Parents and Pups,
First of all, I am very proud and impressed with the turnout and the commitment I have seen demonstrated by the kids who have shown up for Devil Pups Summer Training. This is the largest turnout we have had. It is an honor to be working with such a fine group of youth.
I have been waiting for the official word on the final status and specific changes to the Devil Pups Program held at Camp Pendleton, and I have recently been informed of the following changes. Although it will not be like it has been in years past, at least we have a reason to continue our Summer Training, and an opportunity to send some youth to this tremendous program. My understanding is Camp Pendleton has canceled all but two of the eighty programs that use their facilities throughout the year. I am grateful they have made the concessions to allow Devil Pups to be one of the two.
The dates for the camp are Monday, July 19 – Saturday, July 24.
The usual number of youth in past increments has been 300-400. This year, due to Covid that number has been reduced to 50.
My quota at this time has been reduced to 2 male and 1 female. I have been told that number may increase and I have been asked if I would be able to have some (amount to be determined) kids ready to go as alternates. I have responded affirmatively and have advised leadership that we already have a large group of youth who have been consistently attending training. My understanding is some of the other 40 or so areas that typically have had a smaller quota in years past, and have not yet begun training, may opt out and their quota may be given away. I have been trying to convince The Board that because Southern Utah is the most motivated, most prepared, and most fit group of them all, that we should get some of that quota. We'll see.
On Saturday the 22nd, I discussed this new information with the kids who were at training, and explained that I knew there were a number of them that realized that they most likely would not make the cut, even at the original numbers of years past. I acknowledged their commitment and reiterated that even if they were not chosen, they would finish the summer with an amazing accomplishment, in the best shape of their life, and have my invitation to come out and try again next year. I also stressed that those who were currently at the top of the PFT scores may not stay there or may not be chosen for other reasons and those who were close to the top, with focus and hard work, could gain a spot within the time left in the Summer Training.
I am enjoying training the kids and I know that they have been getting stronger, faster, tougher and leaner. I hope to see all of them continue to show up throughout the training and work even harder in light of the stiffer competition.
We will have our next training at 0645 on Saturday, May 29th. That will be our last 0645 start time.
After that, as of June 1st, we will start every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 0545.
The Cut Ceremony will be after training on Saturday, June 26 at 8am. Parents are encouraged to attend. Again, those who do not make the cut are welcome to continue to attend the trainings. As we get closer to that date, I will be reaching out to parents and the kids who are likely to make the cut or likely to be chosen for alternates to confirm that they are ready and willing to go. 1stSgt Les and I will be driving them to Camp Pendleton on Sunday, July 18th, and parents will be required to attend graduation and pick up their kids at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, July 24th.
For those of you who have not filled out and turned in the Hold Harmless Agreement, please send it with your child on Saturday the 29th.
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
Thank you,
Sgt Billion
