Latest news with #YoungMarines
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hulburt, Payne honored for service to Young Marines
May is a busy month for Benjamin Hulburt and Evan Payne. The pair is preparing to graduate Thursday from Cumberland County High School. And last week they gave their final salutes as members of the Cumberland County Young Marines. After a May 3 graduation and retirement ceremony at the American Legion Hall, the two former staff sergeants solemnly looked over the accolades they had been presented. 'We've only just begun, sir,' Payne said to his fellow classmate and former Young Marine officer. 'Oh, yeah!' Hulburt replied. The Young Marines, an organization for ages 8-18, teaches discipline, teamwork and leadership through various drills and community activities. They present the colors at county and city of Crossville governmental meetings and serve during veterans ceremonies and other community events. Hulburt has been a part of the Young Marines since Feb. 3, 2018; Payne joined March 23, 2019. As part of their retirement, the two were presented with flags that were flown at the Cumberland County Courthouse and Crossville City Hall. The ceremony included those Young Marines they led passing each young man's flag hand to hand, each issuing a salute as the flags made their way to the unit commander and were presented first to Hulburt, then to Payne. During the ceremony, the staff sergeants were given opportunities to speak before their final salutes as Young Marines. 'Y'all are the reason I am the way I am today,' Hulburt said, thanking commanders and adult volunteers. He expressed a deep appreciation to the remaining troops for allowing him to teach them while assuring them that they had taught him even more. Payne, the more loquacious of the pair, tasked those he's leaving behind 'to be better than us and to take leadership and run with it.' He asked, 'Are you ready? Are you ready to face the challenge?' While the two have bid farewell to their days with the Cumberland County unit, their service will continue. Payne is trading the Young Marines for the U.S. Marine Corps, Hulburt has enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Both will ship out June 10 and report for duty the following day. Hulburt will report for boot camp at Great Lakes, IL. Payne's Marine training will be at Parris Island, SC. A luncheon in the young men's honor followed the ceremony. The luncheon included two cakes — one dedicated to each graduate, decorated with his likeness and term of service.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Albany Young Marines named National Unit of the Year
ALBANY – The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has named the Albany Young Marines as the National Unit of the Year – the top honor for all units in the U.S. The honor was announced during the Young Marines' 2025 Adult Leaders Conference in Dallas on April 26. Albany's Unit competed with more than 200 units from across the country for the recognition. The local unit was recognized for its dedication to the Young Marines mission, committing to community service and engagement. 'The Albany Young Marines continue to raise the bar — not just for Division 2, but for the entire organization,' said Col. William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. 'Their energy, consistency, and deep-rooted commitment to service make them a standout unit.' The Young Marines is a national nonprofit youth leadership and development program for boys and girls, ages 8 through high school graduation. It promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members with focuses on leadership, teamwork and self-discipline. Eric Crump leads Albany's Unit of 30 members. The group has volunteered thousands of hours of service to the community and area veterans organizations. 'It's exciting,' Crump said. 'For us, it was surprising because our unit has been kind of reborn over the last five years. The national program recognizes that improvement and the engagement we have with the community.' Albany's Young Marines Unit is a longstanding local program that at one point, Crump said, had more than 100 members. The program shrunk after leadership changes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years ago, when Crump took the program over, there were only two members. 'COVID was detrimental for all kinds of youth organizations, for schools, as well as extracurriculars,' Crump said. 'But, we knew there was a need for this kind of program.' So Crump and his wife stepped up to the plate, growing the program and reconnecting with the community. The group they've formed is dynamic. They go beyond attending monthly meetings and consistently step out to serve the community. The Young Marines partner with active-duty marines from Albany's Marine Corps Logistics Base as well as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee. They place American flags around the community for various patriotic holidays. They engage with local veterans through initiatives like Wreaths Across America, which honors veterans through wreath-laying ceremonies on National Wreaths Across America Day. 'We're a very veteran-rich community, and we want to make sure that the youths have the opportunity to give back to those that have given so much to us,' Crump said. One of the Young Marines' core tenants is remaining drug-free. The Albany unit places special emphasis in this element through its Drug Demand Reduction program. The group partners with the local DEA office as well as the Albany Police Department. Each October, the unit hosts Red Ribbon Week to place emphasis on preventing drug use. It was this extensive service that made the unit stand out even against units from large cities like Washington D.C. or San Antonio, Texas. 'A lot of those other units, they already have established programs that have been around for a long time,' Crump said. 'They've done a lot of amazing things, but the thing that really stood out for Albany is that re-engagement with the community and the program's growth.' Dan Gillan, the CEO of the Albany Area YMCA, said it was no small feat for Albany's Young Marines to be recognized at such a high level. 'Here we are, living in rural southwest Georgia … it helps put us on the map,' Gillan said. 'It's a testament not only to the Crump family but also the support of the community. Seeing all of that dedication and perseverance and commitment pay off with this national recognition; I mean, that's huge.' Gillan engages with the Young Marines in several different ways. As the chairman of the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, he's been vocal about promoting the Young Marines during chamber board meetings and various events. Albany's Young Marines often serve as the color guard that raises or carries the flag for local ceremonies. As the CEO of the YMCA, Gillan said he hosts the Young Marines once a month on Sunday afternoons. They use the space to hold their monthly meetings and do training, including learning drills from active-duty marines. 'I'm a retired U.S. Marine, so the Young Marines have a place in my heart. Similar to Scouting, the young Marines is an organization that instills leadership and a sense of excellence in what they do,' Gillan said. 'They provide opportunities and experiences for boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment that results in learning about leadership at a young age.' Gillan said the 30 members who make up the Albany unit put in the work, the sweat and the motivation to excel. Their national recognition is just the beginning for the group. 'Our whole thing was never about winning the competition,' Crump said. 'We've always just wanted to do the best that we can do, and by doing that, we've been rewarded.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Rose City Young Marines of Tyler win national DEA award
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — The Rose City Young Marines of Tyler won a national award on Saturday at the Young Marines 2025 Adult Leader's Conference in Dallas. Tips for Texas Motor Speedway attendees: Parking, schedule and more Young Marines is a youth education and services program for boys and girls that promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members, according to their website. The Young Marines won the Division 4 Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena Award given by the Drug Enforcement Administration for drug demand reduction efforts through community education and peer-to-peer role modeling, a press release said. This award is named in honor of DEA Special Agent and U.S. Marine Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena who was abducted and murdered while working to expose top leaders of a major drug pipeline in 1985. To win this award, Young Marine units are judged on drug demand reduction hours, their curriculum and the steps they take to include community members and other organizations. 'These Young Marines represent the kind of leadership and courage we need in the fight against dangerous and deadly drugs,' DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz said. 'Their commitment to prevention and education sends a powerful message to their peers. They're not just talking about a drug-free future, they're working to build one.' Kilgore student earns historic recognition for her skills in welding One aspect of the Young Marines program is living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle while encouraging those not in the program to do the same. Members must teach standardized curriculum that informs people about gateway drugs and drugs that currently effect the youth. 'The impact of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs continues to devastate families across the country,' Col. William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines said. 'Our Young Marines are answering that challenge with purpose and creativity. These award-winning units show what's possible when young leaders take action for the good of their communities.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Orleans teen Marine is one of USA's best
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — You don't have to be around London Williams long to learn that she's one of America's best. She's a Young Marine. A Sargent Major, in fact. WGNO Good Morning New Orleans features reporter Bill Wood found out she signed up to be a Young Marine when she was really young. She was 8 years old when she knew she wanted to be part of the national program that build's tomorrow's leaders today. 'Being a young marine has changed me so much in my life. I wake up in the morning and I remember that I'm a Young Marine and appreciate it so much,' said Williams. And now, she's one of the best. She's the Young Marine of the Year in her division. Now she's headed to the national competition. 'The Young Marines have done so much for me. Its also just an honor to be able to represent my division,' said Williams.'Gut-wrenching': 152 dogs rescued from 'extremely poor' conditions in Utah home Former MLS player Aaron Boupendza dies after falling from building in China, soccer officials say Obama, Sanders, Ben Carson among most liked politicians, surveys show New Orleans teen Marine is one of USA's best Where Y'at this Weekend: Boomtown Casino, Halloween Dance-off, Gospel Brunch, Easter Parade Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Groesbeck teen escorts, honors WWII Marines at Iwo Jima
GROESBECK, Texas (FOX 44) – A Groesbeck teenager was among twelve Young Marines from across the country who traveled to Guam and Iwo Jima to honor the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. Leighanna Mackey got to plant a flag on Mt. Suribachi. She was part of a select group of Young Marines who climbed the mountain at saw the location of the flag raised by United States Marines at Iwo Jima, where the famous photo was taken during this battle. Honoring our 6,821 fallen U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima were eleven 2024 and 2025 Division Young Marines of the Year from across the U.S. as well as Mackey who is the recipient of the Jimmy Trimble Award. This Young Marines says this award is presented annually to someone who exemplifies the fine qualities of James 'Jimmy' Trimble III, a star athlete who passed up the opportunity to play professional baseball to serve his country in the Marines during World War II. Focused and dedicated to serving his country, he remained in combat. He died at age 19 on March 1, 1945, on Iwo Jima. 'As a retired Marine, standing atop Mt. Suribachi with these Young Marines is more than a privilege—it's a living tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought here in 1945. Watching them reenact the raising of the flag reminds us that the legacy of Iwo Jima isn't just history, it's a torch being passed to the next generation,' said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. According to the Young Marines, the flags were donated by Allegiance Flags USA and were taken to the top of Mt. Suribachi by each of the twelve Young Marines – where they planted the flags honoring the 1945 battle where the famous photo of U.S. Marines planting the flag on Mt. Suribachi took place. After the reenactment, the flags were returned by the Young Marines to Young Marines National Headquarters, for use at their discretion. The group was part of the 'Reunion of Honor Tour,' sponsored by the Military Historical Tours in cooperation with the Iwo Jima Association of America, which is dedicated to perpetuating the legacy, preserving the memory of our Iwo Jima and WWII Pacific campaign veterans, and ensuring America and Japan never forget their sacrifices. After the flag raising, the Young Marines were joined by military and civilian dignitaries from the U.S. and Japanese governments, along with the bereaved families of the fallen patriots on both sides of that terrible conflict for a solemn and reverent Joint US/Japanese Reunion of Honor. This commemorative and joint memorial service furthers the reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan and strengthens the alliance between the two nations, according to the Young Marines. 'History comes alive to ensure we never forget' states the Iwo Jima Association. The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through high school graduation. The organization promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so they can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. For more information, you can visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
