18 July 2012

Stars Earn Stripes? Seriously? Are You Kidding Me? Really?

Did anyone see or hear about that new show on NBC? It is called "Stars Earn Stripes". Apparently, some "celebrities' are out to prove that the military has nothing on them. it seems that these "celebrities" can do what Special Operations Personnel can do anytime, anyplace. I'm sorry, I find it extremely difficult to believe that the concept the producers are trying to sell the American public truly "pays homage to the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and our first-responder services."

I fear that this show will do nothing than to make a mockery of the EACH and EVERY VETERAN and ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL.

Why do I believe this? These "celebrities" are playing a GAME. At the end of the competition, the "celebrities" get to go home alive without so much as a scratch. They get First Class accommodations before and after the show and if they don't feel like playing, then they don't have to cut their beauty sleep short.

Personally, if they want to be taken seriously and do something meaningful, EACH and EVERYONE of these "celebrities" should either visit a Recruiter, Sign on the dotted line, Raise their Right Hand and Walk Their (unscripted) Talk or if a military career does not fall into their "five year plan" then they should at least donate, without hesitation and reservation, the ENTIRE paycheck they are making for participating in this "show" to the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project, or any other Veteran Charitable Organization.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

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16 July 2012

R.I.P. Stephen R. Covey

Today, the world, whether it knows it or not, lost one of the greatest thinkers, teachers, mentors, and the most human human being; Stephen R. Covey. If you have heard of him and knew of him then you are familiar with the book that the world for many people all over the world.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

Changed my world in 1997. In the spring of 1997, I spent 5 days taking the 7 Habits program (yes, it was a five day program back then). At first, I was a little skeptical as to what the program was all about and wondered why my supervisor, who happened to be the Regional Director for a State of Texas Agency, recommended that I attend the course. I was not about to argue with the Regional Director so hesitantly, I sat down and opened the workbook.

By the end of Day One, I was starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. By the end of the course, I did not want it to end. I got it. 100% I got exactly what Stephen Covey was selling. I now had the tools to shape and redefine my post US Army Infantryman life.

If you have not had a chance to experience the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People then I recommend that you get yourself a copy of the book in paperback, audio CD, or the DVD. With either you can't go wrong. A word of warning, once you start you cannot stop because in order for the habits to work, to work effectively you must commit to them. This is not an easy task but it can be done. You will be tested every step of the way but if you are really ready for change then I say GO FOR IT!!! Don't worry you will stumble and you will fall.

Since 1997, I have stumbled and fallen numerous times but I have picked myself back up and remain secure with the knowledge that I, again, will "begin with the end in mind" (Habit 2 of 7).

I have since left the public sector and work hard on Habit 1:  "Be Proactive" everyday because that's what Dr. Stephen R. Covey expects all of us.

Thank You Dr. Covey for all that you have done for me and for everyone that ever read your book, saw your videos and listened to your words. You will be missed but your Legacy will Live On!

Rest In Peace, Stephen R. Covey.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

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