VCCA Patrons

Main Entry:
pa·tron
Pronunciation:
\ˈpā-trən, for 6 also pa-ˈtrōⁿ\
Function:
noun
            a: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter b: a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer c: a social or financial sponsor of a social function (as a ball or concert).

A patron, that is what our sister unit has asked us to be for them, their overseas patron. We have excitedly accepted their invitation. We are like other units and our “wealth” comes from fundraising (which is about as much as everyone else has in the bank.) However, we do provide our sister unit in the “land down under” some things they cannot get in their country (at least not at a reasonable price.) In talking with the unit’s Commanding Officer Ian Mcleod (Also known as a COY) we have found out that the price for cammies is about $130 a set and well, dress uniforms… Forget it. This of course does not include the cost for shipping them from certain companies in America to Australia nor the time delay through customs. It is hard for the Young Marines (or Marine Cadets as they are called) to raise enough money to purchase a few sets for their Young Marines. This is where the Volunteer Cadet Corp Australia, our sister unit, relies on their Parent Unit the Temecula Valley Young Marines. We find cammies and dress uniforms for the Young Marines in our sister unit and they in return pay for the uniforms and cammies along with the cost of shipping.  I am happy to say that our sister unit is looking sharp in the camouflage utility uniforms.  Their community is asking a lot of questions since VCCA’s uniforms are completely different than any other youth organizations in Australia. When asked about how the locals felt about our uniforms being placed on their Young Marines the answer is usually “Good on the Americans for helping out” we take that as a positive sign. We have been affiliated with our sister unit for almost 4 years now. It is good to know that after all of the hard work that Temecula Valley Young Marines and the Australian Young Marines have put into this organization, it is up and running has been well worth it!  Their Young Marines are having a great time as Young Marines and of course they have a hard time taking off their uniforms at night. Ooh Rah!! Commanding Officer Mcleod and “Semper Fi” to your unit as well.