Dear Sir or Ma’am,

My name is Eleanor Sayles, unit commander of Yuma Young Marines. I am writing on behalf of
Yuma Young Marines, it’s a national organization for boys and girls ages eight (8) through
eighteen (18). We focus on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline,
and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The organization upholds the Marine Corps’ core values
of Honor, Courage and Commitment as well as the Young Marines’ core values of Leadership,
Discipline and Teamwork.

Yuma Young Marine unit recruits and undergoes a twenty six (26) hour orientation program,
sometimes spread out over several weekly meetings and sometimes over the course of a
weekend. Young Marines learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close
order drills,physical fitness, and military rank structure. After graduating from Young Marines
Recruit Training, Young Marines learn even more skills, earn rank, wear Young Marines uniform
and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as
leadership, community service, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education.

The Young Marines program encourages unit participation in local civic activities, such as
providing color guards for athletic events, marching in local parades and activities promoting
and reinforcing good citizenship. Year round, Young Marines show deep devotion to military
veterans from any era from any branch of service. In addition, Young Marines participate in
Veterans Appreciation Week, a campaign that challenges our youth members to dedicate time
to show our country’s appreciation and help our nation’s veterans in their local communities.

At Yuma Young Marines, we are currently working on becoming a Young Marine, to complete
Recruit Training that is designed to teach the recruits the basics of what it means to be a Young
Marine.

In order to make a difference, we rely on the support of generous individuals and businesses in
our community. We would be most grateful if AEA Federal Credit Union would consider
providing a donation of $500.00 to our unit. Your support is critical to the completion of our latest
project, and we will gladly keep you updated regarding our progress should you wish.

Please contact me at (928) 514-8288 if you are able to support our efforts to make a difference
in the community. Thank you so much for your kind consideration of our request, and we hope
to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Sayles