Three county students are getting an early start on being the few and the proud.

Chase Muchmore and brothers Thomas and Brandon Halbleib are part of the Lancaster County Young Marines, and they are already thinking about pursuing a military career.

Chase is a lance corporal who will be a seventh-grader at Manor Middle School in the fall.

"(Young Marines is) a really cool experience, and you can earn different badges," said Chase. "It's kind of like the military. It helps you get ready for the military."

Chase is following in a family tradition. His brother, Riley McKenzie, was a member of the Young Marines. "I thought, 'Hey, this is a really neat experience.' So I wanted to do it," said Chase.

Chase's dad, Ben Muchmore, served in the Air Force, and Chase's maternal grandfather, Anthony Arico, served with the Marines.

"I saw Riley going though (the Young Marines), and my dad and grandfather were in the military, so I want to join the military," said Chase. "I wanted to find out a way I could get ready for the military."

Chase said he enjoys making new friends in the Young Marines and being part of the group's color guard, which has worked many events, including Warriors on the Water, Solanco High School graduation, and a Lancaster Stormers game.

Chase proudly pointed to the first ribbon he won for marksmanship four years ago. In addition to firearms safety classes, he has learned how to operate a boat and how to fight wildfires. "There's a lot of fun stuff you can do," he said.

Chase's mother, Cassie Arico, said, "I'm proud that he is in the Young Marines and that he has become a leader and encourages his fellow Young Marines and other youth. He impresses me with his proudness to be patriotic and not be ashamed to show it. He's developed a servant's heart and loves volunteering. He amazes me every day."

Thomas and Brandon are still categorized as recruits, but both are closing in on the rank of private. Thomas will be a sixth-grader at Farmdale Elementary School.

"I wanted to experience what Marines have to do," said Thomas. "It's been pretty good. We get to do some fun activities." He said he likes making new friends, bowling, and going on hiking trips.

Brandon is a rising fifth-grader at Farmdale Elementary School. "I wanted to get experience and learn more about the Marines and the Navy so I can join the military," he said. "You get to make friends and go to color guard."

"As a parent with two boys in the Young Marines, I am very proud of both of them for committing their time and being a part of something so great," said Thomas and Brandon's mother, Helesha Shober. "Both Thomas and Brandon have shown and expressed interest into wanting to go into the military when they are older, and I think it is a great opportunity for them to further explore their interest."

The Young Marines, a nationwide organization, is for boys and girls from age 8 to 18 or graduation from high school. The group teaches leadership, teamwork, and discipline, and it advocates for a healthy lifestyle through its Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts.

Cassie said that the Lancaster County Young Marines meet the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of the month for regular drills at VFW Post 3575 in Holtwood or the Marine Corps League in Columbia. The Young Marines participate in parades, veterans' events, and Toys for Tots and compiled over 2,400 hours of community service in 2024 and 168 hours of DDR during 2024, according to Cassie.

Go to https://youngmarines.org/unit/lancaster/page for more information.