Serves as the Council lead for all youth programs to include U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Naval & Marine Corps Junior ROTC, and University of Minnesota ROTC programs.  Additionally foster engagement with the U.S. Naval Academy Information Program to determine how the Council can assist.   Annually outline funding for recognition awards, provide support for annual key events like inspections, banquets, end-of-year ceremonies and provide mentorship to for young people toward career paths linked to the naval services and submit to board for approval. 

Our councils are invested in the next-generation of sea service members and show their support through their adoption of units like the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Young Marines and more. Learn more about each of these programs and see how you can help make an impact in the lives of tomorrow’s Sailors, Marines, Coasties and Mariners. Youth Programs - Navy League of the United States

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 at the urging of Theodore Roosevelt, our Nation’s 26th President. Roosevelt believed that a strong military presence ensured peace. For example, he doubled the size of the Navy and sent a fleet of 16 battleships around the world to show our naval strength. President Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905 negotiating peace between Japan and Russia, and he donated a significant portion of the cash prize to the Navy League to help build this new organization.

The Navy League Youth Medal was established to honor those Cadets who best exemplify Roosevelt’s values of energy, spirit, competition, and fair play. Each Navy League Council awards the Navy League Youth Medal to a top Cadet in each of the youth programs we sponsor.

I had the privilege of presenting Navy League Youth Medal to Seaman Apprentice Lila Erickson, NSCC, of Polaris Battalion at their annual Squadron Ball on January 11, while presenting the Navy League Youth Ribbon to Leaguer Cadet ABC Liam T. Olson, NLCC. The Council presented the Navy League Youth Medal to Chief Petty Officer Josef Jirik, NSCC, of Twin Cities Squadron at their annual Dining Out on January 25, while presenting the Navy League Youth Ribbon to Leaguer Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Drue Dowley, NLCC.

We will present the Navy League Youth Medal to a Cadet in each of our three Junior Navy ROTC Units at their respective awards ceremonies later this Spring. These award ceremony dates have not been established by the time this column went to print.