Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington oversees the youth program that teaches leadership skills, physical training, teamwork, discipline and confidence-building skills. The program also instills the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, and promotes a healthy drug-free lifestyle.

 

“I am thrilled to see these young folks make a commitment to the Young Marines program,” said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington. “The skills and discipline they learn here will help them develop into the future leaders of tomorrow…they are problems-solvers and team builders, and these are traits will carry them well in life.”

 

The honor graduate was Frank Williams, Jr.; while Quinn Eason received the Physical Fitness Award.

 

Retired Marine and Pastor Lee Jeter of the Marine Corps League Detachment #875 presented the Floyd L. Baxter Leadership Award to Lexa Kunath.

 

Pastor Jeter also delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class.

 

Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines Class 38 graduates were: Eric Eason, Quinn Eason, Riley Harris, Nicholas Houston, Hakeem Johnson, Lexa Kunath, Waylon Richmond, Jamie Smith, Frank Williams, Jr.

 

The Color Guard presentation was performed by former BSO Young Marines: London Brown, Alaina Rivera, Benjamin Forker, and Luis Gonzalez.

 

The Young Marines program is a national program founded in 1958 and is the official youth program of the United States Marine Corps. More than 1,200 young men and women have graduated from the Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines program since its inception here in 2002.

 

The Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines is sponsored and administered by Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and is commanded by Deputy Lex Webb and he is assisted by Deputy Marie Modica.

 

To find out more about the Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines program, call 965-3500 or visit the Viking Drive Substation at 2510 Viking Drive in Bossier City.