Posted on 10/08/2008 4:47:41 PM PDT by Tom the Redhunter
This is arguably the best time of year to FReep; the weather is not too hot, not too cold, it's just right.
While thinking of this I couldn't help but to think of the fable of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. For some reason I did a search for it on the Internet and wouldn't you know turned up something called the Goldilocks Phenomenon?
You can thank me for this knowledge later. On with the AAR.
Cars arrived right at 6:30 and we started to get set up. I had on a short sleeve shirt and wouldn't need a jacket or sweatshirt until later. Did I mention that the weather was just right?
We didn't have our MOAB tonight, but no matter, we got the "Mini-MOAB" up and flags flying! Before long we had our signs out and were receiving our usual quota of honks and waves from motorists.
Honor Roll of Attendees BufordP, Cindy-True-Supporter, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Lurker Bill, RonGKirby, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, USNRetired, Chris & Bruce, and your author Tom the Redhunter
Myself, BufordP, and Cindy-True-Supporterget going early on. BufordP loves his stogies!
The Pinkos were especially weak this evening. They had 3 people for the first couple of hours, and I don't think their final total even hit a half dozen!
On most evenings one or usually several troopers and/or their families come out of the hospital to talk with us and thank us for our efforts. Like most FReepers, I suppose, it is awkward when they thank us, as it should be the other way around. When this happens we thank them, it goes back and forth for a minute and we end up agreeing that we support each other.
On this evening we were visited by Sgt Raymond Hubbard (ret) and his assistance dog, Dace.
Dace comes from an organization called NEADS, or Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans. NEADS is a non-profit organization, organized under section 501c (3) established in 1976. Their mission is to "provide rescued dogs and donated puppies to assist people who are deaf or physically disabled in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school."
Sgt Hubbard told us that he had been with the Wisconsin National Guard, and was deployed to Iraq in February of 2006, and was hit on July 4, 2006. He lost the lower part of his left leg. After initial treatment in Iraq, he was sent to Walter Reed, arriving on July 7 of that year. After more surgeries and rehabilitation at Walter Reed, he was released from the hospital and retired from the service. He recently returned to WR (now as a civilian) for follow up treatment.
He said that he had seen us from during his first stay, often from the dinner bus that at the time went out to Fran O'Briens. He came out this time just to thank us because he felt bolstered by our presence here during his first stay.
VAFlagWaver got in a good pose with Sgt Hubbard
Unfortunately we weren't able to get any good photos of the troop bus tonight, but no matter, it's the point that counts; once again the troops and their families were able to see American Flags, supporters and their signs instead of Pinko traitors as they arrived back at the base.
Thank you to Mrs Trooprally and VaFlagWaver for taking the pictures for this FReep. I think this is the first time VaFlagWaver has taken them for an AAR, so welcome and we are glad to have your contribution!
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.
* You can find all of VaFlagWaver'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 the FReepers who transport and store our many signs and banners every week.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
* Plea Deal blogs at Semper Gratis
DC Chapter Ping!
Thank you so much Freepers for always being there.
Nice story about the dog and his partner! Thanks.
I am glad the weather is good for you and I hope it continues for a looooong time!
God Bless all the FReepers who stand vigil on Friday nights.
I had an elderly aunt who was totally deaf from birth. She was given a hearing dog--a little Sheltie. That dog was the smartest thing I think I have ever seen. He alerted my aunt to the doorbell ringing, the oven timer, and other ordinary sounds.
The best thing the dog did, though, was go through his paces when we set off the fire alarm. That dog would not stop pulling at my aunt until he had her out the door and to the back of her lot. Absolutely amazing.
Bears repeating. Dittos
Great report and pics. It was good of the Sgt. to stop by and his story will no doubt serve to bolster you all as less amenable weather creeps up. May you never be far from a habitable zone.
Niiiice AAR - Thanks for the time and effort put into writing it.
While the weather is great this time of year, it is starting to get dark a little after 7. It is hard to see the passing supporters waving to us.
[Mr] T
You guys are great!!
Good morning bump!
For the record Tomtheredhunter,
FReep 181 was October 3, 2008, not September 3rd.
Also, Kburi was in attendance.
Good report.
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