Marines to civilian life.” made dozens of jars of an organic “clay” used to preserve the --Submitted by Bret Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines little handprints of the newborn babies. Again, working in teams, the Young Marines carefully measured and mixed the

PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL 2022

The Young Marines’ annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance event takes place on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Young Marines and Adult Volunteers from around the country travel to Hawaii and gather for a week of activities. Since 2012, the Young Marines have participated in a ceremony placing a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, along with many veterans organizations. In 2015, the Young Marines presented a plaque in honor of the sacrifices and courage of our Pacific Campaign Veterans.

On December 7th, Young Marines participate in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day parade held in Honolulu, Hawaii. We carry banners for the parade and form a color guard of different units that marches with the Military Joint Color Guard in front of the parade. If you would like to be a part of this memorable event, talk to your unit. A tentative schedule for next December appears below.

We are planning the 81st Anniversary in full force. We would like to see as many Young Marines in attendance as possible. HQ will closely monitor the COVID-19 status in Hawaii. We will be working diligently to offer as much free or low cost billeting on the military bases as able. There will be more information emailed as we get closer to registration this summer. Schedule: Note that dates and times are subject to change.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022: Arrival Day Friday, Dec. 2, 2022: MCBH Kbay Day Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022: Free Day Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022: Free Day Monday, Dec. 5, 2022: Hike (TBD)

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022: Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific TBD Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Parade Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022: Departure Day

Get started on fundraising now! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at pearlharbor@youngmarines.org. YOUNGMARINES.ORG | 31


Young Marines 17739 Main Street, Suite 250 Dumfries, VA 22026

In Our Next Issue of Esprit:

Tell us all about the things that your unit is doing this summer and as always, remember to include photos! Make sure stories from your unit are included in the next issue!

32 | ESPRIT Vol 2 2022


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.