Beach Day and the Golden Shovel

There was a new post on the GYA bulletin board last Thursday that the cadets would be going to the beach on Friday for a "getting to know you" event and a sand castle building competition where they would have a chance at winning the coveted "Golden Shovel". They announced that pictures would be posted so I have been logging on everyday since Friday to see if there were new pictures, and if I could catch a glimpse of Dillon in any of the photos. Finally, on Monday there were new photos posted. I carefully scanned over each picture straining my eyes to see if I could find him. It's funny, but as a mom (and a dad a suppose) you just know your kid. Now all of these kids look the same. Shaved heads, same gray sweats, black shirts, black hats, etc. But as a parent I have a keen skill of spotting him. I guess after 16 years of watching him grow, I just know the shape of his head, the curve of his back, the way he holds himself, the bend of his elbow.
I spotted him in several pictures!! Here is his Platoon heading out to the beach...Platoon 3-- The Top Dogs.

Dillon is there...trust me I see him. He's 6th from the left back corner of the picture. The crane and stop sign are behind him and there is a shorter boy behind his right shoulder.

Here they are enjoying lunch before the big competition begins. Dillon is directly behind the boy 2nd from the right with his brown lunch bag on top of his backpack. You can barely see Dillon directly over his head. Looks like he is drinking some juice getting nourished for the big day.

Let the fun begin!! Here is there group and I saw Dillon (above pic) immediately. His back is to the camera...he's the tallest in the center. I would know that posture anywhere.

Platoon 3 created several different sand formations. A dog for "Top Dogs", a dog bone, bowl and a set of words for the "Top Dogs". They also erected this sandy cross. I posted in the last blog that one of the cadet's father passed away unexpectedly. I can only assume that this is for him. Dillon is to the right behind the boy bending over. (above)
And there's the picture I was waiting for. I needed to see that smile!! That's my boy meticulously arranging feathers to form wings on the cross.
Here is a picture of their Top Dog Bowl. Dillon is in the background working on the cross. He is bending over in the top right corner. Again, I would know that back anywhere...

They are all so proud of their platoon. "Top Dogs 3rd Platoon" and a "25" in the top corner because they are the 25th class to go through GYA.

Here they are posing in front of their creations. Dillon is sitting in the front row, 4th from the left looking down. I'm happy to see all these young men beaming from their accomplishments and proud to be a unit. (above)

One more photo of the group. Dillon wrote again and this is one of the sayings that the bark out as they march -- "One Voice - One Sound - One Fails, We all Fail - 49 Top Dogs in the Dog Pound!"

Here are all of the platoons lined up waiting to hear the verdict. Waiting to see who has won the "Golden Shovel". Dillon is leaning over on the right side with a huge smile on his face. (above) And....the drum roll please........

TOP DOGS-3RD PLATOON WIN THE GOLDEN SHOVEL!!!

The girl with the green pants is presenting them with the shovel.

Dillon is the one bending over with his hands on his kness. (above)

Let the celebration begin!! Woo Hoo....I'm so proud of my boy!! I know it must feel so good to win. Dillon has been struggling with where he fits in and now he has a group of peers that make him feel accepted and he is so happy to be a part of this platoon.

He also wrote in his last letter... "We get compliments from the other squads. The Wolverines, Rough Riders, the girls platoon is The Cobras. But 3rd Platoon is literally the best and we have the highest standards. We beat the other platoons on our PT (physical training)tests. We also look better than them when we march. PRIDE (all in caps) is a huge thing here. Most of the time I get sad, I get pumped up by sounding off and getting compliments from our cadre (sergeants)."

Now that is so wonderful to hear. I'm so happy he is getting the chance to know what "pride" is and how good it feels to be the best and accomplish your goals. I'm so proud of him!! This is for Matt....I can only assume this is for Cadet Barrington's dad.

It says, "May He Fly With Angels".

They went in as lost boys. Now, they have found strength in themselves and in each other. They are now becoming incredible, strong men.