Downey Woman Recognized As Extraordinary Volunteer

The Young Marines named Trish Bocanegra, of Downey, as the Adult Volunteer of the Year for Division 6. She is the executive officer of the Southland Young Marines from Pomona, California. The unit meets at 401 N. Gibbs, Pomona, California.

The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, age 8 through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and it promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Division 6 includes eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The unit has 24 youth members and six adult volunteers.

Each Young Marine unit is led and guided by adult volunteers. There are nearly 2,100 adult volunteers with the organization. Annually, one adult volunteer is selected from each of six divisions for “Division Volunteer of the Year.”

“Trish’s passion and determination really stand out in all she has done for her unit as well as for the organization,” said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. "She is a dedicated mentor and teacher, reflecting all the best traits of our volunteers.”

Southland Young Marines, in partnership with San Dimas Rotary, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and various other organizations, was able to collect four tons of canned foods for the military families at 29 Palms USMC Base. In addition, the youth members march in parades, provide color guards, and participate in Flag for Every Hero.

“The best part is watching the Young Marines take steps to inspire other Young Marines to grow and achieve their full potential,” Trish Bocanegra said. “Another great thing is hearing parents tell me how the program has made a significant impact on their son or daughter and hearing that their child is now taking leadership roles at their school.”

For more information about Southland Young Marines, call Fred Bocanegra at 562-756-4197.

About the Young Marines

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 238 units with 6,100 youth and 2,100 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and affiliates in a host of other countries.

For more information, visit the official website at: https://youngmarines.org.