Thursday started at 0600, and hitting the road again heading this time for Quantico.  We had a brief walkabout QTown before the ride into DC.  The day's activities included a tour of the Holocaust Museum and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.  

On Friday, the group had a special tour awaiting them at the Pentagon by one of our country's finest, a Marine Corps Corporal.  After this tour, the group was off to the Library of Congress for another remarkable tour.   After catching their breath, they were off to meet a congressman from southern Illinois.   However, the congressman was called to an emergency meeting and was not able to meet with the Young Marines.   Now you would think that group was done for the day and ready for some R&R.  No way.  Instead they headed for a visit with the National Director of the Young Marines Michael Kessler,  Lt Col, U. S. M. C., Ret. 

Afterwards, the group had some chow and was once again on the move.  This time they were heading for the Navy Yard for a tour of the yard and the Marine Corps museum with the Inspector General of the Young Marines Joseph Bles,  Maj, U.S. Army Ret.

Mr. Bles had one more surprise for the group.  Mr. Bles took  the group to the oldest post of the U. S. Marine Corps, 8th & I to see the Evening Parade...OOORAH!  What a breathtaking sight!   Thank you again Mr. Bles! 

And just when you thought that it could not get any better - the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major John L. Estrada came up and talked with the Young Marines after the parade...OOORAH!  

If you are saying to yourselves that the group must be tired, you are 100% correct.   So, the group headed back to their barracks at  Camp Upshur.

Battalion Commander felt that the group needed some R&R on Saturday, so the group went to QTown and the big PX on a major shopping mission.  The group was able to debrief after a day of shopping and sight seeing of Marine Corps Base Quantico.  To end the day, the group celebrate  the birthdays of Young Marine Sergeant   Milner and Young Marine Lance Corporal Pearson by going to the base bowling alley and then to Dairy Queen for ice cream cake.  All is good.

Well the adventure was coming to an end.  It was Sunday, the day that the group was flying back to their homes in Illinois.  But, there was time for some of the group to go to QTown while others could go back to the big PX one more time before heading to the air port.   You know, to get those last minute items.

From my standpoint, this was an outstanding educational trip for the Young Marines and the staff members too. And I am thankful, that I was able to  accompany this group.  In fact, it was an honor. Furthermore, I want to once again thank Mrs. Butler and  Mr. Slater for making this trip of a life time possible.  

Semper Fidelis,