Photo By Sgt. Michael Ito | Young Marines of the Saddleback Raiders unit, Camp San Mateo, Marine Corps Base Camp...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - It was like many other mornings on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 13. Echoes of “aye-aye, sir” rang through the hills and salutes were rendered during a formal colors ceremony. But something was different. Those responding with such passion and respect were not Marines, yet.
These were young Marines, a youth service and education program that promotes the moral, mental, and physical development of its members, according to its official website, www.youngMarines.com. Yet, to its members, it is so much more.
The Young Marines is sponsored by the Marine Corps League, and is the face of the Marine Corps’ youth anti-drug initiative. It is designed to keep kids eight to18 out of potentially harmful situations by providing them with constructive free-time activities.
The activities come in the form of group meetings or outings, and lessons designed to develop the core values that make up the backbone of the Marine Corps.
Young Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam Derkum, 16-year-old unit leader for the Saddleback Raiders detachment of the organization, based out of Camp San Mateo, MCB Camp Pendleton, says, “the Young Marines program gives so much to each of us.”
“The [Young Marines] program is an opportunity to instill competence and give [the kids] confidence when they may have been shy,” says retired Sgt. Maj. James Harkins, volunteer adult leader of the Saddleback Raiders unit.
Harkins explains that, in no way, is the program a recruiting tool for the Marine Corps. It is very simply a way to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in our country’s youth.
Another distinction that Harkins is adamant about making is that the program is not a rehab solution for problem children, but rather a place where kids can belong to a family.
“The program is inclusive. They will take kids as they are, never lowering their standards, and use the right mix of discipline and mentorship to help them achieve their goals,” said Deanna Cedillo, mother of 10-year-old Young Marine Pfc. Josiah Cedillo.
“The lessons we learn here carry over into real life,” says Derkum. “The discipline helps kids in school and at home. We learn teamwork, and how to get along with people. It’s not often a 16-year-old, like me, can see the difference between a normal kid and someone who obviously knows how valuable responsibility and integrity are.”
But the program is not all hard lessons. “We get to have a ton of fun, too,” adds Derkum.
It is very important that the kids get all the same opportunities as real Marines. They get to hike, do the obstacle course, jump out of helicopters, step off the tower in the swim tank, almost anything they want, said Harkins.
It might seem that this is too much for kids as young as eight, but Cedillo explains, as a group, they (Young Marines) are incredibly strong. There’s not much they can’t figure out.
Their hard work and development does not go unnoticed. The Young Marines are awarded with ribbons and medals just like in the Marine Corps. They are recognized for excellence in everyday activities like maintaining a high grade point average or outstanding physical condition, as well as devotion to community and Corps.
Whether it be a full-sized rappel tower, or a fun Saturday afternoon game of two-hand touch football, the Young Marines is an organization that ensures a strong youth.
“The Young Marines have given me everything I need to be a successful person. I wouldn’t give up my five years here for anything. I’ve learned too much and had so many great opportunities,” said Derkum.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2010 21:18 |
| Story ID: | 61829 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, US |
| Web Views: | 270 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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