Manassas Young Marines is addressing drug use in the community.
The unit performed 450 hours of drug demand reduction (DDR) service and training locally.
It was awarded with the 2020 Fulcrum Shield Award by the Department of Defense (DoD), according to a release from the Young Marines.
“We are extremely honored and proud of this recognition,” Manassas Young Marines Unit Commander Nick Pecci said in a release. “The partnerships that we have formed with the American Legion, VFW, Law Enforcement, and military installations have allowed us to impact more than 30,000 children, parents, and community members throughout 2019.”
In addition to the recent recognition, the unit received the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Kiki Camarena Award in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
Six years ago, the Young Marines launched “Closing the Gate on Drugs,” which teaches youth how to resist gateway drugs, such as marijuana.
Created in 2002, Manassas Young Marines typically meet at American Legion Post 10, 9950 Cockrell Road in Manassas. Due to the Coronavirus, its meetings are now being held online.
