Bill
H 5541
The bill designates Francis A. Lawton V as National Young Marine of the Year 2026-2027 and outlines his role as a national youth ambassador representing the Young Marines.
Title: Sgt. Maj. Francis Lawton National Young Marine of the Year 2026-2027
Jurisdiction: South Carolina House of Representatives
Status: Introduced and adopted (April 16, 2026)
Purpose and main idea
- This is a House Resolution recognizing and honoring Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V of Hampton County.
- It congratulates him on being named the National Young Marine of the Year (NYMOY) for 2026-2027.
- The resolution designates Lawton as a distinguished Youth Ambassador for the Young Marines program.
Key provisions and content
- Recognition: Explicitly recognizes and honors Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V, a Sergeant Major in the Upstate Young Marine Unit, for achieving the NYMOY title.
- NYMOY significance: Outlines that the National Young Marine of the Year is the highest honor within the Young Marines, awarded for leadership, academic achievement, personal conduct, physical fitness, and commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
- Selection context: Notes Lawton previously earned Division 2 Young Marine of the Year for 2025-2026; NYMOY is selected from six Division Young Marines of the Year across the six geographic divisions of the Young Marines nationwide.
- Candidate standards: References the rigorous criteria for NYMOY candidacy (graduation from Advanced Leadership School at the National Leadership Academy, high academics, strong fitness and discipline, active service/mentoring within unit, regiment, and division).
- Role of NYMOY: States that the NYMOY serves as the official youth ambassador for the Young Marines, with a substantive role beyond symbolism.
- duties and travel: Describes that Lawton will travel nationally and internationally to represent the Young Marines at leadership conferences, ceremonies, and public events; visit and motivate other units; and serve as a role model and mentor for Young Marines nationwide.
- Engagements: Indicates participation in major commemorations (e.g., Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Hawaii, National Navajo Code Talkers Day in Arizona).
- Purpose of resolution: Emphasizes the honor reflects character, maturity, and leadership potential; asserts that Lawton’s selection brings honor to South Carolina.
Impact and who is affected
- Individuals: Francis Asbury "Quinn" Lawton V is the primary beneficiary of recognition.
- Organizations: South Carolina House of Representatives, the Upstate Young Marine Unit, and the broader Young Marines organization receive commendation and recognition.
- Public/constituents: The resolution publicly highlights a positive example of leadership, service, and drug-free living for youth and families in South Carolina.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Legislative action: Introduced and adopted in the South Carolina General Assembly on April 16, 2026.
- Sponsor and co-sponsors: The bill has a large list of sponsors and co-sponsors from across the House, reflecting broad bipartisan/bi-partisan support.
- Legal effect: This is a ceremonial House Resolution; it does not create new law or funding but formally honors the individual and acknowledges the NYMOY designation.
Notes for readers
- The bill serves as formal ceremonial recognition rather than policy change.
- It highlights the values of leadership, service, discipline, and a drug-free lifestyle within the Young Marines program.
- The NYMOY role includes notable national and international representation obligations during the 2026-2027 period.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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