Heart of Texas
Young Marines
3310 N 15A St.
Waco, Texas

Commanding Officer
Henry Gonzales III MSgt USMC Retired

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Unit Information
The Heart of Texas Young Marines unit is one of over 350 units belonging to the National Young Marine Program. Started in 1958, the Young Marine program is one that endeavors to instill positive values and a drug free lifestyle in today's boys and girls, aged 8 to 18. Throughout our Nation, there are more than 14,000 young Americans being guided by an organization based on Marines giving back to their communities.

There are currently 15 Young Marine units in the State of Texas. The Heart of Texas Young Marines unit, like other Young Marine units is not a funded organization and relies on the hard work of the Young Marines through fundraising efforts and the benevolence of the business community and service organizations. The adult staff, primarily former Marines, Active Duty Marines, and former military is all volunteer and is composed of members within our community.

Recruit Training 
Upon joining the Heart of Texas Young Marine unit, the youth undergo a Recruit Training (Boot Camp) which is conducted for ten consecutive Saturdays from 0800 to 1700 (8:00 AM until 5:00 PM) beginning the first Saturday in February. We conduct a "Parents Night" prior to the beginning of boot camp to give an overview of the training the recruits will receive.  Parents will be able to ask questions at this meeting to relieve any concerns they may have.  The youth learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure. The seventh week of boot camp, we have an overnighter at Dayspring Retreat Center, where the recruits put into practice the skills they have learned. Upon completion of recruit training, a graduation ceremony is held on the 10th Saturday and the recruits officially become Young Marines. The recruit uniform will consist of a red ball cap, white t-shirt, blue jeans with a belt and running shoes.

After Recruit Training
After graduating from recruit training, the youth meet as Young Marines every other Saturday from 0900 - 1530 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM - there are sometimes changes to this schedule). They also have the opportunity to learn more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marine uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid and drug resistance education.

Drill Sessions Schedule
With the exception of Recruit Training, the Young Marines meet every third Saturday from 0800 - 1600 (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) unless otherwise specified for special training, encampments, etc. We conduct drill sessions at the Young Marine Headquarters located 3310 N 15A.

New Recruit Registration Fee
Recruit registration is held the third Saturday in August, the second and third Saturdays of September and the second and third Saturday in January prior to the beginning of boot camp in February. The registration fee for new recruits is $40.00. This is an annual fee. The boot camp fee is a one time fee of $80.00 necessary to supply and uniform the new recruits for the Young Marines program. These fees include the following items:

     Woodlands camouflage blouse
     Woodlands camouflage trousers
     Black jungle boots
    

Provided by National

    National liability Insurance
     Basic Young Marines Guidebook
     National Young Marine Red Tee-Shirt
     All required Young Marine Patches
     Web belt & Boot Bands
     Woodland Camoulflage Cover (Hat)

Annual Registration Fee
Currently, the annual registration fee will be $40 per year. This is a fee that is charged per National Young Marine Headquarters and is to insure that your Young Marine is registered by National and it covers insurance fees for the year. This fee is due every year upon re-registration prior to the end of September.

For More Information please call or email
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Master Sergeant Henry Gonzales at the number listed below. Thank you for your interest in the Young Marines. 
Telephone 254-405-0649  tophgonzales@hot.rr.com