Anti-bullying training is offered free; S.J. Young Marines get the boot
9 Feb
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Stuart M. Lederman, Esq.
President
New Jersey State Bar Foundation
S.J. Young Marines
get the boot
Yes, you heard it here. The South Jersey Young Marines have received notice from the Vineland Semper Marine Detachment on Landis Avenue that it will begin charging us $400 a month for rent.
Of course, the Young Marines are a nonprofit national organization and do not have the funds to pay rent, so why now? What ever happened to “never leave a fellow marine behind”?
I know the boys and girls enrolled in the program are not Marines, nor are they enrolled with the intent of recruitment to the Marine Corps, but nevertheless, they are sanctioned by the U.S. Marines.
Our Young Marines are devastated. This was their home. They volunteer on Sundays to help serve and cleanup at the detachment breakfasts and attend functions as needed.
What kind of sign does this send to them?
I know that the economy is tight and things are not as good as they could be, but this?
Just imagine if all the churches that have opened their doors to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decided to tell them to start scouting for a new home unless they started paying this kind of rent.
The Young Marines meet two hours on Mondays, and don’t need much more than a small office or closet to keep our gear, an indoor area to muster and complete assignments, and some outdoor space to do the beloved “PT” and drill training.
Like our mission statement says, “To strengthen the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service and living healthy, drug-free lifestyles.”
Why wouldn’t you want to support this organization?
Thanks to the resolve and commitment of our commanding officer, Star Pickett, he has negotiated a temporary space at the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland.
Thanks also to those at the veterans home as well for working with us, and you can count on us to continue volunteering there as well.
Perhaps if you are reading this and have these types of accommodations and could help, please contact us by going to YoungMarines.com and looking us up under the unit search.
Jon Gramp
Concerned Parent/Community member
Bridgeton
