The Young Marines, a national youth organization, announces a new unit being formed by Daniel Harrington, of Adrian, who will be the unit commander. The new unit is Buffalo Ridge Young Marines.
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school. The program focuses on character building, leadership, self-discipline and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The initial informational meeting for interested parents and kids will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Living Waters Covenant Church, 1645 S Shore Dr, Worthington.
“The Nobles County area has a diverse population, and I am proud to offer this outstanding program to all students/families who are interested,” Harrington said. “It would have a profound effect on the kids in our area should they join the program. Nobles County offers many great opportunities for our kids and this would fall in that category.”
Upon joining Buffalo Ridge Young Marines, recruits undergo a 26-hour orientation program, sometimes spread out over several weekly meetings and sometimes over the course of a weekend. Youth members learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure.
After graduating from Young Marines Recruit Training, Young Marines learn even more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marines uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education.
The Buffalo Ridge Young Marines will participate in local civic activities, such as providing color guards for athletic events, marching in local parades and activities promoting and reinforcing good citizenship.
In addition, there are leadership schools as well as travel opportunities such as visiting Pearl Harbor; participating in National Code Talkers Day; and joining summer camps such as the Great American History Adventure, Space Camp, National Flight Academy, Drill and Ceremonies School, Orienteering, Sailing, Cowboy Experience, and National Outdoor Leadership School.
The Buffalo Ridge Young Marines’ objectives are:
To promote the physical, moral, and mental development of its members
To advocate a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through continual drug prevention education
To instill in its members the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, attention to duty, love of God, and fidelity to the United States of America and its institutions
To stimulate interest in and respect for academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United States of America
To promote physical fitness through physical activities including participation in athletic events and close order drill
“I have high hopes we’ll be a successful unit,” Harrington said. “We measure success by community involvement and kids having fun while learning.”
The informational meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, email danharrington@live.com or call 507-360-7472.
