In 1953, Marine Corps Colonel A. Duncan Shaw, Sr., learned that a group of teenagers burned an American flag at a Southern California high school.  Aggravated by this activity and the attitudes among American youth it represented, Colonel Shaw and a group of retired Marine Corps Reserve Officers, now prominent Southern California businessmen, asked the Commandant of the Marine Corps to help with a community benefit project that would aid the development of character qualities in teenage boys and girls, and enable them to become healthier and more successful young citizens.

The idea was to bring these youth down to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and let them observe how Marines are trained and then for ten days be trained themselves by volunteer Marine escorts.

The Commandant agreed that the Marine Corps would cooperate if this group of former Marines would form a charitable corporation to solicit contributions needed for food, transportation, insurance and other sustainable items which the government cannot pay for.

The name “Devil Pups” was conceived after observing that the German troops, during World War I, gave the United States Marines opposing them in battle, the name “Devil Dogs” because of their battlefield accomplishments and valor of the Marines.  This success and challenge under stress is a fitting precursor for the name “Devil Pups”.

In summer, 1954, Camp Pendleton Commanding General John T. Selden, granted permission for Devil Pups, Inc. to bring aboard 1800 young men 14 to 17 years of age.  In 1998, Devil Pups, Inc. welcomed its first platoon of girls into the program.  Through the efforts of the active duty and reserve Marines working with the volunteers in the charitable corporation “Devil Pups, Inc.” the program has grown into a highly successful annual project.  We now have 51,563 Devil Pups who have graduated from this Good Citizenship-Physical Development Program.

Above, Paul O Rear, Penny Millar, Randy Seelye and Shauna Lorenzen share delight in their respective Perfect Attendance recognition.  Joining them in the spotlight are Del Raby, Dave Lorenzen and Steve Amend.  MC for the awards is Peter Hoberg who punctuated/entertained/educated everyone with the movies of the year corresponding to the years.  Can you guess whose was West Side Story in 1961?

Monique Dixon moved closer to her Blue Badge with her most enlightening and surprise Craft Talk.  Fishing(BIG ones), and quilting and singing Oh My!

Monique recently received a promotion at Brookdale Senior Living to Operations Specialist.

Thank You Steve Worthen!  Steve proudly holds his most recent Paul Harris recognition for his support to The Rotary Foundation:  His initial $1K plus $5K additional to advance the local and international reach of Rotary's Service Above Self.

Steve is Past President of Sunrise Rotary,  and owner of Interiors Incorporated.

So good to see Tom Eakin back following his recent medical absence.  "its no way to have to loose weight", Tom admits.

Wait ~~ there is more~~~

Doug displays the lei Dicksie Tamanaha bestowed on him from her birthday and grandchildren trip to her native Hawaii last month.

Michael Riel relates his travels to Germany and celebrating his parents 50th anniversary und many other family celebrations!  Like Dixie's going home, his recognition was very gentle, as opposed to foreign travel.

Holy Toledo!  Golden Hammer Leroy Carlenzoli and Co Weed Abater Jennifer Adams report on their progress in vegetation management, aka weeding at Women's Recovery Services sites.

Steve Zwick, Chair of our Annual Golf Tournament Tees-off his recruiting for foursomes and sponsors.  Talk to him early while the prime locations are still available.

Cindy Gilman introduces our Guest Speaker Lorez Bailey, Executive Director of Chops Teen Center.

Chops got its' mane from founder Charles "Chops" DeMeo, local attorney and youth advocate.

Lorez describes the unique approach and resources of Chops Teen Center:  Six focus areas of interest including a music recording studio, basketball court, climbing wall, media lab and technology.  Each area is staffed by a professional who guides the teen members in pursuing their curiosity or passion.  During the school year, 50-60 students daily attend, with a 300% increase throughout the summer months.

Lorez' Masters of Education and three teen daughters provides her ample principles and experience to navigate the attitude zones on the way to adulthood.  Chops Teen Center offers a dynamic environment for teen to connect, engage and discover their true potential.

http://www.chopsteenclub.org

Jim Moir, guest Jeannine Sheppard and Penny Millar compare notes after the program.

Better Luck on the draw next time Ken Petro!