I joined the El Toro/Tustin Battalion Young Marines in
July of 1987 graduating from recruit training with
meritorious PFC (Top Academic) in Oct of 1987. I made
Sergeant in 13 months and transferred to the Green
Knights unit in 1989. I was with that unit for a short
time before transferring to Macomb County Michigan. I
spent the remainder of my Young Marine career in the
Macomb County unit being Honorably discharged as a
Sergeant Major in 1995. Some highlights of my time as a
Young Marine came later in my career, like being one of
only two Sergeants Major at the 1994 National Encampment
at Camp Pendleton and the same year leading a Divisional
Encampment in Michigan. I was also able to represent
the Young Marines at the National Youth Leadership Forum
on Security and Defense in Washington DC during my
senior year. And not that I am the sole reason but I
made a strong case and pushed the issue of Young Marines
being allowed to wear dress uniforms, to the point that
I wore a set of Charlies to the Young Marine National
Headquarters and ate lunch with Jim Parker. During the
same trip I managed to also meet with Sergeant Major
Harold Overstreet, the Sergeant Major of the Marine
Corps at the time, in his HQMC office. Just a few years
later the Young Marines were authorized to wear several
versions of the Marine Service Dress uniforms, not
exactly like I wore them but close enough. I served
in the Young Marines from 1987-1995. The Macomb County
Young Marines for most of that but also with the El
Toro/Tusin Battalion and the Green Knights. I am now
serving on active duty as a Sergeant.
I have
continued with the Young Marine program as the Macomb
County Commanding Officer until recently because I will
be transferring back to Camp Pendleton and the 1st
Marine Division. Semper Fi Young Marines and drive on.
Sgt Auwend.j.auwen@att.net
