FReeper Canteen ~ Christmas with our Commander-in-Chief ~ 13 Dec 2005

www.whitehouse.gov ^ | Thank You For Your Service! | We Support Our Troops!

[GummyIII]

A White House Christmas 2005

All information taken from http://www.whitehouse.gov .

WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

This year’s theme has been chosen to highlight the beauty to be found in nature. Our emphasis for this holiday season is on some of the many ways that plants, trees, fruit and flowers can be the stars of holiday decorating. The members of the White House Executive Residence staff and floral designers from across the country have worked tirelessly and creatively to make the White House reflect the wonders of nature’s bounty. Our thanks go to all whose deft hands and willing hearts have helped to transform many lovely ideas into reality. We hope your own holiday season is made brighter by your coming to be part of ours!
Gingerbread House

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small;
 All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. *

* Words: Cecil F. Alexander, Hymns for Little Children, 1848. Music: “Royal Oak,” 17th Century English melody.

Trees and Messages for our Troops!

FedEx Teams with Christmas Spirit Foundation
on Trees for Troops Program

  

Excerpts from messages to the troops from the Trees for Troops website:

12/9/2005 10:44:25 PM
Grace, Pittsburgh, PA

From my family to all of you, may you have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas, and return soon safely to your loved ones. Bless you for your service.

12/9/2005 12:16:41 PM
Rebecca, Frederick, MD

Have a happy holiday season! We will be thinking of you this year. We are so greatful for your service to our country. Keep up the good work!! Warmly, Rebecca

12/8/2005 6:45:26 PM
Freelove S, BRIDGEPORT, NEBRASKA

In the spirit of the season there is little I can do to thank you for what you have been and are doing for our country. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you through out the holiday season. Be assured that my appreciation will NOT end when holidays are past. I shall be mindful of your heroic efforts until the day that the last of the troops have returned to the United States. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU NOW and FOREVER

12/8/2005 5:17:03 PM
Jon, Ithaca, NY

To All US troops, especially those on the front lines: Thank You for your service! I pray that you will be safe as you perform your missions. God Bless All of You!

12/6/2005 9:49:15 AM
MARILYN, Thornwood, NY

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US BACK HOME - WE REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO FOR ALL OF US!!!!!

12/6/2005 9:48:13 AM
MARILYN, THORNWOOD, NY

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU ALL FROM ALL OF US AT HOME!!!!!

12/6/2005 8:06:00 AM
Debbie, Putnam Valley, NY

Thank you for what you are doing. You are in our prayers this Christmas.

12/6/2005 1:08:32 AM
Susie, Fontana, California

Thank you for your service to this good old USA of ours. Your sacrifice is so very much appreciated (don't listen to the Big Media B.S. - we don't!). We regular citizens LOVE all of you and keep you in our hearts always. May your Holidays be happy and safe. We are praying for you all and for your families who miss you so much (as you, of course, miss them) and look forward to your joyful return. ... With lots of love and gratitude: The Christman Family (Jim, Susie, Cherie & Cal). XOXOXO

12/5/2005 11:15:37 PM
Peggy, Valley Cottage, New York

God bless you and keep you safe until you come back to us. We are so proud of you all. There are no words to express my thanks and deep respect for your sacrifices. I will keep you and your families in my prayers and hope that you have joy at this holiday season and that you will soon be home on the soil of the greatest country on earth...the good old USA! Merry Christmas!

12/4/2005 5:02:36 PM
Allison, Knoxville, Tennessee

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas! We miss you and can't wait for you to come home soon.

12/3/2005 4:53:13 PM
Julie, Jupiter, Florida

God Bless you all... We pray for your safe return home as we thank you for all you do to keep America safe. May you have a peaceful Christmas

12/2/2005 10:03:20 PM
Lindsay, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Miss You All. Our prayers are with you and your families. Can't wait for you to be home with us safe and sound! Keep Your spirits high we are all eternally grateful to you guys and gals!

11/29/2005 12:11:55 PM
Lisa, Yelm, WA

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you. God Bless each and every one of you and may he keep you safe. May you receive peace and happiness during the holiday season and may you all be able to hear from your loved ones. Please know that we truly honor you for your service to your country and pray for your well being and safe return ever night. Best wishes. Lisa

11/29/2005 2:20:44 AM
Ronda, Prentiss, Mississippi

Things just aren't the same when you are away from home at Christmas. All of hopes and dreams for the festivity of the season can be united in this one thought... A WHITE CHRISTMAS!!! Wouldn't y'all like to have some snow out there in the desert? Just close your eyes and feel the cool moist flakes falling on your faces, smell the sweetness of the yummy cakes and pies baking in the warm kitchen of families house, hear the kids all shrieking happily as they open their gifts, see the beauty of the decorations, and taste the sweetness of victory when y'all come home knowing that you accomplished the mission at hand. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Keep your hopes high and you'll be home before you know it.

11/29/2005 12:35:07 AM
Andrew, Cortland, Ohio

MERRY CHRISTMAS THANK YOU! BE SAFE & GOD BLESS

11/28/2005 10:57:48 PM
paul, wausau, wi

merry xmas to you all. i am so proud of the american service people. i was away from home at christmas when i was in the corps in the early 70's and it is not easy. i just wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now, at xmas and throughout the year. thanks to you all for serving our country. semper fi, paul

11/27/2005 4:16:47 PM
Robert
Steubenville, Ohio

May God bless you and protect you, St. Theresa's Prayer "May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

11/26/2005 10:40:39 AM
jeremy, greencastle, pa

dear all, well first i want to say merry christmas and a happy new year, i want all of you to know that myself and my family support you all 100% and we will stand by you all the way till each and every one of you are home with your familys. we are all very proud of all of you. and honored to have such brave troops who put all aside to defend our great nation. troops that put there lives on the line to protect the ones who stay behind and worry. may God bless each and every one of you and let him bring all of you home. My heart goes out to the ones whos lives where shortend because they did what they loved to do. life is a precious gift from God and it is troops like them that make people like me sit back and think it takes a real man or a real woman to go out there and protect and serve ... without even thinking twice.. thank you so much for making us all feel safe. God bless you and all your family members.thank you all so much come home soon.. from your friend and son of God <>< <>< jeremy stevens

11/25/2005 1:28:14 PM
Jesus, MATAMOROS, MEXICO

U.S. TROOPS: LES DESEO QUE PASEN UNA FELIZ NAVIDAD Y QUE SIEMPRE TENGAN PAZ, AMOR Y SALUD, USTEDES Y SUS FAMILIAS. SINCERAMENTE: JESUS MATAMOROS, MEXICO ... U.S. TROOPS THEM DESIRE THAT SPEND MERRY CHRISTMAS, THAT THEY ALWAYS HAVE PEACE, LOVE And HEALTH FOR YOU And ITS FAMILIES. SINCERELY: JESUS ...

11/24/2005 9:19:37 PM
Cassidy Family, Fox River Grove, Illinois

Merry Christmas. We appreciate the sacrifices you made to serve your country. God bless you!

11/23/2005 1:52:10 AM
The State Family, South San Francisco, California

We are teaching our seven year old that she is very lucky to live in the USA because of its freedoms and its people. She tells us that SHE is lucky because soldiers, like her Uncle David, are keeping her safe from "bad people". We are so thankful to you all because you are investing so much time and love for your country. May God bless you and your families. May He keep you safe and strong! God bless America!

11/18/2005 1:14:38 PM
Suzanne, Syracuse, NY

Thank you for all you do to protect the cause of freedom. May God bless you and keep you safe from harm - and bring you back home safely to us.

11/17/2005 1:31:26 PM
Michael McManiman, Media, PA

There are no true words that can express our heartfelt appreciation for your service and sacrifice. Please know that while certain politicians from a particular party are doing their 'worst' to denegrate what it is you are figthing for, those Americans who understand your fight, fully support you. Thank you for giving of yourself and the sacrifices made by your families. May the true Spirit and reason of the Christmas season be with you. God Bless you and Merry Christmas!!!

11/17/2005 12:22:24 PM
The Olsons, Suitland, Maryland

Dear Troops, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa! When you strip this war of political wrangling and get down to the essentials, this war is not about politics but about people -- people like you who are experiencing day to day the struggles and sacrifices of war and your loved ones at home. It is about the common Iraqui people who struggle just to live their everyday lives, especially those who are so grateful for your help. A friend of ours who served there told us such a different view or his tour than what is shown on the news here. He spoke not of policies and governments but of the human side of the equation, of the Iraqui people so in need of help just to have things we take for granted like food and money for necessities, and of his fellow soldiers who want to help somehow. We are sure that no one could want a war less than the people serving in it and their families back home. And truly, especially at this time of year, it is also your family and friends who are soldiers in having you so far from your homes. There is no way to return to you what you are sacrificing, but we hope it helps to hear Thank You. Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for doing what you can. Thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless you all, keep you safe, and bring you home SOON! Sincerely, The Olsons

 

ATTENTION ALL FReepers and FRiends:  Next week, I'd like to have a special thread for seasonal messages just for our troops and their families.  Be prepared to post your message(s). I'm going to collect messages all week, so if you want me to post yours for you, just FRmail it to me.  If you want to wait until the thread is up, you will have the opportunity to post yours and any others you have to share! 

[AZamericonnie]

Well....he's a collector! Those action figures may very well be worth a good deal of money some day!:)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Dita!
HUGS!

[La Enchiladita]

Oo-yeah...! I was reading the Pastry Chef's Q and A at the White House website the other day; fascinating for foodies.

I like the photo of Laura with the pooches, as well as everything else. The First Family deserves a wonderful Christmas!!

[luvie]

Yeah...yeah..collector! LOL! He really does love them. I think DIL thinks he's nuts. He also loves Legos! The sets. They will probably be worth something someday, but he is filling bookcases with them now! :o)

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

Press
Release
Date: December 13, 2005
Contact: PA3 Jeff Pollinger
(206) 220-7237


COAST GUARD UTILIZES AERIAL DELIVERY TO BOARD
VESSELS AT SEA

SEATTLE - A Coast Guard boarding team from Coast
Guard Sector Portland, Ore., boards a cargo ship Thursday afternoon near
Astoria, Ore., using vertical delivery operations. The vertical delivery
technique is one of several tools used by Coast Guard boarding teams to
access vessels of interest at sea, prior to entry into U.S. ports.
Official Coast Guard photo by Lillian Holland.
High resolution photos
linked below:
http://www.piersystem.com/clients/uscg-13/48911.jpg?0.661946786579
http://www.piersystem.com/clients/uscg-13/48912.jpg?0.871464173778
###

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission
service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to
protecting the safety and security of America.

[GodBlessUSA]

Well, with parents like you and hubby, He would have to be a wonderful person!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

Press
Release
Date: Dec. 13, 2005
Contact: PA2 Adam Eggers
(206) 220-7237
COAST GUARD IDENTIFIES BROOKINGS, ORE., HOAX CALLERS

SEATTLE - The
Coast Guard has identified three teenagers suspected of making four hoax
calls in Brookings Harbor, Ore., which expended several thousand dollars
during more than 20 hours of searching by Coast Guard and local
responders.

Anonymous callers provided crucial tips that led to the
teenagers and will receive a Crime Stoppers reward.

The first hoax
call was received by the Coast Guard in early October from an individual
claiming to be on a disabled recreational vessel. For nine hours, two
47-foot motor lifeboats and a mobile shore unit from Coast Guard Station
Chetco River, Ore., and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air
Station North Bend, Ore., searched for a boater in distress.

In mid
October and again at the end of October, the Coast Guard received radio
transmissions from vessels claiming to be in distress and in need of
assistance. During those cases, two 47-foot motor lifeboats, three
mobile land units and a 25-foot response boat were launched to assist.
The Curry County Sheriff and Brookings Police assisted the Coast Guard
with the investigation.

The Coast Guard, in collaboration with
other federal, state and local agencies, is considering enforcement
options.

Media interested in conducting interviews about these hoax
cases should contact Master Chief Dunn at (541) 469-2242.

The Coast
Guard reminds individuals that false distress calls place unnecessary
risk on would-be rescuers and interfere with legitimate search and
rescue cases. False calls also cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of
dollars annually. It costs approximately $1,200 per hour to operate a
Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat, while a helicopter or larger cutter
may cost from $9,000 to $12,000 an hour.

To listen to an audio clip
of one of the hoax calls, click on the following link:
http://www.piersystem.com/clients/uscg-13/48112.mp3



###

The
U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within
the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety
and security of America.

[La Enchiladita]

Hugs atcha too!

I had brunch with my friend C. this morning and now I'm trying to catch up on threads... Going back to work tomorrow after a few days off ...

How's everything over your way? Cold?

[AZamericonnie]

Yummy! I printed that recipe out. I'm headed for home....see you all later!

[GodBlessUSA]

I'm glad you enjoyed your days off! It's bitter cold here. I don't like it at all. :)

[TASMANIANRED]

Bourbon Balls

1 C.Bourbon

2 C. chopped pecans

1 3/4 Sticks Butter - softened

3 lbs. confectionery sugar - sifted

3 boxes semi-sweet baking chocolate

1 box unsweetened baking chocolate

1/8 bar paraffin

Pour Bourbon over the chopped pecans and let sit at least 3 hours or overnight.

Mix the confectionery sugar with the butter. Add the chopped pecans and mix well. Shape into balls, cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 1/2 hours.

While the bourbon balls are chilling, melt in the top of a double boiler, the semi-sweet chocolate, the unsweetened chocolate and the paraffin. Keep over low heat and dip the balls in the chocolate using tongs or toothpicks. Place on lightly buttered cookie sheets and chill until set.

Store in covered containers in the refrigerator. Makes approximately 7 dozen.

LUV,,,no cooking...

[luvie]

Awwwwww...*blush*...thank you GB! You're so sweet! He is a great guy...and I always tell everyone that he raised himself! :o)

[luvie]

"LUV...no cooking"....you are sooooooo funny! LOL!

Those sound yummy...I think I felt myself gaining a pound just reading the recipe!

[Old Sarge]

{{{{{ GUMMY! }}}}}

Ya done goood on the thread-work, guys
are looking over my shoulder at it!

[luvie]

Be careful! See ya!

[EsmeraldaA]

Hello darling {{{SARGE}}} are you still around?

[Old Sarge]

{{{{{ DUBS! }}}}}

Glad I am to see you, too!

[luvie]

Didn't she do a beautiful job? These Canteen galz are just so talented!

[TASMANIANRED]

Doing well.

Hope your June Bug gets to feeling better.

[Old Sarge]

{{{{{ GYPSY-GIRL! }}}}}

Not going anyplace, tonight...