Subject: The Sergeants Club | February 2025


Hello,


The winter quarter wraps up next week, and Unit 71 finishes Phase 2 of ALERT’s training. We have a good sized 3rd Phase Battalion lined up for next quarter, with 8 in Construction, 12 in EMT, 6 in Missions, and 8 in Tech Rescue. Sergeant Major and I are trying to wrap up this quarter, decide on all the promotions, and prep for the incoming leadership and students arriving next weekend, so I would appreciate prayers that we get everything sorted in time and make wise calls on the promotions.


Speaking of next quarter, I wanted to make you all aware of an opportunity to share with the Battalion guys if you are interested. For the weekly Wednesday night Battalion meeting I have started inviting alumni and other men connected with ALERT to come and share with the guys. I’ve had several guys share this past quarter, and it has been really beneficial for the guys in Battalion. It is good for them to hear outside perspectives, and hear from guys who are further ahead in their life and career, and get the opportunity to connect with our alumni network. So if you are ever in the area, or want to swing by for a visit and share with the men, let me know and I’ll try and schedule you in for a Wednesday night.

There are two big areas that we are in need of prayer currently. First is our upcoming Basic Training. Our numbers are unusually low at the moment, which is problematic since spring Basics typically are already on the smaller side. Small spring Basics lead to small summer 2nd Phases, which lead to small fall 3rd Phases. We can’t train and disciple men if we don’t have men to train and disciple, so please pray that more men either finish their applications or start the process before Unit 72 kicks off next month.


The other area for prayer is our scholarship fund. As we have been trying to get ALERT’s finances into a more sustainable place, we have been increasing tuition to closer match our actual costs, and then also working to increase our scholarship program to offset those increases. Last year we were able to give out over $220,000 in scholarships, which played a big role in our increased training numbers last year. Currently we are running a deficit in our scholarship fund as we look towards next quarter, which means we will have to significantly cut back on scholarship awards for the summer and fall quarters. Last year we received several huge donations from a couple of organizations and individuals, so please pray that they would be willing to continue their support this year. Please also pray for Colonel to have wisdom on how to manage our fundraising efforts so that we can effectively communicate the needs to the right people. In both these areas of need we know that God is sovereign, and He will provide for us as he has for 31 years.

Thank you all for your prayers and investment in ALERT and in the men.

 

Posteritatis commodis servientes,

Captain Samuel Winkler | Unit 42

ALERT Battalion Commanding Officer