Posted on 02/23/2008 10:03:10 AM PST by Tom the Redhunter
The predictions for Washington DC this evening were for unrelenting sleet and freezing rain. The temperature in this area during the winter floats at around the freezing point, usually going below freezing at night and warming during the day. When precipitation moves in this means rain during the day and sleet and freezing rain at night. Between this and a few inches of snow, I'll take the latter any time. But you get used to it.
Perhaps having learned their lesson several years ago in an incident whereby they did not predict a storm and we got hit hard, the weathermen seem to err on the side of caution these days. As it was we got a bit of rain but temperatures stayed above freezing so the worst did not materialize. It was still enough, however, that we could not deploy the MOAB, but thanks to the efforts of Mr & Mrs Trooprally and others we have weatherproof signs that we can always use.
Between that, a nasty flu that's been making the rounds in the area, and just the fact that we generally don't get as many participants in the winter, our numbers were not as heavy as they usually are.
That said we did occupy all four corners as usual. When the bus came the troops and their families saw support to lift their spirits.
As you can see, I had my rain hood up at the beginning. The "Support the Troops" sign in the background is the "Mini-MOAB that we deploy during times of inclement weather.
Mr Trooprally was in fine form on the opposite corner, also dressed for the weather. After you've done this for a few years you've got your weather gear down pat. The reflective stripes on his jacket react strongly to my flash.
Lurker Bill holds down his corner quite nicely as always.
Also joining us was Merrilee Carson "Shrek's Mom", President of Families United for Our Troops and their Mission. She lost her son, Army Sergeant Michael Carlson in Iraq. I thought I'd taken a picture of her but when I got home discovered it wasn't there, so I guess my little camera misfired. She was in town on business and wanted to stop by and join us. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your son. Thank you for FReeping with us, Merrilee, and we hope to see you again.
This happens quite often, whereby someone who is familiar with our Walter Reed FReeps will join us if they're in town for another reason. Make a note of it and if business or personal travel brings you near Washington DC on a Friday evening we'd love to have you with us. Contact information and directions is at the bottom of this post.
Despite the weather we always wave at the cars as they come out of Walter Reed and shout "Thank you!" to them. I can't say they always hear us but they do recognize the support because we get many many honks and waves. Regular passers-by in their cars and on foot wave and honk to us with regularity also. Whether or not all of them support the war itself they recognize the need to support the troops. It's not very often that we get rude comments or one-finger salutes but of course it occasionally happens. No big deal though because those people indite themselves with such behavior.
Spirits went up another notch with the arrival of VictoryNY! She is our most enthusiastic troop supporter, never running out of energy. Immediately upon arrival she grabbed one of the US flags and used it as a sort of pom pom while she cheered the troops for the benefit of passers by. I'm sure they heard her even with windows rolled up!
Fortunately for all concerned the bus came very shortly after 9:00 so we weren't out there much longer. In fact, the Pinkos were still packing up when the bus came by. The bus came by from the north, which meant that it didn't pass by the Pinkos, which was good because they troops and their families don't need to see them. In case you're not aware, the Pinkos pack up at 9pm sharp, while we of course stay as late as necessary to greet the troop bus.
There's not more to report for this evening but it was rather cold and wet and weren't even many Pinkos to take photos of (I took one, you can see it on my photobucket site).
Otherwise I think we're all familiar with the recent good news coming out of Iraq. Muqtada al Sadr has confirmed the extension of a cease fire for another 6 months, there has been much political progress (notice how the msm is largely silent and the Dems have stopped talking about "benchmarks?), and al Qaeda-in-Iraq is on the run and by some reports fleeing the country.
Thank you to everyone who reads this and supports the troops whether you can be with us or not, because we know you're there in spirit.
Please also FReepmail them or any of us if you would like to join us at Walter Reed and would like additional information about parking, directions, what to bring, etc.
Come join us every Friday night between the hours of 6:30pm to approx 9:30pm.
Directions to our Walter Reed freep location from the Takoma metro station
* You can find all of my photos for this Freep on mt Photobucket site.
* Thank you to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps.
* Thank you to Mr & Mrs Trooprally and everyone else who transports and stores our MOAB and our many signs and banners.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
* Plea Deal blogs at Semper Gratis
DC Chapter Ping
Good job,stalwarts.
Bumpity-bump!
Great job! Thanks from a fair-weather freeper. Thanks especially to lurker Bill for holding up the corner.
You are so wonderful! When I heard about the bad weather I had to wonder if you would have to cancel.
Thanks for anchoring the corners! Tom the Redhunter, trooprally, Lurker Bill, and VictoryNY.
Welcome Merrilee Carson, I hope you come back in the summer when I am there.
I hope each of you realize how much the other Freepers thank you for being there!
But other than that, REAL GREAT AAR, and timely, within 24 hours.
It was good talking to Merrilee last night. She is a real trooper. No sooner after she got out of her cab, we introduced ourselves, talked for a few minutes, and off she went to get a flag and sign. Unfortunately because of our lack of numbers, she had to "man" the southwest corner by herself with visits by you and Kburi.
VictoryNY was a pleasant surprise to Merrilee. As you said, VictoryNY's enthusiasm is catching.
[Mr] T
Glad to hear you had added help on Friday!
FR Mail on the way.
There now, you see? That is what Freepers need to be doing; running for city council/mayor/state rep/dog-catcher. Until we are willing for get and hold those state and local spots, we will never grow a conservative government. I wish I was young enough to run. I would be out there. Being old is the pits.
Good job Friday night warriors. I’ll bet Victory was a cheerleader in H.S. or college.
Not sure but we’ll check on it. She sure is inspirational.
[Mr] T
A little more.
VictoryNY and Lurker Steve had been inside Walter Reed visiting troops before joining us.
Thanks Tom for the speedy After Action Report.
God bless you for another fantastic job!
Richard and I were joined by Margaret on our usual corner in Studio City, CA last Friday. Our moonbats packup promptly at 7:45, and scurry off to their weekly commie meeting. About an hour and forty five minutes is all they can stand. Luckily we dodged the rain.
Keep up the great work! Say “hi” to everyone!
Will do. Thank you for stopping by and keep up the great work in California!
stay warm everybody. good job. wish I could be there.
You’re welcome! Good to know that “we’ve” got the coasts covered! As we tell the hippies, we ain’t leavin’ anytime soon. We don’t give up, and we don’t back down!
Landry Fan
Real good to see you on FR. Hope you are also staying warm and dry. Yea, its tough holding down the corners without you but we are managing. As you can see from this week’s numbers, sometimes we barely manage but there are enough regulars for a decent showing.
[Mr] T
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