A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE UPSTATE YOUNG MARINES UNIT FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF COMMITMENT AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON BEING NAMED THE NATIONAL UNIT OF THE YEAR.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were pleased to learn that the Upstate Young Marines of Greenville were named the National Unit of the Year for the second time in the program's history, highlighting the members' collective hard work and dedication to community service, physical fitness, and living a drug-free lifestyle; and

 

Whereas, the Young Marines consists of units nationwide and teaches the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, and promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. These units are led by adult volunteers whose experience and leadership are vital to the education of these youth; and

 

Whereas, at the 2026 Young Marines Award Banquet, the Upstate Young Marines were honored with awards for their leadership and mentorship. In addition to receiving the National Unit of the Year award, one of the unit's members, Young Marine Sergeant Major Quinn Lawton, was named the 2026-2027 National Young Marine of the Year, and the Unit Commander, Sergeant Major James Roberts Jr. (USMC, Ret.), was presented, for the second time, with the Distinguished Volunteer Award, which stands as the highest accolade bestowed upon an adult volunteer within the program. These historic achievements are a testament to the remarkable work and dedication exemplified by the Upstate Young Marines Unit and its adult volunteers; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the pride and recognition that the Upstate Young Marines have brought to their community and state. They look forward to following their future achievements in the years to come. 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 the Upstate Young Marines Unit for their many years of commitment and service to the community and congratulate them on being named the National Unit of the Year.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant Major James Roberts Jr., United States Marine Corps, Retired.

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