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thedrifter
06-17-04, 07:27 AM
Sea Cadets learn the ropes from Marines
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 20046141747
Story by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay(June 11, 2004) -- The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps trained at a leadership reaction course here, June 5 morning at Landing Zone Boondocker.

"The cadet corps gives children the opportunity to experience military operations at the closest range," said Sgt. Clinton Schwarz, the nuclear, biological, chemical noncommissioned officer for Headquarters Battalion. "I've been volunteering with the sea cadets for two years here, so far, and they've had the opportunity to see and experience both academic and hands-on projects."

Schwarz, a Nodine, Minn., native, said the reason he chooses to volunteer with the cadets is because he was a member when he was younger.

"The [cadet] corps helped me get an idea on what military life was like, and gave me a better handle on everyday life," Schwarz explained, adding that the hardest part of training for him was stepping into leadership positions and giving orders to peers when needed.

"It's difficult because they don't want to be made a fool of in front of their friends. They need to learn that they sometimes must go out on a limb to get a task accomplished."

The cadets did just that as they tackled more than five of the obstacles with a very high success rate. The main challenge of every obstacle was getting equipment and people from point A to point B, with the least amount of casualties possible.

"Getting through things together, successfully, is the best part for me," said Isaac Marquez, a 14-year-old sea cadet. "The courses are difficult, but if you take the time to think about what you're doing, it turns out okay."

Lance Cpl. Edwin Alonzo, a nuclear, biological, chemical specialist with Engineer Co., Combat Service Support Group 3, also volunteered.

"I've always enjoyed working with kids," said the Los Angeles native. "I know when I was in these kinds of groups growing up, it kept me out of trouble. I want to do the same for these kids."
The sea cadets meet twice a month, on the first and third Sunday of every month. At the end of June, cadets will take part in a two-week boot camp that will test their minds and bodies, as well as prepare them further for what their future plans may be.

"I'm going to keep volunteering with these children as long as I can," said Alonzo. "I like to help them out and teach them what I know."

For more information on joining the sea cadets, contact Sgt. Schwartz at (808) 257-9963.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200461417126/$file/onedemolow.jpg

Sgt. Clinton Schwartz, the nuclear, biological and chemical noncommissioned officer for Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, shows a Naval Sea Cadet the proper way to complete an obstacle during a course of instruction at Landing Zone Boondocker aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, June 5.

Photo by: Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/9AD7EECD3E7A4F2385256EB30073BBE1?opendocument


Ellie