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| Young Marine of the Year |
| GySgt. Jonathan Gibson |
| Jonathan Gibson, now 16, joined the Young Marines at the age of 10 and has set the prime example for what every Young Marine should strive to be. He has always come through when given responsibilities as a Platoon leader, Troop Handler, and Young Marine Instructor. He has been the key planner for many of the Unit's organized trips and deployments, working as the right hand man for Commanding Officer Sgt Ramirez. His list of awards and achievements and love for knowledge are apparent when you view the many ribbons on his uniform. He has spent many summers at camps, including National, Regimental, and Divisional Encampments, and is always among the top scoring in physical fitness testing. He has attended Junior and Senior Leadership schools, C.E.R.T Camp (Citizens Emergency Response Team), Devil Pups and has deployed to Washington DC in Nov 2005 with 3rd Battalion, CA Regiment. His countless hours of Community Service go way beyond what is required of a Young Marine, proving his unselfish willingness to help, sometimes on very short notice. He has recently earned his Black Belt in Martial Arts and spends his spare time helping out at the dojo assisting the smaller children with Self Defense Class. At the age of 10, Jonathan knew he was Military bound and still plans to serve his country when the time comes. C.O.'s Comments; "YM GySgt Gibson exemplifies what the Young Marines is all about. A firm believer in living by the Young Marine Obligation and Creed, his performance during and outside of drill is quite remarkable for a young man of his age. It has been an honor to have him by my side during the development of the East Valley Program and look forward to his valuable input as we transition to a new format of training in 2007. He has the heart of a lion and the tenacity of a MARINE. I congratulate him and his family for this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to many years of teamwork and friendship." |
| Is proud to announce, our |
| 2006 |
| Sgt Ramirez & Gibson surviving a 29 degree campout! |
| On Weds April 4th, 2007, Young Marine GySgt Jonathan Gibson was enjoying Spring Break, hanging out at a friends house in San Bernardino, when a 4 year old (who previously had the reputation of creating wild imaginative stories) entered the room and said, "My little brother drowned." The kids that knew this child might have been ready to ignore the 4 year olds comment but Gibson decided to check it out. The swimming pool in the backyard was fenced in and gated and normally no child could gain access. Somehow the 4 year old had opened the gate to the pool and the 2 year old brother had fallen in. Gibson climbed over the fence, jumped into the pool and pulled the 2 year old out of the water just in time. The toddler coughed up water and then was fine. . East Valley Young Marines is proud to have and honor such a young man of good will and character! |