Young Marines National Leadership Academy Holds Graduation July 20 at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island
The Young Marines, a national youth organization, held their annual graduation of the 2024 National Leadership Academy – Advanced Leadership School (ALS).
Sergeant Major of the US Marine Corps, USMC Sgt Maj Carlos Ruiz addressed the 2024 National Leadership Academy graduates at Naval Base Newport. Here he is seen greeting the award-winning unit, the Potomac River Young Marines of Washington, D.C.
The Young Marines is a national youth organization for boys and girls from age eight through high school graduation.
The keynote speaker at the 2024 NLA graduation ceremony was USMC SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz the sergeant major of the Marine Corps. Ruiz’s role is to advocate for enlisted members and serve as an advisor to the commandant – the top leader.
Ruiz was deployed in support of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Originally from Phoenix, he enlisted in 1993.
Ruiz tried to enlist in the Marine Corps several times but was rejected because he didn’t speak English.
He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing service, Meritorious Service medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Young Marines have gathered from states across the country and are being trained at Newport from July 13 in a number of different disciplines. Their individual and collective goals are to develop their leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills while ompeting in physical challenges and being evaluated on their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The ten best candidates from each school are selected as the prestigious Top Ten Graduates as well as the Honor Graduate who is number one.
The participants are Young Marines who have exhibited exceptional maturity and leadership skills in their units.
The program emphasizes the core values of teamwork.