[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

My viewpoint of the USO Canteen.

Recently I was reading some of the e-mails
FROM the military about the USO Canteen.
This made me realize a couple of things that I'd like to share with you.
It really does not make a difference what we think about the USO Canteen.
It's what they think that really matters.
They read our posts and view our graphics.
To them we act as a connection between them and the real world.
Many of them can only lurk, a few can post.
They realize that we All really do support them and their families.
They know, as we know, this is going to be a very long war.
They "listen" to what we say and look to us as a source of security.
The security that the folks at home have not forgotten them.
Some are in far away places, some are probably as near by as your local military base.
All are serving our country and defending our Freedom.
Now we All know that we do not discuss politics on this thread,
just the same way as a real USO Club is political free.
I would like to remind All of us that it is important that any negative posts be avoided.
Besides our military we have celebrities such as Bob Hope who have visited the USO Canteen.
I'd even venture to guess that the Commander-in-Chief has been here,
or at least been told about the USO Canteen.
We are in a unique position and along with that comes a responsibility.
Our posts and remarks reflect upon Jim Robinson, whom without his forum we would not exist.
There are going to be times when some of us may disagree with someone else.
That's part of human nature.
It's imperative that in those rare instances that any negative comments be done via FReep mail.
Please remember that "the eyes of the world are upon us"
and you never know who may be reading your post.
It is my own personal belief that God lurks here also.

Finally let me take this opportunity to Thank each and everyone of you here.
I am proud and honored to be among some of the finest people on earth.
May God Always Smile upon you.


In Honor of those who gave their lives and those who were gravely disabled.
Thank You Brothers and Sisters for your sacrifices.

And Thank You to ALL who have and still support our Armed Forces.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Tonk. Thanks for the reminder in your post.

[Pippin]

Good Morning,Tonkin! That was agood post and needed to be said. Thanks for the reminder. God Bless! CS

[MistyCA]

Thank you, Tonk!

[Jen]

A Direct Hit, my FRiend! Jen

[GATOR NAVY]

Re your #4, good post. I'd like to thank you and Snow Bunny and everyone else here for your daily efforts.

A little info on myself, I'm stationed in Japan and have been here for over 12 years. Not complaining, it's by choice. My wife is Japanese and although we will eventually retire in the States, I have promised her we will stay here as long as we can until then, and so far I've been pretty sucessful.

Anyway, because of this, I very rarely get to talk to an American who isn't in, or in some way related to, the military.

I appreciate FR and the USO Canteen because it gives me a chance to hear what regular Americans are thinking. Thanks again to all of you.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Tonk. Very well stated.

[summer]

bttt

[Victoria Delsoul]

Powerful post #4, Tonk. Thanks for reminding us who this thread is for.

[Mr_Magoo]

I wish to comment about a joke I posted late last night. I want you to know that I hesitated posting it. Frankly, I have held back for a few weeks posting that one because it could be construed to be a bit bawdy(sp). When I did post it, it was late at night so that exposure to children was at a minimum. My decision to post it was because I felt that it would be appreciated by the troops. Also the woman in it (in my view) described the women who post on the Canteen threads everyday. Ummm, I mean that in a good way. The Gals on these threads can make anything out of nothing. Amazing.

I hope I did not offend anyone with that joke.

[Mama_Bear]

My viewpoint of the USO Canteen.

Tonk, your point of view on the Canteen is mine also. Well said, and a big DITTO to every point you made.

[stand watie]

well said!

[deadhead]

"May God Always Smile upon you."

Great post Tonkin, and May God Always Smile on you. :-)

[whoever]

..Please remember that "the eyes of the world are upon us" and you never know who may be reading your post. ..

What a wonderful post, my dear Mr. Tonk. You are so right on with these comments. I am grateful that you posted them with all the love and devotion you have for The Canteen and for our precious military.

[SpookBrat]

Hiya Tonk!!!! How ya doin? I really appreciate what you said in #4. Very diplomatically and lovingly put. :) Hugs to you my friend. I've missed your tenderness. You're such a nice, sweet man.

[Grammy Bear]

I was a day late reading your post Tonk, but I want to tell you what a great post I think it is and I think for many of us you said what we were thinking. Thanks