Blaze Jackson, Wayne Hamilton and President Chris.
Wayne Hamilton was introduced by Rona Mann, who told the small group present that Wayne and Blaze recently participated in our District's weekly radio show. Wayne said that the Young Marines organization actually began in Waterbury, CT back in the 1950s by World War II veterans. There are currently 314 units across the country and overseas. Girls were admitted beginning in 1975 and there are also Special Needs units. Their motto is "strengthening the lives of America's youth". Youngsters age 8 through 12th grade are lead by dedicated adult volunteers (many are former, retired, active duty or reserve Marines) who "believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them." The "program focuses on character building, leadership and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle." They provide community service by participating in parades, assisting at food pantry, helping disabled vets, planting a garden. For more information, you can check out their website at riyoungmarines.com.
