ORLANDO, Fla. — Meet Lance Corporal Airhana Reyes, she is leading this group of young marines not active or enlisted service just yet but part of the Orlando Devil Dogs unit for boys and girls eight years-old through high school.

Reyes is no stranger to this mission, she is following in the footsteps of her cousin who served six years in the U .S. Marine Corps and brother who is serving now.

“It kinda came down the line to me and I was like I guess it's my turn and I joined, and I won't lie it definitely is difficult, but you feel the way its preparing you for life,” Reyes said.  

And that is the whole point of the non-profit founded back in the late 1950s. It’s a service program inspiring young people by promoting mental and physical development while growing leaders in the community.

“Spending my Saturday morning doing this and helping these young marines it encourages me. I feel accomplished for my day, and I get on doing what I do but I can also say that I help these young marines prepare for their life,” Reyes said. 

United States Marine retired Sargent Luis Cambal is commander for the Orlando Devil Dogs. He says young marines is all about helping young people unlock their true potential helping them to become the best version of themselves.

“When they leave the program, when they retire from the program if they decide they want to be a teacher whatever they want to be we want them to be model citizen,” Sgt. Cambal said. 

Citizens who beyond the training go out into their communities and make a difference.

Like private first-class Anthony Darwin, he’s been with the young marines for several months yet dedicated all the same taking on leadership roles and looking to advance through the program by way of rank promotions.

Darwin says he is looking forward to making his mark while helping others.

“We are trying to teach them teamwork, discipline, and leadership. We are trying to teach them those traits so when they grow up, they have them and they have the experience, and they can get a good job and have those traits.”

And the best part students say is learning from veterans, living legends reassuring the next generation that they too can achieve success.

“I get to hear their stories i see that they are still the best person that they can be, and it encourages me to follow in their footsteps for sure,” Airman Reyes said. 

The Young Marines will be taking part in the Orlando Veteran’s Day parade. That Parade is on Saturday from 11AM to 1pm in Downtown Orlando. 

For more information on the Orlando Devil Dogs: https://youngmarines.org/unit/orlandodevildogs/page