Blood and Dust

Hey Gups,
When you get a chance definitely check out this video of the 214th Aviation Regiment (MedEvac) courtesy of PVT Choi. The video catalogues the daily struggles and sacrifices made by members of the 214th over the course of about 25 minutes, and it is an invaluable insight into the lives of those men whom we will one day be serving with.. The fact that AlJazeera did the story is even more interesting considering the perspective and views of the soldiers espoused in the footage. Some of the images are extraordinarily graphic so please keep that in mind when you view the video. Thanks for your time and have a great week.


http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/peopleandpower/2011/02/201121673217263109.html

-Guppy Development Staff

Leader of the Week: Captain Horatio Magellan Crunch

Leader of the Week

In honor of President's Day. Enjoy.

-Guppy Development Staff

Taking Time to Step Back

Hey Gups,
We know that most of us are constantly dialed in at 100% trying to exceed the standard, but this Pulitzer prize-winning article from a few years back might help put things into perspective. It tells the story of Joshua Bell, arguably the world's finest violinist in the world,  playing some of the best pieces of music ever composed in the New York subway where shockingly almost no one pays attention to him. Bear in mind, this guy regularly sells out concert halls where he performs in front of kings, queens, heads of state, CEOs and people that pay $1,000 to sit there and watch him play for a few hours. Truly inspiring story.  

Sometimes the key to being an efficient worker is also being a good person that takes time out of their day for other people. Aside from the "people first mission always" doctrine, having the ability to look up every now and again to enjoy the music so to speak a skill that can easily be learned, but one that many leaders lack. Enjoy the article and video:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html 

Joshua Bell

Video from the article

-Guppy Development Staff

Leader of the Week

Really amazing human being. If you are interested please read below.

-Guppy Development Staff


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduard_Khil

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0312/YouTube-drags-reluctant-Soviet-star-Mr.-Trololo-back-into-spotlight

Afghanistan

Evening Gups,
Take some time tonight to have a look at our brothers and sisters in arms in Afghanistan courtesy of The BigPicture. Reading headlines is all well and good but really taking a moment out of your day to get a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers we will be serving with in a few short years (or months). Enjoy

-Guppy Development Staff

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/02/afghanistan_january_2011.html

Basic Cadet Skill #2: How to Brush/Floss Your Teeth

Be gentle and use tongue.

-Guppy Development Staff

Brush

Floss

Brain Trust Article

Hey Gups,
This week for Guppy Brain Trust we will be talking about the Army Journey and why many of our best and brightest are leaving before they hit O-5 [link posted below]. This is serious, cutting edge stuff, and the reasons behind the mass exodus of officers are not as simple as "more pay in the civilian sphere." The article features a segment on former LTC John Nagl, a guy who collaborated with a certain General David Petraeus to formulate the current counter-insurgency strategy being used in theater right now.   



Why Our Best Officers Are Leaving

 CDT PVT Arnold has volunteered to open discussion, and we think this is a highly salient topic that is deserving of at least a few minutes of your time after spirit dinner this Thursday  10FEB11. We hope you will stop by and engage in intelligent conversation/discussion. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to ask, looking forward to seeing you all there on Thursday, 

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/01/why-our-best-officers-are-leaving/8346/1/

 -Guppy Development Staff

Leader of the Week

Professional Skill #1: How to Tie a Tie

Hey Gups,
President's Day weekend is coming up and lets be honest, who looks better in a tie than our commander in chief? Fourtunately for you slovenly folks that have never worn the longsleeve AFC, your Guppy Development Staff has procured two videos that should teach you the art of looking good in WBA (that's Western Busniness Attire) or business casual.

The first video is for beginners, gotta walk before you can run. The second video has a girl with short hair narrating so you know she means busniess. I think she might even be a lawyer or something. If you have any questions of suggestions please let Tim or myself know. Have a great night!

-Guppy Development Staff