Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. -- The Parris Island Young Marines went on a trip to Columbia, S.C. to visit the state capitol, Jan. 30.
The main purpose of the trip was for them to have the opportunity to spend the day at the capitol and toured the building and grounds.
"This was the first time most of these Young Marines visited the state capitol," said Aulton Kohn, the commanding officer for the Parris Island Young Marines. "This definitely was a great learning experience for them."
Aside from getting a tour of the capitol, the Young Marines also had the chance to sit in the House of Representatives and the senate gallery, where they got an introduction to the senate.
"This was a good day for the kids," Kohn said. "It was important for them to see how laws are made."
Most of the Young Marines' morning consisted of witnessing the law making process, as well as watching a video on the history of the capitol.
During lunch, the Young Marines had the opportunity to eat Meals, Ready-to-Eat while sitting with legislators and Beaufort Chamber of Commerce members.
"We did this to give the kids the chance to interact with the law makers and the local chambers," Kohn said. "I thought it was great because it also gave the legislators and the chamber a chance to see what we do with kids in the local community."
After eating lunch, the Young Marines also had the chance to meet with Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.
"This was great experience for them, considering I had never even seen him myself," Kohn said.
"Some parents of the kids don't have enough money to take them on these trips," said Sgt. Mediya A. Abakar, one of the Young Marines' drill instructors. "As Americans, all the kids should know the history of their country. We try to give the kids a chance they might never get."
Abakar also says that the Young Marine program works closely with the children to ensure they learn about good manners, respect, discipline and staying drug free.
According to Kohn, taking the Young Marines to the capitol was a successful way to teach the kids about the history of South Carolina.
"I think we accomplished something from this trip," Kohn said. "However, just to make sure we did, I'll give them some homework and have them write an essay on the experience to see what they learned during the visit to their state house."