Free Republic

22 August 2008, Elder Street and Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC Honor Roll: Satin Patriot, BufordP, Trooprally (Mr. & Mrs), kburi, PleaDeal, 3-D JOY, Tom the Red hunter, Lurker Bill, USN Retired, Fraxinus, GunsAreOK The New Second Baptist Church was conducting a Fish Fry in their Parking Lot on Friday Night. BufordP checking the line Devon from Oklahoma stopped by to chat with Kburi. He is a Medic that will be transferring to FT Hood Tom the Red Hunter shows his cornbread and fish that he purchased from the church 3-DJoy Plea Deal has cookies! Satin Patriot USN Retired & Satin...

9 May 2008, Elder Street and Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC Well FREEPERs a funny thing happened on the way to filing this report. Your correspondent either tried to sky dive, snow oard or do a war dance on his back stoop Saturday night May 10. The result was a visit to Silver Spring’s Holy Cross Hospital, locally known as the Holy Hilton. The foot doctor for DC United was on the premises as I had managed to crack the bone where the Achilles tendon attaches. Long story short I’m currently on injured reserve. Enough about me. Early in the evening...

ELDER STREET AND GEORGIA AVENUE, WASHINGTON, DC - 18 April 2008 The DC Chapter stalwarts and FRiends refusing to cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment manned their post Friday night at the main gate outside Walter Reed Army Medical Center Week 157 Honor Roll: Fraxinus, Lurker Bill aka “Sweet William”, VAFlagwaver, Ron G. Kirby, USNRetired, Kburi, PleaDeal, BufordP, Tom the Redhunter; Cindy_True_Supporter, Trooprally (Mr. & Mrs.) and from the Mason Nation – Laura R. BufordP wants to know, “Are you talking to me?” PleaDeal on patrol, camera...

21 March 2008, Elder Street and Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC Well FREEPERs it happened, Bruce Wolf, chair of O.P.E.I.U. Local 2's "Social Justice Committee" managed to round up a group of Spring Equinox celebrants and out numbered the DC Chapter and FRiends. But enough of the bad news. From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by way of Dallas, Texas we were joined by Scan 59 seen here with VictoryNY And his wife, BABY FREEP their lovely lurker daughter Kari Their son is a machinist mate serving on the Carrier USNS George Washington which is soon to deploy. Scan indicated that their son...

It’s amazing what happens when people start working together toward a common goal. Friday night, 14 March, Free Republic, Gathering of Eagles (GOE), Eagles Up, Nam Knights, Band of Mothers, Protest Warrior, Patriot Guard Riders, A Soldier’s Wish List, Move America Forward, and concerned individuals got together at the intersection of Georgia and Elder in DC NW to show unified support of the men and women who wear military uniforms in service to our country. This intersection is the location of the main entrance of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). It is this intersection that greets the men and...

One of the coolest ways to get around, EVER! So there I was, standing on the street corner, just like I do almost every Friday night, minding my own (& other people's) business, and buzzing past me from behind came a real work of ingenuity: a wheelchair, with someone in it and someone on his lap, being pushed by a motorized wheelchair with someone in it and someone riding on the back. I SO wish I had a picture. You may ask yourself, "Why does Satin stand on a street corner on Friday nights? Is she there hitting on and...

"-- Week 140 of Honoring Our Wounded Warrior Heroes -- It was the Friday before Christmas; I thought we’d be lucky if the magnificent seven made it again. The city of DC was being deserted as the President had given Federal workers Christmas eve off and state and local governments were following suit. But what to my wondering eyes appeared St. Fraxnious and a hearty crew of patriots. Buford P and Gunny (Gathering of Eagles) North Carolina The Doctor of Freep CMKleinin02 a Doctor Raoul associate Nellie, another of Doctor Raoul’s fellow travelers from the Westchester front Albion Wilde and...

It was a cold winter’s evening. The guests had all left. O’Leary had closed the bar. -- WRAMC DC Chapter Group Picture -- -- 23 November 2007 -- The honor roll was chilled, mighty thin and included only:Chief Lurker Bill Trooprally (Mr & Mrs) kburi formerly known as Lurker George, Ron G. Kirby (GOE). Pasquale and Coby from Veterans for Freedom Four lefty losers froze their butts carrying their signs “Home Now”, “Bring them Home Now”, a sign with an illegible screed and one person who carried the American Flag. They also had lit three candles so that officially made...

Michael Sparling spent a recent afternoon helping an injured soldier around Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It was a gesture he has performed many times in the past year and a half since his son also arrived at the hospital to recover from war injuries received in Iraq, but one that may soon be coming to an end. "When my son leaves, I don't know if I'll be able to," said Mr. Sparling who also volunteers his time, expertise and energy to help other families navigate the paperwork and stress he has faced during his son's recovery.His son, Joshua, 25,...

Over the PA system at Shea Stadium, they announced that there were soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in attendance. I couldn't tell where they were seated, but I was certainly happy they were there. They played a nice thing on their screen thanking the soldiers for the freedom we enjoy. It was a pretty cool afternoon. The not-so-cool part was waking up on the Metro North with a pounding headache.

We had our fourth comedy and music show at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, last night. It was all guys, and no one thought to bring a camera. That means, no pictures. This night's performers were: Baltimore Bluesman - John Pappajohn, comedians: Ron Bender, Key Fitz, Tom Myers, and guest comedian - Giovanni Diviacchi. John brought in the crowd with some preliminary guitar playing that just wowed the crowd. Tom got up and prepped the crowd for a night of laughter. Giovanni, a relatively unknown DC comedian, delivered the funny that I would put up against any seasoned veteran. Key,...

August 26, 2005: Here is the official Freep report for this date. and in this photo from that thread, John Bruhns is front and center, holding the Stars and Stripes: Here is Freeper Plea Deal's report and photos. Blogger Tantor also has a report, here. Freeper Tom the Redhunter has his blog report here. Andi of Andi's World wrote a report on her blog here. And here is another photo of Bruhns (far right) with the Pinkos: September 2, 2005: On this date, John Bruhns is spotted (for the second week in a row) with the Code Pinkos and Veterans...

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2007 – Popular rock musician John Mellencamp took to the stage at Walter Reed Army Medical Center April 27 and delivered his trademark Americana singing style as a tribute to the wounded soldiers who inspired him at the hospital. John Mellencamp, right, sings at Walter Reed Army Medical Center at a free performance for wounded warriors, family and staff April 27, 2007. About 200 wounded soldiers, family members and hospital staff attended the event, providing a small but energetic crowd. Defense Dept. photo by Fred W. Baker III  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The down-home...

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2007 – “Walter Reed is one of the pivotal academic medical centers and casualty receiving hospitals for the joint medical force,” Army Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker told members of the Defense Health Board assembled at the medical center here for a meeting today. Schoomaker recently became Walter Reed’s chief and commander of North Atlantic Regional Medical Command as part of reorganizations that followed publicized accounts of problems within the facility’s outpatient system. He is the brother of former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker. The Defense Health Board was established Oct. 1, 2006. It...

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2007 – Virtual reality made its way into the operating room last week when an Army doctor performed the military’s first three-dimensional minimally invasive surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Armed with a state-of-the-art helmet, Col. (Dr.) Ernest Lockrow, director of the Telerobotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, used the 3-D capabilities to perform a hysterectomy. Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopy, uses tiny incisions to operate and typically involves a telescopic lens that is connected to a video camera. The operation last week was the first time the military has used the...

The House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a measure yesterday that bars the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, an action supporters say will reverse plans to shut the hospital in 2011. The provision, attached to a bill with additional funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, blocks the use of any federal money to close Walter Reed. Keeping open a base that has been chosen for closure by the Defense Department's Base Realignment and Closure Commission would be unprecedented. The system creating an independent commission to make such decisions was adopted by Congress to prevent political interference with...

Last night was our third show. Our next one will be in June, featurig ROn Bender, TOm Myers, and an as yet unnamed comedian, with a guest spot from another DC comedian. We were also graced by Talk Show Sensei-tion, Eeevil Conservative! Our crowd was somewhat smaller than past shows, but someone in the know at WRAMC said it is because there are fewer residents. (That is a subtle hint that our "surge" in Iraq is working.) On to the pics: (More may come) The whole gang of performers Jessica and I. Jessica and Brett the Irish COm'Mc. Jessica and...

I am very sorry for the late notice on this Freep; I had to give MPDC time respond to my demonstration permit applications. We are good to go, so here is the important information: WHO: All Freepers and Lurkers in good standing, military and mission supporters, veterans, GOE early arrivals and all other patriots nearby. WHAT: ANSWER's Moonbats who have been camping on the National Mall are descending via greenhouse-gas emitting automobiles on Walter Reed Army Medical Center, to "Stop the War." Of course, you can expect they will have signs calling our troops baby-killers, rapists, etc. You can also...

Last night, Recon Comedy (related to ComedyOpenMike.com) sponsored another show at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This time, we had three comedians and Christian singer Noel McLeary. This show was for the injured soldiers recovering at Walter Reed, and their families. As was true in October, it was a blessing for everyone. I opened, and emceed, again. Singer, Noel McCleary then gave an incredible performance, giving us two of the songs from her CD, "Noel McLeary EP". The crowd fell in love with her. She has definite talent and if she can find a sound system that can do her...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2007 – A new area of Walter Reed Army Medical Center here will provide state-of-the-art medical care for terminal cancer patients in a warm, homelike setting. After countless hours of fund raising, designing and remodeling by various individuals and organizations, the first palliative care suite and patient/family lounge opened Jan. 22. Roderick Mitchell, president of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation, which spearheaded efforts to raise funds to design and furnish the suite and lounge, presented the rooms to Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical...

Wet & soggy Honor Roll included: Ernesto, Lurker Bill, BillF, (CJ) chcknhawk, Cindy_True-Supporter (CTS), Fraxinus (Frax), Freeping-in Silence, Lurkers George & Ethel and their son Trevor (11 year veteran of the 4th ID, including Iraq, we think), kristinn, TFroatz, tgslTakoma, and trooprally (Mr. & Mrs.). We heard a lot about Trevor and it was a pleasure to finally meet him. (This Honor Roll list includes only those who were on the corners in the rain). CJ spent 15 minutes with the pinkos. CJ's web site, soldiersperspective, can be viewed here, but as of Sunday AM, he has not posted an...

Tonight we crushed the Pinkos in numbers: 38 to 7 1/2!Other than that, nothing really happened. (Somebody please step in and refute that statement!)The weather was phenomenal for D.C. in August (low 80's with low humidity!) which probably helped to bring out extra FReepers. We couldn't quite understand what kept the commie Pinkos away...Attendance was extremely high this week, but it can always be better! The following FReepers and FRiends came out to celebrate tonight:Just A Nobody, 2ndClassCitizen, 3D-Joy, Just A Nobody, Albion Wilde, Bill * from MD, BillF, Blueblade (also a member of Protest Warriors), BufordP, Just A Nobody,...

I ARRIVE EARLY at Walter Reed, to help the Freepers and friends set up their large banners expressing support for the military. As we're getting established, a car full of soldiers in civilian clothes leaving the hospital grounds pulls up, and one of them asks what our purpose is (listen to the audio). When I tell him, they all smile, and tell us how much it means to them that someone is showing some appreciation for what they do. The passenger in back has a cast on his arm; he tells me he was injured in Iraq while serving with...

Diana Irey Visits Walter Reed Hospital By: O. P. Ditch, Col USAF (ret) Vets4Irey.com We met her at a McDonalds near the Hospital - what a down to earth Lady. Can you imagine the "cut & runner" doing that? Well, it was a brief introduction, I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting her to that point. But I was most impressed with her genuineness, pleasant personality and intelligence. She is very easy to talk to and she was very interested in our ideas for helping with her campaign. So don't be shy with your recommendations, she's a good listener....

FReep #64: Pinkos Show How They "Support" the Troops In FREEPERS: The ANTS at SHEEHAN'S "I'LL STARVE TOMORROW" PICNIC at the White House 7/03/06, the "AAR Champion Writer" Albion Wilde described the Sheenanigans of Code Pinko's Last Supper-and-mediawhore-fest. It appears that going without solid food for as much as *gasp!* 24 whole hours!?! put the leftists in a really bad mood. Sheehan already swiped the "Starving for Attention" slogan from the FReep banner, so perhaps Medea and Gael were looking for more ideas to steal and turn into commie propaganda when they strolled up the block and attempted to "reach...

Honor Roll for Friday, June 23, 2006: Albion Wilde, Amanda* from MD, Ashley* from VA, Bill* from MD, BillF, Cindy-true-supporter, Dan* (veteran), daughterofTGSL, Debbie* from VA, Greg (WR), Gretchen15, Jimmy Valentine’s brother, Just A Nobody, kristinn, Landry Fan, Megan* from VA, PleaDeal, Sensei Ern, SonofTGSL, staytrue, tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter, trooprally [Mr. & Mrs.]The after-action report fell to me this week so you don't get any fancy graphics or photos. The weather was threatening heavy thunderstorms throughout our stay last Friday, but the Lord was merciful and kept the storms at bay. They approached us from the south and west,...

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2006 – Civil servant Ronald A. Rosenfeld demonstrated his heartfelt commitment to helping wounded troops in dramatic fashion -- he donated $150,000, the equivalent of his annual salary, to the Walter Reed Society. About two years ago, a Catholic monsignor told Rosenfeld and his wife, Patty, that war-wounded servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan were receiving outstanding medical treatment at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center, but that money was in short supply for certain quality-of-life items. Without hesitation, the Rosenfelds decided to help. "Through such generosity of donors like yourself, the Walter Reed Society has been able...

FReep #61: Summer Arrives at Walter ReedBright sunshine and much warmer temps greeted us this evening. Our usual crowd of FReepers and friends was bolstered again tonight by the Western Conference of College Republicans. The young'uns were enthusiastic, very well informed, and committed to Supporting the Troops and the Mission! Plus, they dress really well!The honor roll of attendance (lurkers marked with *):Albion Wilde, Bill from MD*, BillF, Cindy-True-Supporter, Fraxinus, Gavin*, Jack Deth, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Landry Fan, maica, PleaDeal, son-of-tgslTakoma, tgslTakoma, and Trooprally [Mr. and Mrs.]. Ohio was again represented by Ryan and Karen, who decided to make the...

Corporate Hillton Apparatchiks have given credence to the old adage, “No good deed goes unpunished” by their not renewing Fran O’Brien’s renewable lease. Since October of 2003 Hal Koster, a two-tour Vietnam veteran and Jim Mayer, a combat injured Vietnam veteran and long time advocate for veterans and a small group of volunteers have been hosting a dinner each and every Friday night for the severely injured patients of Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Ward 57 and severely injured sailors and Marines at Bethesda Naval Medical Center and their families. This was begun as part of a promise to insure...

Ding-Dong Zarqawi's Dead!!The wonderful news that our military eliminated this horrible beast set the tone for the evening. So many months of hard work and persistence finally paid off in a spectacular manner and we were prepared to celebrate the success of Task Force 145 and all of the members of the military who have been successful in their own MOSs. We were also mindful that this was a day of disappointment and sorrow for CodePink and commie sympathizers everywhere. Their icon was gone - blown up by the military they so despise. It must have been especially painful for...

Something special happens every Friday at the front gates of Walter Reed. It is sometimes really exciting, like throwing CodePink off its corners or watching "Squeegee" wet himself with fright at an approaching Rolling Thunder member. But more often than not it's simply being honored by a visit from one of the wounded warriors from inside the hospital. When one of these truely special people comes out to thank us for being there... it's just a humbling, happy experience. June 2nd was one of those quiet, satisfying FReeps.The big surprise was the most welcome return of Landry Fan!   Landry's...

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 6, 2006) – The Army is opening doors for severely wounded Soldiers, allowing them to continue serving. Representatives from 23 U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command agencies offered more than 400 military and defense department jobs to men and women missing limbs and suffering from other injuries at a Wounded Warrior Job Fair at Walter Reed Army Medical Center June. 2. “We want them to know that they are wanted for continuous service in uniform or as a civilian,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, commanding general of the U.S. Army Accessions Command and deputy...

Photos by [Mrs.] TrooprallyLots of pixels; give this thread time to fully load. WASHINGTON, May 26, 2006-- While many in the Capital and across the U.S. planned respectful visits to veteran's cemeteries on Memorial Day weekend, or to solemn observances to honor those who gave their lives for our nation, Code Pink showed up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday evening for more of their usual singin', dancin', sneerin' and general disrespect under the "banner" of war protests. Sporting a Mary Poppins umbrella, this confused Code Pinko gives the anachronistic V-sign (which means Victory, as in "Victory in...

BillF and PleaDeal were off last Friday so it has fallen to me to write the weekly report from Walter Reed. I'm not as technically proficient as they are so y'all get a break from the "heavy graphics."Honor Roll for Week 57: Justanobody; mr. and mrs. trooprally; tgslTakoma; cindy_true_supporter; Albion Wilde; BufordP; Jimmy Valentine's brother; Fraxinus; lurker Bill; mama taco; Danang68 and kristinn.Our numbers have slacked off over the past few months. I suppose folks don't see the need to come out to Walter Reed on Friday nights now that Code Pink has been moved off the corner at the...

FRiends, HBO has begun airing the documentary which records the events before, during and after one of our friends from Walter Reed was wounded.This documentary IS NOT for the faint of heart.It is REAL.

It's been a long time since these Friday night revelries began. They weren't all as positive and fun as they are these days. For those who'd like to step back in history, here's a list of reports chronicling all of the WR FReeps as compiled and updated by BufordP. Pay special attention to Week 40 -- that's when concretebob kicked CodePink to the curb and we took ownership of ALL FOUR CORNERS.Tonight was clear as a bell in contrast to last week's downpour. Lots of folks turned out to take advantage of such a nice night and celebrate our heroes...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 5, 2006 – When he was undergoing treatment 16 years ago following a near-fatal accident in Germany, Paul Miosek asked Red Cross volunteer Jim Mayer for just two things: a poster of Madonna and a milkshake. Disabled Army veteran Paul Miosek (left) reunites with Jim Mayer, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee and long-time volunteer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, at the 20th Annual Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, in Snowmass Village, Colo. Miosek credits Mayer with opening his eyes to new possibilities while living with a disability. Photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for...

FReep #47: On March 10th, we not only held ALL FOUR CORNERS of the main gate at Walter Reed (for the eighth week in a row), but we drove Code Pink off its new "vigil" perch as well!The Pinkos, still holding their weekly blood-dance waaaaay down the block, were caught off-guard and flat-footed in a trap brought about by their own overzealous use of the D.C. Police. We are very fortunate that these intellectual light-weights still haven't learned their lesson when it comes to permits. Hey Gael! Next time you call the cops on FReepers, make sure you have...

On March 3rd, we held ALL FOUR CORNERS of the main gate at Walter Reed for the seventh week in a row for FReep #46. The Pinkos are still holding their “vigil” waaaaay down the block and the wounded warriors and their relatives do NOT have to pass close by them to enter or leave Walter Reed Army Medical Center. We had another great turnout of FReepers and friends from the DC Chapter and beyond despite the freezing wind.The honor roll of those hardy enough to attend (lurkers are marked with an asterisk*): Albion Wilde, Bill* from MD, BufordP,...

CNSNews.com) - Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan on Thursday denied that she participated in a protest organized by the group Code Pink and conducted in front of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center last October. Cybercast News Service reported Wednesday that Sheehan did take part in the Oct. 28, protest, but has since changed her mind about demonstrating at hospital venues. She has labeled a planned anti-war demonstration for March 11 in front of the U.S. military's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany inappropriate. On Thursday, Sheehan was urging Cybercast News Service to "correct our article." "I did not participate in...

I had the privilege of meeting Joshua Sparling's father and brother at yesterday evening's FReep. (History of Joshua here.) They came down to meet us, and Joshua was kind enough to send some candy and other goodies down for our supportive vigil. More details will be in the weekly AAR, but I wanted to touch on one point. Although the response to Joshua's predicament has been absolutely overwhelming, they have only received six cards - total - from Michigan. Why is that such a big deal? It's Joshua's home. And he's been featured in several newspapers, including Lansing's publication. I...

D.C. Chapter STOPS the Crawford "Peace" Bus in its tracks, after it parked illegally for over an hour blocking traffic Friday night at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Rescue & fire trucks had to change lanes to avoid the hippy bus. Metro Police was called three times but failed to respond, so the DC Chapter took a "citizen's action". See the movie: PLEASE BE ADVISED MY SERVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ADEQUATELY HANDLE ALL THE DOWNLOADING OF THE VIDEO TRAFFIC THAT THIS POST WILL GENERATE. So if you can't get it, try again at a later time. Video of...

Soldier’s Outrage at Anti-War Protests at Army Hospital “. . . I am a reservist out of Dallas, Texas, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I also was deployed to Iraq for one year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was part of the initial invasion into Iraq. During my first deployment to Iraq, my MP unit was called up. I volunteered for this deployment because I felt I had more to give my country and felt it was the right thing to do. I would like to comment on the article you...

The city of Washington, DC is infested with a multitude of parasites, scavengers and other nasty and disease-carrying pests, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in NW is not immune. In fact, one of the most insidious creatures of all have made Walter Reed's front gate area their Friday night home; the Marxist womyn and eunuchs of Code Pink. The Code Pink Womyn and Eunuchs for a Marxist America gather on the street outside Walter Reed, ostensibly supporting our wounded soldiers, but in actuality they are waging a psychological war against them and their families; and they are trying to...

Contacts at WRAMC tell me that reporters from the NYT were ejected from the post yesterday after walking around and interviewing recovering soldiers. The Times people entered the facility unannounced, uninvited and unescorted. They were "asked" to leave when the PAO found out what they were up to. It is unlikely they will be invited back.

America shared his joy at her rescue and, as the days passed, her speedy recovery. Within a week of the daring raid Lynch had undergone surgery to set her broken bones — including fractures in both legs, her right arm, ankle and foot, and damage to her spine — and was once again eating small servings of her favorite foods: turkey, french fries and steamed carrots. Her doctors now say they are certain some of her injuries — which went untreated for her nine days in captivity, leading to infection — were caused by gunshots. "The injuries are open fractures,...

Dr.: Lynch to Be Hospitalized for Weeks By LARRY MARGASAK .c The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Rescued POW Jessica Lynch will stay at the Army's premier medical facility for at least a few weeks and, like others there who were wounded in Iraq, will have mental and emotional evaluations, the medical center chief said Sunday. ``She seems to be in good spirits,'' said Major Gen. Kevin Kiley, a physician, commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The 19-year-old private first class and some four dozen other wounded soldiers arrived Saturday in the United States after leaving a hospital in...