The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has named the Albany Young Marines of Albany, Georgia as the National Unit of the Year, the top national honor for all units in the United States. This honor was announced at the Young Marines 2025 Adult Leader’s Conference in Dallas, Texas on April 26.  

This honor was awarded for the unit’s commitment to community service, program achievement, and dedication to the mission. The Albany Young Marines competed with over 200 other units across the country for this top award.

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

 “The Albany Young Marines continue to raise the bar—not just for Division 2, but for the entire organization,” said Col. William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “Their energy, consistency, and deep-rooted commitment to service make them a standout unit. They’ve built a culture of excellence under strong leadership, and it shows in everything they do—from community outreach to promoting a drug-free lifestyle. This award is a reflection of their hard work and unwavering dedication.”  

The unit, led by Unit Commander Eric Crump, has 30 youth members and six adult volunteers. They have volunteered thousands of hours of service to the community and many veterans’ organizations in the area.  

Asked what makes his involvement in the Albany Young Marines so rewarding, Unit Commander Crump said, “Being role models for the youth and building on the relationships that have been formed with community leaders has been unbelievably valuable.  Working with leadership at the Marine Corps Logistics Base – Albany, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, the Albany Police Department, Albany State University, local veteran organizations and more. I am proud to see the excitement of these leaders as they see our collective success and impact on the community together.  We are all truly living the theme ‘Together, building tomorrow’s leaders today.’” 

For more information about the Albany Marines, visit the website at https://youngmarines.org/unit/albany/page