Welcome to the Midwest Division Young Marines

 The Loess Hills Young Marines unit, proudly based in Sioux City, Iowa, was officially chartered in October 2024, marking a new and exciting chapter in youth development and community engagement across the region. Under the leadership of Unit Commander James Beals, Executive Officer Robert Holsinger, and Finance Manager Kathy Moreno, the unit is guided by a dedicated team of adult volunteers, all of whom are members of the Marine Corps League Siouxland Detachment #507, Department of Iowa, Midwest Division.

The enduring partnership between the Marine Corps League and the Young Marines is built on shared values of discipline, leadership, and service. With the League’s commitment to supporting Marines and their families closely aligned with the Young Marines’ mission of shaping responsible, civic-minded youth, this collaboration continues to have a lasting impact on local communities.

A sincere thank you to James, Robert, and Kathy for their unwavering dedication to mentoring the next generation. Their commitment exemplifies the core values of both organizations, ensuring that the legacy of service, patriotism, and leadership will continue to thrive in the heart of the Midwest.

 Established in 2020 by five Marines from the Buffalo Ridge Leathernecks Detachment #1463 in Worthington, MN, the Buffalo Ridge Young Marines program continues to thrive with the help of dedicated volunteers and strong community support. Thanks to generous donations from groups like the American Legion, Marine Corps League, and VFW, the program remains accessible to all families, funding leadership training, encampments, and community service activities.

Today, 13 youth from Southwest Minnesota and Southeast South Dakota proudly serve their communities—cleaning parks, honoring veterans, performing color guard duties, and participating in parades. A highlight of their journey came in 2023 when they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

The Buffalo Ridge Leathernecks #1463 remains the driving force behind this effort, providing mentorship, funding, and a connection to Marine Corps traditions. Through this partnership, veterans pass on values of leadership, service, and patriotism to the next generation.

Chartered in September 2024, the Kansas Santa Fe Trail Young Marines unit was founded in honor of LCpl Gabriel Puchalla, a Marine, Eagle Scout, and wrestler who passed away in 2022 after a physical fitness test at Camp Lejeune. This unit ensures his legacy lives on through service, leadership, and mentorship.

Led by Unit Commander Al Sanchez Jr., the team includes veterans of Desert Storm, retired law enforcement, and leaders from the Marine Corps League and Military Order of the Devil Dogs. The unit is supported by the MCL General Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025 and American Legion Post #370, where meetings are held twice monthly.

The unit is currently recruiting new youth members and volunteers. The founding team—Al Sanchez, Roy Villarreal, Joel Wilson, Don Puchalla, Kimberley Mancuso, and Stephen Sullins—embodies the spirit of the Marine Corps League by guiding the next generation with honor, discipline, and service.

Chartered on March 3, 2021, the St. Charles County Young Marines was founded by three Marine Corps League Detachment 725 members and one civilian. Despite launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the unit quickly grew to become the largest in Missouri and remains a top-ranked unit in the Midwest Regiment.

Backed by Marine Corps League Detachments 725, 184, 183, and 707, as well as the 1st Marine Division Association and VFW Post 5077, the unit benefits from strong Marine leadership and community support. Marines from RSS St. Louis and 3/23 Marines in Bridgeton, MO, also contribute to the youth training program.

The unit draws Young Marines from St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson, and Warren Counties and is highly active in veteran events throughout the region. Local veterans’ commissions have recognized them and frequently serve at ceremonies and parades.

In June 2024, the unit hosted the Midwest Regiment Invitational Encampment and will proudly host it again in 2025, demonstrating its leadership in the program. Through mentorship, service, and teamwork, the St. Charles County Young Marines continue to build the next generation of leaders rooted in the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.