Awards and Recognition
Honoring Leadership, Service, and Excellence
Hard work deserves to be honored. In the Young Marines, awards don’t just mark achievements – they tell the story of leadership, service, and dedication that make a real impact.
The Young Marines program challenges youth to grow, and we recognize those who rise to the highest levels of leadership, responsibility, and service. Across the nation we celebrate our youth, units, and volunteers who earn awards that reflect hard work, dedication, and the values we live by.
Fulcrum Shield Award from the Department of Defense
The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Fulcrum Shield Award recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made intensive efforts to spread anti-drug messages in US communities. The Young Marines has won this award more than any other youth organization – an astounding 13 times!
Winners:
- 2023 - Potomac River Young Marines, Washington, DC
- 2022 - Guadalupe Valley Young Marines, Seguin, Texas
- 2020 - Manassas Young Marines, Manassas, Virginia
- 2019 - Miami Valley Young Marines, Huber Heights, Ohio
- 2017 - Miami Valley Young Marines, Huber Heights, Ohio
- 2016 - East Valley Young Marines, Chandler, Arizona
- 2015 - Young Marines’ drug education program - Closing the Gate on Drugs
- 2014 - Division 3 Young Marines
- 2012 - National Young Marines program
- 2009 - Tehama County Young Marines, Red Bluff, California
- 2007 - Douglas County Young Marines, Douglas County, Colorado
- 2003 - Bakersfield Young Marines, Bakersfield. California
- 2001 - National Young Marines program
Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena Award from the Drug Enforcement Administration
Each year, the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena Award honors Young Marine units from across the country for drug demand reduction (drug prevention and resistance) efforts through community education and peer-to-peer role modelling. They present these awards at the Young Marines Adult Leadership Conference every spring.
2025 Winners:
- Division 1: Natchaug River Young Marines, Danielson, CT
- Division 2: PFC Bruce W. Carter MOH Young Marines, Doral, FL
- Division 3: Fox Valley Young Marines, Elgin, IL
- Division 4: Rose City Young Marines, Tyler, TX
- Division 5: Casper Mountain Young Marines, Bar Nunn, WY
- Division 6: Temecula Valley Young Marines, Lake Elsinore, CA
Young Marines Communications Awards
Telly Award
The Telly Award honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, and production companies.
Bronze Telly
- 2021 - Code Talkers in the category of Virtual Events
- 2021 - Pearl Harbor in the category of Virtual Events
- 2021 - Tomorrow’s Leaders in the category of General Documentary
- 2014 - Young Marines News Network in the category of Online Video
- 2013 - Young Marines News Network in the category of Online Video
Individual Awards
Young Marines can earn a variety of awards, including:
- Achievement Ribbons for setting and meeting goals
- Personal Commendation Ribbons for notable acts or performance
- Service and Conduct Ribbons for consistent dedication
- The Distinguished Order of Merit for sustained excellence over years of service
Silver Telly
- 2021 - Tomorrow’s Leaders in the category of Non-Profit
Golden Trumpet Award
The Publicity Club of Chicago’s Golden Trumpet award honors the distinguished achievement of public relations:
- 2015 - Outstanding achievement in Young Marine’s public relations
Pyramid Award
Promotional Products Association International award recognizes the design, production and implementation of products.
- 2016 - Internal Communications Program for the “Closing the Gate on Drugs” kit
Unit Awards
Entire units may be honored for excellence in training, service, recruitment, public relations, and other achievements through the Annual Unit Commendation Program.
These awards aren’t just decorations, they represent real growth in leadership, integrity, and community impact.