FReeper Canteen ~ It's Finally Friday ~ 18 December 09

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

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ It’s Finally Friday!! ~

TROUBLESHOOTING (FREEPER MEG33’s GRANDSON !)

091122-N-9500T-223 GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 22, 2009) Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Adam Cook, right, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Oran Hill, assigned to the Easy Riders of Helicopter Anti-Submraine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), troubleshoot an electrical fault on an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter prior to an early morning launch in the Gulf of Aden. Chosin is the flagship of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate to actively deter, disrupt, and supress piracy off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)

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.

COBRA’S ANGER

U.S. Marines conduct combat operations during Operation Cobra's Anger in Now Zad, Afghanistan, Dec.4, 2009. The operation disrupted enemy supply lines and communication in Now Zad, once a safe haven for Taliban forces. The Marines are assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Walter Marino

BASTOGNE 'BULGE' PARADE

U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon McIntosh, left, carries the U.S. Flag and Adjudant Chief Henri Plessiet, a Belgian solider, carries the Belgian flag with the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Color Guard during the Battle of the Bulge anniversary parade in Bastogne, Belgium, Dec. 12, 2009. Plessiet is the first soldier from the Belgian 1st Field Artillery Regiment to carry his nation's flag. U.S. Army Garrison Benelux photo by Christie Vanover

Celtic Irish Rovers ~ Danny Boy

Karen Kraft ~ Christmas Hymn

Elvis ~ Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Hillsong ~ Joy To The World

Wynonna ~ O Holy Night

VOLUNTEERS HONOR VETERANS WITH WREATHS

Lt. Col. William Fellows and his son lay a wreath during Wreaths Across America Dec. 14, 2009, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, Colo. The Civil Air Patrol run the Wreaths Across America program, and CAP members and volunteers lay wreaths on graves in veterans' cemeteries nationwide. Colonel Fellows is from Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Steven Clark

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USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) HARRIERS

091205-N-1524B-197 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2009) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 is on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Harriers from VMA-311 became the first AV-8B aircraft to operate off the ship during combined combat system ship qualifications trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Douglas Bedford/Released

Norman Luboff Choir ~ Twelve Days of Christmas

The Chipmunks ~ The Chipmunk Song

Beto & The Fairlanes ~ We Three Kings

Ann Margaret & Al Hirt ~ Baby It’s Cold Outside

Jimmy Sturr ~ Przylecieli Aniol Kowie

'BABY NOURAH'

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jason Hickman holds Noor Hassam Oudah during a celebration in her honor in Baghdad, Dec. 9, 2009. The 1-year-old known as “Baby Nourah” was born blind with congenital cataracts. With help from their families and friends, North Carolina National Guard soldiers raised money for the operation she needed to gain her sight. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ruth McClary

WELCOME HOME, DADDY !!

091215-M-9234F-001 HONOLULU (Dec. 15, 2009) Lt. Brian Roberts, assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, embraces his son during his return to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Roberts returned from a five-month sea duty assignment aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG-37). (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alfredo V. Ferrer/Released)

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

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[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.

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

God Bless Our Republic

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation UNDER GOD,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Prayers going up

[Kathy in Alaska]

It's Finally Friday

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

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

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS

CLICK FOR Current local times around the world

CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

[Brad’s Gramma]

She’s baaaaack!

;)

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you for this evenings thread Ma!

W00h00 Megs & your handsome grandson!

*hugs*

[Kathy in Alaska]

CHINOOK LOOK - U.S. soldiers look over their CH-47 Chinook before an aircraft turnover mission on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 1, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Murray

[AZamericonnie]

With help from their families and friends, North Carolina National Guard soldiers raised money for the operation she needed to gain her sight.

Our Troops Rock!

[MEG33]

Oh, Kathy, I just love it..Thank (((YOU)))

My daughter thanks you!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

2LT Rebecca USA (Daughter of U S Army EOD)
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
AbnSarge USA
Allegra
aviator USAF
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
ConorMacNessa USN USMC
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCPL Carter USMC
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Alan USA (brother-in-law Stonewall Jackson)
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Gray USA (colorcountry’s son)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SPC William Akin USA (Step-son of BlueLancer)
SrA The Black Knight USAF
SSG Brian USA (repubmom)
SSG Dustin USA (SIL of U S Army EOD)
SSG Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSG Spencer USA (grame)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
txradioguy USA
USAFSecurityForces (son of visualops & TheStickman)
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

United States Marine Corps Band ~ National Anthem

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

 Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day; 
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee. 

(Click on graphics for music)

[SandRat]

In.

[MEG33]

Christmas Blessings To Our
Armed Forces, Our Veterans
Their Families and Supporters

"A Soldier's Christmas"

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
*
Good Evening To The Canteen

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[MEG33]

;o)
Thank you, (((connie)))

[fatima]

WOW,I love it Meg.((((((Hugs)))))))

[fatima]

Wow,Your Grandson at the top.((((((Hugs)))))))

[MEG33]

It’s an oldie..I love it, too.(((fatima)))

[Kathy in Alaska]

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Thanks, Meg, for the wonderful poem for our troops.

God Bless and watch over our military men and women wherever they serve.