ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany Young Marines has received the highest honor for local chapters. They were named the National Unit of the Year.

When Eric Crump decided to reboot the Albany unit of the Young Marines just four and a half years ago, he never dreamed that his small group of just two participants would blossom into an organization filled with 30 members. Now, he leads a group that was just given the highest honor out of 200 organizations nationally.

“To win this award... We weren’t really trying,” said Eric Crump, the Albany Young Marines’ Unit Commander. “We were trying to do what we were supposed to do with the program. Do the training, community service with our local organizations here in town… drug demand reduction training, and just being true to the program.”

According to Crump, Young Marines is a program that aims to guide boys and girls ages eight to 18 through a drug-free life using community service, first aid training, discipline and physical development. Their goal is to prepare Albany’s youth for a successful, goal-oriented future.

“This is great news for Albany. This is great news for them, and you know, they can stand proud and tall with this outstanding recognition,” Crump continued.

In the Albany community, the Young Marines partner with organizations like the Albany Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration to take a stand against drugs and crime.

“It’s really important that our youth know what’s right and what’s wrong,” Crump said.

Some of the program’s members said they are incredibly proud to receive this award and even more proud to be a part of the Albany Young Marines.

“My favorite thing about being a Young Marine is learning to be a leader, discipline and even teamwork!” said Samuel Crump, a member.

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