As most of you know I've got a strong connection to the military.  I, and three of my four younger brothers (one still serving), have served in the military.  I try to support our military through various activities and love it when individuals and organizations recognize and support our soldiers who are out there in harm's way.

Well a fellow Zaadster, Jeff McMahon (also the keyboardist and vocalist for Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors) has done something amazing...

Check out SHIPPING OUT.  SHIPPING OUT is quite simply an effort to remind our soldiers on active duty that they are remembered. We will share stories and photographs from both sides of the world reflecting thoughts and packages sent to our military, and we hope this will inspire others to take a moment and do the same.

AWESOME!  Thank you Jeff.

Kelly

I had an amazing time last week when I was the keynote speaker for an Armored Cavalry Battalion (2-12 CAV, 4^th BCT, 1^st CAV DIV ) event at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. 

I was honored to speak to the 1,000+ soldiers and their loved ones at a formal event, known in the military as a "dining out."  The ceremonies for the event included a receiving line where the commander and special guests personally greet everyone and shake their hand, a detailed history and presentation on the unit, a smoking session where everyone lit up their cigars, and the drinking of the grog (a mixture of about 10 different types of alcohol in a big punch bowl).

I spoke to the group about leadership with an emphasis on Passion, Perseverance, and Planning.  I emphasized that all of the great training at every level they were receiving now had direct applications for the civlian sector, if or when they decided to get out.  However, the true highlight of the event was their commander's, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Nicholas, heartfelt remarks at the end of the evening. 

LTC Nicholas, eloquently and not without a few tears, expressed his pride and gratefulness to all of the soldiers and their families for all that they do in service of this great country.  He quoted Thomas Paine, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their county; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered yet we have this consolation with us, the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value."   

The unit deploys to Iraq in December and they only just formed last October.  Most of these soldeirs have never worked together before this.  Yet, their determination, professionalism and the underlying leadership principles have prepared them to go to war.

I plan to stay in contact with 2-12 CAV and post updates on their progress here in my blog.

TAKE COMMAND!

Kelly

Hi all:

Nope, that's not me...

I just finished up a two week road trip where I was forturnate to meet in-person a fellow Zaadster (one I originally met here on Zaadz!) in Golden, CO.  BTW - Do we have a name for that yet?  Where we meet someone in "real" life that we orginally met here on Zaadz?  How about Zmeet?  Or Zighting?  As in, "Hey I Zighted Shawn Phillips yesterday!" 

Shawn Phillips is CEO and Founder of Phillips Performance Solutions, LLC., best known for pioneering the world's first performance fast food, Full Strength^TM. 

A few observations:

1.  Shawn.  Shawn is an incredibly driven, passionate and compassionate individual.  It was great to sit with him and his team and talk about their comprehensive plans to develop their business.  He's got plans to LITERALLY lift everyone's health, strength and eventually the planet through his integrated strength training.  I'm sold.  And meeting him in person is a great way to get motivated to get STRONG.  I'll be in the gym!

2.  Shake.  Over the years of competing in sports, working out, and being on the road I've tried all sorts of nutritional shakes and supplements.  Shawn's shake is the best I've ever had.  I've been taking Shawn's shakes for over a month now after workouts and in the afternoons when my energy ebbs and they are great.  I highly recommend them.

3.  Team.  Shawn, in the typical nature of a strong leader, has surrounded himself with a great team.  Tom Bottagaro and Rob McNamara are clearly passionate and creative about solving problems.  The GET IT and they form a very formidable team! 

Great work Shawn!  I look forward to your progress.

Take Command!

Kelly