Young Marines

Name: Young Marine Sergeant Major Dotson

The Young Marine program has been an amazing opportunity for myself and others. I have been in the program for eight years now and I have had many life changing experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime. This program has taken me near and far, it has taught me about the dangers of substance abuse, our history, how to become a leader to others and even more. Not only have I been able to learn about these aspects of life but I have been able to put them to use in and out of the program. The Young Marines has developed me into the person I am today, with the relationships, experience and knowledge that I have gained from this program. If anyone has the opportunity to get involved with the Young Marines program I would strongly encourage it, being in the program has been one of the best decisions I have made.

Name: Young Marine Gunnery Sergeant Bahadur

Immigrating to the United States of America, has probably been one of the toughest challenges of my life. Coming to a completely new country with absolutely different standards can be a challenge. While I was presented with these challenges, I happened to stumble across the Young Marines Program. Now as a youth who has always been very shy, timid and closed off, I didn't really see what the program had to offer though I decided to give it a try anyways. I am genuinely glad that I stuck with the program and appreciative for all of the leadership values it has taught me by challenging me to be a better version of myself every single day. The program has also brought me out of my shell, by providing me with many opportunities like speaking in front of adults and peers, serving my community, supporting veterans and spreading awareness on drugs. I would highly recommend this program to every individual out there, whether you come in as an adult volunteer or a Young Marine, there are always opportunities to better yourself and others around you!!

Both of my son's are in this program and there are so many activities that are accomplished through the Young Marines that help our kids build skills for the future. Our Unit does alot of traditional activities such as camping. . .etc; then implemented STEAM learning with drone building and so much more.

I join this program when I was 9, it's been 8 years since then and it has been one of the best choices of my life! The program has taught me the dangers of drugs and how to say no to them, given me leadership skills I wouldn't have without it, helped me to meet life long friends, and has shaped who I am as a person for the better and I'll forever be grateful.

Omg how I can start to say … my boy has changed so much he it’s been more responsible, gaining more life skill, he said the friendships he is building there are the one’s who are the most valuable to him. He did also now encouraging others to join !
You guys are amazing and this is only 6 months in …

I am absolutely obsessed with this program!! We do so much for the kids involved in the program and the communities that support us! Definitely one of the best programs to get your kids involved in! It’s absolutely amazing being apart of a program that actively supports our youth in becoming better leaders for their future!

Young Marinss is a great program for today's youth to learn about teamwork. This also allows kids to build self esteem and build self strength. Learning history of our Veterans teaches them respect and pushes them to respect themselves and people today. The continuous learning from those around about the importance on not using drugs and having them passing the word on to those around them is great work. Kids hearing the word from other kids is a great way to keep kids away from drug use today. Keep pushing this program to today and the further youth!!!

The Young Marines program is by far one of the best youth programs in the US. The young people that come out of this program are respectful, know how to work with other people, are community service oriented and care about the towns/cities they live in, work hard in school, and are taught skills to help them become good leaders. I love the fact that these kids want to spend time with other kids who are interested in making a better world for everyone!

The Young Marines program helps kids put down their phones and engage with each other. They challenge each other and cheer each other on. It's wonderful to see!

I have been an adult volunteer in this program since October 1998. I have seen young people come and go and seen many stay and work to achieve greater things in life. I have led over 15 National events and worked with people from all over the USA.
I have seen them graduate from Parris Island, and West Point! Whether Enlisted or Officer these young people stay committed to their original oaths taken so many years ago. They will do nothing to bring shame or discredit to this program.
I have seen friendships that are still strong today as they were in 1998. Just remember, it starts with these words, "From this day forward..." Semper Fidelis, Kevin andreau Westover Young Marines, chicopee, MA

My 13 year old daughter has grown up as a Marine Corps dependent and in a dual law enforcement household. The Young Marine Program holds fast to the same structure, values and discipline that we have implemented in her life. She looks forward to Recruit Training every week. We have been so blessed to have this as our local program. We look forward to expanding as the years progress.

I have had 4 son's go through the program and I have been a volunteer for over 22 years! My children have blossomed into amazing men who are upstanding citizens, and they continue to help others. None of my son's went into the military- they've all attended college. This program helped them grow and realize the possibilities, with travel and meeting others around the country.

I too have enjoyed travel and meeting others from all areas of the country. I've served on the board of directors, and in just about every position the program has. I have no idea how long I will continue to give back, but I know for sure it's worth the effort to give of your time with this program.

I am 12 years old. The Young Marines program has taught me so much that I know will be skills I will use my entire life, like leadership and communication, first aid and cpr, manners and respect. But more than that, they taught me a love for my country and for the people, our veterans, who have paid so much to pave the way for my future. I will no doubt stay in the program until I graduate high school, and I'm sure I will become an adult volunteer after that to give back to the program what it has given me! I can't say enough good things about it and all the lives I have seen touched and changed by this great program!

I became involved in the Young Marines in 2010 when my oldest son was 13 years old. He grew in discipline, teamwork, and leadership - the three pillars of the Young Marines program. That son is now a Captain in the United States Marines Corps and his two younger brothers have also been through the program, being just as well served by what they learned. The program boasts of many excellent, hard-working volunteers, and many young people who have become better citizens, leaders, and all-around humans. As an elementary school principal, I have referred many youth into the program, and I (and their families!) could not be happier with the results. It builds youth into leaders who then turn around and train up their younger counterparts to also be leaders. This is the best youth program no one has ever heard of!

I was a Young Marine from 1998 to 2007 and a volunteer staff member from 2007 to 2010 and 2020 to current. This program is a big reason that I became the person I am today. It helped me to build confidence in myself through the core values of teamwork, leadership, and self discipline. I was able to do and see many things that most don't have the opportunity to in their life time. Visiting military bases, volunteer work, presenting in color guard at sporting events, camping with individuals from across the nation, and leadership schools are just some of the pieces this program presented me. I choose to volunteer my time in order to allow today's youth to have the opportunity to share those same experiences and teach them the benefits of living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. I am proud of the accomplishments I've achieved in and out of this program, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Young Marines.

Young Marines has been a key part in my life since joining the program. Being a Young Marine for 3 years (and coming up to retirement) has been an incredible honor and privilege. The Young Marines continue to teach kids the value of teamwork, leadership, and discipline; the 3 core values of the Young Marines. While they are there, they will also learn how to be a good citizen, participate in community service, stay physically fit, and how to live a healthy drug free lifestyle.

I have been given so many amazing opportunities to go to places such as leadership schools, camping events, and even Hawaii for Peal Harbor Day! In Young Marines, you will make so many friends that feel like family. You will find yourself hanging out with them outside of drills very often. I encourage any kid that may be interested to go see what it’s like for a day. Go ask questions to the Young Marines. They will all vouch for how amazing this program is and the things it can do for you.

My son started in this program when he was 9 years old. He was shy and soft spoken. I was a single teen mom and his father suffered from drug addiction. My son is now 16. He learned confidence, teamwork and patriotism. He is an advocate for drug prevention and learned so much from the DDR program within Young Marines. The skills learned through this program have set him up for the career he chose to become a government/history teacher. He started college courses this year and has no problem speaking to adults in his class and understanding the material. I believe the young marines is a program that has impacted my son and our family for years to come! Thank you so much to everyone who helped my son become the young man he is today.

Best thing my daughter ever did. Was in it through high school. She learned so much about leadership, responsibility and civic duty. It really set her up for success in college and beyond. All of the adult volunteers are background checked, and there's nothing else out there like it.

I loved it so much, I became an adult volunteer myself, and have continued on for years past when my daughter graduated out of the program.

Because of this amazing program my son has become a confident well rounded young citizen. This program teaches values such as respect, self discipline, leadership and compassion. The Young Marine program is setting my son and every Young Marine up for bright futures and I can’t recommend this program enough ! It is the best!

The Ashtabula County Young Marines every month and help us during our food pantry distribution for our local Veterans at Feed Our Vets in Ashtabula, Ohio. We serve around 330 families each month. The Veterans love to see the Young Marines and love to share stories with them. It brightens their day ! I can't say how amazing this group of kids are!

As a member of the Young Marines as a youth for ten years and adult volunteer for the last five years, I evoke the teamwork, leadership and discipline I have learned as those have helped shape me to the person I am today. I evoke the moments where I have helped share the message of having a healthy, drug- free lifestyle within the community and to others wherever paths may cross. Most importantly, I evoke the program for teaching youth the style of becoming dedicated and having self- confidence.

Young Marines has taught me a lot and made me truly find myself and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I credit the Young Marines for my public speaking skills. Being pushed outside of my comfort zone has made me grow beyond my expectations and has given me more confidence to speak not only in front of Young Marines but also larger crowds such as community members and even in front of classmates. Young Marines have taught me how to be responsible and balance my everyday life, whether it be at school, at work, at home or at play. I credit the Young Marines program to my success today. Through our core values of teamwork, leadership, and discipline, I enjoy being a mentor to all I interact with. This program is one of the best for all youth and adults! Join and support the Young Marines!

Let me tell you a little about how I got to where I am today. When growing up I was always told one rule by my Nana: “Try it once before you can say you don't like it.” I was not an easy child. I looked up to my older sister who excelled in school, and sat in the outfield picking dandelions while my twin brother hit home runs; I felt like the only person in my family yet to find their sense of purpose. As a kid, my parents could never seem to find something that pleased me. They made countless attempts to introduce me to different after-school activities from flag football, baseball, science clubs, and even my Mom trying to play frisbee golf with me, yet nothing kept me interested.
One of the activities that my Mom found in a magazine was building model rockets. She thought that it might be something that could keep me interested and out of trouble. She soon realized that wasn't the case. As the class started, so did my attitude. I was mouthing off to the teacher, my Mom, and even the other people in the class. During a break, one of the dads stopped my Mom and told her, “Your son needs the Young Marines.” While I don't know who that man is, if I could meet him today I would love to shake his hand and say thank you. Little did I know how those words would change my life.
I still remember the first day I went to Young Marines. It was a brisk morning; the dew was still on the grass, and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. As we pulled into the parking lot, I was begging my Mom to turn around, but it was too late. I saw the drill instructor standing in the distance. He was yelling for me to get out of the car. I was in a panic, wrapping the seat belt around my arms, screaming and crying not to go. Finally, they were able to get me out of the car and I was ordered to stand at attention on the yellow chalk footprints. As I stood, staring at the wall in front of me with tears running down my face, all I could think about was that I wanted to go home.
I am beyond grateful that Mom made me stay in the program. I still remember my first taste of leadership; I was just ten years old and was told that I was going to be the platoon sergeant for the day. That first leadership experience was a small spark that would eventually kindle a fire.
I grew physically and mentally as a leader. I went from a scared, lost eight-year-old to a teenager with a passion and a path. I attended Junior Leadership School, where I was taught how to be a leader, how to understand different learning styles, and what type of leader I am personally. In the next two summers, I would attend both Senior Leadership School and Advanced Leadership School.
After eight years in the program, I was invited to board for Division Young Marine of the Year. It feels like just yesterday I was begging my mom to not go to Young Marines, yet here I am, representing the program.
When I got the call that I was selected as the Divison six Young Marine of the year, I was in disbelief. Since the day I won, I have had some of the most amazing, life-changing experiences. During my time with the Young Marines, I have traveled to over sixteen different states sharing the Young Marine values of Leadership, Teamwork, and Discipline. I have spoken to audiences of hundreds of people and met people that will forever leave an impact on my life. Most importantly, I now teach at those leadership schools that I attended years ago when I was just finding myself as a leader, and am now able to help new kids find the leader in themselves.
Some of the events that have left the biggest impact on my life are those where I met some of my best friends. The Young Marine has events that no other program offers. From watching the past Division Young marine of the year fall off of a horse in Wyoming spending a week on an active cattle ranch. Where I rode horses, roped cattle, and saw amazing views. Just this past month where I got to live in the trees of Idaho on beautiful Coeur d'Alene doing things such as canoeing, archery, and meeting so many of you here. Events like these are some that I will remember forever. For the people I met, they will be lifelong friends with so many good memories.
Today I live by my three M's: motivate, mingle, and mentor. Everywhere I go I'm trying to meet new people, motivate them to go out of their comfort zone, and spread my message that it won't always be easy, but you must embrace your discomfort and push through struggles that come your way.
Through my adventures over the years, I have learned many priceless lessons. First I would have to say don't be afraid to be yourself. Some people are going to love your personality and others not so much but at the end of the day, your personality is what sets you apart from everyone else. Every one of us brings something different to the table that others can't. Whether you are a private fresh out of recruit training or a seasoned adult volunteer with years of experience you are invaluable. So pursue what you're passionate about, do what makes you happy, and don't let anyone stand in your way of that. Second is don't let other people's opinions define yours. A big problem with everyone today is they are so opinionated about everything and everyone. As I travel and meet hundreds of new people I have noticed this more and more. Get your own impression of everything and don't let others decide for you. Become friends with people that make you happy but only stay friends with those who support you. So don't give up on what you want to do. Don’t listen to the people who tell you it is impossible. With this I want everyone to know you have the power to do something great, build yourself as a person, create new goals and aspirations, and make new friends. Tomorrow is a new day so make it a great day.

I have been volunteering with the Young Marines program since 2010. I can say that it has had both rewards and challenges -- especially during the pandemic. I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of youth and dozens of like minded volunteers. Some of my greatest "vacations" have been serving as an adult volunteer in leadership schools and covering various activities through the public affairs program. Speaking as a veteran, I see that one of our greatest responsibilities is giving back. Giving back through mentoring and encouraging these youth rewards us by seeing these young people grow up to be responsible citizens in our community. In a society that has seen civics and civility dwindle in the last few years, it is refreshing that the Young Marines program and its corps of volunteers help Strengthen the Lives of America's Youth. www.youngmarines.org

The Young Marines program has made me into the person I am today. It has always been a backbone I can rely on and a positive example to follow. The Young Marines offers opportunities that have taken me all over the country where I made friends that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to any youth looking looking for a fun organization to join that will set you up for success in the near future!

My YM/GySgt had a great time. He learned so much . The importance on communication. Working together as a team. He loved running to the ocean and getting his feet wet in the sand. He has made forever friends with other Units throughout the US. One of the best experiences while in the Young Marine program!

My son has been in the Young Marines for about two years now. I have enjoyed watching him grow into a respectful, responsible, and thoughtful young man. He has worked hard to achieve his rank of Young Marine Sergeant. Once a shy quite boy, my son is now leading squads in drill and in pt, volunteering to work a number of public service events, assisting with color guard as well as the silent drill team, and helping guide the new recruits on their journey to become Young Marines. I'm proud to be a volunteer with his unit, which provides me the opportunity to witness his success and growth every step of the way.

I have been involved in the Young Marine organization for the past 5 years, since my son joined. I am now the Adjutant and DDR Officer of our unit. I have seen many young people who have been positively influenced due to the mentoring of the Registered Adult Leaders and the memorable, self confidence building activities that our unit engages in. This program teaches discipline, organization and leadership. It is nice that there is somewhere for these kids to go and learn the skills that are taught here. Life skills that will take them into any career path, whether military or civilian careers.

The Young Marines has had a positive impact in our daughter's life on so many levels since she joined in 2019. She is finding her voice and style as a leader. She sets her personal bar high and readily takes on new challenges. She approaches things with a "can do" attitude and gives it her personal best even when it is outside of her comfort zone. She has grown in confidence and independence. She has developed a strong camaraderie with her fellow Young Marines, cherishing them not only as teammates but also friends.
She has thoroughly enjoyed the encampments and is looking forward to attending her first SPACES camps this summer as well as the USNA's Summer STEM program. She has enjoyed their community service opportunities. There are so many unique opportunities afforded to the YMs, and the sky is the limit for what you can achieve.
Being a YM has helped her grow into the mentally and physically strong young woman she is today. She is well-rounded, self-disciplined, respectful, confident, patriotic, and compassionate. She is a ballerina, a basketball player, a community service leader, and a Young Marine. We cannot wait to see what adventures the next 4 years holds for her. Thank you to the Young Marines and all the mentors that make this program possible.

When my son was 9 he saw a Young Marines bumper sticker on a car in front of us at a stop light. I had never heard of the program and my pacifist brain was hesitant, but he was insistent so we checked it out.

We went to one of the open house drills and he was immediately in love with the entire program. I was still hesitant but he was hooked at the first Ooh Rah. So we signed up and he ended up being the Honor graduate for the fall 2013 recruit class.

That was 8 years ago, now at 17, he is a High School junior with only one year left in the program. My tiny little boy who needed special order utilities for his Honor Graduate PFC chevrons is now YM/MSgt Slader and for me to say that this program has had a huge impact on the kind, thoughtful, caring young man that he has grown into would be a huge understatement.

He has learned leadership skills, public speaking, community service, self-reliance, confidence and so many other things that I alone could never have imparted to him. Young Marines has also opened so many doors to incredible experiences. Through the SPACES program he has attended flight Academy, space camp, Orme Wilderness adventures, and participated in three leadership academies all across the country. This summer for his final SPACES program he'll be spending 3 weeks in Costa Rica participating in things like turtle conservation, exchanging language skills, participating in community service projects as well as hiking kayaking scuba diving and a myriad of other incredibly fun activities.

To sum it all up, this program has given my son a village of support outside his family that is irreplaceable. I can honestly say, without hesitation, my letting that little boy who fell in love with uniforms and drill steps and the Ooh Rah chants choose this program to become involved in was the best parenting decision I have ever made.

To Mr & Mrs Miller, Mr Gerard, and all of the adult volunteers Miami Valley Young Marines has had over the years I cannot say thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do for Karl and for all of the young people who come into this program.

The Young Marines is an outstanding program that teaches our kids about respect, honor, integrity, leadership, participation, hard work, dedication, and the list goes on and on. From boot camp, to weekly drills, encampments, and promotions they grow and learn. The message of Drug Demand Reduction is a key focus of the program, educating youths about the effects of drug use on life and on health. The Young Marines promote a healthy lifestyle and a physical fitness routine that's a large part of the program. The comradery and team building they develop will last a lifetime. The Young Marines participate in community service events and volunteer services all year.

Our son received the United States Presidents Volunteer Service Award for 2018 and 2019. He earned two gold device pins and received two letters from the President of the United States of America for his accomplishments. He was also recently named the Young Marine of the Year for his Unit and Young Marine of the year for the Battalion, he's attended National Code Talker events every year from 2017 - 2019 and he continues to help his fellow Young Marines excel by leading physical fitness training, guide book study sessions, and by setting the example for all to follow.

Year after year I see Young Marines retire from the program and become productive and successful young adults. Thank you, Young Marine Program, for your help in developing our son over the past several years. We are the proud parents of a Young Marine Sergeant.

Our Young Marine (YM) has been in the program approaching 4 years and with 4 years of perfect attendance! He has remained entuasatic about the YM program and looks forward to each week of unit drills and learning. Our son has mild autism and ADHD, the program IS NOT designed to be used as therapy but, personally watching Hunter grow physically and mentally over these past years was more than we could have ever imagined. He takes a lot of pride wearing his YM pressed uniform, boots he polishes and has earned 30 ribbons, with 3 more he’s in the process of earning and will be permitted to wear this coming October 2021. Hunter is 12 years old and has gone on numerous outdoor adventures over the past 4 years with his YM unit, we were always a little concerned but, he returns home safe and can hardly wait to go again because they are so much fun. After your child accomplishes boot camp to become a YM they can join the summer SPACES events. These are amazing (affordable) encampments and are actually the heart of the program. Hunter is going to Adventure Links – a weeklong of outdoor fun in VA, (rock climbing, canoeing, camping) and he is already planning next summer. The program has existed since October 17, 1965 and I never heard of it until 2016! If your child is 8-17 years old give them a chance to let them join because seeing kids learn and grow to be respectable proud individuals is a really great opportunity at their young age. I can’t imagine how our kiddo would have been without the Young Marine Program. I truly appreciate all it has done for him and our family as a whole.

Young Marines is truly a life changing program. I joined when I was 8 years old and continued on through the program for 10 years. Young Marines allows you to interact and honor veterans across the country from Pearl Harbor to DC. We also focus on community service within our communities and our country. This program also teaches about being Drug Free, which in our culture is much needed. The Young Marines and adult volunteers in this program become you’re second family and one you could never replace. Young Marines changed me for the better.

This was the best decision I ever made to join the Young Marines as a kid. I learned many life skills, leadership skills, and built forever friendships. The adventures were countless and I would recommend this to anyone with kids 8-18!!

I am the Grandmother of 3 grandsons that have gone through the Young Marine Program. All three of these boys have benefited from the program. I believe that this program is excellent in that it builds and promotes Integrity, Courage, Confidence, Leadership, Team Building in our young Marines. The DDR program (Drug Demand Reduction) is by far the best program for promoting healthy living and educates on the devastating effects on our children, adults and our society that drugs have. The education is invaluable.

My oldest grandson is now an active Marine and is a proud retired Young Marine, I cannot say enough about this very important organization. My son is our Unit Commander and is proud to be a part of this program. To give a young boy or girl the confidence and knowledge to succeed in their lives and take the skills they learn with them into their future is the legacy of the young marine program.
The photo is of my grandson Sgt. Caden Dochnahl at his SLS training in Oregon.
Diane Dochnahl
Proud Young Marine Grandmother

My son came back from his JLS experience a changed man. He absolutely loved his week there. He sees the benefit not only for his YM unit but also for his future in school, jobs and life in general. Thanks to all the volunteers who make thos possible!

Absolutely amazing Non-profit organization! It’s incredible to see all these kids grow and learn. We are so happy to be a part of the young marine family.