Division 4 Young Marine of the Year YM/Sgt Maj Kayla Colacion Division 5 Young Marine of the Year YM/Sgt Maj Robert Brushaber Division 6 Young Marine of the Year YM/Sgt Maj Jascha Ely YM/SgtMaj Kayla Colacion, 16, of Keller,Texas, is a member of the Tarrant County (TX) Young Marines in Fort Worth, under the command of Mike Upchurch. Colacion is a sophomore at Timber Creek High School. Kayla is the daughter of Christine Colacion, who is a registered adult volunteer for the Tarrant County Young Marines. Her step- father is Jesse Zuniga, USMC SSgt (Ret). She has one sister who is a law enforcement psychologist. “The Young Marines helped me create a pathway for my future,” Colacion said.“I am so grateful for this program, because I have met some of the greatest people.They have helped me along the way, and I can’t thank them enough.” YM/SgtMaj Robert Brushaber, 16, of Temperance, Michigan, is a member of the Monroe County (MI) Young Marines. Brushaber is a junior at Bedford High School. Robert is the son of Amber and Jeff Brushaber, both of whom are ac- tive with the Monroe County Young Marines. He has a sister and two brothers. His younger brother is a Young Marines Private First Class. “The Young Marines helped me gain more confidence and made me a better leader,” Brushaber said.“It has also taught me the danger of drugs and peer pressure. I now have the confidence to go out in the community to teach others the dangers of drugs.” YM/SgtMaj Jascha J. Ely, 17, of Phoenix,Arizona, is a member of the East Valley (AZ) Young Marines of Mesa,Arizona. Ely is a junior at Crossroads Christian School. Jascha is the son of Junieth and Nathan Halliwill. His two brothers, Caleb Halliwill, 13, and Ezra Halliwill, 9, are both Young Marines. He also has a younger sister who is eager to join when she is 8 years old. His grandfather is a USMC Vietnam Veteran and an uncle is an active duty Marine. “I am humbled and thankful for being able to learn the dangers of drugs, the value of veterans, and the purpose of internal growth in leadership,” he said.“The Young Marines gave me my passion.”