Young Marines Alumni Association Names David Auwen as 2nd Recipient of Beamon Public Service Award
This annual award is intended to recognize those alumni that have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of public service or significant and outstanding accomplishments in a public service career. “Young Marines serve their communities in any number of ways, and we want to distinguish Young Marine Alumni who carry the value of service to adulthood,” says Jason D. Asbill, Esq., Executive Director of the Young Marines Alumni Association.
The 2021 recipient of the award is Sergeant Major David Auwen, USMC (Ret.). Auwen was a Young Marine with the Macomb County unit in Michigan for 8 years. After Young Marines, Auwen went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years with duty as active and reserve, with stations both domestic and abroad. Additionally, Auwen had 10 years of federal law enforcement service with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Customs and Border Protection agencies. Finally, in 2019, Auwen graduated the local police academy and now serves in local law enforcement with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to his public service careers, Auwen has extensive volunteer time invested in his community. He has served for thirteen years as an adult volunteer with the Young Marines at several units. Auwen currently serves with the Young Marines Alumni Association on its Advisory Council and the Montford Point Leadership Academy, both as Military Advisor.
“SgtMaj Auwen is an exceptional individual who continues to serve his country, just as Beamon did for so many years,” said Asbill. “He continues to serve the Young Marines as an adult volunteer and helping to set the vision of the Alumni Association. It’s been great to work with David over the past few years and he has become a great friend and mentor.”
In his remarks, Auwen stated, “The Young Marines set me on a path to become the man and Marine I am today. That could not have happened without the volunteers behind the program. I will always be an advocate for the Young Marines!”
The COVID-19 pandemic would not allow a Beamon family representative to be present. “Our family is honored to have an award created in Sam’s name. He was a great man, and the Young Marines organization held a special place in his heart,” said Sam’s brother, Reginald Beamon. “He would have been proud of SgtMaj Auwen’s service to the public and dedication to the Young Marines. This is a well-deserved recipient.”
David Auwen as a
Young Marine Private