OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 3:00 p.m.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office (PPSO) Young Marines were able to ditch their camouflage uniforms and sweaty work-out clothes to gather for the Annual Birthday Ball Celebration at the Belle Chasse Auditorium.

During the course of the evening, 23 Young Marines were honored for their accomplishments and diligence over the past year. Also, the adult instructors and volunteers were recognized as they received letters of appreciation for their dedication to the program after logging a total of approximately 900 volunteer hours. Young Marine Private First-Class Joshue Riley received the honor of being awarded the Unit Young Marine of the Year.

The Guests of Honor were U.S. Marine Corps Major Sean Dillion and Young Marine Sergeant Major Harrison Vo. Major Dillion resides in Belle Chasse and is currently assigned to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans. Major Dillion joined the Marine Corps in 2003 after graduating from the University of Chicago and is a Huey Helicopter Pilot that served during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2011. Major Dillion expressed the importance of integrity, accountability and acceptance of failure. Young Marine Sergeant Major Harrison Vo has been a member of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Young Marine Program since enrolling in 2013 at the age of 11.

In a traditional Marine Corps style ceremony, there was a cake-cutting ceremony, dinner and dancing. A special thanks and appreciation to LA23 BBQ in Belle Chasse and Copeland's restaurant in Harvey for donating the wonderful meal.

"This was a well-deserved event full of fun and camaraderie for all the Young Marines after the hard work and dedication over the course of the past year," said Sheriff Gerald A. Turlich, Jr. "We're looking forward to continuing this great program and a special thanks to all the instructors and volunteers that make it possible."

The Young Marines Program is national youth organization for boys and girls, ages 8-18 or to the completion of high school. The Young Marines promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through our core value of teamwork, leadership and discipline. The PPSO Young Marines are now accepting applications for the next class scheduled to commence in March of 2020. For more information please contact Deputy Norman Phillips at 504-657-6411 or email nphillips@ppso.net. Adjutant Dianna Seiffert can also be contacted at dseiffert@ppso.net or 504-512-0173.

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Contact Information:
Lieutenant Chaun J. Domingue
Public Information Officer
Office: 504-934-6785
cdomingue@ppso.net