Parker Wilson of Falmouth was selected as the Honor Graduate of the 2017 Young Marines National Junior Leadership School at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Oregon.
Young Marine Lance Corporal Wilson, 15, trained for a week to become a better leader, alongside 86 other Young Marines from across the country. After physical and written testing, obstacle courses, leadership classes, close order drill, etc. he was selected as the top Young Marine at the Junior Leadership School.
The Young Marines is a Leadership Program for kids ages 8 through the completion of high school. It is modeled after, and endorsed by, the United State Marine Corps and its core values are Teamwork, Leadership, and Discipline. At the Northern Kentucky unit (one of nearly 300 across the U.S.) the focus is on Military and American History, physical fitness, public speaking, citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Young Marines are not pushed into the military, but they are required to appreciate the freedoms granted by those who serve.
The Northern Kentucky Young Marines currently have 31 active Young Marines and seven active volunteer Registered Adult Staff members. The Young Marines march in parades, perform Color Guard duties for military and veteran events, go on encampments, earn their rank, develop better physical fitness, volunteer their time with many organizations, and commit to healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
It meets every other Saturday, from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., year round at VFW Post 6095 in Latonia.
The Northern Kentucky Young Marine unit is home to the 2011 National Advanced Leadership School Honor Graduate, the 2013 Division 2 Young Marine of the Year, the 2016 Division 2 Young Marine of the Year, the 2016 National Advanced Leadership School Iron Mike & Honor Graduate, the 2017 Division 2 Young Marine of the Year, the 2017 National Junior Leadership School Honor Graduate, and the 2013-14 National Young Marine of the Year.
Northern Kentucky Young Marines
