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.

[Kirkwood]

Yeah I corrected myself. Holiday Inn had Fred Astaire in it with Bing, right?

[luvie]

Yes....and I am sorry that I didn’t read further on down, or
I would have seen your correction.

No matter, they are both required watching around here at
Christmas! LOL!

[Kirkwood]

If anyone needs links to old Christmas TV shows, there are some here... Grinch, Charlie Brown, & Rudolph. Also Christmas music and stories, etc.
http://www.xmasfun.com/

[swmobuffalo]

LOL I love crablegs! But until the hubby can eat without throwing up it would be a waste of money!

[Kirkwood]

I can’t figure out why I get them mixed up. I really like the ending to White Christmas. So sentimental and sweet. I like Holiday Inn as well.

[luvie]

Cool website! Lots to look at besides the tv shows, too!

Thanks for sharing!

[luvie]

Well, the picture was in B&W, so that might have messed with
your mind.

A happy ending is aways perfect! :D

[Kirkwood]

Bing sings White Christmas in Holiday Inn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1GPxcxrBkI

And then in White Christmas the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00S-N3cy9DU&feature=related

[Kirkwood]

I can blame it on being tired. I think I need to call it a night as I’m ready to drop off right now. Surprised I stayed awake this long.

Good night everyone and take care until next time.

[luvie]

Those were wonderful! Thank you!

I got my fix right here on the computer! LOL!

[luvie]

G’night, Kirkwood. Sweet dreams...of sugarplums.

May you have a lovely Christmas this year!

See ya next time!

[luvie]

Hi, Tann!

Hope you can start your holiday soon. You probably need
a break!

Merry Christmas!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Yup!
I can’t play late..
Gotta be up early all weekend..
*sigh*
I’ll be heading out in just a few mintes.
I’m kinda draggin’ a bit, still.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Home safe and sound, but very slow....one accident had an SUV off the side of the road in deep snow where the sidewalk would be, and the other stuck in a turn lane, so everyone had to rubberneck in the black of night and no street lights (a police car was there protecting it from getting hit from behind).

No moosies tonight.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Okay..
Off to me bedchamber!
Love to all, and hugs alla ‘round!

[luvie]

Well, rats! I go answer an e-mail and ya konk out on me!

Sheesh!

Well, anyway....nighty-night! See ya. Please get your rest...
you are gonna need it with your schedule.

(((hugs)))

[mylife]

Wha? I missed ya?

Oh well, rest well. cya next time!

[luvie]

Glad it wasn’t you slippin’ and slidin’ all over the place,
and that you got home safely!

Hope you have a warm and cozy weekend!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yes, that's the little one. Momma's hindquarters are about 5 feet above ground.

Moose mate in the fall. When mating season is over, the moose's antlers will fall off. Mice and other rodents will gnaw on the antlers because they are a good source of calcium.

The female gives birth during the spring or summer. She usually has one baby. Moose calves can stand up within a day and they can swim within a couple of weeks. Calves are weaned after about six months and will stay with their mother until the next young are born. Mothers are very protective of their calves and will charge people if they get too close. Bull moose may also charge people and even cars during mating season. Moose can run as fast as 35 mph, so it's a good idea to stay out of their way! (And they NEVER look for cars before going out into the street.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I hear we are supposed to get wolloped up here come Sunday..
Got a weather map we can look at?
I’m not finding much..