Upstate Young Marines of Greenville, SC, under the command of SgtMaj James Rob- erts, Jr., (USMC Ret.), was named as 2018 National Unit of the Year. "This unit embodies all that best repre- sents our program - from community ser- vice to Red Ribbon Week; from veterans’ appreciation to living and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. We are very proud of the entire team at Upstate. They are having an amazing impact on their community”, said Col William Davis USMC (Ret), Young Marines National Executive Director. Annually, one unit is selected from each division. From these six winners, one is named the official “National Unit of the Year.” Upstate Young Marines helped the Greenville Literacy Association raise funds through its book sale drive. The members presented the Color Guard for the Greenville Annual Textile Heritage Festival. For more than ten years,the unit has supported Toys for Tots,projects to feed the homeless,and school activities such as the Fall Festival, Veteran’s Day school singing, and school Wellness Day. Encouraging a healthy drug-free lifestyle is a vital focal point of the unit. During the past year, the Upstate Young Marines gave 20 anti-drug presentations to schools and various youth organizations. In addition, they hosted a 5K Dash in honor of Red Ribbon Week awareness. Another important focus of the Upstate Young Marines is to support America’s he- roes overseas and to honor veterans. The unit members help with the Blue Star Mothers’project,and they take part in events such as the South Carolina Veterans Upstate Salute, Honor Flights, and various Veteran’s Day programs. Upstate (SC) named National Young Marines Unit of the Year Richland County’s Collette Prosser named National Adult Volunteer of the Year Colette S. Prosser of Mansfield, Ohio, was announced as National Adult Volun- teer of the Year. Additionally, the Young Marines National Foundation presented Prosser the in- augural National Security Leadership Award on behalf of the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security (DMGS). Accompanying the award, the Young Marines National Foundation presented Prosser’s unit a $1,500 check. Prosser is the unit commander of the Richland County (OH) Young Marines in Mansfield. The unit has 34 active youth members and ten registered adult vol- unteers. Her husband, Eric Prosser, is the Executive Officer of the unit. Annually, one adult volunteer is selected from each of six division. From these six winners, one is named the National Adult Volunteer of the Year. “Colette is a wonderful mentor and teacher, reflecting all the best traits of our phenomenal adult volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year", said Col Bill Davis USMC (Ret), Young Marines National Executive Director. Recognition for National Deputy Director Joseph Venable Colette S. Prosser, flanked by Young Marines National Executive Director, Col. Bill Davis and Deputy Director Joseph Lusignan. Young Marines National Executive Director Col. Bill Davis, SgtMaj James Roberts, USMC (Ret) and Deputy Director Joseph Lusignan. Young Marines National Deputy Director was present- ed with a personalized Young Marines banner which was made in his honor and flown over Iwo Jima earlier this year during the Young Marines’ trip to the island. It was accompanied by a framed photo of the Young Marines, which included challenge coins. These items were presented in recognition of his years of service to his country, as well as his many years of association with the Young Marines program. Young Marines Esprit ONLINE 5