[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.

[anniegetyourgun]

Too awesome for words!

[The Mayor]

Hi Billie!

Let's start off with a big cup of Coffee

[ladtx]

This is terrific! FReepers have got to be the most patriotic and giving people in the country, and patriciaruth tops the list. You guys are great!!

SCOUTS OUT!!

[The Mayor]

Fantastic!

[kayak]

patriciaruth, let me join this little lad in thanking you for all that you've done ...... for FR and for our military. How glad we are to have such a special person here on FR! With people like you among our Finest, it's no wonder FR is the wonderful place that it is!

[COB1]

GOOD MORNING TO ALL!

Patriciaruth, congratulations on a job well done!

Thank you freepers for making it possible!

[Diver Dave]

Good Morning. What a GREAT FReeper and a GREAT presentation. I'll give y'all a "10" in all catagories.

Welcome to FR's Finest... Hall of Fame, patriciaruth. You have gone above and beyond the call to support our troops.

Thank You!

Atta Girl, patriciaruth!

[Mixer]

Good morning all.

Patricia....I have added you to the FReeper calendar for next year since your join date is in March. You can check it out here... FReeper Calendar

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning Billie and all of our Finest FRiends. I have been looking forward to today also!

Patriciaruth not only adds so much to this forum through her posts on various threads, but is a most passionate supporter of America and our military.

As everyone can see from the lovely tribute that daisyscarlett and Billie has created for her, she has put countless hours in on projects to insure that our military serving in duty stations far from home know they have not been forgotten. I am so pleased to see her honored today. And yes, it is just like her to make sure that on her day in the spotlight, she would insist upon bringing along everyone with her who contributed to Project Kosovo and Project Silk Scarves.

Patriciaruth, you are truly a very special angel to our servicemen and women. Thank you for all you have done and thank you for inspiring others to join you in remembering and supporting our military.

[swheats]

Thanks for the ping Billie. I'm proud to be a part of such awesome folks. Patriciaruth, do we have time to get another Christmas package out?

[jwfiv]

You eagle angels have this knack of topping yourselves over and over. Wow. Thank you for an inspiring beginning to another day in paradise.

patriciaruth, bless you for all good deeds. Taking care of our soldiers is a fine and noble act. Thank you.

Snickers bars and silk scarves...it would make a good title for a country song.

God blesses the USA in so many ways. Good people like patriciaruth, our hostesses and FR itself, our soldiers, our President, these all are His gifts.

Y'all make me proud.

[2Jedismom]

Thank you so much for pinging me! I loved reading about this all over again. I stayed in touch with the chaplains for a long time sending care packages now and then, but then lost contact a while back.

I have since contacted another group with the help of 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub. I'll be sending Christmas cards and care packages to the 24th MEU based on the USS Nassau.

All of this began because of patriciaruth!

[deadhead]

Thank You Patricia for all the wonderful work you have done. Congratulations on being today's honoree, you deserve it. The Certificate of Appreciation is awesome, Thank You for sharing it. Have a wonderful day!!!

~~~Colleen~~~

[ST.LOUIE1]

Congratulations, PR!
You're a very special lady.
An *All American* girl. : )

[Mixer]

Happy FReeper Anniversary to William Wallace.

[habs4ever]

That is a very nice touch.Well done!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Good morning, BillieBlue!

Terrific!!! : )

[firewalk]

Thanks for the ping Billie.

Congratulations patriciaruth!

[Temple Owl]

Marvelous! We should try very hard to get Patriciaruth to run for office. She is like you Billie-- our kind of guy who knows how to get good things done.

Have a good FReeper day.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for the heads up, Billie!

And to you, patriciaruth, I extend my deep appreciation for all that you have done, all that you are, and for all you will do! Hugs!