FReeper Canteen ~ It's Finally Friday ~ 19 December 08

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ It's Finally Friday!! ~

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER

Santa Claus holds one of the children of Kivalina, Alaska, while members of the Alaska National Guard deliver toys, Dec. 6, 2008, as part of annual Operation Santa Claus. The guardsmen provide toys, books and school supplies for young people in communities across the state this time each year. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Paizley Ramsey

Canteen Mission Statement

Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

2008 USO HOLIDAY TOUR VISITS TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

Grammy award-winning musician Kid Rock, American Idol contestant and country musician Kellie Pickler, and musician Zack Brown entertain troops stationed at Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, during the 2008 USO Holiday Tour. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Click for more tour pictures

BUG EYES

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-46E helicopter prepares to land aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans under way in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 6, 2008. The USS New Orleans is on a certification exercise as part of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Barker

Aaron Neville ~ Louisiana Christmas Day

Ann Margret & Al Hirt ~ Baby, It's Cold Outside

Alabama ~ Christmas In Dixie

Julie Andrews ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Jambalaya Cajun Band ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

FACE OF DEFENSE: REFUGEE SURVIVES WAR, BECOMES U.S. SOLDIER

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq, Dec. 17, 2008 – A former war refugee traveled across countries and continents in search of a better life -- a remarkable journey that ended in the United States when he became a U.S. citizen and a soldier.

Army Spc. Samuel Ladu, 20, a translator with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, grew up in Sudan during the country's second civil war, and vividly remembers his life during that time.

"It was miserable because of the war," Ladu said. "We were living to survive. From day to day, if we woke up in the morning, we thanked God."

Ladu called a small farming community on the fringes of Juba, Sudan, his home for about 20 years. Ladu and his family were surrounded by two fighting factions.

"In the city, there were bombings every day," Ladu said.

Ladu's father died when he was 6. Soon after, his older brother, Charles, developed glaucoma. Two unsuccessful surgeries by underqualified doctors left Charles blind for life, Ladu said.

This left Ladu and his mother to care for Charles in a war-torn area with scarce food and money. His opportunity to leave Sudan came shortly after receiving a blessing from his mother to move away and search for a better life.

Ladu led Charles and his cousin to neighboring Ethiopia in search of treatments and an education. He continued his high school education there while living on rations of beans and corn provided by shelters and refugee camps. Surviving in Ethiopia became more difficult as time passed.

"While I was in Ethiopia, I considered going back to Sudan," he explained. "I couldn't go through with it, though. In Ethiopia, I didn't talk to anyone, and I didn't have any food to eat, so life became so difficult."

The rest of the story

CHARGE!!

Following the casing of the brigade, battalion and division colors, soldiers assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment perform a cavalry charge accompanied by a helicopter flyover performed by the 1st Cavalry Division Air Cavalry Brigade on Fort Hood's Cooper Field, Texas, Dec. 12, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Phillip Turner

Perry Como ~ I'll Be Home For Christmas

5 For The Gospel ~ Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Jim Reeves ~ Jingle Bells

Andre Previn (conducting) ~ What Child Is This?

S Cecilia Orchestra & Choir

SAILORS HURRY

081215-N-9095H-069 NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 15, 2008) Sailors assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Squadron (MESRON 4), hurry to meet their family members waiting in the Naval Station Norfolk Air Mobility Command terminal after returning from a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael R. Hinchcliffe/Released)

WELCOME HOME, DADDY!

081215-N-9095H-046 NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 15, 2008) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class William Kapun, assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MESRON 4), is greeted by his family at the Naval Station Norfolk Air Mobility Command terminal during the squadron's return from a seven-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael R. Hinchcliffe/Released)

Please remember that The Canteen is here to support
and entertain our troops and veterans and their families,
and is family friendly.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top 3....fan bags the bronze!!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Gosh, I worry about you!
Please take good care and rest up, ok?
*HUG*
That’s an order!
;0)

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[SandRat]

Senior Master Sgt. Sandi Renville carries Christmas gifts at the North Dakota Veteran's Nursing Home Dec. 10 in Lisbon, N.D. The gifts are given to veterans at the nursing home by the North Dakota Air and Army National Guard each December using funds raised through personal donations given by the North Dakota National Guard members. Sergeant Renville is assigned to the 119th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp)

[SandRat]

Capt. Penny Ripperger gives a Christmas gift to Navy veteran Howard Kvamme at the North Dakota Veteran's Nursing Home Dec. 10 in Lisbon, N.D. The gifts are given to veterans at the nursing home by the North Dakota Air and Army National Guard each December using funds raised through personal donations given by the North Dakota National Guard members. Captain Ripperger is the 119th Wing public affairs officer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp)

[AZamericonnie]

Happy birthday Tom & many happy returns of the day! *Hugs*

[SevenofNine]

Great Mia Farrow ex husband one of his famous song I tell you one thing Mia know how hook up with singer and composers

and crazy pedophille director like Woody Allen

HAPPYYYY BIRTHDAY Tomkow6

Hey Tomkow I got quesiton are you going be new Senator of Illnois I hear Bladgo sold you the gig

[SevenofNine]

Hey Connie I have good authroity Tomkow going be new Senator of Illnois

[Kirkwood]

Worry about me?
Thanks, but I'm pretty tough.

[Kirkwood]

Terrific photos, SandRat!
Thanks for sharing those.

[MEG33]

Happy Friday To The Canteen

Thank You To Our Military and Their Families
Christmas Joy To Everyone

[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL
Dat’s cute!
I know yer tough, but I always worry when a member of the Canteen Family doesn’t feel well!

[AZamericonnie]

LOL.....I’m certain he would be an improvement!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Daddy's little boy has a moose. These were in my sideyard a couple nights ago.

When I went out for more pictures, she "woofed" at me...first time I've heard a sound. I soon found out why.

[SandRat]

Happy Burkha Birthday!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Merry Christmas almost, fan....are you ready for your festivities?

[Lady Jag]

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME



FIVE OLDEN BINGS!

[Kirkwood]

Oh Boy! I love your moose pictures, Kathy. I wish I could see them in person. Do they eat up your shrubs? Do you only see them in winter?

[SandRat]

Mommas protecting baby!!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

LOL!!! FIVE OLDEN BINGS!

I love it!! Good evening, Lady J....are you snowing yet? We are still waiting.