FReeper Canteen ~ Challenge: Support Our Troops! ~ Sept. 26, 2005

Porky Pig

[StarCMC]

Freeper Canteen
On A Mission

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to honor and appreciate at least one member of the armed forces by some act of conscious premeditated behavior.  Consider the following, if you will....

The inspiration:

On a thread here on FR the other day, one FReeper was doing his thing trying to motivate folks to get out and show their support for our troops at the "Support The Troops and Their Mission" weekend rally in Washington D.C.  While I would absolutely LOVE to be a part of that, realistically, it's impossible for me at this time.  But I started thinking about what I had done last week visiting the local recruiter's offices for the Air Force and the National Guard.  It was easy, only took a few minutes of my time, and hopefully it meant a lot to the guys I shook hands with (if the smiles on their faces are any indication, it did.) 

 

Another FReeper had, on the whim of the moment, taken a bag of cookies to some heroes and just said thanks.  How hard is that? 

 

The challenge:

I am challenging each and every one of you here in the Canteen -- and elsewhere on FR for that matter -- to on or before October 7th, make it a point to go out of your way to thank a military person IN PERSON.  I know some of you can't and this isn't a measuring stick for patriotism or anything else.  Take it for what it is ~ someone who loves and appreciates our troops challenging other folks who love and appreciate the troops to go out there in their own neighborhoods and SHOW IT!!  You don't have to spend a lot of money or time even.  There are so many ways to do it.  Here are some words from another Canteener, TRussell:

Hi all...another school season has started and with it comes the participation for the ProudPatriots support of the troops who are deployed.

Last year, when I was not employed, I was able to devote many hours of developing relationships with school principals and teachers. Every time the ProudPatriots put out a call for kids artwork for the troops, I went to each of the 10 schools in my area and asked them for help. That Relationship building is going to pay off this year! I am now gainfully employed, so I only have an hour a day (my lunch hour) to visit with the principals and teachers and rally them for the troops again.

I print out a flyer that is available on the ProudPatriots website, take it to each school with details of what the occasion is (Octoberfest, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, Easter etc...), ask for their support and assure them it will only cost them for the supplies. I mail the posters, pictures, letters, handmade cards, etc... to ProudPatriots headquarters, and they get them to the troops.

I have received 2 letters of thanks from the troops that got some of the artwork. This is not something that we expect, but it is nice to hear back from them and to hear that the items touched their heart!

My desire is to be able to show the troops that they are loved and supported!

If you decide to do this in your town, please start out by going to the school administration and letting them know what you want to do.

It's fun, it's rewarding, and it's not that expensive to mail the finished products.

Hugs!
Tracy

Whatever you decide to do, just DO it!  I'll give you a reminder next week.  On October 10th, we'll have a thread for you to post your stories (with or without photos) about your activities.  Anyone who wants to can send me their stories in advance and I'll put them at the top of the thread.  If you need help trying to find a recruiter near you, try the links below.  Most of them have a place where you can put in your zip code and it tells you where the closest one to you is.

 

Resources:

Army:
http://www.goarmy.com/contact/find_a_recruiter.jsp?hmref=cs

Navy:
http://www.navy.com/

AirForce:
http://go.mappoint.net/airforce/PrxInput.aspx

Coast Guard:
http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/offices/recindex.htm

Air Guard:
http://www.goang.com/careers/Zipcode.aspx
(Not a real locator for recruiter, but you can find unit HQs)

Army National Guard:
1-800-GOGUARD


I also noted that at http://www.yellowpages.com I could find the location of the local Army Guard recruiter by having it search for "National Guard recruiter" in my state and then refining by zip code.

I could not find a good method for finding a Marine recruiter. They have a "contact a recruiter" online, but it doesn't give storefront locales. It's possible that they share office with Navy recruiters, but I don't know that for certain. I'd use the Yellow Pages.com route to see what you come up with.

 

 

So what do you say??  Mission accepted?  Speak up and let us know you're up to the challenge!!

 

 

(P.S. We will get back to Military Short Speak soon, but I thought this was important and I hope you do too!!)

[StarCMC]

Ok ya'll, I wanna know who's taking my challenge!!
Speak up!!

[ozaukeemom]

I think I am in the top 10! Now, I'll read it. ;)

[StarCMC]

Ping

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops and Keep them Safe.

Prayers going up.

[Soaring Feather]

[ozaukeemom]

OK, I accept. Now, I need to figure out what I'll do!
Thanks for putting this out there.

[StarCMC]

FIRST!!!

[Soaring Feather]

Evening, Star, thank you for today's thread. *HUGS*

[ozaukeemom]

Woo Hoo! Good timing. lol Thanks again for posting this thread.

[StarCMC]

Woohooooo!!!

Go for it!! You won't be sorry!

[StarCMC]

You're welcome Queenie!!

[gate2wire]

Bump

[StarCMC]

Ping (sorry I missed you in my first ping!!)

[HiJinx]

The Marines and Navy share an office here in Sierra Vista, so what you're thinking is probably true, Star.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's thread




FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.




Proud Patriots - Sending care packages, e-mails, and snail mail to US Military worldwide.
Proud Patriots is a group of private Americans who are working to ensure
that our brave military heroes receive the support we believe they deserve.

CLICK HERE
TO ENTER PROUD PATRIOTS




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txradioguy
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Spc. John Wollaston on Warrior Radio...Camp Casey!


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txradioguy previously reported to the FR Canteen from the field in Iraq.

[Soaring Feather]

Every time I see one of Military, be it at the grocery store or where ever, I walk up to them and thank them for their service. At first they are surprise, but always end up with a smile. Wonderful experience.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thanks Porky Pig for today's important thread.

[StarCMC]

Thanks Jinxie ~ it was the only explanation I could come up with!! I know Tom has experience with personally checking in on recruiters but I can't remember what he said about office sharing... Grrrr!!!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

[StarCMC]

So true ~ it always seems like they are shocked by it! :o) (But in a good way!)

[StarCMC]

LOL -- oink oink!!

[ozaukeemom]

My boss's son has been in Afghanistan, Iraq and goodness only knows where else. Just changed where he is stationed(moving to Ft Benning) and expecting their first child next month. Somehow I think I can come up with a way to show our appreciation! Oh, and I believe he was just awarded the Bronze Star. So, here is to Dustin!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[herewego]

Thanks All!!!!!!

[StarCMC]

Congratulations to Dustin!! Sounds like a GREAT guy ~ like all of our heroes!!!

[HiJinx]

You know what, working on a daily basis in the middle of 10,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines...I don't know where I'd start to take you up on your challenge!

I've bought lunch, thanked the MPs on the main gate, given soldiers rides, helped provide depot-level information to troops in the trenches...

I guess I'll just march on, okay?

[StarCMC]

Sounds like a winner to me!!! :o)

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

[LUV W]

Beautiful flowers--thank you!

[HiJinx]

I believe he was just awarded the Bronze Star

My hat's off to Dustin...another American Hero!

[Gucho]

Bump - Thanks for the ping Tonk.

[Soaring Feather]

Thank you men for flowers each and every day. God Bless you and thank you for your service.

[LUV W]

You do soooo good! I try to thank every soldier, soldier's girl-or-boyfriend or parent who comes in my store. I love the big ole smiles it brings to their faces!

And it always brings a huge lump to my throat! God, I love them!

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

[Kathy in Alaska]

From Arrowhead…..

[Kathy in Alaska]

Duty ~ Honor ~ Country

Click above to visit "A Day in the Life of President Bush"

[HiJinx]

You're such a Mom, LUV...

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Maybe I could not eat soup on base?

Would that count?

Brother : You have a "tough" assignmenet also.

[HopeandGlory]

Hello Star . . . my Son's in Afghanistan, my DIL served in Iraq for a year . . . I'd say this family is doing "their bit" . . . ;-) . . . God Bless Our Military . . . We Love You Troops!!!

[Smartass]

Grumman F-14A/B/D Tomcat

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The F-14A Tomcat is a fleet interceptor, whose primary mission is to defend the aircraft carrier from enemy air attack. Tomcat aircrews consist of the pilot and the RIO (radar intercept officer), the latter's task being to operate the extremely powerful AN/AWG-9 radar. Though the tandem seating arrangement does happen to position the RIO in the rear of the cockpit, his importance by no means takes a "back seat" to the pilot's! The complex geometry of the tactical intercept and the fluid dynamics of the close-in dogfight require that both pilot and RIO operate as a precision-drilled team. To carry out their task, aircrews typically use fleet air defense combat loads that include the Hughes AIM-54C Phoenix, with a quoted range of nearly 100 miles. The AWG-9/Phoenix combination give the F-14 a BVR (beyond visual range) capability that is unmatched by any fighter in the world today.

The recent trend toward multirole aircraft have seen a collection of modifications to the F-14 that will give it air-to-ground capability. "Bombcats" are now cleared to carry the Mk 80 series of unguided iron bombs (and have carried such ordnance packages over places like Iraq and Bosnia). Current plans include equipping the F-14 with LGBs and various air-to-ground missiles such as the AGM-84E SLAM and the AGM-88 HARM. Recently it was announced that F-14s would be equipped with the LANTIRN (Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night) system, as is the F-15E and night attack versions of the F-16. The LANTIRN pods will be carried on the glove pylons.

The original model of the F-14 was, predictably, the F-14A. The F-14B, with more powerful General Electric F110-GE-400 engines, an upgraded ECM suite, and some minor structural modifications, entered service in 1990. The ultimate version of the Tomcat is the F-14D, which is an F-14B with a powerful new digital AN/APG-71 radar, dual nose pods that house an infra-red search and track system and an optical television camera, new ejection seats, and a modernized cockpit. In addition, a new digital flight control system is currently being tested with the F-14D that will improve its handling qualities in-flight and coming aboard the carrier.

In the past, carrier air wings deployed with two F-14 squadrons of roughly twelve aircraft each. The air wing of the future, however, will consist of a single fourteen aircraft F-14 squadron.

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McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet

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The F/A-18C Hornet is the primary strike-fighter in USN and USMC service today. The strike-fighter concept involves an aircraft which is capable of fulfilling both the fighter and attack roles, hence the dual designation "F/A". With a crew of one, the Hornet boasts an extremely modern cockpit with three multifunction displays (MFDs) and a state-of-the-art head-up display (HUD). Pilots praise the F/A-18 for its maneuverability, reliability, and versatility in switching from the air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The Hornet has been called a "self-escorting striker." During Desert Storm, a pair of Iraqi MiG-21s was downed by an F/A-18 section from VFA-81 "Sunliners." The Sunliner section then proceeded to hit its assigned ground target without further incident.

F/A-18s are cleared for virtually every type of air-to-ground ordnance, capable of carrying the Mk 80 series of iron bombs, various LGBs, Harpoons, SLAMs, and HARMs. In addition, they typically carry wingtip Sidewinders and have been cleared to carry the AIM-120A AMRAAM medium-range active radar guided missile.

The Hornet has been designated by the Navy as the future of naval aviation. The D version is a dual-seat night attack fighter that is in service with the USMC. Currently, the main tactical aircraft development program is the F/A-18E/F, intended to eventually replace both the F-14 and A-6. Air wings are beginning to move toward a triple-Hornet scheme, with two squadrons of USN F/A-18Cs along with an attached Marine squadron.

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VA-176 Intruder on the cat, submitted by LCDR Hank Teommey, USN(ret.)

Grumman A-6E Intruder

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The Grumman A-6E Intruder is the Navy's subsonic all-weather medium attack aircraft, capable of carrying up to 15,000 lbs. of every type of air-to-ground ordnance imaginable. Entering service as the A-6A during the Vietnam War, the A-6's all-weather capability, long range, and tremendous payload represented a quantum leap in carrier-based power projection. An early attack under cover of darkness by a pair of A-6As, for instance, was assessed by the North Vietnamese to have been the work of B-52s.

Current A-6Es mount the Target Recognition and Attack Multisensor (TRAM), a turret-mounted sensor package that includes a Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) targeting device and laser designating equipment for precision-guided munitions. Some Intruders also permit the use of night-vision goggles by the pilot and bombardier-navigator (B/N), giving the aircrew night vision capability above and beyond their aircraft-mounted systems.

Sadly, the aging A-6E is headed for retirement, to be replaced by newer versions of the F/A-18. Some Intruders had to be rewinged in the 80s because of airframe structural fatigue. However, the range and payload of the A-6E remains unmatched in a carrier-borne attack aircraft, even by the Hornets which will replace them.

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Grumman E-2C Hawkeye

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The E-2C Hawkeye is an early warning and control platform, whose task is to provide complete airborne radar coverage around the CVBG (carrier battle group) and provide the "big picture." Practically, this includes everything from warning of enemy air attacks on the battle group to warning an inbound strike package of hostile fighter activity. The E-2C offers some advantages which its larger Air Force cousin, the E-3 AWACS, does not. For instance, the Hawkeye can provide its radar operators with raw radar data rather than only computer-generated, processed information. In some cases (with a skilled operator at the console) this can mean picking up contacts that the signal processors miss.

The Hawkeye normally carries a crew of five, including the pilot, copilot, Combat Information Center Officer (CICO), air control officer, and radar officer. Driven by a pair of fuel-efficient Allison turboprops, the Hawkeye can stay on station for six hours. Its avionics suite includes the powerful AN/APS-125 radar, whose antenna is mounted in the trademark "pancake" dome on top of the aircraft. The Hawkeye also includes a collection of sophisticated sensors which enable its CIC crew to analyze and classify up to 600 contacts over land or sea. The stated coverage of a single E-2C is roughly three million cubic miles.

The E-2C+ upgrade includes radar improvements, software upgrades, and more powerful engines. Further plans include upgrading the whole E-2 fleet to Block I and II status, which mean a new radar (APS-139 and APS-145, respectively) and overall improved processor capability. There currently is and will continue to be one squadron of four Hawkeyes in the carrier air wing.

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Left: EA-6B Prowler on the deck; Right: Prowler aircrew patch, courtesy of LCDR Bruce "Bobo" Schneider.

Grumman EA-6B Prowler

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The EA-6B Prowler is an electronic warfare aircraft based on the A-6 airframe. Manned by a crew of four -- the pilot and three electronic countermeasures officers (ECMOs) -- the EA-6B's mission is to jam, disrupt, and otherwise confuse enemy electronic defense systems in support of a strike package. While the pilot always flies the airplane from the same seat, ECMOs are responsible for navigation, communication, electronic warfare, and "weaponeering" tasks in the other three seats; they are generally qualified to occupy any of the three non-pilot stations in the aircraft. Prowlers have also been given "shooter" capability with the integration of AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs), and several Iraqi radar sites were destroyed by Prowler-fired HARMs in 1991.

The EA-6B packs a number of extremely sensitive receivers internally, which collect and analyze enemy electromagnetic transmissions. Armed with this data, ECMOs can use the extremely powerful jamming pods -- mounted on five external hardpoints -- to send out powerful disruptive signals that in essence turn the enemy radar scopes to snow. Prowlers can also hunt down radars, using HARMs for the hard kill. Thus blinded, the enemy will find it extremely difficult to defend against an incoming carrier strike package.

Although the A-6E is leaving service, the EA-6B will stay on. With the recent Air Force decision to abandon the tactical jamming mission, Prowlers form the heart of the national electronic warfare capability, and Air Force crews are now being trained for Prowler duty. The first combined Navy-Air Force squadrons are VAQ-133 and VAQ-134, which became operational in late 1995 and early 1996. Carrier-based Prowlers deploy in squadrons of four aircraft, and this is not expected to change.

There was a scheduled upgrade program known as ADVCAP (ADVanced CAPability), which was to provide an upgraded onboard receiver suite, a new jammer, and a new engine, but the program was terminated in 1994. Further avionics upgrades to the "Block 89A" configuration may still take place, with a planned total of 127 aircraft in the inventory by 2003.

 

 

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[The Mayor]

September 26, 2005

Count On It!

Read:
Galatians 6:1-10

Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. —Galatians 6:7

Bible In One Year: Daniel 1-3

A children's book called The Chance World describes an imaginary planet where everything happens unpredictably. For example, the sun might rise one day or it might not, and it might appear at any hour. Some days the moon might come up in its place. One day you might jump up and not come down, and the next day find gravity so strong you can't even lift your feet.

Scottish biologist Henry Drummond commented that in such a place, where natural law was nonexistent, "reason would be impossible. It would become a lunatic world with a population of lunatics."

We should be thankful for the dependability of the natural laws that the Creator has set in motion. They are a great benefit to us if we recognize and respect them. If we violate those laws, however, we will suffer the consequences.

That is also true of God's spiritual laws, such as the one in today's text. The person who ignores God's standards and caters to sinful appetites can expect destruction. But the person who follows the leading of the Holy Spirit will experience the blessings of everlasting life.

God's laws never fail. For better or worse, you will reap what you sow. Count on it! —Richard De Haan

Surer than autumn's harvests
Are harvests of thought and deed;
Like those that our hands have planted,
The yield will be like the seed. —Harris

When we sow seeds of sin, we can count on a harvest of judgment.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Much Does God Control?
When We Just Can't Stop

[LUV W]

Prayer for the Troops

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need.
Honor them when their lives are
Bravely given for us and their country.
I ask this in the name of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

[sneakers]

I've adopted two recruits in Navy bootcamp. They are my adopted 'sailor babies'. I write to them to help keep up their morale and encourage them just like I did when I wrote to my own son in bootcamp. Also, I stop in at the recruiters office now and then. And, of course I always make sure to thank a soldier, when I see him or her, for their service to our country!

GOD bless our military!
GOD bless America!

sneakers

[Linda1956]

Thank you for that prayer, Luv, and ya'll, please add some for my son, Matt, for my grandbabies Bubba and Audie, and for me. Talked to him about an hour ago and am fixing to lose it!

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[Smartass]

Nice poem Luv...

[LUV W]

You and Matt and the grandbabies are now added to the growing prayer list. Can you tell me what to pray for? Hang in there girl---we are here for you. God bless you!!!

[laurenmarlowe]

Ray Charles~America The Beautiful

[Lady Jag]

[LUV W]

Thanks, SA! I love those guys!