Yuma Young Marines honor local vet
Marine Corps community group lends local veteran a helping hand - News 11's Arlette Yousif reports
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Young Marines are at it again. The non-profit organization provides community services while instilling structure in the youth, a win for everyone.
Retired Veteran Diana Klein needed help cleaning up her front yard due to limitations. She reached out to YYM and simply explained that she needed a few helping hands for a couple hours. Commander Eleanor Sayles was there to answer her call.
"Our main mission is to service and assist veterans in our community. So today, we came out to assist a veteran in need. And she, of course, is very grateful," says Yuma Young Marines Commander Eleanor Sayles.
Local youth ages eight and older participate in community service, team-work, and assigned duties. Values they can apply later on in life.
"I appreciate the Young Marines coming out and doing my yard," explains Retired Veteran Diana Klein.
Commander Sayles says the purpose of the organization is to help raise respectable members of the community, regardless of what career path they choose in the future. Whether a Young Marine chooses to go into the military or they prefer a different career altogether, YYM are there to support them.
"I really wanted to be in the program. When I joined, I went through boot camp, loved it. Became a young marine and learned a lot. You know, community service, speaking in public, learning the leadership, and giving back to the community," says Yuma Young Marines Activity and Medical Instructor Zachary Roe.
Now Roe is training for a career as an emergency medical technician (EMT), while giving back to the organization that instilled community core values in his own life.
"It’s a great, great program to help the kids and it makes me feel good ‘cause I can teach them what I learned. And a lot of things have changed, but they still have that same core value of staying drug-free and helping the youth," explains Roe.
If you would like to donate to the non-profit organization, you can contact them directly on their website.
