Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Military Youth of the Year candidates eat lunch during an event at Pacific Coast Club & Café at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. Vandenberg participates in the Youth of the Year program to recognize youth and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring teens and their stories of leadership and excellence. MYOY, a distinct component of the YOY program since 2013, was introduced to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations worldwide. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Atlas Figueroa, 2024 Military Youth of the Year state winner, speaks after being awarded state Military Youth of the Year winner at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. MYOY awards youth for commitment to community service, academic success, and good character judged by several essays, interviews, and speeches. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Jewell, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, poses with Atlas Figueroa, 2024 Military Youth of the Year state winner, and the Boys and Girls Club of America Military Services director at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. Atlas was awarded $2,500 for winning state level MYOY and will continue to compete at a regional level. MYOY provides recognition to youth in the challenging environment of military lifestyle, highlighting positive character and triumphs over challenges. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Leroi)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Jewell, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, left, Carrie Basaca, Boys and Girls Club of America Military Services director, and Military Youth of the Year participants pose for a group photo at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. MYOY recognizes outstanding 14-18 year olds with community service, academic success, and leadership qualities. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Leroi)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Jewell, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, poses with 2024 Military Junior Youth of the Year award winner and Carrie Basaca, Boys and Girls Club of America Military Services director, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. JYOY prepares youth under 14 for the Youth of the Year program, recognizing character and leadership qualities of participants. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Leroi)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, provides opening remarks during the Military Youth of the Year event at Vandenberg Space Force base, Calif., April 19, 2024. MYOY celebrates the achievements and good character of military youth through a competition comprised of essay writing, speeches, and interviews. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Military Youth of the Year candidate applauds a contender’s speech during an event at Pacific Coast Club & Café at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. Vandenberg participates in the Youth of the Year program to recognize youth and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring teens and their stories of leadership and excellence. MYOY, a distinct component of the YOY program since 2013, was introduced to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations worldwide. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Military Youth of the Year candidates pose for a photo while eating cake during an event Pacific Coast Club & Café at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. Vandenberg participates in the Youth of the Year program to recognize youth and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring teens and their stories of leadership and excellence. MYOY, a distinct component of the YOY program since 2013, was introduced to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations worldwide. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Military Youth of the Year candidate hugs the Boys & Girls Club military services director during an event at Pacific Coast Club & Café at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 19, 2024. Vandenberg participates in the Youth of the Year program to recognize youth and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring teens and their stories of leadership and excellence. MYOY, a distinct component of the YOY program since 2013, was introduced to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations worldwide. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma)

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Vandenberg Hosts California Military Youth of the Year

Published April 22, 2024
By Senior Airman Joshua LeRoi and Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma
Space Launch Delta 30

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --

Military Youth of the Year awards youth for commitment to community service, academic success, and good character judged by several essays, interviews, and speeches. Vandenberg hosted the state MYOY competition and ceremony for contestants from around California.