Organization celebrates 10th anniversary in The County
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — It was a proud day for parents and youths alike as six members of the County Patriot Young Marines graduated from the title of recruit to private first class; they and their fellow CPYM’s received awards for their involvement in CPYM activities, which includes community service, physical fitness and other lessons centered around instilling values like honor, integrity and pride.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
It was a dedicated and worthwhile road for the newest members of the County Patriot Young Marines, who officially earned the titles of Young Marines Private during the graduation ceremony on May 25 at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center. Members of the County Patriot Young Marines are, front row, from left, YM Pfc. Christopher Michaud, Pvt. Gavin Bowen, YM Pvt. Ethan Edgecomb, Pfc. Emma Rossignol, YM Pfc Justin Michaud and YM Lance Cpl. Kyle Kilcollins, who is currently the senior member of the County Patriot Young Marines. Back row, from left: CPYM Adjutant Lori Kilcollins, CPYM Unit Commander Diane Norton, YM Pvt. Devon Frazier, CPYM co-founder and former Marine Norman Caron, YM Pfc. Glenn Kleinert Jr., YM Pfc. Brandon Whitmore and CPYM Executive Officer Richard Norton.
This particular graduation ceremony fell on the 10th anniversary of the County Patriot Young Marines and as such, the special guest speaker of the event was County Patriot co-founder and former Marine Norman Caron.
Caron spoke to the crowd about the importance of the Young Marine program, and how the program has benefited participating youths throughout the years.
“This program can really build character in young people — boys and girls alike,” Caron said.
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| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet At right, County Patriot Young Marine Ethan Edgecomb stands stoically with his fellow Young Marines while YM Lance Cpl. Kyle Kilcollins receives his awards from Unit Commander Diane Norton. |
Agreeing with Caron’s sentiment was County Patriot Adjutant Lori Kilcollins, a parent actively involved in the program and her son, Lance Cpl. Kyle Kilcollins, has been with the group longer than any other current CPYM.
“[Kyle] has been in the program for about four years, and I can testify that the program has done some really wonderful things, and he’s had opportunities he wouldn’t have otherwise had,” she explained.
Aside from the fun activities, like campouts and adventure-based trips such as whitewater rafting, Kilcollins described how the program challenges youths.
“Discipline, leadership and teamwork — they do some amazing things,” Kilcollins said, describing how new recruits have a lot of things to memorize. “Some of our recruits memorized everything quickly, and [used their new knowledge] to support their fellow recruits with their memorization.”
Kilcollins also spoke about the positive attributes each County Patriot Young Marine brings to the group, whether it’s the ability to say just the right thing at the right time or the leadership qualities that help to keep cohesion and morale high.
“Each Young Marine brings their own personal skills and areas they really excel in, and they really compliment each other,” she added.
For the accomplishments each Young Marine earned, they received an award and a ribbon to wear on their uniforms reflecting their achievements.
New graduates earning the Young Marine rank of Private were Ethan Edgecomb, Gavin Bowen, Justin M. Michaud, Christopher Michaud Jr., Devon Frazier; Brandon Whitmore graduated earlier in the year, but was recognized during the larger graduation ceremony. each of them received certificates for completion of boot camp and received their Basic Ribbon.
Whitmore and Glenn Kleinert Jr. were awarded the rank of YM Private First Class.
YM Pvt.’s Bowen, Michaud and Frazier received ribbons for physical fitness scores.
YM Pfc. Rossignol received an award for her efforts in Drug Demand Reduction (a drug-free lifestyle is a key element of the Young Marine Program, according to the organization’s website, and every year the CPYM’s promote drug-free lifestyles).
Pfc. Whitmore received an award for music, and Pfc. Kleinert received an award for sportsmanship.
Receiving the Gung Ho award was Pvt. Michaud.
The nine Young Marines each received certificates of appreciation for their participation in the Memory Mile walk, the Walk for St. Jude and general unit fundraising.
Unit Commander Norton, who’s been with the organization since its inception, received a 10-year service pin and Lori Kilcollins received a five-year service pin.
