Posted on 04/10/2011 6:15:06 AM PDT by kburi
Tonight, the 6 year anniversary of supporting the wounded warriors at Walter Reed, was a special night. It was the 312th consecutive Friday night that Free Republic members, Protest Warriors, lurkers and visitors have stood at the front gates to counter the anti-war group down the street.
Even though it was a chilly and rainy evening, spirits were high with some familiar faces and some new Freepers joining us.
Mr and Mrs Trooprally coordinated two tents as shelter with plenty of BBQ, pizza, hot drinks and cookies to feed the crowd of 30 plus.
With the corners fully manned by enthusiastic Freepers and visitors, honks and waves from passing cars were continuous. One wounded warrior, Mark, who was wounded in Afghanistan joined us for awhile. He was joined by two friends, Scott and Greg, who had travelled from Minnesota to visit with him.
Four Freepers who had been part of the original group, 6 years ago, and who are still at the front gates received a certificate of recognition from the DC Chapter of Free Republic. They are BufordP, Cindy TrueSupporter, Fraxinus and GunsAreOK.
We had some bad news earlier in the afternoon. Lurker Bill became ill and wasnt able to join us. We send him prayers and best wishes for a quick recovery. He has been a mainstay with his presence, his banners, music and signs over the years.
The bus came right on time from a downtown restaurant. It was completely full and the troops and their families inside were all waving at us.
Trooprally sent the following comments to be included in tonights after action report.
After a winter without snow or cold rain on our Friday night Support the Troop Rallies, we got it this Friday. BufordP, Cindy_True_Supporter, [Mrs] T and myself arrived around 6 to set up. We just got one tent set up in a cold, damp environment when the rains came.
After 20 minutes of waiting, the 2nd tent was set up and things really started to get organized. Tammy Cat showed up with a third table for the BBQ and other eats. Lurker Jim showed up with some chairs and a bag of flags. Kburi showed up with another cooler of drinks. Coffee was already set up.
All the while patriots were coming in. Before one knew it, we were out on the corners getting honks and waves. Even before we were on the corners, passers-by saw us and the tents and were honking. Even the big Walter Reed ambulance bus gave us a blast as it left Walter Reed.
We also gave some special FReepers Certificates of Appreciation to several FReepers who have survived the test of time.
Recipients were: BufordP since Week 2; Cindy_True_Supporter since May 27,05, aka Joan of Olney and Lurker Joan; Fraxinus sine July 29,05; and GunsAreOk for his long time support. Kburi, aka Lurker George, received a Certificate of Appreciation for his prompt AARs and his time of service since Sept. 02,05. Kburis lovely wife,Lurker Ethel, was not present this week but she was there with Kburi their first week.
Two other original Walter Reed FReepers to show up were Jimmy Valentines Brother since Week 2, and Rackatoot from the Aug. 05,05 FReep. Thank you for coming to the 6 Year Anniversary and for holding down the fort in our early days. I apologize for not being able to recognize them with a Certificate of Appreciation but I didnt realize you would be here.
Kristinn called from his underground bunker in warmer and dryer parts of the Country.
He wished us the best and expressed his disappointment in not being with us. He said that if he could, he would gladly give up the warm and sunny weather to be here but it was not in the cards. He was also glad that we had a good turnout.
Mark, with friends Greg and Scott. Surrounded by Rackatoot, TammyCat, PatriotSister1, Provi and Kburi
HONOR ROLL for April 8, 2011
Mr. and Mrs Trooprally, CindyTrueSupporter, Fraxinus, BufordP, JimmyValentinesBrother, Tammycat, Kburi, GunsAreOK, TomTheRedhunter, USNRetired(Chief), Rackatoot, Provi, PatriotSister1 and Lurker Jim.
Visitors were Bryan and Terry, Dan, Jaime and Kathy and about 12 George Washington University Young Republicans.
George Washington University Young Republicans Bring Enthusiasm
Moonbat News
The moonbats had a small gathering of 3. They left right before 9 pm.
FOOTNOTES
The DC Chapter invites you to join us every Friday night between the hours of 6:30pm to approximately 9:30pm.
BufordP's Walter Reed FReep archive
JimmyValentinesBrother and TomTheRedhunter
Trooprally
Visitors Bryan and Terry
Trooprally, PatriotSister1 and USNRetired
GW Young Republicans Hit the Curb
CindyTrueSupporter, GW Young Republican (she interns in a Congressmans office) and Trooprally
Jim and TammyCat taking a break under the tent
Don and Fraxinus
TammyCat, PatriotSister1, and Visitors
Received Certificates of Recognition for being at Walter Reed since the beginning, 6 years ago
BufordP and CindyTrue Supporter
Fraxinus and GunsAreOK
The Bus Returning From Dinner
DC PING list
Thank all of you for representing all of us who cannot be there. Regardless of the weather, you show up and make us proud.
It was good to see the GWU kids there!
Great AAR Kburi. That is why you got the Award for being so great. Thanks for posting the AAR so fast!!
With sincere Appreciation
(Mrs)T
TAXMAN BRAVO ZULU!
Bless you folks!
I am so glad to see this report...and so fast! Thanks.
It looks like you made the best of the weather and sometimes the rain even quit for your pictures.
It has been a long time, but the years seem to have passed quickly for this part time visitor. Often searching for the reports each week must satisfy my wish to be with you.
Thank you all for keeping the “Light of Free Republic” on the many troops who have known of our best wishes for their recovery.
All of us at FR continue to support you in thanking them for their sacrifice while keeping us safe in our own country.
Thank you 3D that is a compliment.
Happy to know you will be around this Friday. Yipeeeeee!
(Mrs)T
God Bless you DC members! Keep up the great work!
Glad to see you had a good turnout for the celebration. sorry it was so soggy. But it appears that all had a good time. For all the years you have all stood guard, we love you, we appreciate you, we bless you.
Nan
God bless you all and thanks for what you do.
- Fingers
Congratulations to all of you, and a heartfelt thank you for all you guys have done to support our troops over these last six years. Thank God there are Americans like you guys out there.
God bless all of you.
Thank you for the kudos and blessing. The blessing worked, sunny and a warm 70 degrees next Friday, at least for now.
Soggy yes, but we have had worst. Just enough that we could suck it up and it didn’t ruin the night.
[Mr] T
You are welcome from the DC Chapter, and see Post 13. I am getting lazy in my old age.
[Mr] T
Mr. T, you may be a lot of different things, but I doubt that “lazy” is one that will apply. (Mrs. T just uses that as a rhetorical tool on you when your engine sputters...:)
(only kidding Mrs. T!)
[Mrs] T said she will remember that next time you are in town.
Just kidding!! she also adds.
[Mr] T
Maryland PING!
My sincere thanks to all of you dedicated patriots for all you’ve done and continue to do for our wounded heroes. Thank you for your continued presence which keeps those [expletive deleted] moonbats away from our heroes and their families.
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