Andrew Ossa, Canyon Country wanted to learn more about the military and become a leader. He is 12-years-old. With a strong will, a sense of adventure and a commitment to physical and mental alertness, he is in the middle of the 1st class of Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines. The national program designed for 8-18 years of age is headed by Scott Derderian, commanding officer of the program who served in the Marine Corps himself, is an 8-day Saturday program that teaches the recruits the customs and courtesies of the military.
Those include basic drill marching, how to salute and speak by rank and American military history.
“My son talks about the program all the time. He wants to know how to iron his own uniform and shine his own shoes. Since the age of 8, he’s loved to wear camouflage pants,” says George Ossa, Andrew’s dad, who served four years in the military himself.
The program is not a recruiting tool, at-risk program or place to learn tactical or military warfare. The one-time enrollment fee does cover the cost of individual military attire, including a complete military dress uniform, camouflage gear, belts, canteens, training guides and books.
“They will learn military terms, rules of the American flag and the significance of American freedom and why we have it,” says Derderian, who hopped on a bus headed for Marine Corps Boot Camp six hours after he graduated from Valencia High School.
Graduates of this first SCV Young Marine class will face their final team-builder challenge and a five-mile hike on March 10, followed by a graduation ceremony at the Castaic Sports Complex. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per class with the next class start date scheduled for September.
For further information about the program and future enrollment, call Commanding Officer Scott Derderian or visit co@scvyoungmarines.com.