A Few of Fr's Finest...Every Day....01-31-03..."Focus on jkphoto"

Billie and Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

      

GROUP 9A: 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.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son. BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset); WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

                     

Today's FReeper in the spotlight is jkphoto. He signed onto FreeRepublic a little over two years ago and enjoys his position as photographer for the Central Valley Chapter. JK attends many of the FResno "Support Our Troops" rallies, but you might not see much of him on the post rally threads. If you do, he'll more than likely have a camera growing out of his nose, because he is always on the 'other' side of the lens.


JK at the Tailgate Party Barbecue

He also enjoys a secondary position with FreeRepublic for which he is extremely proud. His "to-die-for" Tri-Tip, which he fixed for over 50 people at the FR Tailgate Party last July, has earned him the title of "Barbecuer-in-Chief", a titled bestowed upon him by none other than JimRob himself.


I could easily write a book about this FReeper who is near and dear to my heart, extolling his virtues, achievements and exceptional dedication to his faith, his family, his country and his profession, however, I am going to do my best to keep this short and the 'bragging' to a minimum. First of all, for those of you who may not know, he has been married to the same lovely lady for over 35 years......ME!! (And if that ain't an accomplishment, I don't know what is! LOL!)

JKPHOTO was born and raised in a military family. His father, a Commander in the Navy, retired in 1967 after giving his country 32 years of dedicated service. From early on, JK was instilled with a love for God and Country, and a sense of responsibility in honoring those principles upon which the United States was founded.

JK enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and, much to his dismay, was released shortly after with a medical discharge due to severe back problems. Even though this was during the Vietnam war, when many people were doing their best to avoid the military, he wanted to serve his country as had his father and brothers. It seems fate had other plans for him. Shortly after graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, he bought an existing photography studio in the California Central Valley and has been operating it ever since. In the profession it is known as a "bread and butter" studio; creating high quality traditional portraits consistently and serving a clientele of loyal, repeat customers. Now, thirty-five years later, he has photographed thousands of families, babies, high school seniors, weddings, pets, and children. JK also has another love pertaining to his profession, and that is teaching. He received his credentials several years ago and teaches an evening class in photography through the Adult Education program.

I am very proud of the service he has given his community through his participation in Rotary and other service organizations, and his service on the City Redevelopment Board. He is currently a member of the Planning Commission, a position he has held for many years. JK lends a voice of conservatism and common sense to issues coming before the Commission. Often he is the only voice supporting property owners in an effort to protect their rights. Not everyone can be a Governor, Congressman or Senator, but JK believes that everyone can do 'something' at the local level to help promote the conservative cause and stem the tide of liberalism sweeping the country.


JK (center) with Speaker of the House,
J. Dennis Hastert and our newly
elected Congressman, Tony Nunes.

One of his pet projects, especially during the holidays, is donating time to his favorite charity, The Salvation Army. Yes, he was one of the 'bell ringers' standing out in the cold in front of Wal-Mart last Christmas. :-)


Now, I am going to brag just a bit more about a few of his professional achievements.....

JK has received many awards over the years, not only for his photographs, but for outstanding service to the photographic profession, among them the coveted "Paul Kennedy Award" and the P.P.of A. "National Award". A major milestone in his life was in 1980-81 when he was elected President of the Professional Photographers of California, an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America. I will not list all of his professional achievements, but sum up by saying that JK has focused his entire life on being the best he could be; the best Christian, husband, father, photographer and, contributing member of his community.

---

JK, for your dedication to your country, your community and your conservative principles, you are indeed one of
FR's Finest!



Enjoy your day in
FR's Finest Spotlight!

Thank you, jkphoto, for being
the Finest FReeper I know!

(Not to mention the Finest husband and my best friend.) ;-)

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-27-03 Aquamarine...A Gem of A Freeper 01-28-03 "The Taxman Cometh" 01-29-03 snippy_about_it 01-30-03 "My Two Cents" by JohnHuang2

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

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

[Mama_Bear]

Prayer For Those Who Serve

Lord Jesus, Savior of the World and King of Peace, watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country. Protect them from the physical and moral dangers of military life. Keep them close to You and help them live in such a manner that is pleasing to You. Lord Jesus, give them courage to serve their country with honor and dignity. Be with them when they are in danger, strengthen them when they face hardships. Above all Lord, grant that when their service is finished they may return to us, sound in mind, body and soul. And Lord, for those who give the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for serving our country, please touch and minister grace and healing to their families. Amen.

---

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country.

OhioWfan... son Eric
mystery-ak ... son Jonathan
Gogrammy... grandson
Inspectorette... son Eric
LBGA... son is deployed
Slip18 ... nephew - active duty USN
anniegetyourgun... nephew Josh
Himyar... son Robert
ladtx... 2 of his sons
Mama_Bear... nephew - Army
gatorgirl... husband
Pippin... niece and nephew
SK1 Thurman... active duty USN
Doug from Upland... son-in-law Josh
Mystery-ak's... husband and son
g'nad... active duty Marine

(Thank you to everyone who
contributed to this list)

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, Finest FRiends!
Hop on in, the water's fine!



If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, please FReepMail me.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama and all.

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning backatcha!

[JohnHuang2]

Good morning, y'all! =^)

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning', amigo (Got a little sleep last night, which is why I'm still here..hehe)

[Lee'sGhost]

I am so proud to be able to converse with and be associated with such talented, patriotic people. Great job, Mama Bear. Glad to get to know ya, JK.

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, John! It is always a pleasant surprise to bump into you. :-)

[JohnHuang2]

Aw, shucks, thanks! Same here ;^)

[JohnHuang2]

[Mama_Bear]

I am so proud to be able to converse with and be associated with such talented, patriotic people. Great job, Mama Bear.

Thank you! Isn't FR a wonderful place? I am continually impressed with our collective talents on this site. We are a fine collection of what I consider to be the best of America from all walks of life, linked together by our patriotism. No other place like it on the internet. :-)

[Lee'sGhost]

You know, Mama Bear, I'm not one who usually talks about himself, but your comment about your husband -- "Even though this was during the Vietnam war, when many people were doing their best to avoid the military, he wanted to serve his country as had his father and brothers." -- inspired me to speak up.

Two days ago I was vaccinated for smallpox. I have a work situation that is somewhat involved in bioterrorism preparedness. Because I'm not actually part of the medical component, the likelihood of my being one of the first exposed is somewhat slim, though possible. In fact, I wasn't even asked to be part of the Stage I vaccinations. But I wanted to because it was something very tangible I could do to support our president and the war against terrorism -- and because I know the liberals would hate it that someone would feel that way.

I can't tell you how proud I am to be able to do this. At this time most people don't even need to be vaccinated nor should they be. Mine was a desire to be a part of something initiated by the best president since Ronald Reagan. My special circumstances allowed me to do that.

Though I am proud of my military service the truth is I didn't join so much out of duty as I did as a way to get an education and make something of my life. This is something I did for purely patriotic reasons -- and it feels good.

I make no apologies.

[Mama_Bear]

Mine was a desire to be a part of something initiated by the best president since Ronald Reagan. My special circumstances allowed me to do that.

And, I think that is a wonderful statement you are making! Isn't it great that we have a President that we can be so proud of, a President that we WANT to stand up and support? I thank God every day for him. :-)

(BTW, you may always speak up here......were family.)

[Budge]

Good morning! Mercy, man, do you ever sleep??!!

[JohnHuang2]

Good mornin' backatya, friend =^)

do you ever sleep??!!

Yes! Last night got a little of it...the reason I'm still here...hehehe

[Budge]

What a fine gentleman jkphoto must be!

This, "Not everyone can be a Governor, Congressman or Senator, but JK believes that everyone can do 'something' at the local level to help promote the conservative cause and stem the tide of liberalism sweeping the country." speaks volumes about you, sir!

A pleasure to meet you!

[Lee'sGhost]

Amen!

[Aeronaut]

Hi John. Happy Friday.

[Budge]

Yes! Last night got a little of it...

Uh huh, sure. What, all of maybe 2-3 hours? :)

Here, have a cup of my chickory coffee. It'll get your heart pumping. :)

[Mama_Bear]

What a fine gentleman jkphoto must be!

That he is. Thank you so much for the kind words.

It will probably be quite a bit later today before JK can get here, but he definitely will come by when he can to thank everyone personally for posting to him. :-)