The Upstate Young Marines, Unit of the Year

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

South Carolina recognizes the Upstate Young Marines as National Unit of the Year and highlights their community service, leadership, and individual award recipients.

Introduced and adopted

Bill at a Glance

Type: House Resolution (H 5592)

Jurisdiction: South Carolina

Subject: Recognition of the Upstate Young Marines unit as National Unit of the Year

Introduced/Adopted: 2026-04-28 (introduced and adopted)

Sponsor/Co-sponsors: Primary sponsor and a broad slate of co-sponsors from both chambers (House members)

1) Purpose and Intent

The bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and honoring the Upstate Young Marines unit (Greenville, SC) for their longstanding community service and achievements.

It specifically congratulates the unit on being named the National Unit of the Year (second time in program history) and highlights notable individual honors earned at the 2026 Young Marines Award Banquet.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Recognition of Service: A formal resolution acknowledging the Upstate Young Marines for their “many years of commitment and service to the community.”

National Unit of the Year: Celebration of the unit’s attainment of the National Unit of the Year award.

Individual Honors Highlighted:

Young Marine Sergeant Major Quinn Lawton was named the 2026-2027 National Young Marine of the Year.
Unit Commander Sergeant Major James Roberts Jr. (USMC, Ret.) received the Distinguished Volunteer Award for the second time, described as the highest accolade for an adult volunteer within the program.

Presentation of Resolution: The resolution directs that a copy be presented to Sergeant Major James Roberts Jr., USMC, Retired.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

Primary Beneficiary: Upstate Young Marines unit in Greenville, SC.

Individuals Mentioned: Sergeant Major Quinn Lawton (National Young Marine of the Year 2026-2027) and Sergeant Major James Roberts Jr. (Ret.) (Distinguished Volunteer Award recipient).

Broad Impact: Honors the unit’s leadership, mentorship, and community impact; serves to publicly acknowledge and promote the organization’s mission of youth development, leadership, physical fitness, academic achievement, and drug-free living.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Action: The bill was introduced and adopted on 2026-04-28, indicating rapid approval as a ceremonial resolution.

Format and Effect: As a resolution, it is symbolic and ceremonial, without imposing regulatory changes, budgets, or mandates. It serves as an official commendation and public record of recognition by the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Status: Adopted by the House and transmitted as a formal recognition.

5) Notable Context

The Upstate Young Marines unit is part of a national program emphasizing self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring veterans, and promoting mental, moral, and physical development among youth, led by adult volunteers.

The resolution underscores the value the state places on youth programs that foster community service, leadership, and healthy lifestyle choices.

If you’d like, I can provide a short plain-language brief suitable for a general audience or a more detailed, line-by-line breakdown of the individuals and awards mentioned.

Bill