A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FRANCIS ASBURY "QUINN" LAWTON V OF HAMPTON COUNTY, SERGEANT MAJOR IN THE UPSTATE YOUNG MARINE UNIT AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON BEING NAMED THE NATIONAL YOUNG MARINE OF THE YEAR FOR 2026-2027.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are proud to learn that Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V has been named the 2026-2027 National Young Marine of the Year, a coveted title among Young Marines; and

 

Whereas, National Young Marine of the Year, the highest honor a Young Marine can earn, is a title reserved for those who lead with integrity, inspire others, and represent the very best of the program. Each year, one exceptional Young Marine is chosen as the National Young Marine of the Year (NYMOY) in recognition of outstanding leadership, academic achievement, personal conduct, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and

 

Whereas, Sergeant Major Lawton was named Division 2 Young Marine of the Year for 2025-2026. The NYMOY is selected from six Division Young Marines of the Year, each representing one of the Young Marines' six geographic divisions across the United States; and

 

Whereas, devoted to his Young Marine unit's drills and other unit events twice a month, he balances his schoolwork, sports, and church activities successfully and excels in them all; and

 

Whereas, to be considered for NYMOY, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including graduation from Advanced Leadership School at the National Leadership Academy, high academic performance, strong physical fitness and personal discipline, active participation in service and mentoring within their unit, regiment, and division; and

 

Whereas, once selected, the National Young Marine of the Year serves as the official youth ambassador for the entire organization. This role is more than symbolic; it has an active and far-reaching impact; and

 

Whereas, as the NYMOY for 2026-2027, Sergeant Major Lawton will travel nationally and internationally to represent the Young Marines at leadership conferences, ceremonies, and public events; to visit and motivate other units across the country; and to serve as a role model, mentor, and voice for Young Marines nationwide; and

 

Whereas, he will participate in major commemorations, such as the Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Hawaii, and National Navajo Code Talkers Day in Arizona; and

 

Whereas, this honor reflects not just past achievements, but the strength of character, maturity, and leadership potential that define the best of what it means to be a Young Marine, and the South Carolina House of Representatives realizes that the selection of Quinn Lawton brings great honor to the State. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V of Hampton County, Sergeant Major in the Upstate Young Marine Unit, and congratulate him upon being named the National Young Marine of the Year for 2026-2027.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant Major Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V.

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