The Marines have landed; Let the Fun Begin
The Colfax County Young Marines Established its first beachhead at the RatonHigh School last Saturday. Forty plus recruits ages 8-17 showed up for their first day of familiarization and recruit training. Commander Bert Goodfallow (USMC Ret.) expressed satisfaction at the turnout. “My goal was 30 recruits and $10,000 of start-up money. We exceeded our participation goal and now we need our Young Marine Parent Support Group to help us raise the finances”. He went on to say that the funding will be used to finance equipment and field trips. “I am particularly pleased to have the professional cadre that we do. There is over 80 years of military experience in this group”.
Each of the cadre addressed the new recruits. Some of the highlights included: Commander Goodfallow’s love for this flag and country. Former US Army Aviator and current Raton Municipal Judge Warren Walton spoke to the recruits about the importance of maintaining a drug free life and staying out of trouble. Danny Greigo (USMC/USA Ret.) and former Drill Sergeant led the first day’s activities in Drill and Ceremony. He was assisted by Cameron Rountree (USMC), Ben Munden (USN), Tony Goens (USN), Mr. Sandoval and Christine Marchet (USA). Special thanks go to Jessica Rountree and Debbie Sparks for the registration duties.
Who We Are
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
Mission
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.
Motto
To strengthen the lives of American youth.
Young Marines will go through the first training, known as recruit training. The recruit training cycle familiarizes the new Young Marine with the basic knowledge in various subjects related to the program. It also helps them to evaluate their own physical fitness and encourages them to strive to be a better person, both physically and academically. After recruit training is complete, the training will continue. Physical training is a regular part of the Young Marine program. During the course of a year Young Marines will also receive classes such as first aid, CPR, fire prevention and home safety and land navigation.
LEADERSHIP is a subject that is learned as they progress in their Young Marine career. The Marine Veterans of the unit will coach them up on leadership traits and principles. The Young Marine program has leadership schools at the junior, senior and advanced levels. The unit will also go on encampments (camping trips) and will normally include training at those locations. This provides for a lot of fun while continuing their training in physical activity.
There is Training within the unit in a variety of subjects. This builds morale, encourages teamwork, and helps to strengthen the life of the Young Marine.
Registered Staff and Volunteers
Commanding Officer…………………..Bert Goodfallow (USMC Ret.)
Executive Officer……………………….Cameron Rountree (USMC)
Training Officer………………………..Danny Greigo (USMC/USA Ret.)
Assistant Tng Officer………………M. Neil Terhune (USMC/USA Ret.)
Logistics and Supply officer………Ben Munden (USN)
Assistant Tng NCO…………………..Tony Goens (USN)
Y. Marine Female Advisor…………Christine Marchet (USA)
Assistant Instructors and Staff……….Warren Walton (USA)
Mr. Sandoval (USMC)
Jessica Rountree & Debbie Sparke
