The Mission of the Young Marines Oganization:

The mission of the Young Marines is to positively
impact America's future by providing quality youth
development programs for boys and girls
that nurtures and develops its members into
responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a
healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

About the Temecula Valley Young Marines

The Temecula Valley Young Marines was formed in March of 2002 by Mike Roberts the Commanding Officer of the unit from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Roberts created the unit from the Temescal Canyon Young Marines and we have been going strong ever since that date. We believe that if we lead from the front then our Young Marines will follow and they can see for themselves the positive impact that they can make in their Communities. The Temecula Valley Young Marines are a Distinguished Unit. This award was presented to them in June of 2005 by the National Executive Director Mr. Mike Kessler (Lt. Col. Ret.). Our recruit training is 9 weeks long. The recruits meet every Saturday and Sunday until graduation. Our recruits receive 148 hours of instruction in; American History, Marine Corps History, Marine Corps Customs and Courtesies, Flag etiquette, Self Etiquette, Land Navigation, Rope Management, Nutrition, Physical Training, Self Discipline, Drug Demand Reduction, First aid and much more. Upon Graduation the Recruits join the ranks in our family as Young Marines. The Young Marines in our unit do not go idle we will go on encampments from time to time, meet for drill every first weekend and ever third Saturday of the month. For the last four years our unit has deployed to Washington, DC and enjoyed the adventures of seeing their National Memorials and taking part in important veterans appreciation events.

TVYM Motto ~ "Teaching today's youth, to be tomorrow's leaders".

TVYM Mission Statement ~

The Temecula Valley Young Marines is a non profit organization for boys and girls ages 8-18. The Marine Corps League sponsors the Young Marine Program. Our program is modeled after the Marine Corps; we teach many of the same principals and traits but are not directly tied to the Marine Corps. TVYM staff are all volunteers. Our program is focused on providing a physically and mentally challenging environment. The staff instills patriotism, teamwork, discipline and motivation and helps the children develop a positive mental attitude, self-esteem and unit pride. TVYM requires students to maintain a 2.0 grade point average and no disciplinary habits or “F’s”.

The Recruit Training Cycle is not designed to be easy. The Drill Instructors are very strict and very vocal. Recruits will be subject to over 144 training hours composed of: class time, close order drill, physical fitness and team building activities during the 9 week period. Young Marine staff do not teach military tactics or combat formations. We do not teach children to be warriors and are not a recruiting tool for the armed services. Recruits will work hard to earn the right to wear the uniform and to have the title “Temecula Valley Young Marine”. Recruits will have the pride of knowing that nothing is given to them.

The Temecula Valley Young Marines was founded in 2002, and is very much involved in the local community. Our Young Marines are involved in various community service events, parades, presentations, athletics and student bodies just to name a few. We also do a lot of fundraising to finance unit trips, outings and activities.

The Temecula Valley Young Marines is not a “scared straight” program. We are not designed to be a day care; parental involvement is needed from parents. We are not professional counselors therefore, we are not equipped to accept and children with: serious anger management, emotional or behavioral issues, chemical dependencies or truants. Any assault or threat to a staff member, adult volunteer or child will result in immediate discharge from this unit.

My expectations of Young Marines are the same, regardless of age or gender, weather in uniform or not:

• Honor- be proud of who you are and all your accomplishments
• Courage- doing the right thing, not falling to peer pressure, not being afraid of challenges.
• Commitment- to your faith, family, school and unit.
• Integrity – Telling the truth, if you have done something wrong do not lie. If you say you are going to do something – follow through with it – do it!

Maintain a “C” average in School with no “F’s” or you may be left out of Young Marine events and promotions.

Semper Fidelis,

Michael Guiles

Commanding Officer