Members of the 127th Fighter Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base started the Young Heroes program in 1985. The program was conceived as a way to answer the question of a young cancer victim following a visit to an Air Force officer's home--"He got all those medals for doing his job, Mom. What do I get?" Unfortunately, the girl died before her bravery and courage could be recognized, but her story became the catalyst for the Young Heroes program.

In it's early days, a handful of volunteers ran the Young Heroes program on a shoe-string budget. The small organization presented less than 10 medals in the first year. But the word got out and donations of time, talent, and money began to come in. In 1990, the Young Heroes program designed and cast their very own Young Heroes Medal of Honor. The Young Heroes program today salutes the struggles and heroism of around 75 Young Heroes throughout Michigan each year.

The Young Heroes program has expanded from its origins at Selfridge to encompass the Michigan National Guard as a whole. Additional Young Heroes chapters have been established at other military installations, both active duty and National Guard, in other states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and others.