Young Marines wash cars to help other YM units

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 19, 2010

LAPLACE – Young Marines in St. John the Baptist Parish spent a recent Saturday morning washing cars to raise money to help out other Young Marines units across the country.

The platoon held its first car wash benefit on Oct. 9 at Riverland Ford in LaPlace. St. John Young Marines Unit Commander Brian Bertrand said the event raised funds for Young Marines units in Division 4, which includes platoons in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

“Unlike units in Jefferson, Orleans, Tangipahoa and here in St. John, which are funded by local Sheriff’s Offices, most of the other units in Division 4 rely on fundraisers and parental participation,” Bertrand said. “This money will help those units purchase uniforms and gear and also help fund day trips and overnight encampments for those units.”

Bertrand said with the help of St. John Sheriff Wayne Jones, and Riverland Ford’s Brian Larche, Young Marines, instructors, parents, family and friends washed “dozens” of vehicles during the eight-hour day. Bruce Simoneaux, father of Young Marines instructor Denise Simoneaux, served up jambalaya to anyone who came out to have their car washed.

The Young Marines, which started in St. John in 2009, is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 11 through 14. The group promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, gang and drug free lifestyle.