[Billie]

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.

[Billie]

Good morning! This is a special day at the Finest, one that daisy and I have been so looking forward to posting. She spent so many hours gathering the information and writing it, along with patriciaruth's guidance and help every step of the way; Mama_Bear was gracious to have patriciaruth mail the certificate to her so that she could scan it and send to me for inclusion, and I got to do the most fun part: putting it all together once the information was given me. Because of the length of the tribute, we've done things a little differently, and our veterans photos are not posted today. They return tomorrow.

I have added several names to this post, and some of you may be wondering why you're getting pinged for the first time. For those, let me say that today's honoree made a special point to mention and thank each and every one of you who helped her with Project Silk Scarves and Project Kosovo Care Packages. She wanted very much to share with ALL of FR the Department of Defense' Certificate of Appreciation that she received for FReeRepublic earlier this year.

[ladtx]

In memory of my fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in that war the following were lost on OCT 29. God bless them all.

1967 1LT Thomas J. Chiminello -- 57 MED DET, Age 24, San Antonio, Texas
1967 WO1 Forrest D. Rains -- 57 MED DET, Age 21, Columbia, South Carolina
1969 WO1 Conrad J. Wheeler -- D/3/5 CAV, Age 28, San Marcos, Texas
1972 1LT Dexter B. Florence -- D/17 CAV, Age 25, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Memoriam to 1LT Florence: Died of wounds sustained in action in Quang Ngai, South Vietnam.

Dexter was a hero in every sense of the word. He loved his country, and served it proudly. He was taken from us too soon, as were 58,000 other brothers, sons, fathers. From Dexter's family to the other families who lived through what we did.it is our sincere hope that they all find peace and comfort somehow, that their loved one was indeed a hero, and that there are so many people who DO appreciate and understand their tremendous sacrifices.

Tacie Florence -- Sister

IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLADE

SCOUTS OUT!

[lonestar]

HIP, HIP, HOORAH!

[MissAmericanPie]

Thank you for the ping, this is wonderful. Patriciaruth is such a warm and caring person, it's so nice to see her recognized and just like her to want to share the spotlight.

[Billie]

Happy Anniversary!
Four Years Today

[Diver Dave]

To each and everyone here at FR who had a part in Project Kosovo and the subsequent projects that followed, Thank You.

Tears of gratitude are welling up. May GOD Bless each and every one.

[Aquamarine]

Thank you for all that you and the other FReepers here have done for our Troops.

[Flyer]

Patriciaruth, you and your projects are so deserving of this day in the spotlight.

(I'm wondering what you have up your sleeve for the next project??)

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Hey, look! A picture again!

God Bless America, land of the free, home of the brave. . .

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County Road 4442 - Jasper County, Texas

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[reaganite]

Thank you for honoring patriciaruth. She is truly an inspiration. This was a very complicated project, but she really pulled it off with determination and love. I'm thrilled that she is being recogized for all of her hard work and devotion. Way to go, patriciaruth!

[JustAmy]

Good Morning ....... I'm baaaack!

[eureka!]

Bump for patriciaruth and all freepers for what they did and are doing for our troops. I am sorry I missed out on the scarf project (too much time in news).....

[Salvation]

PatriciaRuth,

Thanks for all you have done for our troops. I had no idea there even was a Project Silk Scarves!

God bless you and all your efforts.

Salvation

[JustAmy]

Happy Anniversary, William Wallace!!

[Bigg Red]

Thank you for the ping, Billie. patriciaruth is a great lady and a true patriot.

[Jim Robinson]

Congratulations PatriciaRuth and Mtngrl@vrwc! And a big thank you to all who participated! Outstanding work!

[potlatch]

Thanks so much for the ping. I hadn't been on Free Republic long when I read about Patriciaruth's projects for the Military.
I was very impressed with her hard work, and glad to have helped in a small way. She is very deserving of this honor. Regards, potlatch.