A Few Of FR's Finest.....Every Day....02-26-03....Aeronaut: The Exclusive Inquisition

dansangel; Billie

[dansangel]

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: 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.

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.

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 5A: TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68. MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797. BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack.

GROUP 6A: 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.

GROUP 7A: 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.

GROUP 8A: 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.

                     

Aeronaut Freeper since December 13, 2000

My loyal readers have been clamoring to know more about Aeronaut. He refused to give in to my demands for info unless I flew in one of his abomina-…uh, airplanes. As much as I dislike leaving the ground for any reason, I swallowed a couple of Dramamine, chased them with a couple of shots of Jack Daniels and bravely boarded something that looked like it uses rubber bands for its power source.

I hope you, my loyal fans, appreciate my risking life and limb to bring to you:

Aeronaut - The Exclusive
National Inquisition Interview

dansangel: Why don't you tell us something about your childhood.

Aeronaut: I grew up in a liberal household.

dansangel: That's a plus! Uh, is this thing supposed to rock back and forth so much....?

Aeronaut: My dad considered himself an intellectual, and was definitely a political liberal. He was also an atheist and that was also my upbringing. I came to believe that the religion stuff was only for the weak. (More on this later).

dansangel: Well, NPR doesn't allow God to be mentioned over the airwaves and for good reason, I would imagine! Tell us more.

Aeronaut: In 1965 I quit college and joined the US Navy. Dad was a sailor during WWII, and it was a kind of "following the footsteps" decision. The Navy had a cadet program at the time, and my hope was to qualify for that and become a Naval Aviator. Naturally they closed the program before I completed boot camp, so I became a Jet Engine Mechanic. After six months of training at Memphis TN, I spent the rest of my time at a pilot training base in Kingsville TX.

dansangel: That explains the fascination with flying. What about your political affiliation?

Aeronaut: In 1968 I supported Gene McCarthy for President. Somewhere shortly after that I began my conversion to conservatism.

dansangel: How awful! How did that happen? Um, and can you stop this thing from *moving* so much....erk....

Aeronaut: A couple of the guys I hung out with read the National Review and would discuss things from a conservative perspective. Everything seemed to be so much more supportable logically that it got easy to begin to think that way. When I got out in 1969 and went home -- well let's just say there were some interesting conversations with my dad. I have voted Republican since Richard Nixon.

One of the BE-200s that Aeronaut flies.

dansangel: : I suppose next you'll be telling us you found God…

Aeronaut: In 1989 my marriage of 23 years ended. I started dating someone I really thought was going to be important in my life. She insisted she would never marry a non-Christian. Well, I decided that I had never given it an open-minded attempt to believe it and that I would do so. I told her that I could only promise that much. What a difference an open mind makes, and within three months I decided it not only was entirely believable, but that I believed in it. I have been an active Christian since July of 1991. As I stated earlier, I was brought up to believe that it was only for the weak.

dansangel: See? Uh, are we going to land soon....

Aeronaut: That's still true, I just realize now that we are ALL weak. I am currently on the "Men's Leadership Team," I am active in the youth ministry, and I play in the contemporary band at my Church.

The instrument panel for the BE-200

dansangel: Please tell me you've at least come to your senses and are not one of those vast right-wing conspiracy Bush-bot types.

Aeronaut: I spent the entire X42 administration in a constant state of apoplexy. That was heightened to an extreme level during the month following the election - and the possibility of an Algore administration. I spent a lot of time in prayer during that period, and my prayers were answered when GWB was finally and rightfully announced as the winner. I now thank God daily that he is in charge during the current world situation.

dansangel: Another one brain-washed by the right-wing extremists. I suppose you hang out on that Internet pit of propaganda…. Are we supposed to drop down that fast? I don't feel very well....

Aeronaut: Like a lot of people I found FR during the election aftermath. I think I 'lurked' only about three days before jumping in. I now rely on FR as one of my major sources of news. Usually FR is the first place I go in the morning.

dansangel: What a way to start the day. And this insane flying stuff? You really enjoy this?

Aeronaut: I have been a pilot since 1976. Flying is currently part of my job with the state of Minnesota. Flying has accurately been described as 98% boredom and 2% high-anxiety.

An A-36 Bonanza that Aeronaut flies and his
flying buddy, "Otto" (leaning against the windshield)

dansangel: Isn't it, like, *dangerous* to be up in the air all the time?

Aeronaut: I have had two engine failures in my flying career - one I landed on a county road in Northwest Wisconsin, the other, well, I had to land on a highway in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis at 3:30 in the afternoon. I feel that I was protected on that last one. </>

dansangel: Any words of wisdom for my loyal readership? And, can we *please* land now....

Aeronaut: I have come to the conclusion that if God is your co-pilot you are in the wrong seat.

dansangel: There you have it, my friends; the exclusive Inquisition brought to you with great risk to yours truly's life and limb.

Please join me in welcoming another of FR's Finest...

Aeronaut!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-24-03 ... MJY1288 02-25-03 ... Nutmeg and Zelig

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

God Bless Our Military
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Daisyscarlett; Dansangel; Dutchess; Mama_Bear; and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~

We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OhioWfan .... son mystery-ak ... son, husband Gogrammy ..... grandson Inspectorette ..... son Blessed American .... nephew Slip18 ..... nephew anniegetyourgun ..... nephew Pippin ... a niece, nephew Doug from Upland ....son-in-law severa .... husband G'nad .... active duty LongCut .... active duty Trish .... active duty deadhead .... cousin MozartLover .... nephew

Maigrey ... cousin ladtx .... 2 sons Mama_Bear .... nephew gator girl .... husband LBGA ..... son Himyar ..... son SK1 Thurman .... active duty David Osborne .. active duty boxerblues' .... 2 sons the piper .... son sheeza .... husband kemathen7 .... husband Diver Dave .... niece weldgophardline ...brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater ....cousin Warrior Nurse ....active duty

[dansangel]

[dansangel]

Come join us in welcoming our very own....Aeronaut!

[.45MAN]

Great day for a Fly-in congratulations Aeronaut. Good morning to all.

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{{smoochies}}}}}}}}}}}

Looks like it's time to get ready for w-o-r-k....*sigh*

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody !! Happy Humpday ! (Already?? wow!)

It's 28 degrees right now and we're under another winter weather warning.
Nothing happenin' right now tho ...

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

---

[MeekOneGOP]

Congratulations, Aeronaut ! Our FReeper of the Day !

Enjoy your day in the spotlight ! ...

.......Aeronaut

[Aeronaut]

Good morning. (Blush)

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{Meekie}}}}}}}}}}

Thank-you for the weather advisory. Be safe and warm, today, OK?

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{Aeronaut}}}}}}}}}}

I was afraid we'd have to send out the Air National Guard to find you!!!

Enjoy your day, and thank-you!! ;-)

[Pippin]

Good Morning, ((((Meekie)))))!

I heard about the snow you got your way.

Got a snow shovel?

BTW, Hobbit crusher?

Pippin, Princess of the Hobbits! :^)

[dansangel]

Another caffeine-less morning.....arrrgghh!

Could I please have Inquisiion=Inquisition in the title?

Thank-you so much! :-)

{{{{{Admin Moderator}}}}}

[Pippin]

Good Morning, (((Aeronaut)))!

Looks like you found God just a few years before I did!

But isn't that exciting to know such a wnoderful God exists?

I'v only been a "real" Christian since 1993. And I'm still struggling along with every one else to follow Him completely.

Congratulations on being in the spot light today!

[snippy_about_it]

Aeronaut, congratulations on surviving an interview with that little...um... um... young lady. Did you do loop "d" loops with her in the plane? Please say yes. Did you fly upside down with her in there?

All kidding aside, it's nice to get to know our Canteen flyboy a little better. Nice work as usual dansanglel!

[Aeronaut]

But isn't that exciting to know such a wnoderful God exists?

Good morning Pippin. Amen to the above.

[Pippin]

Good Morning (((Dansy)))!

An interesting inquisition, did Aeronaut survive it? LOL!

[Pippin]

Good Morning, (((Snippy)))!

[Aeronaut]

All kidding aside, it's nice to get to know our Canteen flyboy a little better.

Good morning and thank you.

[Pippin]

I spelled "wonderful" wrong didn't I? (getting red with embarrassment)

[snippy_about_it]

Good morning pippin. Aeronaut, can we get a close up of Otto?

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning to y'all :^)