Young Marines 6th Division

08/16/2026

What an incredible experience in Window Rock, Arizona, honoring the legacy, courage, and sacrifice of the Navajo Code Talkers!

Young Marines from Division 6 and units from across the country came together for this special tribute. A huge thank-you to Mr. Roger Rodriguez and his staff for making this event such a success, and to all the adult volunteers who stepped up to support our Young Marines.

Our Young Marines learned important American history, connected with members of the Navajo Nation, and made new friends from across the country. Experiences like this remind us why we serve and why preserving this legacy matters.

We look forward to returning next year—seeing familiar faces, welcoming new ones, and continuing to honor the Navajo Code Talkers together! 🇺🇸
Thank you to Young Marines for some of these pictures.

05/24/2026

Young Marine Master Sergeant Matta enlisted on February 28, 2015, and faithfully served six years with the Antelope Valley Young Marines. Throughout his time in the program, he exemplified what it means to be a leader—setting the standard, inspiring those around him, and earning a well-deserved reputation as someone who could always be trusted to rise to the occasion. It is with immense pride that I reflect on having played even a small part in this outstanding young man’s journey and accomplishments. On May 22, 2026, he reached a remarkable milestone, graduating from Annapolis as an Ensign in the United States Navy. My wife and I consider it one of our greatest honors and joys to have witnessed this incredible moment and to celebrate the success of such an exceptional individual.

01/29/2026

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Copper State Young Marines during their drill this past Monday, where I had the opportunity to meet both the outstanding Young Marines and the Adult Volunteer staff who earned the Division 6 Unit of the Year award. From the moment I arrived, I was met with professionalism, pride, and a level of excellence that immediately distinguished this unit. My sincere thanks to all for the warm and professional hospitality.
What was especially impressive was seeing three clear stages of development operating simultaneously and effectively: brand-new recruits on Training Day One, Young Marines who had just completed recruit training, and seasoned Young Marines confidently executing their roles. This progression reflects not only a strong training program, but a well-structured, disciplined, and sustainable unit culture focused on growth and mentorship.
The Adult Volunteer staff exemplify what it means to set the standard. Their uniform appearance, attention to detail, and professional demeanor clearly communicate expectations and model the behavior we seek to instill in our Young Marines. They represent the very best of professional mentorship and program leadership.
Congratulations to the Copper State Young Marines on earning Division 6 Unit of the Year—an achievement that is truly well deserved. Based on what I observed, this unit is not only a divisional leader, but a strong contender for National Unit of the Year. Copper State represents the highest ideals of the Young Marines program and serves as a benchmark for excellence across the organization.

01/29/2026

Well done on your first of many interviews to come! We’re incredibly proud of you and look forward to your outstanding representation as the Division 6 Young Marine of the Year.

The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has announced the Division 6 Young Marine of the Year, Philip Zajac of San Diego.

01/29/2026

And so, his journey begins...

Today we wrap up our 2026 Division Young Marines of the Year series, spotlighting our final leader. The Division 6 Young Marine of the Year, YM/SgtMaj Philip Zajac sets an example for all the Young Marines in his Division. He mentors other Young Marines, and it fulfills him when he sees them gain confidence in themselves and their new skills.

🌟 Division 6 Young Marine of the Year | YM/SgtMaj Philip Zajac🌟

📍 Unit: San Diego Young Marines Official Page; San Diego, CA

💬 “I believe that great leaders are those who create even stronger ones, and inspiring other Young Marines has come to be the most rewarding part about the program for me,” explained Zajac. “Through the vessels of honoring our veterans and community service, I have found that simply finding a way to instill motivation and dedication to continue the legacy of the program that has transformed my life so positively is by far the best part.” — YM/SgtMaj Philip Zajac

Congratulations to all the 2026 Division Young Marines of the Year! Here’s to an exciting year ahead of service, dedication, and leadership. 🇺🇸🫡

Senator Alex Padilla
Senator Adam Schiff
Congressman Scott Peters
Representative Sara Jacobs

01/04/2026

Congratulations graduates!

12/22/2025

Congratulations to the Ash Fork Young Marines on reaching the significant milestone of five years of dedicated service to the youth of their community. This achievement reflects not only longevity, but a sustained commitment to developing disciplined, motivated, and community-minded Young Marines. My congratulations also extend to Unit Commander Harley Alldridge, whose leadership continues to drive the unit’s growth and development.
I was joined by Mr. Rodriguez, Grand Canyon Regiment Executive Officer, who highlighted the unit’s outstanding participation in the Toys for Tots drive. He proudly shared the sentiments of the Marine Corps League members, noting how impressed they were by the Young Marines’ respectful demeanor and their unmistakable Gung Ho spirit in accomplishing every task set before them. My sincere thanks to the adult staff whose steadfast support and tireless efforts have made this five-year accomplishment possible and continue to set the standard for the unit’s success.

12/22/2025

It was my distinct honor to present Jackie Needham, the East Valley Young Marines Unit Commander with their 20-Year Longevity Certificate—a milestone that reflects an extraordinary level of commitment, perseverance, and service. Achievements of this magnitude speak volumes about a unit’s lasting impact. Over the past two decades, countless Young Marines have passed through these doors and gone on to become leaders and exemplary citizens within their communities, a testament to the dedication and tireless efforts of the adult volunteers who have supported and guided them.
I was also deeply honored to present Mr. Frank Alger with his 20-Year Service Star. As the original unit commander of East Valley, Mr. Alger set the vision, established the standard, and laid a strong foundation upon which the unit continues to thrive. Thank you, Frank, for your leadership, foresight, and enduring legacy—your influence will be felt for generations of Young Marines to come.

11/28/2025

This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of returning to my home unit to present a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service to the Antelope Valley communities and beyond. Standing before the Young Marines of Antelope Valley—an exceptional unit that has shaped so many successful leaders who continue to bring value to this program and to one another—filled me with immense pride.

As I spoke with them, I emphasized the importance of remembering where they come from. Their history and heritage are more than stories; they are the foundation upon which this unit was built, forged through the commitment, resilience, and character of those who came before them. Reflecting on these roots brought back countless memories and reminded me of the enduring spirit that has always defined this unit.

Now, as they embark on their next chapter under the leadership of their new Unit Commander, Mrs. Hernandez, and the dedicated adult staff who stand beside her, these Young Marines are encouraged to rise, challenge themselves, and carry forward the legacy entrusted to them. Their heritage is their strength, and their future is theirs to shape.

As their motto proudly declares: Always Faithful, Always Forward.