The following entry was contributed by Captain Stephen R. Johnson, Director for Recruiting and Retention at the Harlem Youth Marines Inc. in observance of Memorial Day 2011:

The Harlem Youth Marines Inc. is a 501(c)3 not for profit community based youth program serving ages 7-20, not only in the Harlem community in New York City, but in Niagara Falls, NY; and Sacramento, CA as well. All of our staff are volunteers, and do not receive any compensation. We currently meet 2 days a week, on Tuesday & Friday, between the hours of 6pm – 9pm, at the 369th Armory in Harlem, NYC. Our mission is to help prevent drug abuse, reduce the rate of high school drop outs, and combat gang influence among young men & women, by providing a safe, positive, motivating, and mentoring youth and adult force, by applying a military approach to foster discipline and self confidence. Our aim is youth teaching youth; to achieve the goals to live a productive life, and to help improve the quality of life within their communities. Our program offers instruction in military grooming and development such as drill & ceremony, customs & courtesies, uniformity, rank structure, chain of command, and physical training. We also review school report cards, offer tutoring to cadets in need, and make home & school visits when necessary. Other cadet activities include paintball competition, shooting range, camping, hiking, sports, parades, ceremonies and community events.

The Harlem Youth Marines Inc. was founded in 1980 by our Executive Officer, and Commandant of Cadets, LtCol. Gregory E. Collins, at a time when numerous cadet corps was folding, and a need for programs to keep Harlem’s youth positively active was in desperate need. In 1983, the Harlem Youth Marines became incorporated, which was sponsored by retired United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant Al Thompson. In 1992, the New York Chapter of the Montford Point Marines Association (MPM), a National Black Marine Veteran Organization approved, by the recommendation of MPM Mr. Joseph Davis Sr., then President of the Association, to adopt the Harlem Youth Marines as their official sponsored youth community service program. On April 1, 1993, through his efforts, LtCol. Brian Thomas, then Assistant Director, yielded a historic accomplishment for the Harlem Youth Marines. General Carl E. Mundy Jr., then Commandant of the United States Marine Corps issued the following order: “The Harlem Youth Marines are here after officially Recognized and Authorized to wear the Name and Emblem of the United States Marine Corps.”

Over the years, the Harlem Youth Marines has participated in a series of events, such as: Color Guard and Rifle Drill Team performed during halftime at the Knicks vs. Cleveland game at Madison Square Garden; march in the 53rd Inaugural Parade in the Washington District of Columbia for President William J. Clinton representing the State of New York; Color Guard presented the colors during the opening ceremonies for Jackie Robinson Day at Shea Stadium; Rifle Drill Team performed for the NAACP’s 90th Annual Convention held in New York City; Honor Guard for Princess Maxima of the Netherlands during her tour of Harlem; Honor Guard for Prince Andrew, the Duke of York during his visit to the 369th Armory; and Honor Guard for a Military delegation from South Africa in partnership with the United States Department of Defense, hosted by LTC. Irving F. Donaldson at the 369th Armory.

On May 14, 2010 the Harlem Youth Marines Inc. celebrated their 30th Anniversary at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx, NY, where many elected official including our Co-Chairman of the event, US Congressman Charles B. Rangel presented us with a Congressional Record. We also received the following: Citation from NYS Governor David A. Patterson; Commendation from NYC Comptroller John Liu; Proclamations from NYS Assemblyman Keith Wright, NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn & NYC Councilwoman Inez Dickens; in addition to letters of recognition and support from US Vice President Joseph Biden, former US President William Clinton, US Senator Kristen Gillibrand, and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During our celebration, we announced that some of our future goals for the program, included our own Military Leadership Academy, Nationwide Expansion Program, Establish a Veterans Program, and funding for our staffing, and operations.

Congressman Rangel, and our Executive Director Gregory E. Collins at our 30th Anniversary Gala