In Their Words
Thoughts from our Adult Leaders and Young Marines on the Young Marines Program
"Young Marines has a way of bringing out the best in children and teenagers alike. Young and old, they bond together as they learn leadership, confidence, and camaraderie by overcoming obstacles and facing their fears. They drill together, they travel together, they learn together, and they grow together. Young Marines are the very best of their generation and grow up to be the very best of leaders in whatever field they choose." - Former Young Marine Brittany Crocker
“The Young Marine Organization is GREAT! Our son entered the Young Marines at age 12 and didn’t even think he could graduate boot camp and now he is a 17-year-old that leads his unit. He has traveled all over the United States and to foreign countries representing the Young Marine organization and continues to set examples of honor, courage, and commitment. You can’t go wrong with this organization.”
- Rhonda Reimann, Unit Paymaster
“The Young Marines is one of the best youth programs in the country. The curriculum is well rounded with a variety of informative and educational classes and field trips. The focus is to instill discipline, build character and leadership, and promote a healthy attitude so that our young people will choose to be better citizens and live in a drug-free environment. Not only are the Young Marines rewarded by the success of their accomplishments, we all have a lot of fun participating in the program.”
- Weldon Humphries, General Staff
“In a modern society where our country's past values and sacrifices (military or otherwise) have been replaced by a "It's all about me" philosophy, the Young Marines stand as a beacon of discipline, sacrifice, patriotism, and honor for God and country as well as respect for others and oneself.”
- Michelle Smith, General Staff
“I believe in the program and I believe in the goals of the program. It is a thrill to see the kids grow up into the fine young adults which I know that this program can produce. It is an honor knowing that I have a part in that process.”
- David Sweany, General Staff
“The Young Marines is a program that is surpassed by none in teaching a child leadership and self-discipline. These traits will be the traits found in our leaders of the future and I am proud to be a small part in this program.”
- Kyle Lawson, General Staff
“I think it is an extremely valuable program in teaching young people about responsibility and discipline. I am a firm believer that those traits are being/have been relegated to a non-priority in public schools, and public life in general, but both are necessary to ensure that the young people who are the next generation to run this country understand what it costs and that things are not free but should be earned.”
- Robert Cunningham, General Staff
“I believe the Young Marines is a great program for youth. They are taught to obey and respect their parents, attend school, make good grades, to respect their country and all that live here.”
- Vicki McNutt, General Staff
“The Young Marines is a very good program that should have more financial support from Headquarters. I have seen it turn around several youngsters and give them a more positive attitude.”
- Vernon Tassey, Supply Officer
“I think the Young Marines is a great program, they teach more than the Boy Scouts and teach them how to survive just about any environment. They also teach them to respect their parents, each other, their country. They also teach about respecting their bodies by not doing drugs.” - Dan McNutt, General Staff
“I feel the Young Marines provide our youth with good leadership skills as well as positive adult role models.”
- Andrea Ellis, Female Advisor/Medical Officer
“I am impressed with the confidence my daughter has gained in the program. I’m all for the discipline and the responsibility these children have to show and what they get out of it. They learn to take pride in themselves and learn respect for others.” - Deborah Bukowski, General Staff
“These kids are our future and if I can help one, it’s worth it. I’ve seen too many kids go the wrong way in life because they didn’t get the help they needed.” - Joe McCarter, Sr., Executive Officer
“Young Marines is a great confidence- and self esteem-builder. The positive attitudes are awesome.” - Wendy Selvidge, General Staff