ELBERTA — Is your child looking to join an organization where they can build character, learn leadership skills and serve their community?
If yes, head out to VFW Post 5658, located at 24230 U.S. Highway 98 in Elberta on Saturday, July 16 to learn more about the new Young Marines unit forming in the area – the Gulf Shores Young Marines. Parents and children will have the chance to learn more about the program from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the open house.
The Young Marines is a national youth organization. The youth education and service program is designed for children ages 8 through high school graduation. The program's focus is on character building, leadership, self-discipline and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Baldwin County's newest unit will be led by Unit Commander Clifford Zack of Pensacola, Florida. In 2018, he was named the unit commander of the Young Marines of Pensacola. Now, he looks forward to building the new Gulf Coast unit.
"The town of Elberta shows tremendous support for the Young Marines program," Zack said, "especially the VFW and the Gulf Shores Marine Corps League. Starting a new unit gives us the opportunity to enrich the lives of our youth to become better citizens and leaders for our future."

The Gulf Shores Young Marines will participate in a multitude of local civic activities, including providing color guards for athletic events, engaging with local veterans, marching in local parades and promoting good citizenship.
Those who join the unit will have opportunities to attend local and national leadership schools, travel to historical places such as Pearl Harbor, participate in National Navajo Code Talkers Day, and join the National Young Marines summer events that focus on different activities each year. Past activities have included wilderness adventures, Space Camp, Flight Academy, working at a cattle ranch, white water rafting, scuba diving, sailing and visiting American historical sites.
"Every child deserves a place where they belong and can thrive," Zack said. "Working with these kids gives me and the adult volunteers the chance to help them develop leadership skills, self-discipline and a sense of pride."
According to a release by the organization, The Young Marines objectives are as follows:
• To promote the physical, moral and mental development of its members
• To advocate a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through continual drug prevention and resistance education
• To instill in its members the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, attention to duty, love of God and fidelity to the United States of America and its institutions
• To stimulate interest in and respect for academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United States of America
• To promote physical fitness through physical activities including participation in athletic events and close order drill
"Clifford Zack displays impressive leadership skills and a strong commitment to youth," said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. "I have no doubts that the Gulf Shores Young Marines is off to a great start, offering unique experiences to youth in the Elberta, Alabama area."
For more information, visit the unit's website at YoungMarines.org/Unit/GulfShores/Page or call Zack at (850) 316-0631.
For more information on The Young Marines, visit the official website at YoungMarines.org.