Young Marines making an impact
Committed to respect, honor and serve. Today on Indy Style, we hear from Scott Riley, Unit Commander, Columbus Young Marines and Young Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant, Jared Baker, Columbus Young Marines, about what it means to be a marine and make a difference.
Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) – Closing the Gate on Drugs
• The Young Marines has its own DDR community outreach program titled “Closing the Gate on Drugs.”
• The word “Gate” links to what’s called “gateway drugs” which are tobacco, marijuana, prescription medication, inhalants and alcohol.
• Designed to educate kids about the dangers of the “gateway drugs”
• The Young Marines’ “Closing the Gate on Drugs” won a Fulcrum Shield award from the Department of Defense in 2015
• The Young Marines has won 8 total Fulcrum Shield Awards from the DOD. Including one this year – 2016Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) – Project ALERT
• All youth members of the Young Marines are taught Project ALERT, a school-based, substance abuse prevention program for grades seven and eight.
• Project ALERT is an evidenced-based program developed by RAND, the nation’s leading think tank on drug policy.
• Young Marines can become Project ALERT certified teachers.Red Ribbon Week
National Campaign for drug awareness – Week of Oct 23 – 31.About the Young Marines
• The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school.
• The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members.
• The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
History and Stats
• Since the Young Marines’ humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to
• 281 units
• 9,600 youth
• 2,400 adult volunteers
• 40 states, the District of Columbia and Okinawa with affiliates in other countries.
• 3 units in the Indianapolis area.More Info
• Facebook.com/USYoungMarines
• Twitter.com/USYoungMarines
• Instagram.com/USYoungMarines