A Joint Message from the Chairman of the Board, United States Marines Youth Foundation and the National Commandant of the Marine Corps League:

One of the most gratifying feelings a person can have comes after helping a child in need. More so today than at any other time in our country's history does the youth of America need our attention. For more than 38 years, The United States Marines Youth Foundation has been answering that call.

Drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, obesity, and a sense of not belonging are all obstacles facing our  youth today. More and more kids are turning their heads the other way in search of something more...something they cannot find at home, or among their peers. When they cannot find the answers, statistics show the end result; they give up, and look for the easy way out.

Although these are challenging times for our youth, hope is not lost. Studies have shown that the kids of the 21st century seek a challenge, want to be led, but more importantly, are not afraid to be led, as long as there are rewards at the end of the trail.

The National Youth Physical Fitness Program of the Marine Corps League is a program that offers the answers and provides the source to give the youth of this country what they are looking for. From kindergarten through high school, the national Youth Physical Fitness Program is designed to instill a sense of pride within each individual. A pride that begins in learning to respect one's body, and understanding that there are other options.

Many of the youth in this country are not physically able to meet the challenges of everyday life. Poor eating habits, lack of physical exercise and low self-esteem contribute to this desperate condition. Many have never had to meet a challenge, attain a goal, or have the opportunity to dream a dream. The Youth Physical Fitness Program is designed to accommodate every child in our society, regardless of his/her physical or mental capabilities. The Foundation is keeping dreams alive...one school and one child at a time.

The YPF Program delivers a mental, moral and physical challenge and establishes reachable goals. The program offers important recognition, which leads to pride in one's self, and is in many cases the building block of future self improvement. The program also offers an atmosphere that promotes teamwork and ultimately provides a place where kids can feel they belong...a part of the team.

It is believed that personal fitness, coupled with a sense of self-sacrifice for the greater common good can positively impact all aspects of our American quality way of life. By developing more alert and energetic students we in turn are taking the necessary steps toward preparing our young citizens to take the reins and lead this great nation into the next century.

Over the years, the Youth Foundation has been able to help thousands of kids turn their lives around. Despite its success, the Foundation hasn't reached its full potential. There are more than 108,000 schools in this country, and we've only been able to reach a handful. There is still a lot of work to do, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help.

The National Youth Physical Fitness Program is a program of the Marine Corps League, and as such, our League should be taking the lead in supporting such an important endeavor. Help from our fellow leaguers can come in many ways...a personal cash donation would go a long way to ensuring that the YPF Program remains available to ALL schools across the country, free of charge. A donation of your time to help raise money or support other projects for the Foundation would also be a great asset. You can participate in the Foundation's current fundraising drive, the "Tree of Lights." Sponsor a light on the Christmas tree to be displayed at the National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League. You can sponsor a light in memory or in honor of someone or simply make a year end donation. A Tree of Lights sponsor form is available here. Also, you can look for details in the upcoming issue of the Marine Corps League Magazine. Call the United States Marines Youth Foundation at (703) 207-9690 or (888) USMC-FIT to see how you can help. Make the call today so we can start building a better tomorrow.

Semper Fidelis and thank you for your support!

"The Solution to a Drug Free America"