A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-26-02

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues;  salute
and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new
word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.  I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands
of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

                     

Presenting.......

One of FR's Finest

RedWing9
Freeper since June 15, 1999

RedWing9 told us he began his posting career during the spring of 1999 (after finding FR from Drudge in September of 1998), when he couldn't take reading the Y2k bunker propaganda anymore. He said he just had to sign up and contradict what he considered misleading and dangerous posts. From then on, he couldn't resist getting in the middle of other threads and making sure his point was heard. Something his wife will attest to!

RedWing9 -- RW9 for short -- was born in 1966, in a little town called Farmington, MI. After spending 31 years in the Detroit area, he moved to the Chicago area to court and marry his wife. He has worked in the computer industry since his sophmore year in college, learning everything from COBOL programming, to mainframe operations, to network design. On January 15, 2001, he was blessed with a handsome baby boy which they named Preston, making his life even busier AND better! PRESTON even has his own website. :)

At home in Chicago, RW9 leads the Chicagoland Chapter as President, following in the footsteps of the original Chicagoland Chapter leader, diotima. The Chicagoland Chapter is not unlike many FR chapters: a large membership with a few activists. But nonetheless, the task at hand is enjoyable. He also takes the time to volunteer at church, currently redesigning the school's computer room.

Protesting tax day during sleeting weather!
TheRightGuy, RW9, diotima, March I up

RW9 wants to make sure everyone knows, his moniker is not an effigy to Gordy Howe, but rather the 9 represents the month of his birth!

As you may have guessed, RW9 is a big Detroit Red Wings fan, and since moving to Chicago, he's not only a Conservative in a Leftist State, but a Wings fan in the land of Black Hawks.

If you are wondering why you might not see him posting a lot, he said there's a good reason for that. RW9 said he just doesn't feel the need to post an opinion twice. If another FReeper was faster on the draw with what he intended to say, he's content to be silent.

RW9 being interviewed by CBS affiliate during City Year Clinton Freep

It's a pleasure to present another of FR's Finest!
Today that Finest is RedWing9!

Thank you, RW9, for stepping into our spotlight!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

09-23-02 Hall of Fame
09-24-02 n.y.muggs
09-25-02 Jeff Head

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Billie]

[Billie]

Morning! Be right back - making coffee. :)

[rdb3]

Mmmm... Coffee.

Good mornin', Billie!

[lodwick]

MI sunrise

[Aquamarine]

It's great getting to know you this morning RW9. Thanks for actively working to make improvements in our country.

[LadyX]

Another great day - another great Freeper- - -

Wonderful to read about our friends on Free Republic and honor their efforts for revitalizing America!

[ladtx]

In memory of my fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in that war the following were lost on todays date. God bless them all.

MAJ Dupre -- 114 AHC
MAJ Grundman -- 25 AVN 25 INF
CPT Mosburg -- 114 AHC
WO1 Wallace -- 1 CAV
WO1 Barnett -- A/3/17 CAV
WO1 Bauer -- C/229 AHB 1 CAV
CPT Bostick -- 58 TC BN
CPT Craw -- USARV FLT DET
WO1 Holtom -- C/229 AHB 1 CAV
1LT Lawson -- C/229 AHB 1 CAV
CPT Sullivan -- C/229 AHB 1 CAV

SCOUTS OUT!

[diotima]

YEAH RW9!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REDWING IS THE BEST!!!!!!

[LadyX]

Sun's up - loddy's up - all is right at The Finest!

(but where's the coffee, Billie?!)

[dansangel]

Hello Everyone!

RW9: What a great tribute to another of FR's Finest! The picture showing you FReeping in the sleet speaks volumes to your dedication. Congratulations to you and your lovely family! Enjoy your day in the spotlight!

We're having major "technical difficulties" here at work, to the point where they are looking into sending the hourly people home with the option of working Saturday. My position/duties do not involve working exclusively in the program that is "down," so I'll stay no matter what. But, it may be difficult to hang out with y'all for any length of time.

Wanted to make sure I get my {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} in to everyone here at the Finest! (You, too, Louie! - {{{{{{{{{smoochies}}}}}}}} to you!)

I'll try to get back, but I have a feeling there are going to be lots of "fires" to put out! Love to all!~

[ladyinred]

Remembering your fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots with you. They are heroes one and all. What a wonderful thing to post, btw.

[Constitution Day]

Great profile!

Thanks for the ping, Dio!

[ladyinred]

Good morning everyone! Returned last night from another adventure filled business trip with Chadsworth! Trust me, I need coffee this morning, by the gallons! :-)

[Temple Owl]

Good morning all. I've had my coffee and am now waiting for some much needed rain. Those drops will be as welcome as pennies from heaven.

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!

Congratulations RW9!

[Billie]

Coffee for all......for the ladies - the china cup, and for the gentlemen - the mug.

And today's calendar! Laugh and have fun!

[Pippin]

Hi Billie!

Thanks for the coffee!

[JustAmy]

Thanks for remembring them and posting their names here. My gosh, 11 today.
May they rest in peace knowing they are not forgotten!

[lodwick]

This is a bit lengthy - but excellent. Dated 5 June 2002


John R. Murphey
Chairman and CEO
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
P.O.Box 482
Fort Worth, TX 76101

Dear Mr. Murphey:

I am writing on behalf of all the living Huey Medal of Honor recipients to ask your help to enshrine your Huey in its rightful place among the great combat aircraft in the history of warfare.

We believe it is time that the story of this bird was told. The Huey was the greatest combat aircraft of all time; it flew more missions, saved more lives, was involved in more Medals of Honor, and touched more warriors than any other bird in history.

The staff at a VA hospital noticed a change in the demeanor of Vietnam patients when they heard a Huey flying into a nearby Army Airfield. The patients would immediately stop whatever they were doing and begin to search the skies for a glimpse of that marvelous machine. It had been everything to them in their service to America; it took them into combat, provided for them while they were there and took them to safety or their buddies to a morgue. The VA hospital, as a form of therapy, actually arranged for the patients to visit a Huey at the Army base. There they would look at it, feel it and once again sit within its protective embrace.

I recently lectured at the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian. I was amazed to find only one helicopter there (a Bell by the way). I was more amazed at the ignorance of the audience on the combat history of the Huey. The aviation culture is dominated by fixed wing pilots who counted their combat missions in the hundreds. The Huey pilots counted their missions in the thousands. During that visit I became aware that one of the greatest stories ever to come out of war had not been told.

The story of the Huey is about to be told. Pat Fries of Arrowhead films (512-302-1100) is well on his way to producing a documentary on the lives the heroism and the loves of the Huey crews. He will tour America in a Huey filming the great stories associated with that beautiful bird. This film "In the Shadow of the Blade," connects a great machine with the heroic lives it enveloped, their hardship, tragedy and sacrifice as well as their love for each other and that of those who loved them. He has the support of the American Legion, the world's largest veteran's organization; he has the support of every Vietnam veteran and he has the support of their loved ones. He needs your support.

The Vietnam veteran is grateful to Bell for providing us with the most effective and efficient combat aircraft of all time. We hope that Bell is grateful to those who sacrificed so much in the Huey. We know that the Huey was a treasure chest for Bell. We are asking that you share some of that treasure.

All the best,

Pat Brady [signature]

Pat Brady, MG, US Army (Ret)
Medal of Honor Recipient




James P Fleming [signature]

Jim Fleming, Col., US Air Force (Ret)
Medal of Honor Recipient



Fred Ferguson [signature]

Fred Ferguson, US Army (Ret)
Medal of Honor Recipient

[LadyX]

This you, Pippin?
Hope you are home and getting better ~ ~ ~ we miss you!