Joint Service Teen Council (JSTC) member Xavier Kent is committed to advancing positive youth development experiences for military-connected teens across installations worldwide.

A member of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Youth Center since 2020, Xavier began his involvement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a way to stay connected quickly became a formative experience. After attending the JSTC Summit in Arlington, Va., in the summer of 2025, Xavier felt inspired to deepen his involvement and advocate more actively for military families.  

On January 14, 2026, Xavier presented a brief to the Marine and Family Programs Division at Marine Corps Base Quantico during the division’s first-ever Professional Development Day. During his presentation, he shared how participating in youth center programming—building friendships, learning new skills, and volunteering with younger children—helped him strengthen his confidence in public speaking, leadership, and collaboration. 

Xavier emphasized that his most meaningful experiences stemmed from the connections he built with fellow teens and the dedicated staff who created supportive, engaging opportunities for growth. 

He also highlighted key issues identified by the JSTC and expressed his excitement that those concerns are being actively addressed by Headquarters Marine Corps. 

The presentation concluded with a standing ovation and an extended question-and-answer session with attendees.  

“What you just did for us helps us understand how much impact the audience has,” said Gregory Goldstein, Director of Marine and Family Programs, reflecting on the value of hearing directly from military-connected youth. 

Xavier’s father also addressed the group, sharing his pride in his son’s accomplishments and crediting the youth center with helping develop the leadership skills that enabled Xavier’s success. 

To learn more about Youth and Teen Programs or how military-connected teens can get involved in leadership opportunities like the Joint Service Teen Council, visit your local installation’s Youth Center or Child and Youth Programs.