Metro-Atlanta Young Marines

Newsletter Issues 153 - 154 - 155 - 157 - 162 - 164 - 170

Newsletter # 170 - Jan. 1 2007

CO’s Corner

It has been a good year. Two recruit classes, three encampments, a trip to Parris Island, and a lot more. We will "wrap up" with Toys for Tots and then it is time to enjoy the holidays. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Semper Fi, LtCol Mederos, CO

Unit Young Marine of the year

We congratulate 1st Preston on being selected as Young Marine of the Year for our unit.

Drill Hours
Attention new Young Marines. Reminder, drill hours are 745am-2pm. These are the hours when you return to drill on January 6, 2007. NOT 730a-230p which were recruit training hours. Remember to always bring a lunch and drink, all PT gear, complete cammy uniform and Young Marine guidebook.

Corp fundraising & Salesmanship Ribbon
Any YM bringing in $200 or more in Corporate donations will earn the Salesmanship Ribbon.

Earning Ribbons
There are certain ribbons Young Marines can ear outside of Young Marines such as Sportsmanship, Musicians and even Community Service. These must be earned as a Young Marine, not as a recruit, and you must present documentation to us to support.
Such as a letter from your coach or instructor. For Community service hours earned, submit a list of all hours, with an explanation of the service performed and a letter from a sponsor of the activity.
Additionally, for the Color Guard ribbon, 5 public Color Guards are required. You must keep track of these hours & present a completed list of the dates to us. The same applies to the Organized Unit Trip for encampments. You must present us with the list of the two encampments that you have attended to qualify. We have gotten too large for the staff to keep track of all of the above; however we will verify attendance at encampments. Let us know if you have any questions.

Replacement of PT Shorts
If you need to replace your black PT shorts, please give Mrs. Henson or Mrs. Styron a check in advance since they have to be special ordered and embroidered.

Ribbons & Ribbon Bars
Please see Mrs. Henson or Mrs. Styron at the beginning of drill, if you need replacement ribbons. The cost is $1.00 each.
We also carry a limited number of ribbon bars and will sell them at cost.

Newsletter Issue # 164

CO’s Corner

Summer is officially over. No more excuses for not studying or getting in some good PT. Young Marines should be showing up for drill ready test, train, and take charge.
With Recruit Training going on, the next few months are going to be busy. This is a good opportunity for Young Marines to help out, get noticed, and get promoted.
Think you know the Young Marine Guide Book well? Then teach a class to other Young Marines. Think you’re in shape? How about leading the next Daily Seven?
.Semper Fi, LtCol Mederos, CO

Marine Corps Family Day

Date: Sept 17, 2006 10a-3p
Attire: Cammy trousers, cover, boots & YM red t-shirt
Our unit is delighted to be invited to participate in Marine Corps Family Day. It is a great recruiting opportunity as well as a fun day for our Young Marines. The location is the Navy/Marine Reserve Training Center on Delk Road across from the base. (for those who remember, this is where we used to meet. (This is an optional activity) We need YMs to man the recruiting table during short shifts. Before or after your assigned time, you may take advantage of the games and refreshments. The Falcon Cheerleaders will be present & there will be refreshments, lunch, a Space Walk, a Dunk Tank & Cammy face painting. RSVP to Ms. Damante to attend.

1st SGTs Corner
What’s up Young Marines? I would like to take this opportunity to talk about one of the most important components of leadership, setting the example.
Setting the example is one of the primary ways Young Marines begin to establish credibility and understanding with those they lead. Physical fitness is perhaps the most obvious ways a leader in the military sets the example. The desire of a leader to remain fit, despite the time demands of daily life, sends a positive message about balance and prioritization. Your appearance, the way you dress, your bearing, carriage and demeanor are all ways you can set a effective example. You set the example through your conduct, the way you treat other people, and the attitude you bring to Young Marines every drill. Remember, you set an example with everything you do. Be very conscious of this and make sure you are sending the proper message to your fellow Young Marines. Your actions, your personal example, speak more loudly than your words and your Young Marines are always. Will YOU set the example?
Semper Fi, YM 1st SGT Preston

Welcome New Staff Members
We would like to welcome Mr. & Mrs. Styron as official new staff members. Mr. Styron will be our unit photographer and Mrs. Styron will assist Mrs. Henson with uniform & supply.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to Young Marines who have September birthdays.
Eric Mederos – September 14
Please Return Calls
If a staff member leaves a message to return a call, please do so. We rarely make calls unless it is important. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Winter Party Dec 2
Its time to start thinking about the winter party on Dec 2. Parents are needed to help plan the menu, work on decorations and many other things. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Emerson. Thanks

Ready for PT?

Young Marines Lee DeHaas, Eric Mederos, and Caland Riley model the new black PT shorts the unit has gone to as opposed to the original olive green Marine Corps shorts modeled by Young Marine Katherine Crawford far left.

Young Marine in Canada

YM CPL Drew Greene attended the Canadian Cadet Challenge this summer. This program exposed Young Marines to the challenges of the wilderness while they interacted with youth of similar age and interests from the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC). Young marines and Cadets trained together at the RCACC Rocky Mountain Training Center near Cochrane, Alberta. They received training from certified experts in glacier mountaineering, rock climbing, water sports (kayak or canoe), mountain biking, back packing, and attended a cadet leadership course during their visit.

Newsletter # 162 - Aug 5

CO’s Corner

This years Parris Island trip was a big success. Twenty Young Marines and seven staff members survived five days of brutally hot weather to spend time at our nation’s finest recruit depot. Everyone agreed that the trip was very challenging but even more rewarding. On August is recruit registration. Keep spreading the word to potential Young Marines.

School will be starting soon and that will be your primary focus. Get ready now by getting back on a regular sleep cycle (no more staying up past midnight) and read a few books to keep your mind sharp.
Semper Fi, Lt Col Mederos, CO

Recruit Registration

Remind your friends of upcoming recruit registration. If you recruit 5 new members, you can earn the recruiting ribbon.

Date: Saturday Aug 12

Time: 1p-4p (must be present for full presentation)

Cost: $75 per recruit to join

Location: Marietta Central Library

Directions: Take I-75 North to Marietta exit 265. Turn left at the light. At the intersection of North Marietta Parkway and Hwy 41, turn left. Go two lights to the “Big Chicken” and turn right onto Route 120 (Roswell Street.). Continue West approximately 1.4 miles. The library is located across from the Marietta National Cemetery on the left hand side of the road. Turn on Alexander Street. Parking is to the rear of the building.

ACE Program

Young Marines 1st Sgt Elizabeth Capawana, Gunnery Sgt Evan Emerson and LCpl Katherine Crawford along with Young Marines from all over the US, welcomed exchange students to our country for the ACE program.

Important Notes & Reminders

Addresses: If you move or change your email address or telephone number, please let Ms. Damante know so we can update our records and you do not miss any unit information.

EMAIL: Are you receiving regular email communication from us? Be sure we have your email address. Please forward to Ms Damante.

Last Minute Calls: We are trying to teach your Young Marines responsibility. Parents also need to take responsibility. Do not wait till the night before an event to call a staff member for directions, or missing uniform pieces. Make plans earlier.

Calling: Please do not call staff or other Young Marines after 10pm.

Camel Backs

We have a shipment of the camel back hydration system for sale at a cost of $20. Please let Mrs Henson know if you would like one.

August Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following Young Marines who have August birthdays.

Alex Styron 8/1 - Lori Ivie 8/3

Caland Riley 8/5 - Nicholas West 8/17

Fundraising Fliers

The new corporate fundraising fliers are now available. If you feel you know of a business that might make a donation, please ask for a flier. Be sure to get the full name and address of the sponsor so we can send a proper thank you. It doesn’t have to be a big corporation. It can be your employer, your dentist, your barber etc. Let’s make this fundraising approach a success. Thank you.

Alphas Now Available for Sale

We have just gotten a new shipment of Alpha uniforms in from Parris Island. Two events are coming up that will allow wearing of the Alpha uniform. The Marine Corps Ball in November and our Winter Party on Dec 2, in additional to color guards. This is an optional dress uniform. If you would like us to outfit your Young Marine in Alphas, please contact Mrs Henson to set up an appointment for your Young Marine. Our prices are quite reasonable.

Upcoming Fundraiser

This Oct, new recruits and Young Marines will be selling Sonic discount cards as a fundraiser. There will be a friendly competition and the group selling the most will receive a pizza party. Look for details coming in September

Issue 157

Staff Notes

Issue 157….Strengthening the Lives of America’s Youth…..May 20, 2006

American Heroes Air Show

Thank you staff and parents for all of your hard work at the air show. As a fundraised we did very well raising over $1000.

We received many compliments from the Air Show Coordinators on how hard our Young Marines worked and how well behaved they were. Eve Everyone’s participation was greatly appreciated.

Encampment June 2-4

Our next encampment is a three day encampment scheduled for June 2-4, Friday night through Sunday. The location is the same as the last encampment, Resaca. We will again need food donations to keep costs down. Please let Ms Damante know what you can bring.

Arrival Time: 6pm Friday

Location: Resaca (see our website for directions)

Dismissal Time: 12n Sunday

RSVP: Required by 27 May to Ms Damante

Gear List: (Attached)

Car Pool: Contact Mrs Emerson

Directions: Directions: located north of Atlanta near Calhoun. It’s about an hour drive from Marietta. Traveling North on I-75, Take exit 318, Turn right off the exit. Go approx 4 miles. At Chitwood rd turn right. This is the first road past Resaca Church on the right. It comes up quick. Stay on this road until you see the staff.

Event Directions

Reminder: .Directions for events off base (like the Air Show and the encampment) are now posted on our web site. Lately parents have been calling staff members late the night before or early the day of looking for directions. Please check our web site for directions if you have not received them or lost them.

New Promotion Processes

We realize that there is still some confusion on what the new promotion processes are.

In accordance with new national policies & the new Young Marine guidebooks, all Young Marines must have Performance Qualification Review checklists in their guidebooks checked off by an authorized staff member to advance through the book & to the next rank. Look through the guidebook and you will see various checklists. The Young Marine is to learn all required knowledge up to that checklist & when ready be tested on it. Then they move to the next checklist.

The new guidebooks change the entire structure of the program & how promotions are earned. If you lose this guidebook the cost is $5 for a replacement. It is critical that your Young Marine not loose their guidebook since it is their documentation of achievements.

Parents please take a moment to look through the guidebook. The checklists when signed off by the appropriate staff member are stepping stones for your Young Marine to progress through the ranks. Requirements must be achieved for a promotion within a guidebook. To jump to a higher rank in a different guidebook, a national test is given.

When YMs are ready to be evaluated, contact LCPL Gore for an appointment or for all questions. This can be at any drill when we are on base.

Once all Performance Reviews are completed in the guidebook, the national test is taken for the next rank above their current guidebook. LCPL Gore will be glad to review the process with any parent.

Corp fundraising & Salesmanship Ribbon

Any YM bringing in $200 or more in Corporate donations will earn the Salesmanship Ribbon.

Replacement of Uniforms or Gear

Please check with Mrs Henson for the cost of the replacement of any uniform or gear item. If your Young Marine needs a new uniform, you will have to purchase it. We can give you the address of the surplus store where we get the uniforms.

Parris Island

RSVP: By June 1 to Ms Damante

Dates: July 24-28

Costs: Food $50, Transportation costs TBD, plus individual spending money

All Young Marines age 12 and up please notify Ms. Damante if you want to go to Parris Island. It will be first come first serve.

We are still working on transportation arrangements which will determine total numbers allowed to attend and the transportation costs per person. Additionally each YM usually takes some spending money to spend at the PX. The unit will pick up a portion of the costs but renting vans & the price of gasoline makes this a costly trip.

Gear lists & further details will be provided to those confirmed to attend.

Parade Attendance

We have several public parades coming up this summer where it is very important that we have as many Young Marines attend as possible. Please make every effort to participate in our public parades this summer as strong attendance makes our unit look its best. We will also have a Color Guard in each parade and Young Marines are needed to carry our banner.

Issue 155

Staff Notes: Issue 155 Strengthening the Lives of America’s Youth Apr 22, 2006

CO’s Corner
This week we begin promotion testing using the new Young Marine guide books. While much of the knowledge is covered during drills, you will need to study at home to pass.
On May 6th, we will be at the American Heroes Air Show. This is a regular drill, and it is a good opportunity for us to do recruiting, fund raising, and have fun too.
Make sure you RSVP to Ms. Damante.
In July we will be going back to Parris Island. This is always a popular trip and there are budget limits on how many can attend. If you are interested make sure you let the staff know. Semper Fi.
Lt. Col. Mederos Commanding Officer

Field Games a Great Success
New Young Marines and current Young Marines spent an fun filled afternoon bonding in team building activities. The day started off with 2 lanes of bowling, followed by traditional field games and a cookout. Thank you parents for the food donations that made the cookout possible.

Young Marines at Multicultural Fair
We have been invited to man a recruiting booth at a local elementary school, Hollydale in Marietta. They are hosting a multicultural fair and expect about 500 family members to attend. We will have all of our static displays and photo albums available plus sign-up sheets. We are looking for about a dozen Young Marines to participate in formation and drill movements. Please RSVP to Ms Damante if you can participate in full cammy uniform.
Location: Hollydale Elementary
2901 Bayberry Drive
Marietta, GA 30008
Time: 1030a-2pm
Attire: full cammy uniform

Young Marine Summer Camp Selection
Selection of Young Marines to attend Young Marine summer camps is very competitive as we are limited to how many we can send to each camp. National Headquarters sets the criteria and limits each unit on
how many they can send to ensure a fairer selection process for all.
Selection is based on age, rank, attendance at drill, conduct, PT scores between Oct & Dec of the prior year, and a minimum of at least one year with the unit is mandatory. Some camps have additional rank and age requirements. The minimum age for the least restrictive camp is 11years. We give priority to Young Marines who have not attended a camp before.
The cost of each camp varies from $200 to $300. The unit pays ½ of this cost. Parents must pay the other half at time of registration. Most importantly, we strive to select Young Marines that will be outstanding representatives of our unit in all areas; knowledge, drill, behavior, physical fitness etc.
If you aren’t selected this year, you have something to strive for. Become more active. Increase you PT score. Study for your rank promotions. Ask for help if you are not sure. The staff is here to help you.

New Staff Member
CPL Boyer’s staff packet has been approved by Headquarters and he is now an official staff member. Welcome to the staff.

American Heroes Air Show
Saturday May 6, 2006
Thanks everyone for pulling together for donations for the air show. We are making good headway. We need to know by April 22 what our donations are so we can buy the rest. Please notify Ms Damante if you plan to donate an item. Parent ,volunteers are still needed for the afternoon shift (2p-5p), to work the air show, the early shifts(6a-10a) & (10a-2p) are full. Proceeds go towards defraying the cost of the Parris Island trip and upcoming encampment.
(remember parents must wear a YM shirt) We will have them for sale for $5 if you have not already bought them. Young Marines are needed all day if possible. RSVPs are required.
Here is the list of what is still needed:
hamburger Pickle slices (3 large jars)
Cheese (american) (250 slices)
Bottled water individual bottles (need 5 cases)
250 brats or German Hot Dogs
Chips-10 bags of 24 each-individual bags
ice (8 bags)
Soft drinks (coke/sprite/diet coke) 3cases

Absences
Absences are not Excused unless we are notified in advance. Perfect attendance with 2 excused absences earns a ribbon at the end of the year. Notification of absences should be done by the Young Marine, not the parent. NCOs and above must notify the CO, all others an XO. Thanks for your cooperation.

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Issue 154

Staff Notes: Strengthening the Lives of America’s Youth Apr 1, 2006

CO’s Corner
Congratulations to all of our new Young Marines. Recruit training is over but Young Marine training is not. Your next training evolution is team building with your fellow Young Marines. This week's drill will help bring everyone together and should be al lot of fun too. Many thanks to all of the staff and supporters for an outstanding graduation ceremony.
Semper Fi.
Lt. Col. Mederos Commanding Officer

Thank You for Your Help
Thank you to the following moms for all of their help at graduation:
Mrs Sherry, Mrs DeHaas, Mrs Blackwell, Mrs Wimbley, Mrs Henson, Mrs Preston, Mrs Price

Congratulations
Honor Graduate PFC Joby Cliner (left) and runner up PFC Teshan Grey
Ribbons & Ribbon Bars
Please see Mrs. Henson if you need Replacement ribbons. The cost is $1.00 each.
We will start carrying a limited number of ribbon bars and will sell them at cost.

Drug Demand Tip
Did you Know? Kids who are using drugs rarely think it’s a problem.
What can I do to protect my child? You can intervene to stop your child’s drug use. Take your child to a professional for an assessment.
Did you Know? Some kids can’t stop using drugs on their own.
What can I do to protect my child? Do what the professional who assessed your child recommends. There are many affordable treatment centers.

RSVP’s
It is very important that when you are asked for an RSVP for an event you respond in a timely manner & uphold your response, i.e. actually coming to the event or not coming to the event. It is critical for us to have an accurate count of the Young Marines who will be attending particular events. Also, if you RSVP & find that you will not attend an event for a legitimate reason, call a staff member to let us know.

April Birthdays
Congratulations to all Young Marines who have birthdays in April.
April 10 - Abelardo Avila
April 15 - Matthew Bissell
April 19 - Justin Bennett
April 26 - Christopher Morris
April 27 - Joby Clinner
April 29 - Robert Fetters

American Heroes Airshow - Saturday May 6, 2006
Overview: . See aircraft demonstrations & static
Displays of Military & civilian helicopters, Public safety ground vehicles, homeland preparedness & national security. Young Marines will provide crowd control around the aircraft. Parents are needed to man the souvenir booth, recruit booth, food booth, cook, serve, cashier, set-up and clean-up.
Location: Heritage Park at Riverstone Parkway, Canton Ga. Directions will be provided
Time: The air show is from 9a-4p. Our arrival time for set-up will be 6am but there will be varied shifts.
Parents: Contact Ms Damante to work a booth. Limited slots on 1st come first serve basis, for a 4 hour shift. Since the staff will also be working, we cannot supervise the younger YMs (ages 8-12) they should be accompanied by a parent. We need to limit slots so as many parents can participate as possible since this is a high interest event.
Shifts: 7a-11a 1030a-230p or 1pm-5pm. See separate flier for full details.

Recent Promotion at Graduation
Lorie Ivie to SSGT

Did You Know?
There is a Salesman of the year ribbon.

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Issue 153

If you have any questions or comments...
Please E-Mail or contact the STAFF LISTED BELOW

• Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. Ray Mederos
  Email - Lt. Col. Ray Mederos
  770 650 9781 (Home)
• Female Executive Officer, Administration: Ms. Damante
  Email - Ms. Damante
  770-943-8993 (home)
  404-715-9470 (work)
• Male Executive Officer: John Capawana
  Email - John Capawana
  770-439-9378 (Home)
• Young Marines mailing address:
  Metro-Atlanta Young Marines
  475 Abbeywood Dr.
• Roswell, GA. 30075
  
  Click here for Young Marines National Headquarters Page

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