A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-03-02

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues;  salute
and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new
word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.  I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands
of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

                     

In the Spotlight....
....Reluctantly

WVNan FReeper since 10-17-98

Our spotlight today turns to a Woman of the Cloth, a woman who is uncomfortable blowing her own horn, a woman who says that FReeRepublic has been a lifesaver for her since October 1998. Nan told me that her hope for America was nil after the clinton elections. Even Rush didn’t help because it seemed that no one was listening to him. It was as if everyone in America was a brainwashed liberal. Then she found FRee Republic. As a novice with a computer, she was drifting around cyberspace to see what she could find. And what she found was FRee Republic -- through a link on Drudge, she found herself at home, stunned to find so many people who shared her ethical and political beliefs.

Nan is a monthly contributor to FR, dedicated to keeping the doors of truth open, but more than just politics keeps her tuned in and turned on to FR. There are FRiendships and favorite hangouts, and you will find her spending much of her time online right here on this thread. As she puts it, "I enjoy the Finest Thread because of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere I find there.."

Though not allowed by her Conference to openly campaign for candidates, Nan loves politics and works in whatever way that she can for local Republican candidates. She is active in the local Ministerial Association. Nan is the West Virginia State Coordinator for the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation (BEBRF), and founder of a West Virginia Support Group for people who have the disease. Additionally, as President of the Union Campground Board Nan was instrumental in getting the Campground designated as a United Methodist Historical site. A motivational speaker at clubs and organizations, Nan addresses the issue of living with chronic disease.

We have been getting to know some of FR's Finest and FRiendliest FReepers for over three months, and today I'm so happy that WVNan has given us a glimpse into her life with the following words and keepsake photos....

Some of the things I like to do are listed on my profile. My favorite color is pink. My favorite flower is the violet. I collect angels and crosses. My favorite pastime is reading, music, walking, and of course, freeping at the FR Finest thread. I love the Lord and my work as a pastor. Helping people in times of important life events such as births, weddings, illnesses and funerals is a privilege and a blessing.

Patriotism is woven into my soul with threads of experience. Dressed for Revolutionary Battle Days...

I am a “Depression baby,” born and raised in the deep South. Poverty and World War II shaped and dominated my childhood. My parents both worked in defense plants. My mother was brain-damaged in an explosion at Redstone. She was a casualty of war and a hero. Air raids, rationing, and saving newspapers and tin cans were all part of my daily existence. My uncles went off to Europe and I would look for them in the Movietone News at the Saturday Matinee. Defense of and love of America is imprinted on my heart and mind.

During the 50s I lived and worked in Miami. Three of my children were born there. My fourth child was born in Jackson, Miss. My husband is a former Marine who served in Korea.

During our years of marriage we have lived in Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia and West Virginia, and I worked as a secretary, a sales person, a booking agent, in public relations, a waitress, and traveled all over this beautiful country with my husband’s Bluegrass and Country band, “Lower Forty.” Below, our 'home away from home'.

At age 52 I answered a distinct call to the ministry and returned to college. I completed a B.A. in Sociology/Religion with a minor in Communications. Then I attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond where I received my M.Div. I have pastored for eleven years. Officially retired last June I accepted a part-time appointment where I’m enjoying the informality of a small country church.

A chronic neurological disease called Benign Essential Blepharospasm, a chemical imbalance in the area of the 5th and 7th cranial nerves, causes my eyes to close involuntarily and prevents me from watching television. The flickering of the screen triggers my blink reflex. The computer screen is more stationary and I have no problem reading. That is why I thank God every day for Free Republic, where I can keep up with the news and interact with people of like mind.

On May 4, 1999, I traveled to Washington D.C. with my son to attend the Rally and Dinner for the House Managers.

It was the thrill of a lifetime to meet Jim Robinson, and many other Freepers, as well as the House Managers, especially Henry Hyde. It was an honor to be able to offer the invocation for the Rally.

During my years at Free Republic I have written untold numbers of letters, made phone calls and sent faxes. Prayers for our country and our leaders and our military are part of my daily routine. I value the friends I have made in this place called Free Republic. Thank you Jim Robinson for making life better for all of us. ~ Nan

---

Finally, let me mention that, although Nan didn't include a great deal of information about her children, she is so very proud of them. All of them are creative. Her only daughter is a professor of Theatre and Drama at Appalachian State University; one son is a gifted artist; another a master of most musical instruments as well as a creative photographer. They lost their oldest son in 1979 to cancer. He, too, was a gifted artist.

Nan, each time I write one of these profiles of our very fine FReepers, I think....this is the best one yet. Can they get any better? And then I look back, and look ahead to those we haven't published yet, and realize that none really is better than the other.....you are all just unique.

You are special, WVNan...
One of FR's Finest!

THIS WEEKEND'S THREAD

09-30-02 Dansangel
10-01-02 MhKing
10-02-02 Profile Pages #4

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Aeronaut]

Coffee?

Oooohh yeah!

[ladyinred]

Your story about a very brave hero Pits has brought tears. He was so young, and yet so grown up. To risk his life helping and saving others takes maturity and bravery beyond his years. He could have escaped the enemy fire, yet he chose to stay and do his duty to his country and his fellow man. Wow, if anyone deserves the Medal of Honor, he does.
Thanks for telling us about this American Hero. I won't ever forget his story.

[Pippin]

Howdy, Billie!

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Billie. All must be right in the world. Here I am just across the river from New Jersey and the sun still came up on time. LOL

[xJones]

Good morning, Nan. What a hard-working and very patriotic life you've had, and with your faith and drive surely the best is yet to come! Kudos to you and your talented family.

she found herself at home, stunned to find so many people who shared her ethical and political beliefs.

I know the feeling. One look at some of the Democratic sites would be deeply depressing if there wasn't an FR.

Psst - Billie. "Atta-boy". Wasn't the lead hijacker named Mohammed ATTA? :D

[JustAmy]

God Bless you, lad, for posting the names of our fallen heros. Thank you for honoring them each day. May they rest in peace.
God Bless our Veterans!

[Billie]

Good morning, TLL!!

YEAH! Freepers Rock!

[ValerieUSA]

Enjoy your spotlight day

[lodwick]

A West Virginia sunrise

[WVNan]

Billie, what a beautiful job. You have gone way above the call of duty.

<--click

[g'nad]

mmmmmmm....venison stew...

[ST.LOUIE1]

Nan, you're a beautiful lady, inside and out. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, Gail! Nice to see you.

Watch out for Mama_Bear....she'll swipe your graphic. : )

[Billie]

Good morning, Mustard, and thank you for yet another "Medal of Honor" story (well, the other one deserved that Medal of Honor for his bravery in getting that crippled plane home)

It's so nice to have you here - we do so appreciate those of you who bring us these stories of bravery and want you to know that we never forget those who have fought for our country and those who are fighting now.

ladtx has been posting daily memorials to his fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed on 'this' date, and we've been following one of our FRiend's sons through basic training and beyond. The collages of veterans and active service men and women is updated as I get enough to create a new group. (started with only 5 groups on November 11 - we have 10 groups now, and rotate those groups, 5 at a time, every day.)

Thank you again, and please drop back in every time you get a chance.

[WVNan]

Good morning everyone! Wow loddy, now isn't that the prettiest sunrise yet? I'll be answering kudos in bunches today for the most part. Thank all of you for your kind remarks. Thank you Valerie for the beautiful stained glass window. As Billie said, I'll be pretty busy today. I worked really really hard yesterday so I would have a little time to check in every once in awhile at the Finest. Didn't Billie do a great job on my spotlight. I feel like a star. Autographs anyone?

[LadyX]

What a joy it is to see you featured, Nan!
As you know from our correspondence, we share so many common things in our growing up during WWII - the newspaper and scrap metal collections - buying war stamps to paste in war bond books - RATION books!
Not to mention the center of life - Saturday matinees at the movie theater, having otherwise only radio and newspapers and magazines for current news.
It was awesome to see the Fox films that preceded Roy Rogers and Gene Autrey.

Now look at us! LOLOL - connected in an instant with front row seats on all the action, and immersed in the politics that shape it.

We even have the Miami connection, since I was born there, living in Coral Gables until I was 9 1/2.

I salute you as a most unique and admirable human being, dear Nan, privileged to call you friend.

You are indeed God's Special Child, and I know He will bless you all your days among us - you are a beacon in the darkness to so many.

[Mudboy Slim]

"...each time I write one of these profiles of our very fine FReepers, I think....this is the best one yet. Can they get any better? And then I look back, and look ahead to those we haven't published yet, and realize that none really is better than the other.....you are all just unique."

Very well said...Congrats, WVNan, you deserve this day!!

FReegards...MUD

[WVNan]

Thank you for the flowers LOUIE. Very pretty.

[Billie]

Morning, Gail. I'm wondering about our Houston FRiends.....check in, guys and gals?

You are so thoughtful to post a graphic with Nan's favorite colors. :)

[ST.LOUIE1]

Hi, Pipster!!!