Last month, a group of 30 local Marine Corps recruits joined us in helping maintain a trail on Blanchard Mountain.

 Each month the local Marine Corps recruiting offices of Burlington, Bellingham, and Oak Harbor organize different activities, workouts, and volunteer events for local youth interested in the Marines.

 SGT McKelvey of the Bellingham Marine Corps recruiting office came up with the idea to get recruits outside, working in nature and the community. "It's a great way to not only teach teamwork but to show that the Marines is more than just military missions, being a humanitarian is a big part of being a Marine, and to have them help out their local communities, is a good way to show that." 

 The 30 Marine Corps recruits set out in groups of four, each with a different tool and purpose. 

"We want to show them what it's like to work as a team, and how teamwork can create on the ground results," said SGT Maguire, a career counselor at the Burlington Recruiting Office.

The Marine Corps recruits completed a mile of trail maintenance, which involved pruning back trees, controlling erosion, and widening the trail to the state and Forest Service standards for trails with horseback riding. 

 "Having the opportunity to get a workout in and give our community a place to workout is something we feel is important," SGT Dickerson said.