Local youth, Bryson Bell, recently graduated from the Young Marines of Rutherford County with the rank of Private First Class.
PFC Bryson Bell, 13 year old son of Tim and Diane Bell of Woodbury, graduated from boot camp to the rank of Private First Class in the Young Marines on May 18, 2014 at the military training base in Smyrna. Bryson will be entering the 8th grade at Woodland School this fall where he is an honor student, BETA club member, 4H class president, and a member of the JR Lions football team.
The Young Marine Oath of Obligation to which Bryson committed is, “From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis.”
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Young Marines units are nationwide, community-based programs led by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive effect on them. It is through these caring adults that Young Marines learn the inner values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. There are currently only 8 Young Marine units in the state of Tennessee.
For more information please go to the website at www.youngmarines.com.