Howdy all!
Yes, as you gaze upon the photo above, you will see our color guard from the 24th Annual Glendale FireFighters Parade held on 7 October and standing along with them is the National Director of the Young Marines, Michael R. Kessler. Mr. Kessler was visiting our Unit prior to attending the 3rd Annual Arizona Young Marine Ball held the same day. Mr. Kessler inspected the unit prior to the parade, talked with each of them and even walked the parade route with them! WOW!!! Mr. Kessler later “coined” some of the Young Marines for their outstanding actions! To be “coined” is a way to be recognized for performance or achievement. To be coined by the National Director is an outstanding honor. Young Marine SSGT Joseph Gonzales was “coined” at the Ball for his outstanding presence during the parade. Young Marine PFC Ryan Bullock was coined during the ball by Mr. Kessler for performing in the Honor Guard during the Ball.
Glendale Parade
Well, like I mentioned, we also attended the 3rd annual Young Marine Ball on the 7th of October. All the units in Arizona had representatives attending. Mr. Kessler gave an inspirational speech to the Youth as well as the Adult Volunteers about the work that they are doing. Mr. Kessler also reached out the parents informing them of the opportunities with helping the units and working with the youth. The Young Marines were able to “dress up” looking sharp in their Charlie Uniform or girls wearing dresses (yes, dresses). Fun was had by all. There was plenty of food and doorprizes as well. A helicopter ride was donated and run by one of the attendees.
YM CPL hernandez
We have been busy with trying to raise funds for our unit as well as the four Young Marines that will be going with the Apache Bravo Unit to Washington D. C. for Veteran’s Appreciation Week. Those four will participate in parades, opening ceremonies for the World War II Museum. They will be touring many of the normal attractions as well. One of the highlights will also be to lay a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The cost for this trip isn’t free. Although we have some money set aside for them, we are looking for ways to assist in funding for this trip.
We are also beginning our next recruitment. With some recruits already signed up and having a head start, we will officially begin Registration on 10 October with an informational meeting at our usual meeting place during normal meeting hours. (For more information about the recruitment, please refer to the Registration page). With so many already signed up and the starting date growing closer, we are closing registration on 17 October, 2006. Our recruitments generally start out with a weekend campout and this is no different. We will have our beginning on Friday 27 October through Sunday 29 October. This will be held at the White Tanks Reginal Park. The recruits will start with learning about physical fitness and how important it is in our program. They will also learn about discipline, respect and following orders. The campout is rough, no bones about it. But the youth look back at it as one of their most favorite memories.
We are always looking for ways for fundraising and of course we accept any and all donations! Being not-for-profit makes it interesting for covering the cost for some things such as the graduation, summer programs and leadership schools. But these are opportunities of a lifetime for many of these Young Marines so we do what ever we can.
Anyhow, look for us anytime your out and about. You may never know where you might see us! I will give you a hint though, we are everywhere!
Until then, hope all goes well for you and yours. Come by for a visit anytime. Look forward to seeing ya!
Take care all!
If some of the parents are willing to help out and/or know someone who would like to help, please let us know. You can contact us at desertyoungmarines@hotmail.com or can call me at 623*570*3154. You also may attend the weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 6:00pm to watch our Young Marines in action. You can then contact any of the Adult Staff to offer your help.
That is all!
Mr. Roach
Commanding Officer