I’m coming up on 16 years myself, since August 1998. Only about 800 posts for me. I check Free Republic every day though.
I will be here 16 years in October. We need to have a reunion for those of us still here. I have my original name too. I miss some of the early freepers. I made a really dear friend here and we exchanged emails, pictures and Chrismas cards all that time. She became very ill and is not with us any longer.
I have never posted much, just prefer to read the discussions others get into. It is still my go to place also... for any information. Such knowledgeable folks around here!