Martinez, Elder recognized by Young Marines
Unit Young Marine, Battallion Young Marine announced for 2020
Instilling leadership qualities in the youth of today is one of the main focuses of the Cross Roads Young Marines. Each year, there is one Young Marine who demonstrates character growth above all others and in recognition of that growth he or she will earn the award of Unit Young Marine. The 2020 Unit Young Marine was YM CPL Karson Elder, who was recognized last month at the Young Marine Recruit Graduation.
Elder first joined the Young Marines at the age of 8 years old in November 2018. Since then he has worked his way up through the ranks, and at age 11, he is a Corporal. Elder earned the rank of Corporal at the graduation ceremony where he was also presented with his award.
The Young Marines focuses on teaching leadership skills, respect, the importance of investing into your community, respect and responsibility, amongst other basic foundation principals of a great leader. According to Commander Roger Rodman, also a retired veteran and Big Spring resident, the selections are based on the improvement and achievements in several categories: attendance, education - guide books and physical achievements.
“The Young Marines have helped me stay fit and has taught me about the drugs and the effects they would have on me,” YM CPL Elder said. “They (Young Marines) have supported me during physical training when things get tough, and I feel like I have gained a lot of experience in new places and things that we have been able to visit as a group.”
While Elder is barely 11 years old and a 5th grader at Coahoma, he is already planning for his future and working towards his goals. Elder plans on
becoming a firefighter in order to be able to help people.
“I am very proud of him (Elder). He has worked so hard since he joined the Young Marines,” Tessa Williamson said. “He became very responsible for his age and respective to others. He has lived up to everything he learned and accomplished.”
The Cross Roads Young Marine program is open to those who are age 8 years of age through high school graduation. The mission is focused on impacting the youth of the community in a positive manner so they can in turn positively impact America in the future. The mission is achieved through development programs that nurture and develop members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug free lifestyle.
“The Young Marines is an outstanding program that teaches children to have discipline, respect, responsibility, and honor for themselves and others,” Williamson said.
Williamson added, “I highly recommend this program to anyone, especially if their child is struggling at home or in school with anything. Karson is a very loving and helpful person. He has grown so much over the past few years since he started the Young Marines, not only physically, but mentally as well. The outcome of this program is phenomenal.”
YM SSGT Anthony Martinez was also recognized for this growth and achievements over the past year, as the Battalion Young Marine for 2020. According to Commander Rodman, the Battalion Young Marine is selected off the same criteria as the Unit Young Marine award, but has the additional criteria of a higher rank, which highlights the commitment to the program and advancement in rank.
Martinez, 14-year-old, has been in the Young Marines for three years and is ranked as a Staff Sergeant. He is currently an eighth grader at Forsan Junior High.
“His dad and I are proud of all his accomplishments, and this award is no exception. He has worked hard and overcome obstacles to be successful in the Young Marines. Watching him work with the other Young Marines is truly amazing,” Cynthia Litke, Martinez’s mother, said. “We are truly blessed to watch him grow in this program and cannot wait to see what the future holds for our Young Marine.”
According to Martinez, after graduation he plans to become a United States Marine.
Those wishing to support the Cross Roads Young Marines can do so by volunteering, monetary donations or enrolling a youth from the community. In addition, helping to raise awareness for the program is encouraged and much appreciated.