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.

[MEG33]

(((HUGS)))Plans are for them to come here..
The only way I see snow is in pictures!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Too funny....those cats rock.

[luvie]

Mr and Mrs swmobuffalo

~Gary Morris~The Wind Beneath My Wings
[click]

[Kirkwood]

Actually that movie was White Christmas and not Holiday Inn. I always get those two mixed up! Sign of old age I guess.

[Tanniker Smith]

Good evening, Kathy! Good evening, all!

[luvie]

Yes, she does! So you might as well just get used to it!

LOL!

Of course, we worry about her, too, when she’s AWOL! ;D

[luvie]

Yes, it is good that it’s Friday....one day closer to having
the Christmas crazies over with! LOL!

[swmobuffalo]

thanks for the good wishes!

I’d like to report a fabulous celebration will take place but unfortunately hubby is sick AGAIN. More tests, won’t know til tomorrow if he has to be in the hospital. So, Red Lobster may have to wait!

[luvie]

Evenin’ Connie! (((hugs)))

Good to catch up with you! Guess what? They’ve started opening
Manuel’s on Friday nights again. In fact, they never quit,
but our favorite waitress, Elsa, couldn’t find us to let us
know! LOL!

Thanks for your wonderful Tribute. God bless our troops!

[luvie]

God bless all our heroes! I think the wall is growing daily!

May they all stay safe, wherever they are!

[luvie]

You’re welcome!

Sorry hubby is not feeling well...hope and pray that he’s
up and about again really soon! Red Lobster will still be
there, I’ll betcha! :D

[Allegra]

Hi Ma!

Any mama and baby moose updates?

[luvie]

I think I like this version better than the later one. However, that picture isn’t from Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn
had Fred Astaire in it instead of Danny Kay.

I think this is a black and white photo from “White Christmas”.
Though why they would do it in black and white is a mystery
since that movie was in Technicolor.

I actually love both of them...and Bing Crosby’s “White
Christmas” always reminds me of my dad, who idolized him.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, Allegra...you are up bright and early. Did you have a good breakfast? No sighting yesterday, but moose nuggets everywhere. d:o)

[swmobuffalo]

Love White Christmas! Especially Bing and Danny Kaye doing the “Sisters” routine!! Best part of the whole movie!

[Allegra]

Good morning, Allegra...you are up bright and early.

It's that jet-lag. My body-clock is soooo confused. LOL

Did you have a good breakfast?

I'm going down to have breakfast shortly. Today will be my last day of indulging in non-chow-hall food for a while.

Is that the baby moose in that one picture you posted? If so, that's a pretty big moose-baby!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Off for home...

[luvie]

That is one of the best moments....and then when they pull
back the garage doors and show that it is snowing outside...
it’s so beautiful!

[luvie]

Be careful....stay away from Moosies! :D

[SandRat]

OH-CRUD!

Red Slobster Delayed.