Brig. Gen. Antionette Mulholland speaks at the Youth Leadership Experience on March 14, 2026, at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles. The event connected high school students with Veterans and military leaders through leadership activities and mentorship. (Photo: U.S. Army Cpt. William Stroud)
Veterans and military leaders will share their experiences with students during a free leadership seminar on November 21 at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles.
The Youth Leadership Experience will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa St. The free event is open to students in grades six through 12, with lunch provided. Students and families can register online for the Youth Leadership Experience.
The event will feature service academy cadets, Army Green Berets, general officers, and other military representatives. Students will hear from speakers about the challenges they faced during their careers and take part in small-group leadership exercises.
The event will also support Scouting America’s new Military Service and Veterans Merit Badge, which is currently being tested through the Scouts BSA Test Lab. Scouts can complete draft requirements and provide feedback before the badge receives final approval.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Jim Cragg, President and Founder of Special Operations Technologies, is encouraging American Legion families across California to attend. He said the goal is to give young people an opportunity to learn from Veterans who can share the leadership skills they gained through military service.
Retired Lt. Gen. Reynold Hoover has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address. Military academy admissions representatives, ROTC personnel, Legionnaires, and military recruiters are also expected to attend. They will answer questions about educational opportunities and military career paths, though organizers have made clear that the seminar is not a recruiting event.
Students will also work through leadership scenarios alongside mentors. Cragg said similar exercises held during a previous seminar were led by Veterans, recruiting noncommissioned officers, and service academy cadets and midshipmen. The program is intended for students preparing for college or considering military service, but its leadership lessons apply to other career interests as well.
The program previously held a Youth Leadership Experience in March at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, where students participated in team challenges and heard from military and community leaders.
Cragg hopes to reach more families through The American Legion, particularly those whose children could benefit from mentorship and guidance as they consider their plans after high school.
