Tough Enough: Willis man does special training

For nearly 30 years, Billy "Soupbone" Shelton, of Willis, has been providing an aggressive and rigorous form of training for young men, many interested in becoming Navy SEALS, Army Rangers and other military Special Forces organizations. His approach is brutally hard, physically challenging and successful.

"I'm very demanding, both physically and mentally," the former Army Special Forces veteran acknowledged. "I drive them to the point of exhaustion and then I insist on more."

But Shelton doesn't challenge his trainees mentally and physically for money, sport or vengeance. He wants to prepare fighting men for the harsh realities of Special Forces training and combat.

And, he wants them to come home alive.

His role as a trainer began in 1978, when he helped train high school athletes at the old Willis Field House. "Coaches weren't allowed to train kids off season," he recalled. "Some of the boys weren't working very hard, so I decided to help out."

While many of his charges didn't like the aggressive workouts, some thrived on it. "I can usually tell in the first 20 minutes how dedicated a boy is," Shelton said. "I don't need fancy weight machines and electronic treadmills. I need commitment."

Over time, Shelton developed a reputation for toughness and a following for his results. He was approached by young men who wanted his help preparing for military boot camp and Special Forces training.

Shelton's methods are harsh, including running, calisthenics and survival training. He believes in pushing people to their absolute limits mentally and physically. "I do try and break them down," he said, "but only to rebuild them."

His results are impressive. Of the more than 30 area men who completed his training, most went on to achieve their military goals. One of those is Marcus Luttrell, of Willis, a Navy SEAL awarded the Navy Cross and author of the current bestselling book, "Lone Survivor".

In the book, Luttrell credits Shelton with preparing him for the harsh realities of Navy SEAL training and his survival against impossible odds in the mountains of Afghanistan.

"I have observed many of 'Soupbone's' workouts over the years," said David Luttrell, Marcus' father. "They're merciless and designed to make a grown man cry, but the results are nothing short of incredible."

He credits Shelton with training some of finest fighting men in the military and considers him a member of the family.

Shelton is equally proud of Marcus and his brother, Morgan Luttrell, who also completed training and, like Marcus, became a decorated Navy SEAL. "I pushed them mentally and physically," he said. "I put them through hell, but they came out tough as nails. I'd put my money on them against any other fighting men in the world."

Although Shelton isn't opposed to helping young men achieve their goals, he's looking forward to relaxing in his retirement. "This was never about money or fame," he said. "I just want America to be protected by the finest fighting men with the best training."

Shelton hopes others will be able to help shape and train the next generation of soldiers become all that they can be. "I'd like to sit on a porch somewhere and enjoy a glass of tea," he said.

"I've gone through tough times; now it's time to take it a little easier."

Brad Meyer can be reached at bmeyer@hcnonline.com.