Teen named Young Marine of the Year for second year

Fredericksburg VA

01 March, 2022

11:32 AM

Description

The Young Marines, a national youth organization, announced the Division 2 Young Marine of the Year - YM/SgtMaj Ian Ross, 16, of Woodford, Virginia. He is a member of the LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Ian is home-schooled and is currently a junior in high school. For the second year in a row, Ross is the top Young Marine in Division 2 which includes Washington D.C. and six states: Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Over the course of the year, he will travel to other units throughout the division to lead, motivate, and serve as a role model for other Young Marines. "For YM/SgtMaj Ross to be selected twice for this prestigious title says a great deal about his leadership and character," said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. "After spending time with SgtMaj Ross last year at several Young Marines' events, I can say he is an extraordinary member of our program." As Division 2 Young Marine of the Year, Ross will escort WWII veterans to the annual Reunion of Honor trip to Guam and Iwo Jima in March 2022. The island of Iwo Jima is open only one day each year for this special reunion of Japanese and American veterans. The Reunion of Honor was cancelled in 2021 because of COVID. "The Young Marines has given me so much," Ross said. "I am excited to continue using the leadership skills and tools that the Young Marines has given me to inspire the next generation of youth and adult leaders." Ross joined the Young Marines at age eight and is in his eighth year in the program. "I joined the Young Marines as a shy kid, but over my time in the program, I have been challenged to rise above what I ever thought was possible," Ross said. "This program has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and I would not be the person I am today without the Young Marines." As a Young Marine, he was named the Unit Young Marine of the Year and the Old Dominion Regimental Young Marine of the Year. In addition, he is a Public Affairs Correspondent for his Young Marines unit and at the national level. Outside of the Young Marines, Ross is involved in student council, baseball, and football. After graduating, he plans on enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He is the son of Kirk and Stephanie Ross, the unit commander and adjutant respectively of the LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines. Kirk Ross was a corporal in the USMC. How it works The Young Marines organization is divided into six divisions across the United States. Each Division Young Marine of the Year must meet vigorous requirements such as graduating from Advanced Leadership School at the Young Marines' National Leadership Academy, maintaining high academic achievement in school, and maintaining high standards of physical fitness. In the spring, Ross will represent his division in competition with five other division winners for the title of National Young Marine of the Year. About the Young Marines The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501 (c)(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 over 235 units with 5,700 youth and 2,100 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and affiliates in a host of other countries. For more information, visit the official website at: https://youngmarines.org.