Walter Reed FReep 177 - September 5, 2008 - Remnants of Hanna

September 10, 2008 | Tom the Redhunter

[Tom the Redhunter]

It wasn't raining when I got there.

I knew there were hurricanes and tropical storms that were moving inland throughout the U.S. But me being me, I had only briefly checked the weather earlier that day and it seemed to show only a chance of showers for that evening. The real rain would come on Saturday.

So ever optimistic, and not wanting to have lugged the MOAB into the car that morning and having driven it all the way to Walter Reed for nothing, I figured sure, let's put it up, we won't get rain.

Trooprally tried to warn me. "Looks like rain," he said. Best to just go with the our mini-MOAB. But no, I thought, the rain will hold off, and anyway it's always better to have the big one for the troops.

So we put it up, and it seemed that no sooner did we have it up but it started to rain.

Sigh.

But it did look good for the troops, and that's what counts. I belatedly realized that the reason why no one had argued with my decision to put it up was that they knew I'd be taking it home and would have to dry it out. It wasn't their problem if it got wet!

Here's Cindy-True-Supporter ready for the showers

Honor Roll of FReepers Your author Tom the Redhunter, BufordP, Cindy-True-Supporter, Fraxinus, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Lurker Bill, RonGKirby, Satin Patriot, Sensei Ern, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, USNRetired, and 3DJoy.

Here's USNRetired and Satin Patriot before the rain got going. The hat ended up coming in handy as a rain shield later!

height = 300

As always we got a good deal of honks and waves from the cars. They may think we're crazy out in all weather, but I would imagine that after three years they've come to respect our dedication a bit as well. We are certainly thankful for the support shown by the residents of Washington DC. It's all the more impressive when you consider that the area is overwhelmingly Democrat.

Later, when I saw Sensi Ern arrive on his motorcycle, I didn't feel so dumb about putting up the MOAB. He ended up leaving a bit early, and we wished him a safe ride home!

Here he is, enjoying one of the tomatoes that Mrs. Trooprally brought.

"height = 300"

It was hard for poor Mrs Trooprally to get good photos in the rain and drizzle at night. My hat is off to her and all of our other fine photographers for risking their cameras in all sorts of weather conditions.

It's especially hard to get good photos of the Pinkos, because to get a frontal shot you have to be across the street. The traffic on Georgia Avenue is heavy, so timing the shot for a break in the cars can be a bit difficult. Add to that darkness and poor weather and they have their jobs cut out for them.

Of course, one might argue that a poor photo is just what the Pinkos deserve.

Here's the better of the two that Mrs Trooprally got of that that evening:

For awhile, it only drizzled and sprinkled. Even this came through in bands, so it wasn't so bad. Eventually though it came down harder.

What It's All About

All this is just a prelude to the main event; the arrival of the troops! They go out to dinner every Friday evening, courtesy of various charities which fund the whole event. They go out to different restaurants and even embassies, so it's really quite a treat. Parents and spouses of the troops go also.

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If you can't get to D.C. to join us but would like to do something for the wounded, you can find a wealth of ideas by FReepmailing Tom the Redhunter, Cindy-True-Supporter, VAFlagwaver, or PleaDeal.

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 Mrs. Trooprally's photos for this Freep on her Photobucket site.

* Thank you to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps.

* Thank you to all FReepers who transport and store our many signs and banners every week.

* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter

* Plea Deal blogs at The Redhunter

[Tom the Redhunter]

DC Chapter Ping!

[freekitty]

You did good.

[Doctor Raoul]

Nice work everybody.

[WVNan]

Through rain and snow...............

Thank you one and all.

[PleaDeal]

Good job, Tom!!! This “fair weather” FReeper will be back on camera duty this week :)

[trooprally]

Yep, nothing like reading your great report and having flashbacks of a wet FReep. Yep, thanks. :-))

You forgot to mention that the rain stopped in time for us to pack up. At least that was a blessing.

Thanks for posting the WR report.

And looks like more this weekend. PM rain on Friday. Looks like you get to decide if you want to bring the MOAB.

[Mr] T

[BufordP]

morning bumpage.

[Taxman]

Taxman Bravo Zulu!

[\/\/ayne]

Every time it rains (in America) it rains freedom from heaven! Great job, folks!