RECRUIT TRAINING 2008:

The spring 2008 Recruit Training has officially started as of 22March2008 as scheduled. Many thanks to those that attended the Young Marine Orientation as well as to the many that assisted the unit with preparations for the presentation. The recruit platoon has 17 youth enrolled that have started their challenge of training to become a Young Marine. Good Luck to all of you on the weeks ahead. Remember to study your guidebook, continue to work on the basic PFT moves to improve your scores, and practice drill moves.

 SPACES 2008:

Tornado Alley applied and the following Young Marines were accepted by NHQ to attend SPACES 2008.

MSgt. Fields will be attending Advanced Leadership School, June 14-28 at Camp Pendleton Calif.

GySgt. Anderson will be attending Senior Leadership School, June 14-21 at Camp Pendleton Calif.

Cpl. Danis will be attending White Mountain Adventure, July 8-20 at Crawford Notch New Hampshire.

Mr. Danis, TAYM Senior Training Officer will be attending White Mountain Adventure, July 8-20 at Crawford Notch New Hampshire as a Registered Adult/Young Marine chaperone.

Mr. Danis was also selected by NHQ Division 4 Commanding Officer Champagne to attend Registered Adult Junior/Senior Leadership School. This will officially give Mr. Danis the Young Marine certification required to hold junior and senior level leadership schools in the Division 4 area. These classes will be officially recognized by NHQ and will assist units in preparing Young Marines with training required for promotions.

TAYM was also selected to attend the 2008 National Encampment. This will be held August 3-9 in Baltimore Maryland. 25 Young Marines and 2 Registered Adults have been accepted to attend. Keep in mind that performance at YM events as well as school progress and home behavior will be factors that will be reviewed prior to being accepted to attend.

 RATS:

The unit was able to send 4 TAYM Registered Adult Staff to the 2008 Registered Adult Training Session for Division 4. The training was held in New Orleans March 1, 2008. Those attending were the unit training officers, Mr. Danis, Mr. White and Mr. Brightwell. Mrs. Anderson unit adjutant also attended. The RATS classes give the adults the opportunity to meet the NHQ staff, as well as receive a presentation on the state of the Young Marine Program, training methods, unit requirements, any changes to the program, etc. It also gives the unit the opportunity to meet with other staff members within the division 4 units to discuss, learn and share their unit experiences.

 FUNDRAISING:

The unit is currently working hard to raise funds to help us make the trip to National Encampment. The candy bar sales are going well. Please turn in all funds or un-sold candy at the next meeting. You are responsible for the candy issued to you. We need to get started on the next project…..CAR WASH!!! 18 May 2008 Tickets will be issued soon.

 SCHOLARSHIP FUND:

The Air Capitol Detachment of the Marine Corps. League has voted and agreed to set up the J. Don Whittle Young Marine Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the first Wichita Young Marine program Commanding Officer J. Don Whittle. This fund will be managed by the MCL. Funds will be utilized to assist youth and families that wish to enroll in the Young Marine program, but cannot due to financial difficulties. Requests can be made by the potential recruit submitting a letter to the MCL explaining why they want to become a Young Marine and what they are looking to achieve by becoming a Young Marine. Each letter will be reviewed and decisions made by the MCL members in regards to funds allocated for distribution. We are very excited about this new program, and we know it will assist many of the youth within the community. Many thanks to the MCL members for helping the unit. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please contact a TAYM staff member and they will get you the information for the MCL Paymaster.

 TAYM SUPPORTERS:

A new plaque has been placed in the quarterdeck of Camp McCormick to honor and thank the many TAYM supporters. During the many years, past and present, the unit has received assistance and funding from many individuals and local companies. We believe this is a great way to recognize our many friends and supporters. For a minimum donation of $100, your name will be placed on the TAYM Supporters plaque. For more information, please see a TAYM staff member.

 MARKSMANSHIP:

MCL National HQ has announced the annual Service Rifle and Pistal Match. Dates are between 1 March and 31 October 2008, Registration fee is $10 per entry. This program is open to all Young Marine units nation wide. YM must be qualified per appendix E section of the YM Training Officers Manual. We can compete are a 5 person team or as individuals. Any TAYM member that is interested in competing needs to make plans with the unit commander. Practice dates will be scheduled to prepare for the final competition. Trophies will be issued to the team/individual with the best scores. Master, Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman. Members will be graded in the following positions: Prone, Kneeling, Sitting and Standing.

 HUNTERS SAFETY:

A Hunter Education/Safety class is being offered by the Maize Recreation Office. There is no age limit, however ages 10 and under may attend but cannot be certified. Classes will be held at the Maize Recreation Office, 10100 Grady Ave. Friday April 11, 5:30-9pm. Saturday April 12, 9-4pm, and Sunday April 13, 9:30-11am. You must attend all three class dates to receive certification. Class is limited to 75 participants. This is not a “Young Marine” scheduled event, it is being offered for those of you that would like to receive your Kansas Hunters Safety Education Certification in order to hunt in the State of Kansas. For more information, call 729-7818 by April 4 to reserve your spot.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for the unit, please contact a TAYM staff member.

Future plans are to have a parents meeting to cover in more detail the upcoming events and cover any issues or questions/concerns that you may have as a parent or Young Marine.