Published: November 07, 2009 10:26 pm      

Young Marines unit visits Palestine

PALESTINE — The NASA Bay Young Marines made a visit to Palestine on Saturday participating in the Veterans Day activities at Dogwood Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care. The group stayed overnight and camped on the Dogwood Trails grounds.

The Young Marines is an international youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through high school.

The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy, and promote, a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Young Marine units are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States.

The Young Marines strive to instill the core values of honor, courage and commitment adopted by the Marine Corps to each of its members.

The Young Marines who came to Palestine Saturday ranged in age from 10 to 18.

NASA Bay Young Marine member Dean Nelson, 18, will join the U.S. Marine Corps on June 14, 2010.

“I have been a member of Young Marines since I was 9 years old,” Nelson said. “I like it because I have learned a lot and I love camping. It’s taught me a lot of discipline and knowledge about the Marine Corp, which will make me more prepared when I join the Marines.”

Nelson said he is looking forward to serving his country. Due to his involvement in Young Marines, Nelson will enter the Marines in a higher pay scale and rank.

“I’m looking forward to the travel and independence,” Nelson said. “It’s my dream.”

Keanu Gigout, 10, of League City was the youngest in the Young Marine group that came Saturday.

“I like to have fun and go on camping trips. You learn about the Marines and what they do,” Gigout said.

Gigout said his grandfather is a Vietnam army veteran — and enjoys supporting the military.

Young Marine Katlin Nelson, 16, has been a part of the organization for seven years.

“It makes me feel stronger as a person and has opened my eyes to watch what is going on in Iraq and how many people have given their lives to keep our country safe,” Katlin said.

Nelson has plans to become a pediatrician but also would love to be a Marine.

“I’ve learned leadership skills and how to be a better person,” Katlin said. “I love kids and I hope one day I can help kids and keep them out of trouble.”

Preston Nelson, 12, said he enjoys Young Marines because he likes hanging out with other kids his age while having fun.

Tristan Aguierre, 13, of Houston, wants to eventually join the Marines.

“I wanted to do something like ROTC and found the Young Marines,” Aguierre said.

Jordan Treece, 13, of Houston, said Young Marines help a person have a better love for their country.

“I’ve always loved the military and it gives you a sense of pride for your country,” Treece said. “I have more discipline and it makes me be a better person day in and day out.”

For more information about the Young Marines organization, visit www.youngmarines.com.