Excelsior High Desert Young Marines

10/31/2026

We are incredibly proud to recognize 9 extraordinary Young Marines who successfully completed the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Device this year!

The DEA Device represents a significant commitment to drug demand reduction and honors the legacy of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a DEA Special Agent who courageously dedicated his life to fighting against drug trafficking and keeping our communities safe. His tragic death in 1985 became the inspiration for Red Ribbon Week and a nationwide movement to promote drug-free living.

To earn this device, our Young Marines went above and beyond by completing four presentations to their communities, educating others and spreading an important message about the importance of choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

This is more than just earning a device or adding an accomplishment to their uniforms. It represents dedication, leadership, courage, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

These 9 Young Marines have demonstrated what it truly means to lead by example, serve their community, and carry forward Kiki Camarena's legacy.

Congratulations to the following Young Marines: (not all pictured)
YM/SGT Cano
YM/LCPL Olmos
YM/PFC Aligada A
YM/PFC Aligada E
YM/PFC Sandoval J
YM/PFC Sandoval I
YM/PFC Sandoval A
YM/PFC González
YM/PFC Armendáriz

10/27/2026

This past drill we had the honor of promoting six Young Marines. Five got promoted to YM/PFC and one got promoted to YM/SGT.

A huge congratulations to all of these outstanding Young Marines that have put in work to get their sign offs done, Physical Fitness Test (PFT) passed and completed the boards to promote.

Ranking up is no easy task. It takes hard work and determination from our Young Marines, along with the continued support of their parents and adult volunteers. Every promotion is a reflection of the teamwork, leadership, and discipline that make our program strong.

Join us in congratulating the following Young Marines:

YM/PFC Sandoval J
YM/PFC Sandoval I
YM/PFC Armendáriz
YM/PFC González
YM/PFC Mahoney
YM/SGT Craven

10/27/2026

A huge thank you for coming out!

DEA continues to celebrate , Oct. 23-31. During Red Ribbon Week, youth and adults around the nation pledge to increase their knowledge by learning more about the destructive effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug misuse, and renew their commitment to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. These Young Marines, in Castaic, have their pledge locked in! Thank you Young Marines Drug Demand Reduction Encampment for standing with DEA.

DEA-Drug Enforcement Admin. Young Marines Enrique S. Camarena Foundation

09/28/2026

HELP SEND OUR YOUNG MARINES TO CAMP EMERALD BAY!

We are excited to announce our goal of raising $8,000 to help send 24 Young Marines to Camp Emerald Bay on Santa Catalina Island in March 2027!

This will be an incredible opportunity for our Young Marines to learn, grow, build confidence, and experience activities such as:
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Snorkeling
Hiking & outdoor education
Marine Science Center experience
Shooting sports
Arts & crafts
Campfires & more!

Your sponsorship will help cover:
• Transportation to and from Catalina Island
• Lodging
• Food
• Activities

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to our $8,000 goal and helps make this experience possible for our Young Marines.
Donations can be made by:
Cash

Checks payable to Excelsior High Desert Young Marines

Zelle: Excelsior High Desert Young Marines
Email: [email protected]
Please note “Donation for Emerald Bay” with your contribution.

For cash donations, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, please contact Faviola Rodriguez at 760-291-9194.

Please consider becoming a sponsor, sharing this post, or connecting us with a business or organization that would like to support our Young Marines.

Together, we can give 24 Young Marines an unforgettable experience at Camp Emerald Bay!

March 19–21, 2027 | Camp Emerald Bay | Santa Catalina Island
Fundraising Goal: $8,000
Every Donation Makes a Difference!

09/28/2026

The American Veteran Traveling Tribute & The Traveling Wall was in Big Bear, CA this weekend and we had the honor of attending the opening ceremony.

Our Young Marines had the privilege of presenting the colors alongside the Riverside Marine Corps color guard team and local Boy Scouts, coming together as one to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.

This was more than just a ceremony. It was an opportunity to teach our Young Marines about the history of the Vietnam War, the sacrifices made by our veterans, and the importance of remembering those who never came home.

We are proud to give our Young Marines opportunities to learn history through experiences like this, meet those who served, and understand the meaning behind the uniform they proudly wear.

Our Young Marines left with first hand history that they spoke about the whole way home.

09/28/2026

We were proud to represent at this year’s Hesperia Days Parade. Our Young Marines had the opportunity to march alongside other amazing community organizations and be part of a wonderful celebration.

We are grateful for every opportunity to get out into our community, represent the Young Marines, and show the dedication, teamwork, and leadership that our youth bring.

A special thank you to the City of Hesperia and all the organizers, volunteers, first responders, community organizations, and participants who helped make this event.

We are proud to serve, proud to represent, and proud to be part of the High Desert community.

09/14/2026

We were honored to be invited by the Orenda Veterans Project to assist with raising the American flag on their new flagpole at the Orenda House.

The moment was meaningful as the flag now stands overlooking the Serenity Garden, a lasting space created at the Orenda House to provide peace, reflection, and a place of healing for veterans and the community.

The Orenda House has become an important resource for local veterans, helping many get back on their feet and move forward. The dedication and continued work of the Orenda Veterans Project is making a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

The American flag represents the sacrifices, service, and dedication of the men and women who have served our country, and we are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside them and show our support.

08/31/2026

This past Saturday, our Young Marines had the honor of giving back to our local veteran community by helping with a yard cleanup and preparation for the installation of a flagpole at the Orenda Veterans Project veterans’ home.

It was a great opportunity for our Young Marines to put teamwork, leadership, and service into action while showing our appreciation to those who have sacrificed and served our country.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Orenda Veterans Project for their generosity in donating Bombas socks to our unit for our Young Marines to use as boot socks!

Our Young Marines absolutely love using Bombas socks, and they were excited to receive more. Your generosity and support mean so much to our unit!

08/04/2026

A huge thank you to the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club (LARRC) for sponsoring another unforgettable deep-sea fishing trip for our unit! This trip is something Young Marines look forward to all year long!

Our Young Marines had an amazing day out on the water, learning about fishing, teamwork, and enjoying the experience. To make the day even more special, the club cleaned all of the fish they caught so they could take them home to enjoy with their families.

Congratulations to YM/PVT Otero for earning 1st Place by catching the first fish of the day! As an added bonus, he also got to take home a large halibut caught by the crew.

Congratulations also to YM/PVT Sandoval, I. for taking 2nd Place by catching the most fish during the trip!

We are incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Rod & Reel Club for their generosity, hospitality, and for creating such a memorable experience for our Young Marines year after year. Thank you for investing in our youth and making this opportunity possible!

07/20/2026

A huge THANK YOU to the High Desert Marines and LeoCollins AmericanLegion Post CA for your generous donations! Because of your support, the Excelsior High Desert Young Marines were able to attend the 1st California Regiment Encampment at Camp Lolek. Without your generosity, this incredible experience would not have been possible.

Our Young Marines had an unforgettable 4 day weekend filled with learning, teamwork, and adventure. They challenged themselves in archery tag, conquered the high ropes course, performed skits, and participated in many other exciting activities. They also had the opportunity to learn from our local Fire Department, who taught them about fire safety, gave them a tour of a fire truck, and let them climb inside. They also received valuable instruction in first aid and self-defense.

The memories, friendships, leadership skills, and confidence they gained will stay with them for years to come.

Thank you, High Desert Marines, for believing in our youth and investing in the next generation of leaders. Your support truly made a difference, and we are incredibly grateful!

Thank you to the 1st California Regiment of Young Marines for hosting this incredible encampment our unit left with a lot of great memories!