Devil Pups is a non-profit organization designed to help teens 14-17 from all backgrounds gain self-confidence and learn to take responsibility for their actions. People wonder “Why the name Devil Pups?” The term “Devil Dogs” was used by German soldiers to describe Marines fighting in World War I. The Marines who organized this youth citizenship program chose the term “Devil Pups” to describe the quality of teen who can complete this program.
Here we are at the Pizza Factory celebrating 11 new pups and 9 eagles. Billion has a few final words for the crew.
Awards Night has been set. So please set aside Tuesday, August 22 for Southern Utah Devil Pups Awards Night at the St. George Pizza Factory located in Ancestor Square, 2 W. Saint George Blvd, #8, St. George, UT 84770.
We try to keep the time at a minimum because it's a school night. Should be around 1-1/2 hour.
Attire is casual, but Pups and Eagles are required to wear their Devil Pup uniforms.
We have the room upstairs reserved for 6:30 p.m. Price per person will be $9.50 for unlimited pizza, salad, breadsticks and sodas. And that includes tip. Please bring cash. (If you would make the math easier and make that $10 a person, we would be grateful for the 50 cent donations.)
We will have a table and cash box at the entrance to the upstairs room so you can pay as soon as you arrive and then just enjoy the evening. Please let us know if you have any food issues - gluten free, vegan, etc.
Every one of our eleven new Devil Pups completed the 2023 camp challenges and are official Devil Pups. This is an awesome achievement and one they can be proud of the rest of their lives. We also had four special award winners this year.
Daniel Campos was chosen to participate in the guidon retirement ceremony. It's probably my favorite part of the graduation festivities. Congrats, Daniel!!
Saxton Ballard, a Pine View cadet and new Devil Pup earned the Lt. Col. Bill Toole Award for Persistence. As you might guess, this is a special award in my view. Bill, my husband, was the Marine who brought the Devil Pup program to Southern Utah.
Micah Gifford, a Dixie High School cadet and new Devil Pup, earned the James McMonagle Initiative Award. Marine McMonagle is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General who served as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Stetson Taylor, also a Dixie High School cadet and new Devil Pup, earned the Justin Speier Award, Power of Influence. Justin Speier is also a Marine involved with Devil Pups who is an American former professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Those are some prestigious awards! Congratulations to our 2023 Devil Pups. Devil Pups from Southern Utah are very special.
Congratulations! Donna Toole, SUDP Coordinator
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Devil Pup Graduation 2023
22 July 2023 Camp Pendleton, California
Awards Night has been set for August 22nd. Too many things on the calendar for earlier for both the restaurant and staff. So please set aside Tuesday, August 22, for Southern Utah Devil Pups Awards Night at the St. George Pizza Factory located in Ancestor Square, 2 W. Saint George Blvd, #8, St. George, UT 84770. We have the room upstairs reserved for 6:30 p.m. Price per person will be $9.50 for unlimited pizza, salad, breadsticks and sodas. And that includes tip. Please bring cash.
the LRC (Leadership Reaction Course) and Platoon Competitions.
Parents and Pups. This from Sgt. Billion:
After graduation, when the Sir orders "Dismissed," all pups are to immediately find me, holding the guidon, in the middle of the field, and fall in. Sometimes the procedure is for the pups to grab their bag first, if that is the case, do it first then immediately find me and fall in. This is the time for parents to take their own group pic too.
Family can wait. All I want to do is take some group pictures and let the pups take pics with their buddies. I have found if the pups mingle with their families, somebody will not be in the final group pic. It has happened EVERY year due to not following these instructions. Don't be that pup!
There are plenty of family hugs to be given, and hours of stories to be told, and that needs to wait until after formation, pictures, and me handing out the phones. THEN pups can find parents and talk their ears off for a short time because they will likely fall asleep quickly to catch up on the sleep they missed, probably after they stuff their face with the fast food they'll be craving! :)
Saturday, July 22
1200 Graduation
LOCATION: 11 Area Parade Deck
NOTE: Unless you have someone in your car with valid military I.D., you will need to take advantage of the shuttle buses picking up from 10:00-11:00am at Mance Buchanon Park in Oceanside, CA.
GRADUATION SHUTTLE INTO CAMP PENDLETON
2022 Graduation
For those intending to travel to Camp Pendleton on the 12th of July, it is time to plan for the trip and camp time. Below is a photo of the type of shoes that will be best for camp activities - note the ankle support. Do not spend a lot on military type boots as they are not appropriate for camp - and be sure to wear the shoes before camp. Sgt. Billion will be notifying you of the packing list and providing instructions on that. Also, below is an old photo of how you should dress for the trip to camp. Remember - NO skinny jeans!
If there are questions, contact either Sgt. Billion or Donna at sudevilpups@proton.me.
Parents: Cut weekend is coming up. You can certainly wait to be certain, but it is advisable to go ahead and make Southern California hotel reservations if you think your teen will be selected to go to Devil Pup camp at Camp Pendleton. You can always cancel or change reservations when the results are in. We recommend reservations for Friday July 21 around Oceanside, San Clemente, Carlsbad, etc. More info to come once the Cut Ceremony is complete.
Training for Devil Pups 2023 summer camp has begun. Anything worthwhile is worth working for and you have a good start.
Thank you for everyone who attended the second and last Parent Information Meeting. If you have questions, either ask Sgt. Billion on his Facebook page,
(Southern Utah Devil Pups 2023)
or you can e-mail me directly at
sudevilpups@proton.me
or you can log onto this blog and find the Contact boxes by scrolling down on the left side.
Stay tuned! First practice May 13. 7:00 a.m. (which is REALLY 6:45). If late, it's 30 burpees!!!! It's every Saturday until school is out and then it goes to THREE days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). It's a full, but rewarding, summer commitment.
The last Parent Information Meeting will be held at the Dixie High School AFJROTC building at 7:00 p.m. on Monday May 1st - that's this coming Monday. If you have not already attended a Parent Info Meeting, any teen applying for 2023 Devil Pups summer camp must attend with a parent/guardian who can sign forms required to begin training and attend camp.
Please click this link for 2023 DEVIL PUP SUMMER CAMP TRAINING FORMS and take them to one of the Parent Information Meetings or return them to sudevilpups@proton.me. First Parent Info Meeting is Thursday, April 20th, at Pine View High School AFJROTC area at 7 p.m. Second Parent Info Meeting is at Dixie High School's AFJROTC building on May 1st, 7 p.m. Cadets wishing to attend Devil Pup summer camp MUST attend ONE of the Parent meetings with a parent of guardian who can sign permission forms.
Please click this link for 2023 DEVIL PUP SUMMER CAMP TRAINING FORMS and return them to sudevilpups@proton.me.
Please note that applicants with asthma or any required medications cannot be accepted to this program.
Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, California
Parents are required to attend
2023 Devil Pup Summer Camp is set for July 13-22.
First day of training is May 13.
As always, we transport prospective Devil Pups to camp, but it is mandatory for parents to attend the graduation ceremony on July 22 and transport their pup back home.
Information on the season will be given at one of the Parent Information Meetings. A pup applicant with a parent MUST attend ONE of these meetings to begin the process of becoming a 2023 Devil Pup:
April 20 at 7 p.m. PVHS AFJROTC.
May 01 at 7 p.m. - Dixie AFJROTC.
