I would like to introduce you to the Young Marine program. The Young Marine program started in 1958 and is an International program. The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America’s future by providing quality youth development programs for young men and women that nurtures and develops its members into responsible community minded citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The organization is open to youth between the ages of 8 through completion of high school. It is a youth education and service program that focuses on character and leadership building. The organization is the focal point for the United States Marine Corps' Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts. The Young Marines is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our unit opened in the Hanover, PA area in November of 2011. When we opened our doors, we had a total number of 7 youth and 5 volunteer adult leaders. Currently we have grown to 45 youth with 11 volunteer adult leaders. We do not advertise for membership, relying solely on word of mouth. At this time, our Hanover Area Young Marines represent 11 different school districts. The youth are guided by some of the most dedicated adults that include every branch of the military. We teach Leadership, Teamwork, and Discipline. We also stress responsibility, dedication and high moral standards, which is evident when you work with them. In the past year, our Youth alone have completed in excess of 2000 hours of community service as a unit. Some of our projects included, The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC, working events such as the annual Five Angels Soccer Tournament, Community beautification, Disaster Relief training with the American Red Cross, and Color Guard for the National GI Film Festival in Alexandria, VA. Our unit has placed flags, and wreaths, on Veterans graves in both Arlington and Gettysburg National Cemeteries, along with our local cemeteries in honor of our nation’s veterans. Our Young Marines helped set up for the 60th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War at the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC. We have also helped the New Oxford Historical Society with logistics for the Liberation of New Oxford Reenactment. We are busy at least 2 weekends or more per month with community service projects or encampments and training of our own. Our rank structure mirrors that of the US Marine Corps, with youth holding all positions of leadership from Unit 1st SGT to squad leaders to team members. Our Unit is truly led by the youth. Most of our activities are completely planned and executed by the Unit’s Young Marine NCO’s. This past summer, our Unit was able to send 7 of our Young Marines to Leadership Academies. We have high ranking retired Marine and Army personnel that take an active role in training our Young Marines in subjects such as Color Guard, Close Order Drill, day/night Land Navigation, Wilderness Survival, Drug Demand Reduction, Basic and Advanced 1st Aid, CPR, and Physical Fitness as well as Leadership, personal growth and mentoring skills. The skills they learn while enrolled in the Young Marines will serve them a life time.
