Introducing YoungMilitary.org: Garfield Heights Youth Get a New Path to Discipline, Education, and Leadership

I’ve spent my career fighting for the residents of Garfield Heights. But there’s one fight that matters more than any budget line or council vote: the fight for our young people.

That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of YoungMilitary.org — a new nonprofit dedicated to preparing Cuyahoga County youth for successful futures through military-style mentorship, academic excellence, and leadership development.

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The Mission

YoungMilitary.org provides youth with structured programs that promote discipline, physical fitness, academic achievement, and civic responsibility — preparing young people for successful futures in military service, higher education, and professional careers.

This isn’t daycare. This isn’t a drop-in program. This is a commitment — from us to the youth, and from the youth to themselves.

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Four Program Tracks

Figure 1: Four structured tracks building complete young leaders

• Military Readiness — Drill & Ceremony, physical fitness, and the discipline that comes from learning to work as a unit. Our competitive drill programs build teamwork, pride, and focus.
• Academics & Tutoring — Every participant must maintain a minimum GPA. We provide dedicated study time, qualified tutors, and academic monitoring. Youth who fall below the standard get targeted academic support — not consequences.
• Leadership Development — Team building, public speaking, decision-making, and the confidence to lead.
• Community Service — Volunteering, civic responsibility, and hands-on neighborhood projects.

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The Academic Commitment

Education comes first. Every youth is assigned a tutor. Every youth has dedicated study time. Every youth’s GPA is monitored. And every youth who struggles gets help — not punishment.

Figure 2: The 5-step academic support pipeline — every youth gets what they need to succeed

The GPA requirement isn’t a barrier. It’s a promise — a promise that we will do whatever it takes to help every participant succeed in the classroom.

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Chapters Across Cuyahoga County

Our flagship chapter in Garfield Heights is active now, with enrollment open. Three additional chapters are forming across Cuyahoga County.

Figure 3: Four chapters — Garfield Heights active, three more in formation

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Why This Matters Now

Look at what’s happening in Garfield Heights right now:

• Millions in property tax revenue lost to a tax-exempt jail site
• Tariffs squeezing family budgets across the board
• School district running a $2.9 million deficit
• State funding cut nearly in half over 20 years

In times like these, it’s easy to cut youth programs. But we can’t afford not to invest in our young people. Every dollar spent on mentorship and tutoring today saves ten dollars in policing, courts, and social services tomorrow.

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Ohio Nonprofit Registration

YoungMilitary.org is now an officially registered Ohio nonprofit corporation — approved by Secretary of State Frank LaRose on April 6, 2026 (Entity Number 5586896). We are pursuing federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Our purpose statement:

To provide youth in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and surrounding communities with military-style mentorship, leadership development, and career preparation promoting discipline, fitness, academic achievement, and civic responsibility. The organization provides structured educational programming including dedicated study time and qualified tutors to help participants achieve and maintain a minimum required GPA. Youth below the GPA standard receive targeted academic assistance to reach the required level.

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How to Get Involved

• Enroll your child — Visit YoungMilitary.org to learn about eligibility and sign up
• Volunteer as a mentor or tutor — Share your experience with the next generation
• Donate — Every dollar goes directly to program materials and tutoring services
• Partner with us — Schools, churches, and businesses can expand our reach
• Spread the word — Share this article and tell your neighbors