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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-12-05....Military Monday
Billie, The Mayor

Posted on 12/11/2005 7:42:06 PM PST by The Mayor




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.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and 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 could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I had been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.
Still that didn'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 we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.
There's more of course. We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!
If you would like to be featured, or would like to see someone else featured, please send me a private FR mail.
Every Monday we will post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.
Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day! ~ Billie

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

Thank You For Serving Our Country!

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



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



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



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



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



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.



TOP: Mo1's dad; BuffyT's Uncle (right, w/ her dad & grandmother); Armymarinemom's 3 sons.
MIDDLE: ru4Liberty's dad; SheLion's husband, MaineRebel; wirestripper.
BOTTOM: fivetoes; bigghurtt; hurricane; ladtx' dad; Pippin's brother.



TOP: Repubmommy's brother, Rose in RoseBear's uncle, BoxerBlues' son Chris, BoxerBlues' son Brent.
BOTTOM: Rose in RoseBear's cousin's hubby, Deadhead's stepdad, Dansy's dad, Misty's brother.



LEFT: Little Pig; TOP: hattend, Old Sarge, Aquamarine's dad.
MIDDLE: HuntsvilleTxVeteran.
BOTTOM: Its_me_K.E.T.'s son, Veloxherc, SeeRushToldU_So.





                     








06-28-05 HALL OF FAME #12

THE WEEKEND THREAD

12-9-10-11-05...
T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
Every Thursday at the Finest
The guy's good, folks!



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; military; monday
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To: DollyCali

Oliver swimming with a fawn. How special was Oliver. We will all miss him, Dolly. I always looked forward to seeing the two of you off on your adventures. Comfort my FRiend, comfort in our Lord. ((((((Dolly)))))

41 posted on 12/12/2005 10:20:07 AM PST by WVNan
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To: Pippin
Way to go Pippin!!

Image hosted by TinyPic.com

42 posted on 12/12/2005 10:34:53 AM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You! Prayers said for our Heroes!)
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To: Jersey Republican Biker Chick

Cool!


43 posted on 12/12/2005 10:36:55 AM PST by Darksheare (Bonafide Henchman.)
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To: DollyCali

Sorry to hear that Dolly.
Peace to you and yours.


44 posted on 12/12/2005 10:43:23 AM PST by Darksheare (Bonafide Henchman.)
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To: DollyCali

Oh dolly. I am so sorry to read about Oliver. I am so glad I was able to meet him this summer. What a secial pup. Codee, my dutchess and many of our Finest Pets will look after him at rainbow bridge. Just remember what a wonderful life you shared with each other. (((((dolly)))))


45 posted on 12/12/2005 11:04:28 AM PST by dutchess
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To: The Mayor

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly,
and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room
and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep,
her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me,
angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell,
a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard
to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights
in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic
that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy,
my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded
by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment
or so it would seem
So I slumbered, perhaps
I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud,
and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes
when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough,
I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps
outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble,
I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door
just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold
and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood,
his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled,
some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine,
huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark,
he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me,
and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?"
I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment,
it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack,
brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home
on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment
I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold
and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced
with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said
"Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice.
I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand
at the front of the line,
That separates you
from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask
or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here
like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl
on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas
'Gram will always remember."

My dad stood his watch
in the jungles of'Nam',
And now it is my turn
and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son
in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures,
he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he
carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue...
an American flag.

"I can live through the cold
and the being alone,
Away from my family,
my house and my home.

I can stand at my post
through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole
with little to eat.

I can carry the weight
of killing another,
Or lay down my life
with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front
against any and all,
To ensure for all time that
this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said,
"harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting
and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something
I can do,at the least,
"Give you money," I asked,
"or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little
for all that you've done,
For being away from
your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear
that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us,
and never forget.

To fight for our rights
back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch,
no matter how long.

For when we come home,
either standing or dead,
To know you remember
we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough,
and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you
as you mattered to us.


WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR

MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!


46 posted on 12/12/2005 11:14:17 AM PST by PreviouslyA-Lurker (...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
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To: Diver Dave

Dec. 12-15,

purple finger for freedom

http://www.purplefingerforfreedom.org/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1537160/posts


47 posted on 12/12/2005 11:21:23 AM PST by PreviouslyA-Lurker (...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
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To: LUV W

No, tell the truth, you're showing your support for the Iraqi people.


48 posted on 12/12/2005 11:23:03 AM PST by PreviouslyA-Lurker (...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
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To: DollyCali

I am so sorry for your loss, Dolly.


49 posted on 12/12/2005 11:24:08 AM PST by PreviouslyA-Lurker (...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
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To: The Mayor

I wish I had scrolled down, I also posted this. I need to spend more time reading before I post. This poem must be going around in e-mail.


50 posted on 12/12/2005 11:26:02 AM PST by PreviouslyA-Lurker (...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
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To: DollyCali



May God bless you and your Oliver, Dolly. I'm very sorry to learn of his passing.


51 posted on 12/12/2005 11:39:18 AM PST by ST.LOUIE1
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To: WVNan; DollyCali
Thanks Nan, I love that photo of Oliver with the fawn. How precious our animal friends are!

Dolly, I just received an e-mail from my cousin. They had to have their dog put to sleep this morning. She was old and suffering with terrible seizures from a brain tumor. They are devastated too. I just feel so terribly bad for them, and for you.

Sympathy and love to you, from me.

52 posted on 12/12/2005 12:28:41 PM PST by Mama_Bear (My heroes wear camouflage!)
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To: The Mayor
To Our Military, past and present: Thank You and God Bless You


53 posted on 12/12/2005 1:48:03 PM PST by deadhead (God Bless Our Troops and Veterans)
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To: Mama_Bear; PreviouslyA-Lurker; WVNan; dutchess; Billie; LUV W; Dog; lysie; Carolinamom; LBKQ; ...
posting to all here - hoping I have included all in this ping, but cant bank on it!

..not sure I can even get thru one post... so forgive not the individual responses to your comments FRiends..they are appreciated.

Oliver at 5 years old died within 1.5 hrs of first symptom. There was collapse of the lung & the air was filling his subcutaneous tissue & he was puffy all over.. He was not getting oxygen to his heart & the heart was beating like crazy, he was gasping for air & foaming at mouth. guess these are all symptoms are very typical of this condition.

not sure cause but one troubling possibility is gunshot.It is normally a condition according to vet brought on by trauma .. there was no injury to his body

My friend John, who was the kayaker when I found Oliver (he is also on my profile page w/ oliver &his two dogs walking).. was with me last night. I called when all the symptoms started & I panicked & had no clue of ER docs etc.

I met him about 20 minutes south of my home & He drove the rest of way.

We were looking at up to 5K for surgery which might not help. He died within a half hour of us getting there. They were in the process of intubating him. He was conscious the entire time & kept his gaze on me. I tell, you dear friends, there is not a more helpless situation in the world than this

The doc said he lived as long as he did because he was in superb physical condition. Normally this is a half hour death from onset.

I brought oliver in last night & put him on living room floor. I didn't sleep,but held him close all night. several cats joined us .. and Toby was nearby watching. Toby is having a very difficult time also.

today I took O back to my van. the ground is frozen & we have quite a bit of snow. I want to bury him in back yard overlooking the national park & will have "services" .. possibly with those attending, helping with the grave digging. right now I am still pretty much in a daze.

John wanted his two dogs to see Oliver so I took Toby & O to the Brandywine falls area that Oliver simply loved to romp in. chance & Tippy investigated Oliver & friend John took some pix. Including a few for you to see (last one is kiss.. which he has ALWAYS gotten a lot of & a lot of since his death..) O is still very swollen. He is a slick, conditioned dog.. now due to air throughout his body he is swollen

I am not doing well friends.. I feel like my heart has been torn out.. my best friend ever is gone.. thank you for your notes & your prayers..just wanted to give you an update & sorry if I missed someone who wrote...

54 posted on 12/12/2005 3:24:26 PM PST by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: DollyCali

He had a life full of love and kindness from 'his' humans.


55 posted on 12/12/2005 3:27:21 PM PST by Darksheare (Bonafide Henchman.)
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To: DollyCali; Hushpuppie
Oliver has died. I am a wreck. Thank you for your prayers.

~~~~~~~~

Oh my goodness....no!

Hushpuppie and I both extend our sincerest sympathy to you on the loss of Oliver.

Big Hugs!


56 posted on 12/12/2005 3:27:52 PM PST by Colonial Warrior (You can't tell how good a man or a watermelon is 'til they get thumped. Character shows when tested)
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To: DollyCali

(((Dolly)))

I am so, so sorry. You are in my prayers as you adjust to this change. I know you will miss him as I have missed Tippy. Know that you are loved by many.


57 posted on 12/12/2005 3:30:39 PM PST by Jemian (Santa is wearing desert camouflage and delivering freedom in Iraq. ~ Sgt. Joshua Howser)
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To: DollyCali
Dolly he had a full life.....and is at peace now....you will see him again.

Chin up..

58 posted on 12/12/2005 3:31:42 PM PST by Dog
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To: DollyCali

Dolly...I just don't know what to say or how to say it. I am so sorry and my heart breaks for you. Try to be strong, though I know it will be hard! (((((hugs)))) and prayers for you.


59 posted on 12/12/2005 3:44:07 PM PST by luvie (QUITTING IS NOT AN EXIT STRATEGY IN IRAQ...)
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To: PreviouslyA-Lurker

Exactly what I finally decided that I would do. Thanks for the encouragement.


60 posted on 12/12/2005 3:45:21 PM PST by luvie (QUITTING IS NOT AN EXIT STRATEGY IN IRAQ...)
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