Today, we had the opportunity to meet LaKing Harris and learn more about the mission and impact of the Texarkana Young Marines—a youth program committed to shaping the next generation of leaders through discipline, service, and self-respect.
The Texarkana Young Marines unit, based in Texarkana, Arkansas, is part of the nation’s premiere, award-winning youth development program. Designed for boys and girls ages 8 through high school, the Young Marines organization has been empowering youth since its founding in 1959. From a single unit and a handful of boys, the program has grown to include units across the country and even overseas.
At the heart of the Young Marines mission is a focus on self-confidence, academic excellence, leadership, honoring veterans, and community service. The program promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle while instilling values such as good citizenship and discipline—qualities that prepare young people for productive futures.
“Our goal is to strengthen the lives of America’s youth,” said LaKing Harris. “We focus on building character and developing leadership skills that last a lifetime.”
New recruits begin their journey with a 26-hour orientation called Recruit Training, which is typically spread out over several weeks. During this phase, participants learn about military history, customs and courtesies, physical fitness, close order drill, and rank structure. After graduating, Young Marines can earn rank, wear the uniform, and begin working toward awards in areas such as leadership, community service, academic excellence, swimming, first aid, and drug resistance.
The program is open to all youth who are in good standing at school, with no other requirements for membership. As one of the nation’s leading youth organizations in Drug Demand Reduction efforts, the Young Marines continue to play a crucial role in helping young people lead positive, drug-free lives.
To learn more about the Texarkana Young Marines or to get involved, visit their Facebook page or go to YoungMarines.org.
We also had the chance this morning to talk to Private Tristan Tittle, he told us that his favorite activity so far is “the parades”…
