MOHAVE COUNTY – A new chapter of leadership, discipline, and opportunity is arriving in Northwest Arizona as a Young Marines unit officially opens to serve the youth of Kingman, Golden Valley, and Bullhead City.
The Young Marines program, a nationally recognized youth development organization, is dedicated to building strong minds, healthy bodies, and responsible citizens. With a focus on character development and leadership, the new unit aims to provide local youth with the tools they need to succeed both in school and in life.
Through structured training and engaging activities, Young Marines participants will learn essential life skills including leadership, teamwork, and personal responsibility. The program also emphasizes physical fitness, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
In addition to physical and leadership training, the unit will instill core values such as honor, courage, and commitment. Youth will also receive education in drug demand reduction, reinforcing the importance of making positive, healthy choices. Community service is another cornerstone of the program, giving members the opportunity to give back and develop a sense of civic pride and responsibility.
This new unit is also being established in honor of Robert Skankey, whose memory will serve as an inspiration for the program’s mission and standards. Leaders of the unit are committed to building an organization that reflects the values he stood for and one that he would be proud of.
The leadership team guiding the unit brings dedication and passion to the mission. Jessica Rivera will serve as Unit Commander, with Kaylynn Martin as Executive Officer. Joel Martin will take on the role of Adjutant, Ruben Rivera will serve as Training Officer, and River Levandowski will manage responsibilities as Finance Officer.
Together, this team is focused on creating a positive, structured environment where young people can grow into confident, capable leaders.
Families in Kingman, Golden Valley, and Bullhead City who are interested in enrolling their children or learning more about the program are encouraged to reach out for additional information. The unit welcomes motivated youth who are ready to challenge themselves, build lifelong friendships, and become part of something greater than themselves.
The unit can be contacted through their Young Marines home page at https://members.youngmarines.org/unit/goldeneagle/page or by scanning the QR code.
