A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day......August 20 & 21-07....Military Tribute

Billie, The Mayor

[The Mayor]

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 have been including them here as I receive enough to make another collage.

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.

We have featured 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!

Every Monday we 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, Neets, 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.

TOP: DollyCali, Wheelbarrow, DollyCali's dad, DollyCali's brother, Jen's Mom's daughter Jen.
MIDDLE: Warthogtjm dad & Warthogtjm, SoldiersPrayingMom's son jmpmstr4u2,
Indy Pendance's daughter, Agthorn's dad.
BOTTOM: Tupac, GulfWar1Vet, SandRat, JRios1968.

TOP: Jaxter, MozartLover's son, mystery-ak's son, mystery-ak's husband.
MIDDLE: skimask's son, silent_jonny's dad, dwhole2th's son, jackv's son.
BOTTOM: Jen's Mom's father, txradioguy.

FR FINEST HALL OF FAME #19 THE WEEKEND THREAD 08-17,18,19-07.... T.G.I.F. at the Finest

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

[Dubya]

Sgt. Adam R. Morrison, squad leader, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, is currently deployed to Iraq and said the hardest part of the deployment is transitioning from all out war to winning hearts and minds.

[Dubya]

“First to Fight”

* Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps.
They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics.
* Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.

“Leathernecks”

* The Marines’ long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875.
* The leather bands around their threats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.

“Devil Dogs”

* In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines.
* Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans calling Marines “teufelhunden,” referring to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary origin.

“Esprit de Corps”

* The “spirit” of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all members.
* It implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.

“Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue”

* Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all-Marine battle in history.
* Admiral Nimitz’s ringing epitome of Marine fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II.

“Jarhead”

* A slang term used by sailors as early as World War II to refer to members of the Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine dress blues uniform, with its high collar, to a Mason jar.

“Semper Fidelis”

* The Motto of the United States Marine Corps.
* Latin for always faithful. Faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.

“Once a Marine, Always a Marine”

* The motto of the Marine Corps League.
* Having earned the title of Marine it becomes a integral part of who and what we will become later in life.

OTHER MARINE QUOTES

Come on you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?

* Do you who said that?

[Dubya]

“Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there.” (Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC, April 1965.)

“You don’t hurt ‘em if you don’t hit ‘em.” (Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC, 1962.)

“Retreat Hell! We’re just attacking in another direction.” (Attributed to Major General Oliver P. Smith, USMC, Korea, December 1950.)

“xxxdam it, you’ll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!” (Captain Henry P. “Jim” Crowe, USMC, Guadalcanal, 13 January 1943.)

“Come on, you sons of bitches-do you want to live forever?” (Attributed to Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly, USMC, Belleau Wood, June 1918.)

“Once a Marine, always a Marine!” (MSgt Paul Woyshner, a 40-year Marine, is credited with originating this expression during a taproom argument with a discharged Marine.)

“I can’t say enough about the two Marine divisions. If I use words like brilliant, it would really be an under-description of the absolutely superb job they did in breaching the so-called impenetrable barrier. . .Absolutely superb operation, a textbook, and I think it’ll be studied for many, many years to come as the way to do it.” (General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, USA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 27 February 1991.)

“I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world.” (General Douglas MacArthur, USA, outskirts of Seoul, 21 September 1950.)

“Casualties many; Percentage of dead not known; Combat efficiency; we are winning.” (Colonel David M. Shoup, USMC, Tarawa, 21 November 1943.)

[Dubya]

“The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle!”
GEN. PERSHING, US.ARMY

“Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking!”
FERDINAND FOCH

“We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem!”
CHESTY PULLER, USMC

“The more MARINES I have around the better I like it!”
GEN. MARK CLARK, U.S. ARMY

“I want you boys to hurry up and whip these Germans so we can get out to the Pacific to kick the s**t out of the purple-pissing Japanese, before the Godda**ed MARINES get all the credit!” Lt General George Patton, US Army 1945

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” GEORGE ORWELL

“Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a sledge-hammer!”
MAJ. HOLDREDGE

“A ship without MARINES is like a garment without buttons.”
ADM. DAVID PORTER, USN

“The MARINES have landed and have the situation well in hand!”
RICHARD HARDING DAVIS

“Casualties many; Percentage of dead not known; Combat efficiency: we are winning!”
COL. DAVID M. SHOUP, USMC

“I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence.”
GEN. JOHNSON, U.S. ARMY

“The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a MARINE CORPS for the next 500 years.”
JAMES FORRESTAL, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

“Come on, you sons of b*****! Do you want to live forever?”
GySgt. DANIEL DALY, USMC

“We’re not retreating, Hell! We’re just attacking in a different direction!”
GEN. OLIVER SMITH, USMC

“I have just returned from visiting the MARINES at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world!”
GEN. DOUGLAS MACARTHUR, U.S. ARMY

“Teufelhunde! (Devil Dogs)”
GERMAN SOLDIERS, WW1 at BELLEAU WOOD

“So they’ve got us surrounded, good! Now we can fire in any direction, those b*****ds won’t get away this time!”
CHESTY PULLER, USMC

“We have two companies of MARINES running all over this island and thousands of ARMY troops doing nothing!”
GEN. JOHN VESSEY, CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS

“Retreat hell! We just got here!”
CAPT. LLOYD WILLIAMS, USMC

“The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of MARINES. LORD, how they could fight!”
MAJ. GEN. FRANK LOWE, U.S. ARMY

“Panic sweeps my men when they are facing the AMERICAN MARINES.”
CAPTURED NORTH KOREAN MAJOR

“Our Country won’t go on forever, if we stay soft as we are now. There won’t be any AMERICA because some foreign soldier will invade us and take our women and breed a hardier race!”
LT. GEN. LEWIS “CHESTY” PULLER, USMC

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985

“There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and those who have met them in battle. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.” Unknown

WE STOLE THE EAGLE FROM THE AIR FORCE, THE ANCHOR FROM THE NAVY AND THE ROPE FROM THE ARMY.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY WHILE GOD RESTED, WE OVERRAN HIS PERIMETER, STOLE THE GLOBE AND WE’VE BEEN RUNNING THE WHOLE SHOW EVER SINCE.

WE LIVE LIKE SOLDIERS, TALK LIKE SAILORS, AND SLAP THE HELL OUT OF BOTH OF THEM.

WARRIORS BY DAY, LOVERS BY NIGHT, PROFESSIONALS BY CHOICE, AND MARINES BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

[Dubya]

[Diver Dave]

Ten Thousand Gobs
Laid down their swabs
To fight one sick Marine

Ten Thousand more
stood by and swore
'Twas the greatest fight they'd ever seen

An old poem shared with me by my FIL (a WWII Submariner) when my twin and I joined the Marines and Navy respectively.

[Dubya]

LOL Good one Dave.

[Diver Dave]

...I also want to thank YOU for serving this great country of ours.

Thank You, It was my honor and privilege to serve. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

[ConorMacNessa]

GOOD MILITARY MONDAY TO THE FINEST!

---

---

The Soldier’s Code

1) I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

2) I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.

3) If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

4) If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me, and will back them up in every way.

5) When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies, or harmful to their cause.

6) I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, August, 1955.

[Dubya]

EDWARDS TO BE HONORED FOR HIS WORK TO SAVE THE WACO VA HOSPITAL WEDNESDAY AREA VETERANS INVITED TO ATTEND

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Chet Edwards will be honored by Waco community leaders for his efforts to keep the Waco VA hospital open Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Waco VA Hospital Campus Building 6. The reception at 11:30 a.m will include a formal recognition ceremony of Congressman Edwards for his vision and leadership resulting in the Waco Veterans Hospital remaining open to serve area veterans.

In 2003, the VA Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Series (CARES) Commission released a plan that called for closure of the Waco hospital. Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington and community leaders in Waco, Congressman Edwards partnered with Senator Hutchison to reverse that proposal in 2006. In 2005, Edwards pushed for House approval of legislation authored by Senator Hutchison designating the Waco VA as a “Mental Health Center of Excellence.” As Waco’s congressman, Edwards was the leader of the effort in the House of Representatives to keep the Waco VA Hospital open.

In 2005, Edwards created a research program that positions the Waco VA Hospital as a world-class post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health care research center. The research program, funded by Edwards with an initial appropriation of $3 million, combines the expertise of the Waco VA Hospital with Fort Hood, Texas A&M University, and Baylor University to better understand the root causes of PTSD, and improve treatment options.

In 2007, as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee that funds the Department of Veterans Affairs, Congressman Edwards has so far this year authored historic increases of nearly $12 billion in the VA budget for 2007 and 2008. This increased funding will not only improve services for America’s veterans, but also strengthen the mission of the Waco VA, and provide the Department of Veterans Affairs the flexibility to potentially expand services at the Waco VA.

[The Mayor]

August 21, 2007

Distressed Travelers

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Matthew 11:20-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28

After a long journey from Hong Kong, which involved a 7-hour layover compounded by a 3-hour delay, we arrived in Chicago. We missed the last flight to Grand Rapids, our destination, by just 20 minutes. The airline arranged hotel rooms for us, and we took a shuttle for a short night’s rest. We must have been a pretty sorry sight to the hotel staff. One of them looked at us, shook his head, and simply said, “Distressed travelers.” Perhaps in the travel industry that is a common term, but it was new to me. And it felt appropriate after 2 hard days of travel.

That experience was, for me, something of a metaphor for life. We are pilgrims in this world, traveling to a heavenly home that will be beyond description. Along the way, however, the cares and burdens of the journey can rob us of our hope and joy. We become distressed travelers in desperate need of encouragement and refreshment. The Lord calls to weary pilgrims like us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Only He can give us rest for our souls to strengthen us for the road ahead.

Are you distressed in your journey? Lean on Him! His love and care are there to restore your heart. 

Strength and courage for the weary,
God’s own hand to guide each day—
This and more is for the asking
When we meditate and pray. —Anon.

As you travel life’s weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.

Bible in One Year:   Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4

[MEG33]

Good Morning To The Finest

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Antonio Alvarado jokes
with two Iraqi boys during a patrol through the
Adhamiyah district of Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 10,
2007. Alvarado is attached to Bravo Battery, 2nd
Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment.
~~~
*Thank You*
To Our Greatest Ambassadors

[MEG33]

Amen ,Mayor..I am posting and running this morning..I’ll be back late today. Thank you always for our Daily Bread.

[DollyCali]

Dubya...great quotes.. thank you . I am going to put them into a humor & "things" mailing I do a few times a week (give you credit, of course)

Good morning to the Finest...cooler weather & lots of rain..please check out Carrie's prayer thread for the update with photos on Gretchens cousin's daughter.. info submitted from her mom & sister..

UPDATE HERE

[GodBlessUSA]

[Majie Purple]

Hi Luvee! Glad to read, and see(by pics)that You & Your Hubby are hvaing such a fun time!
Thanks for checking in and, wow, even pings from You while on vacay!

[Majie Purple]

T Y CMac,have a good Tuesday!

[Dubya]

Vet told to buy own Purple Heart gets it for free

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, left, awarded the Purple Heart to Korean War veteran Nyles Reed, right.

Steve Ueckert: Chronicle

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks, Maj - you have a good one too.

[Billie]

Thank you to those who are serving or have served.

A Soldier's Story
by Cpl. Shaun Sanders, USMC

In July of 2005, I was shipped home from Al Asad, Iraq. Along the way, we had layovers in Kuwait, ireland, and Dallas. There were only about 20 of us on the flight home. When we arrived in Dallas, we were tired and weary from being overseas for seven months (this time), flying literally across the globe (again), and then having to go through the long and tedious line and inspection that is U.S. Customs.

We were irritated and exhausted, and wanted nothing to do with one another or another or anyone else. Mostly, all we really wanted was a hot shower and a decent bed. Upon completion of customs, we began walking to our next gate through a tunnel that opened up into a larger walkway, and that's when we saw them.

There were people everywhere, dressed in patriotic red, white and blue, holding signs, cheering and clapping. We were absolutely overwhelmed. There were other veterans from previous wars, as well, and one of them I will never forget. He was wearing a "Vietnam Veteran" baseball cap with the dates he'd served. I walked directly up to him and we shook hands and hugged one another.

He said, "Thank you, Marine", and I said the same. I then whispered into his ear, "Sir, I want you to know that our generation understands that you guys didn't get this kind of treatment when you came home from Vietnam. Thank you for being the better man." He cried, and I moved on through the rest of the people wanting to say thank you.

That's what it feels to be a veteran: when two complete strangers from two very different generations can shake one another's hand with a connection of experience and understanding.

Needless to say, all of the weariness and fatigue we'd been feeling had subsided. Hundreds of people had organized a welcome home ceremony in an airport for 20 Marines none of them even knew. Nowhere else in the world can you find people so supportive and caring. That's what it feels like, to me, to be a veteran. Semper Fidelis. "To those who've fought for it, Freedom has a taste that the rest will never know."