Joseph Bacon of Ludlow, Mass., Named ‘National Young Marine of the Year’
Washington D.C. (PRWEB) May 17, 2016 -- The Young Marines youth organization announced the 2016 - 2017 National Young Marine of the Year – YM SgtMaj Joseph J. Bacon, 17, of Ludlow, Massachusetts. The Young Marines is a national non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school.
As National Young Marine of the Year, Bacon will travel throughout the country representing the Young Marines, and he will be a mentor for the 9,600 youth members of the organization.
Bacon represented Division One, competing with five other Division Young Marines of the Year for the title of National Young Marine of the Year which was announced at the Adult Leaders’ Conference for Young Marines on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I had multiple emotions when my name was announced," Bacon said. "I was happy, surprised, excited, honored, humbled and nervous all at the same time. It was absolutely overwhelming."
"Joseph has proven himself a dedicated leader," said Bill Davis, national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. "When we traveled to Iwo Jima in March, I was able to see firsthand what an outstanding Young Marine he is. It is a huge accomplishment to be named National Young Marine of the Year, and he will be a fine ambassador and spokesperson for the next year."
Bacon is a member of the Westover Young Marines under the command of Edward Mitrook in Chicopee, Massachusetts. He is a junior at Ludlow High School.
“My unit commander, SgtMaj Mitrook; division 1 commander, Mr. Ditrich; and training officer, Mr. Barthelette, were all very excited when I received national Young Marine of the year," Bacon said. "They have changed my life and I can't express in words how much they have helped me."
In addition, Bacon's parents were present along with his aunt, uncle, cousin, a family friend, grandfather, grandmother and his unit training officer.
"They were all very excited and happy for me," he said. "They have supported me the whole way and were just as happy as I was. It was awesome having all of them there."
Bacon joined the Young Marines at age 10 and currently, he is in his seventh year in the program. He credits the Young Marines for teaching him leadership skills and the ability to speak publicly.
"Absolutely everything I learned in the Young Marines has guided and helped me through life so far, and it always will," he said. "The Young Marines has instilled in me discipline and confidence which will help me reach my goals and help me through every challenge I meet."
Outside of the Young Marines, Bacon likes to play football for his high school. He plans to go to college, pursue a degree in engineering and become an officer in the military when he finishes college.
He is the son of Mark and Gina Bacon. He has a brother - Mark Bacon.
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.
Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to 281 units with 9,600 youth and 2,400 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Okinawa with affiliates in other countries.
For more information, visit the official website at: http://www.YoungMarines.com.
Andy Richardson, Ginny Richardson Public Relations, http://www.gr-pr.com, +1 (630) 789-8899, [email protected]
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