USO Canteen FReeper Style Salutes Norfolk Naval Base .... November 6,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

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The USO Canteen FReeper Style
Delivering a Touch of Home

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A Touch of Home

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This is how I think of the USO Canteen 
Freeper Style. It is like a cottage down a road,
a place where a weary veteran can spend the night. 

Since it opened, it is magical how so many
Freepers who post here, feel it too. 
It has been so dear how the Freepers
kept making it a cottage - a home-type of 
place that had a huge living room
for them to visit in and a dance floor, 
a library, etc. 

Many Veterans have written to me, 
saying that the Canteen is like home
to them for the first time since they 
served. 

This is your Canteen -
a respite from our busy 
and sometimes troubling world. 
Make yourself at home.

Snow Bunny

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If you know a Veteran, someone in your family, 
friend of the family, neighbor, who served their  
country, take a brief moment of your day to thank 
them. 

Thank them for the sacrifice they made
for the better good of their country.

We at Free Republic, and the USO Canteen FReeper 
Style, are thankful for every service member 
in our military, who has served our great nation.

So, to the men and women who answered the call,
In both times of war and peace, thank you.

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Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. 

John McCrae 

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Norfolk Naval Base

Just a few miles down the James River
is the gigantic Norfolk Naval Station,
home of the Atlantic Fleet, whose ships,
including six aircraft carriers,are providing
firepower and logistics for Operation
Enduring Freedom in South Asia.

Nearby at Little Creek Amphibious Base,
Navy SEALS train for Afghan operations.
In Virginia Beach, Oceana Naval Air Station
is the base for many of the carrier aircraft striking al-Qaida.

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth
will be refitting city-busting Trident
submarines so they can attack terrorist camps
with highly accurate conventional missiles
rather than nuclear-tipped ones.

Naval Station Norfolk occupies about
4,300 acres of Hampton Roads real
estate in a peninsula known as Sewells
Point. It is the world`s largest Naval Station;
in fact, based on supported military population,
it is the largest military station in the world.

When the 76 ships and 138 aircraft homeported
here are not at sea, they are along side one of
the 14 piers or inside one of the 15 aircraft hangars
for repair, refit, training and to provide the ship`s or
squadron`s crew an opportunity to be with their
families. Naval Station is homeport to aircraft carriers,
cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines,
a variety of supply and logistics ships, C-2, C-9, C-12
and E-2 fixed wing aircraft, and H-3, H-46, H-53, and H-60 helicopters.

Port Services controls more than 3,100 ships
movements annually as they arrive and depart
their berths. Port facilities extend more than four
miles along the waterfront and include some
seven miles of pier and wharf space.

Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight
operations each year, an average of 275 flights
per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000
passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo
depart annually on Air Mobility Command (AMC)
aircraft and other chartered flights from our airfield.
It is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European
and Central Command theaters of operations, and to the Caribbean.

NORFOLK NAVAL AIR STATION, Virginia --
President Bush on Tuesday praised the development
of high-technology weapons systems as part of his
plan to "keep the peace." The Commander-in-
message came in an address delivered to a crowd of mostly military personnel at the only NATO
military base in the United States, the headquarters
of the Allied Command Atlantic (ACLANT) in Norfolk, Virginia.

021009-N-9964S-075 Norfolk, Va., aboard
USS Harry S. Turman (CVN 75) Oct. 9, 2002 –
Steven Tyler (2nd from right), lead singer of the
rock band “Aerosmith” along with Joey Kramer (right),
the band’s drummer, take a tour of flight deck control
where a crewmember explains how aircraft are moved
in the hanger bay and on the flight deck of Truman.
“Aerosmith” boarded and toured Truman while the carrier
was pier side at Norfolk Naval Station. The band had
returned to perform in the area, having cancelled their
original performance scheduled for September 11, 2001
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class
Christopher B. Stoltz(RELEASED)

Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA. Apr. 16, 2002 -
An Electronics Technician 2nd Class heads home with
his daughter, at pier 6 after returning from deployment
aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61).

At sea aboard the cruiser USS Cape St. George
(CG 71) Apr. 19, 2002 - The Secretary of the Navy,
the Honorable Gordon R. England, addresses
crewmembers of the Norfolk, Va.- based cruiser,
thanking them for their dedicated service.

Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Apr. 20, 2002 —
A Navy wife greets her husband, an Interior
Communications Electrician 1st Class, as he returns
rom a deployment aboard the amphibious transport
dock ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12).

Norfolk Naval Station, Va., Apr. 25, 2002
U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67)
returns to her homeport.

Norfolk, Va., May 6, 2002 — Assisted by tugs,
the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
glides up the Elizabeth River past downtown Norfolk's
waterfront on its way to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in
adjacent Portsmouth, Va.

Naval Station, Norfolk, Va., May 7, 2002 —
Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, far right, along with
members of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's Honor
Guard and Mr. Jon Clodfelter, second from left,
demonstrate the design of a new commemorative
Virginia license plate honoring those who lost their
lives during a terrorist attack the guided-missile
destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67).

This is why the USO Canteen FReeper Style is here,for our troops and their loved ones serving now! And to thank Veterans that have served!

[sultan88]

Hi, Miss Bunny! Thanks for focusing on the Norfolk Naval Base. I'm not far from there. Great election last night!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Terrific cartoon, cote. All Right Wing. Now it's time for them to do their conservative jobs. Thanks Canada.

[HiJinx]

Posting that was my pleasure! It came in the e-mail this AM, and our Cap'n Duchess came to mind immediately. I just had to share it with everyone.

Then, I find out that she has personally met Mr. Bradley...wowzers! What a coincidence!

Anyway, I'm about done with work for this day. I'm headed home to see how much of my Honey-Do I can get done before it gets dark...I have about an hour before that happens!

BBL...HJ.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good day, yes! Thank you for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Work hard! See ya later. Wanna go cruising with us? Duchess thinks she's in charge.

[ProudEagle]

You know Kathy,

I'm feeling pretty good today. Sat on my front porch early this morning and the coffee tasted extra good. Seems like the country we all served came back to life last night. America stood up and said we're tired of it. We took back the Senate. In Nevada they told the gays what they thought of their marraige proposal (although in LAS that's kind of hypocritical), here in Washington the voters threw out yet another gas tax initiative and a few other money grabbing wasters. Minnesota said no to another socialist idiot whose failures President Reagan had to clean up. Maryland stood up and was counted. This morning Winona Ryder was convicted today. Our President is rumbling about throwing out the tax code. How much good news can I handle in one morning.

But the best part of it all was watching Dan Rather squirm last night. By golly you'd of thought the country was moments away from a nuke attack the way he was calling election results. He was beside himself. He even made the comment on the Bushification of America. I haven't laughed that hard in years. The fear in his eyes was priceless. Yet the sad thing is he'll never get it. He'll never understand why America ignores him and Jennings. Hollywood stars are all whining today because they've found out ordinary America doesn't give a flyin whoop about what they think or whether they'll leave the country. They all found out we have something far more powerful and valuable than their cameras and their money. We have the priveledge of voting. Of speaking our mind. And with that we tell them what we think.

Yep, it's a good day in America. I knew she was out there somewhere. Quiet, resiliant, gentle, tolerant, caring, decent, God fearing people with the patience of a saint...until we're pushed too far. Last night we pushed back. God bless America.

You take good care up there, you've been getting shook pretty good lately. Hope all is well.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Hi. Thanks again for that.

Gotta nip my mistake in the bud - James and I did not actually meet. I must have made it sound (unintentionally) like we did, but I only know him "electronically". He's my favorite author (and he's currently working on another book which should be just as riveting as Flags of Our Fathers), so that's been pretty cool for me - as I said, he is generous with his time and what is so great is that he has given so many people an understanding of just how much our men and women in uniform go through to defend our freedom.

He will always have my gratitude for that.

Great post, Jinxie. Really wonderful.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Maybe we'll see how well she handles the position.

Keep it up, sailor, and we'll see you before the mast!!! LOL

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Why thank you, Belle!

So you had a good time yesterday? Danced with the G-Man, did you? (And a handsome two year-old he is!)

Didn't actually meet James - just talked to him on the phone a few times and emailed for a while. I hope his new book is every bit as successful as the last one, which is probably the single book that has most impacted my life. He shared with me what the story line will be, and it is a dramatic war story that I am really excited to read about. (Another story from WWII in the PTO.)

So, like that. : ) How are you doing today, beautiful girl?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yep, it's a good day in America. I knew she was out there somewhere. Quiet, resiliant, gentle, tolerant, caring, decent, God fearing people with the patience of a saint...until we're pushed too far. Last night we pushed back. God bless America."

What a beautifully written summary of yesterday's happenings, ProudEagle. Watching the "unbiased media" squirm was a delight. And you are right, Dan Rather will never get it, nor will Hollywood. They can't even keep their word to leave the country because President Bush is so awful. When push comes to shove, they know that they could never make the money they make, or spout such junk any other place but the United States of America. God Bless the USA!

[Kathy in Alaska]

My goodness, you are quite the butterfly today. Very nice.

[Kathy in Alaska]

What an excellent idea! Publishers printing and sending books to our troops. Good find, and thanks for posting it, Jinxie.

[Chris_Noel_Knows_]

Hi All! I am new around here, but have lurked a long time and am so proud of the efforts that FR has made to support our brave troops.The elections have filled me with a great pride for this wonderful country, and I wish that any serviceman reading my words will know that we Americans have given President Bush the tools to help you all out 100%! You all are in our thoughts and we owe you so much.

I hope to come back here often to share my thoughts about what the Armed Forces mean to me as an American.

[Chris_Noel_Knows_]

Thank you, SAMWolf, for your reply to me.If you post them,you can bet I will thank you again for those great shots of our troops.

[SAMWolf]

Ever the gentleman, actor and comedian Robin Williams kisses the hand of an airman from the 438th Air Expeditionary Group shortly after arriving at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Williams toured various bases in the area to boost morale by meeting and talking with deployed troops fighting the war on terrorism. "Basically, I did not want people to forget the troops in Afghanistan, and, at the same time, I wanted troops to know the people at home still care about them," Williams said. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Darlene Johnson, from the 438th Expeditionary Services Flight, serves up lunch to actor and comedian Robin Williams at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Williams was on a United Services Organization tour visiting troops deployed for the war on terrorism. This was his first USO tour. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

During a visit to the 438th Air Expeditionary Group at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, actor and comedian Robin Williams gets briefed on the gear that is used by U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue teams. Williams is on a United Services Organization tour visiting troops deployed for the war on terrorism. The comedian said he doesn't want Americans to forget military members are defending their freedoms abroad. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Actor and comedian Robin Williams shows unabashed pleasure at receiving a U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue t-shirt from a member of the 438th Air Expeditionary Group at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Williams once portrayed Vietnam-era military disk jockey Adrian Cronauer in a film. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

[SAMWolf]

Actor and comedian Robin Williams greets members of the 11th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Air Force, during a visit to a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Williams said he was "very impressed with the extraordinary people here — the men who left their wives behind, the women who left their families, and the reservists who left jobs and families." U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Actor and comedian Robin Williams talks and jokes with Army and Air Force Exchange Service employees during a visit to the 438th Air Expeditionary Group at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Actor and comedian Robin Williams lights up faces all around as he talks to troops from the 71st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a visit to a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Actor and comedian Robin Williams autographs the side of an RQ-1B Predator during a visit to a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

Actor and comedian Robin Williams autographs the cast of Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rory Deaton, from the 776th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, during a visit to a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Later, Williams continued his United Services Organization morale tour with a stop in Rome. U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. William Greer

[Jen]

Hey Sam! Nice pix. I didn't know Robin Williams is so furry! Look at his arms. WOW. I like fur, but that's TOO much of a good thing.

Sorry I haven't been around for awhile - haven't felt well for a few days. Good to see you.

[SAMWolf]

Hi Jen, I hope you're feeling better. Robin Williams is definately a "Furry".

[SK1 Thurman]

Thanks for that beautiful floral autumn arrangement!!!
Went to the doc's today and I will have surgery next month. He will do a subtotal thyroidectomy. Removal of most of the gland as I have mutiple nodules. The right being more dominant. Sure hope it relieves this awful feeling that I have in the throat area. Keep in touch and I will keep alcon posted.

Sandy

[COB1]

Darn, Sandy!
I didn't know you were having problems!
Keep us posted on the surgery.

I'll say a prayer for you, gal!