Young Marines

At the 2024 Battle of Iwo Jima Symposium sponsored by the Iwo Jima Association of America, Young Marines from the Old Dominion Regiment paid tribute with color guard duties for the dinner. These motivated Young Marines from the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region were able to attend the educational sessions during the day and had insightful interactions with several veterans from WWII and later eras. They also gained unique perspectives from Japanese defense officials. An educational event they will never forget, history firsthand! No travel is allowed to Iwo Jima this year due to volcanic activity just off the island.  #YoungMarines #IwoJima Shayne JaroszRaul SifuentesJohn Powell LTC (Ret) USA Misty CookLtGen Richard Mills USMC (Ret)Seth Nichols

Becoming a Young Marine is not just a payment. Each Young Marine must complete a Recruit Instruction evolution normally comprising 26 hours. Leading these courses around the country are dedicated Adult Volunteers and senior Young Marine Cadre who serve as Recruit Instructors. Over the winter break Division 2 Young Marines hosted a Recruit Instructor Course in Cheltenham, MD recently. Twelve Young Marines from Washington DC, MD, VA, NC, and OH came together to refine their skills to deliver impactful recruit training. Thanks to Rob Willis and his team for making this happen! #YoungMarines

Over the Christmas Break and under the California sun, youth members from 15 units across the Young Marines program gathered for the Young Marines 6th Division Junior (JLS) and Senior (SLS) Leadership School’s. From physical fitness tests to uniform inspections, classes to close order drills, and of course - team building, these Young Marines had a whole lot of fun. We are busy shaping the leaders of tomorrow! A special shoutout to each leadership school top performers: JLS Honor Graduate: YM/Cpl Natalie Arvizo JLS Molly Marine: YM/LCpl Yzabella Garcia JLS Iron Mike: YM/LCpl Avery Camacho SLS Honor Graduate and Iron Mike: YM/SSgt Philip Zajac SLS Molly Marine: YM/Sgt Sophia Halverson #YoungMarines #LeadershipSchool #FutureLeaders #youthprogram Michael Strobl, Ph.D.Bill BowersWilliam SmithWilliam J. WalkerRob WilkinsAshish VaziraniHoward SnowDavid S. Jonas +5

Red Ribbon Week was 23-30 October. Young Marines from around the country participated in a variety of activities to educate youth in their communities about the dangers of drug abuse and to commit to staying drug free. More important now than ever given the record-breaking deaths by overdose in 2021 and 2022. Excited to see so many great events, a few highlights. Proclamations in support of RRW from cities such as Palmetto Bay FL for Bruce W. Carter MOH Young Marines, Beaufort SC for Upstate Young Marines, and Euharlee GA for Metro Atlanta Young Marines. Red Ribbons in Kaufman County Texas. Trick or treat and tent displays in Northern Kentucky and Hamilton MY in Maryland. All just a few examples of youth getting the word out to other youth. Education is key to saving a life. See more at www.youngmarines.org and our friends at the DEA https://lnkd.in/e-jJ4R2V Stay safe and keep this message alive all year.

The annual Young Marines DDR (Drug Demand Reduction) Dash 5K marks the beginning of Red Ribbon Week each year (October 23-31). This commemorative event symbolizes the Young Marines collective determination to raise awareness about the importance of drug prevention and resistance efforts across the country. Through the DDR Dash, we honor Enrique "Kiki" Camarena’s legacy and support the ongoing efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA and law enforcement personnel who strive to protect citizens and keep harmful drugs off America’s streets. Agent Camarena was first a Marine and continued to serve in the DEA. By running together, we send a resounding message that we stand firm against the devastating impact of drugs in our communities and strive to create a safer, drug-free society for all. Drug free is also key to multiple career paths. Thank you to all who joined our Headquarters Young Marines DDR Dash hosted at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. We were joined by Young Marines, Volunteers, parents, our HQ Staff, and two local running clubs. Multiple runs occurred across the country in every time zone and latitude! Drug Enforcement AdministrationSean FearnsNational Museum of The Marine CorpsJames LukemanWilliam J. WalkerRob WilkinsUnited States Marine CorpsTerrance C. ColeMichael Strobl, Ph.D.

Happy Birthday Young Marines! Founded in 1959 by the Brass City detachment of the Marine Corps League in Waterbury, CT, received its charter on October 17, 1965, and became a separate 501c3 in 1981. Young Marines units around the country have been celebrating for several weeks now through this weekend. Well over 200 thousand young men and women have passed through this program since our humble start. Learning about leadership, citizenship and living a healthy drug-free lifestyle, our Young Marines go on to serve our country in and out of uniform. We look forward to decades more impact to come and creating another hundreds of thousands of new leaders nationwide!

Here’s a quick spotlight on Young Marine alumni Anthony Martinez, who is now a TSgt in the US Air Force as a C-17 Loadmaster at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. Anthony feels the program has helped get him to where he is today. Anthony was a Young Marine with both the Southeast Wisconsin Young Marines and the LCpl Brian R Buesing Young Marines as a youth. TSgt Martinez has also volunteered with the Golden Gate Young Marines and later the Parris Island Young Marines. He recently graduated from the United States Air Force Weapons School Advanced Instructor Course. Anthony said the strong foundation he received from the Young Marines has been the key to his success in the military. A strong foundation leads to a great future. Thank you, TSgt Martinez, for your dedication to serving our country! Don BaconRob WilkinsJoAnne (Jo) BassHannah Spengler