DC CHAPTER MARKS TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FREEPING WALTER REED, Week #102, March 30, 2007

DC Chapter | April 6, 2007 | Albion Wilde, with photos by [Mr] Trooprally

[Albion Wilde]

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2007—Tonight's FReep under a full moon at Walter Reed contained more than the usual excitement, not least because a Swiftboat Veteran joined us, lots of soldiers visited, Olney-Keith debated an anti-war protester down the street, 15 college students stood with us, and some people who had attended Gathering of Eagles came out, too. As usual, FReepers outnumbered the anti-war stragglers down the street, this week 43 to 11. Tonight also marked the DC Chapter's two-year anniversary standing at the gates of Walter Reed on Friday evenings, when the number of outpatients going out for the evening or family members of the wounded coming in is greatest.

The DC Chapter of Free Republic began on March 30, 2005, to counterprotest CodePink's announced "vigil" at Walter Reed. When it became apparent that the protestors – CodePink, Veterans for Peace and sundry socialists – would be returning every Friday evening, we returned on April 15, 2005, and have been there every week since. We refocused the four corners of the entrance on cheering the troops after pushing the lefties far from the gates 62 weeks ago.

Here's just one of our four troop-and-mission-supporting corners that soldiers and families see as they exit the gates of Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday evenings. Tonight, tgslTakoma's freshly-laundered Mother of All Banners shone under a full moon. We have added Japan to our display of Coalition flags behind the MOAB.

Lurkers Al and Mary from Howard County, MD are back after a long absence, having been inspired by the Gathering of Eagles to rejoin us on Friday night. They greet southbound traffic, and cars turning right into the gates of Walter Reed. FReepers kristinn and TFroatz in the background, where you can also see our pink "Burma Shave" signs on top of the cars at left, warning passersby that the moonbats down the street aren't with us.

Oh, all right: here's the obligatory shot of the pitiful lefties, now that CodePink has abandoned their "vigil." For about a half hour, they had eleven people. Most of the night it was these diehards, whom we suspect are paid by their socialist union to stand there: (left to right) Ballerina Man, Bruce Wolf, Some Guy, Mrs. Wolf, and Some Woman with an entirely ungrammatical translation of "bring the troops home" in Spanglish.

Whatever.

FReeper Olney-Keith went down the street to confront one of the anti-war protestors. "Why did you choose to protest here?" he asked, noting that their signs now say they support the troops. "I believe you are demoralizing the troops." The moonbat claimed that they get plenty of support from soldiers and family members for being out there, another moonbat delusion. We have photographed and described every person present at their steadily dwindling gatherings for the past 102 weeks. We have documented plenty of soldiers going down there to debate with them, and well over a hundred soldiers or family members who have come to our rally and thanked us profusely while resenting them hotly, but we have yet to notice any, repeat, any, veterans of the current conflict standing with them. The War on Terror simply is not Vietnam, which is the vintage of these old hippie protestors.

"To his credit," Olney-Keith went on, "he said those 'No Blood for Oil'-type signs they had at first was when CodePink was running their protest, and that he thought that was 'deplorable.' So I asked why they don't go to the White House, the Capitol or the Pentagon? He said they are not here for political reasons, yet he was wearing a Veterans for Peace patch that says the number of the dead from the war in Iraq. He says they are here now to bring attention to the soldiers and support the troops."

So, why aren't they standing with us?
The answer is that they don't support the mission, preferring the typically Democrat position that the cost of the war should be spent instead on enlarging socialist programs that keep more people dependent on big government, willing to be invaded by illegal immigrants, eager to demolish the American work ethic and personal responsibility, and blissfully ignorant of the external threat of fascism.

New lurkers Trevor(left) and Karen joined Trevor's dad, lurker George (holding flag). At right is lurker Tony from DC, who is a Swiftboat Veteran and ardent supporter of Duncan Hunter, whom he has known since Hunter was freshly arrived on Capitol Hill.

Swiftboat Veteran Tony from DC (left) was greeted by a passing Vietnam veteran. FReepers Sensei Ern and Just A Nobody(center) and tgslTakoma (right) wave to passing Metro buses.

How About a Swiftie?
Swiftboat Veteran Tony from DC spent ten minutes engaging the Vietnam veteran at the wheel of the red car, debating the driver's skepticism about the Iraq war. His objections, and those of most presumptive Democrats, center around the money they believe Congress should be spending on big domestic welfare and education programs instead of defending proactively against terrorism. "If in another five years, a nuclear device goes off in New York City," Tony responded, "what we're spending now fighting terrorism is just a drop in the bucket of what it would cost to recover from that kind of an attack. It's nothing compared to what we will be spending if we don't win this war."

I asked Tony how he defines "winning this war." He replied, "When Iraq's army is ready to take the responsibility of their own country. Then we can bring the troops home. That's going to happen, even if the war continues, or continues at a lower rate. It's still better for al Qaeda and all the terrorists to focus their attention over there, not here."

Two Air Force corpsmen from Florida recently transferred from boot camp to Walter Reed, where they work as histologic techs, analyzing blood samples.

Although one is Korean-American and the other of European-American background, these two loyal buddies look like brothers. "I want to tell those Republicans who voted for Democrats in the last election," said the one on the right sporting a fresh tattoo, "that the military cutbacks will throw a lot of people out of work. The Republic needs a strong and ready military." They were just two of the many soldiers who came out to talk with us. One female troop from Texas was being pushed in a wheelchair by a male troop from California.

People from all walks of life wave, toot, holler and stop off to chat or to stand with us. Zachary and Dartanyan, two guys from the neighborhood, are in sixth grade.

Fraxinus, lurkers Laura from NY and MissUSA, and VAFlagWaver line up north of the MOAB on the northeast corner.

College Republicans wait for a busload of troops and family members to return to Walter Reed.

Here's the bus! "U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!!"

And here is a cellphone photo by FReeper CitizenSMASH of the entire group of College Republicans — Hoo-ah!! — with a sign made by Jimmy Valentine's Brother.

Tonight's Honor Roll included FReepers Albion Wilde, BillF, BufordP, Cindy-True-Supporter, Citizen SMASH, Fraxinus, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Just A Nobody, kristinn, Olney-Keith, Sensei Ern, TFroatz, tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter, [Mr] Trooprally and VAflagwaver. Lurkers included Al & Mary, Bill from MD, George & Ethel, Trevor & Karen, Laura from NY, Miss USA, Tony from DC, Zachary & Dartanyan, and 15 College Republicans.

Mmmm, pizza time! This is what goes on behind scenes and behind the MOAB. BillF is back with us after too long away. VAFlagWaver at right.

Join us this Friday as we rack up Week 103, eat pizza, drink coffee and hot chocolate, greet the troops, wave to the continuous whooping and beeping from passing drivers, and have a great time.
You never know who
might be inside some of those black window-tinted, chauffered Cadillacs
that roll on by.

* * *

Thanks to [Mr]Trooprally for taking the photographs. To view all his excellent shots from this week, click here.

Would you like to do something for a wounded troop at Walter Reed? Send a FReepmail to: PleaDeal; VAFlagwaver; Cindy-True-Supporter; Albion Wilde

To read about any of our past FReeps at Walter Reed, click here for the Archive of After-Action Reports maintained by Bufordp.

.

[Albion Wilde]

Bundle up tonight, and look forward to hot beverages and great companionship in the very fresh spring air!
Every week, more and more soldiers come out of the base and make the rounds to talk to us.
Don't miss out!

[Jim Robinson]

Congratulations DC! Great job!

[Doctor Raoul]

The moonbat claimed that they get plenty of support from soldiers and family members for being out there,

Yeah, Bruce lies his commie ass off. They rescheduled their protests to avoid seeing the dinner bus and have their lies exposed to the newbies.

[Albion Wilde]

DC Chapter ping!

[Doctor Raoul]

His objections, and those of most presumptive Democrats, center around the money they believe Congress should be spending on big domestic welfare and education programs instead of defending proactively against terrorism.

Most of the signs handed out by communists like ANSWER, UFPJ and ISO have that theme, "Money For Whatever, Not For War". And for the "whatever" they pich what they believe will bring the subject group to their side.

If you're for education, then "Money For Schools, Not For War".

If you're for the homeless, then "Money For Housing, Not For War".

And when trying to portray themselves as troop friendly, "Money For Wounded, Not For War".

[Albion Wilde]

Yeah, Bruce lies his commie ass off. They rescheduled their protests to avoid seeing the dinner bus and have their lies exposed to the newbies.

It wasn't Bruce that Olney-Keith talked to; it was one whose real name I don't know. Didn't seem too nice to call him Ballerina Man in the text.

[Albion Wilde]

"Money For Whatever, Not For War".

And what they really mean is, "Money for me, not for thee."

[mdittmar]

Thank you all.

[Albion Wilde]

WR National Readership List ping.

Freepmail me to be added or dropped from this list. Especially if you are getting double-pinged, people! (mea culpa!)

[Gracey]

Thanks so much for sharing. You guys are awesome. Bless each of you for doing this Winter and Summer.

[Albion Wilde]

Congratulations DC! Great job!

Jim, when I think of what would not have been possible without you and your astounding Free Republic forum — well, I just don't want to think about it. Ripples from the FR pond have gone out to so many thousands upon thousands of servicemen and women...

Thank you, Jim Robinson, and bless you!

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Congrats on the anniversary to all DC FReepers and Lurkers who have stood vigil at Walter Reed to support the troops!

[higgmeister]

That is what I thought of too.

Congratulations DC! Great job!

And,

Congratulations Jim Robinson!   Great job making a difference on so many lives!

[Milhous]

bttt

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Thank you all you D.C. Freepers. The rest of us are SO NOT WORTHY!

;^)

HUGS.

[DollyCali]

Absolutely GREAT FReep & complimentary Great report Ms. Albion..

thank you all for the great effort & enthusiasm you exhibit on such a regular basis..

God love you & so do I (okay, I KNOW you really dont care about my love as much as Gods...) But I truly know that your work is in God’s circle of love & I thank you so very much.

wonderful pix BTW.. and most of you KNOW how much I would like to be there & be shutterbug of the event..

sigh

Happy and Blessed Easter FRiends

[AliVeritas]

Excellent! God Bless you guys and gals.

[Doctor Raoul]

Ballerina Man is a VFP puke. A lot of their leaders are VVAW bastards.

[Fraxinus]

Weather update ping:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
533 AM EDT FRI APR 6 2007

DCZ001-MDZ003>007-009>011-013-014-016>018-VAZ025>031-036>042-
050>057-WVZ050>053-055-061400-
/O.EXT.KLWX.FZ.A.0001.070407T0400Z-070407T1500Z/
/O.CON.KLWX.FZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-070406T1400Z/
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-WASHINGTON-FREDERICK MD-CARROLL-
NORTHERN BALTIMORE-HARFORD-MONTGOMERY-HOWARD-SOUTHERN BALTIMORE-
PRINCE GEORGES-ANNE ARUNDEL-CHARLES-ST. MARYS-CALVERT-AUGUSTA-
ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-FREDERICK VA-PAGE-WARREN-CLARKE-NELSON-
ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-FAUQUIER-LOUDOUN-ORANGE-
CULPEPER-PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK-FAIRFAX-
ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA-STAFFORD-SPOTSYLVANIA-
KING GEORGE-HAMPSHIRE-MORGAN-BERKELEY-JEFFERSON-HARDY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WASHINGTON...HAGERSTOWN...FREDERICK...
WESTMINSTER...GAITHERSBURG...COLUMBIA...BALTIMORE...ANNAPOLIS...
WALDORF...ST MARYS CITY...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...
WINCHESTER...FRONT ROYAL...CHARLOTTESVILLE...LEESBURG...
CULPEPER...MANASSAS...MANASSAS PARK...FAIRFAX...ALEXANDRIA...
FALLS CHURCH...FREDERICKSBURG...MARTINSBURG...CHARLES TOWN
533 AM EDT FRI APR 6 2007

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS
MORNING...
...FREEZE WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

THE FREEZE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY MORNING. A FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM
EDT THIS MORNING.

THIS MORNING... UNSEASONABLY COLD AIR HAS OVERSPREAD THE REGION.
AREAS EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE ARE EXPECTED TO REACH NEAR FREEZING
BEFORE SUNRISE...WITH UPPER 20S EXPECTED IN MOST LOCATIONS WEST OF
THE BLUE RIDGE.

FOR TONIGHT...COLDER TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED THEN THIS MORNING...
WITH MID TO UPPER 20S COMMON IN THE REGION WEST OF THE BLUE
RIDGE...AND UPPER 20S EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE...EXCEPT AROUND 32
DEGREES IN BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON.

LIGHT WINDS ARE EXPECTED AFTER SUNSET UNTIL ABOUT 2 AM...THEN
WINDS SHOULD BECOME NORTHERLY AT 3 TO 8 MPH AFTER 2 AM. MOSTLY
CLOUDY SKIES ARE EXPECTED OVERNIGHT.

THE COLD THREATENS FRUIT TREES WHICH ARE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF
BLOOM...AND TENDER VEGETATION AND GROUND CROPS. BRING SENSITIVE
PLANTS INDOORS IF POSSIBLE.

COLD CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK
WITH SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES EXPECTED BOTH ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER
SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT