Young Marines Alumni Association

08/08/2026

🫡 Alumni who connect, engage, and inspire! Division 3 Leadership School alumni represented by serving as AMOs, supporting the next generation, and living out our core values.

A special shoutout to Mario Koch and Sydney Cardwell for serving and representing our alumni community! 🇺🇸

Congrats to the Young Marines who earned the YMAA Leadership School peer voted awards. 👏

🏆 Connect Award: YM/Cpl Flowers, Emily — Lapeer County Young Marines
🏆 Engage Award: YM/Sgt Fertig, Dakota — Ashtabula Young Marines

08/08/2026

🎖️ Alumni Spotlight | From Young Marine to Lieutenant Colonel

Congratulations to Lt. Col. James A. Jones on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army!

Lt. Col. Jones began his leadership journey as an 8-year-old Young Marine in eastern North Carolina, where he learned drill, leadership, land navigation, swim qualification, and the values that would shape his future.

Those early lessons became the foundation for an extraordinary military career spanning more than 17 years, with assignments across Korea, Hawaii, the Middle East, the Pentagon, and West Point.

During his promotion ceremony, held at Young Marines National Headquarters, he reflected on the impact the program had on his life:
“That was the foundation of everything that came after.”

His story is a powerful reminder that today’s Young Marines are tomorrow’s leaders.

Congratulations, Lt. Col. Jones! Thank you for your service, your leadership, and for continuing to inspire the next generation of Young Marines.

08/03/2026

🌟 Young Marines Alumni Spotlight: Audrey Rowland 🇺🇸
From the Northern KY YoungMarines, this alum continues to shine bright!

Audrey Rowland’s journey of service and leadership began as a Young Marine and has continued through the National Guard as she prepares for her next mission as a law enforcement officer.

Her dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving others are a true reflection of the values instilled through the Young Marines program.

Congratulations, Audrey, and thank you for continuing to lead by example! 🇺🇸 👏

Single mother uses university's veterans resource station to prepare for law enforcement career.

08/01/2026

🏆 Congratulations to the Division 6 Junior Leadership School Connect YMAA Award recipient!

The Young Marines Alumni Association Connect Award recognizes a Young Marine who excels at building connections, engaging with others, and strengthening the team.

Please help us congratulate YM/LCpl Damian Alvarez from Antelope Valley Young Marines.

Congratulations to this outstanding leader for representing the values of the Young Marines! 🇺🇸👏

Presented By: Destini Bocanegra - YMAA Division 6 Liaison

07/20/2026

🏆 Congratulations to this year's Young Marines Alumni Association award recipients! These peer-voted awards recognize Young Marines who exemplify leadership and inspire those around them. Well deserved! Join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders. 👏 🇺🇸

⭐ Senior Leadership School Alumni Engage Award: YM/Sgt Adam Diaz Jr. from El Paso Young Marines

⭐ Advanced Leadership School Alumni Inspire Award: YM/GySgt Nicholas Boyd from Hamilton Young Marines

05/30/2026

From Young Marine to US Army Staff Sergeant 🇺🇸👏

On May 15, Young Marine alumna and former HQYM staff member Kaylyn Wood was officially promoted to SSG in the Army. Returning to Headquarters Young Marines for this special moment made the ceremony even more meaningful, a true full-circle experience rooted in leadership, service, and dedication.

Congratulations, Kaylyn! ❤️💙

YouthLeadership

05/21/2026

Graduation season is here 🎓❤️💙

Our Young Marines cords have been in the mail, and our outgoing seniors should be receiving them soon! As you celebrate your graduations, retirements, and next big adventures, don’t forget to tag the YMAA in your photos and posts so we can celebrate with you!
No matter where life takes you, always remember your Young Marine roots. Congratulations, seniors, and best of luck in your next chapter! Semper Fidelis.

YouthLeadership

04/30/2026

History in the making 🎓🔥

The FIRST-EVER Young Marines Alumni Association Graduation Cords are here—and this year’s seniors are leading the way. ❤️💙

Rep the legacy. Celebrate the milestone. Stay connected.
Request your graduation package now + don’t forget to tag us in your grad pics! 👇

🔗 below- get yours now!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD-vrNuTe18gsiZ9V9xyq_3wximrF61fNJzcLy_l8gdveYKg/viewform?usp=header