[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SERVICE OF THE GEM STATE YOUNG MARINES

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                           HON. WALT MINNICK

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. MINNICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize and honor an 
extraordinary youth education program that serves boys and girls in 
Idaho. The Gem State Young Marines is celebrating its 50th anniversary 
and Red Ribbon Week on October 17, 2009.
  This program serves youths from the age of 8 through high school in 
the Treasure Valley. It encourages young people to find strength within 
themselves by learning life-changing skills. Important talents such as 
determination, discipline, strength and integrity are all taught 
through a variety of team building events and activities.
  The Young Marines focus on community service, specifically reducing 
drug use in teens and young adults. The group strives to instill the 
core values of honor, courage and commitment, adopted by the Marine 
Corps, to each of their members. Each young marine is required to 
complete a minimum of 50 hours of community service each year to 
qualify for the Young Marine Community Service Ribbon. The Young 
Marines focus on character building through a combination of self-
discipline, teamwork and leadership, as well as promoting a healthy, 
drug free lifestyle. Helping people in their formative years reduce the 
abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs deserves our sincere admiration 
and respect.
  It is important that we recognize the service of groups such as the 
Gem State Young Marines. The Gem State Young Marines should be 
extremely proud of all the work they have done for communities in 
Idaho. I applaud this group and their members for their efforts, their 
actions show that Americans of all ages can--and do--make a profound 
difference in communities across the country.

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