USO Canteen FReeper Style....OhioWfan & Son Eric .... November 8,2002

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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The USO Canteen Honors FReepers
who have served, or are now serving their country.

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This Week's Canteen Honoree

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You may have a loved one who has served in the past.
We at the FReeper USO Canteen would like to honor each and every one.

Today for FReeper Friday
we are looking at a Mother
and son together.
Many of you may already know
OhioWfan and her love for America .
Now we will meet her son Eric that is
carrying on the fine tradition of being a
Patriot in his service to our country.

Because Eric has already been featured
at FR’s Finest and because we here at
the Canteen salute those that have
served in the past or are serving now
we would like to pay tribute to Eric
and his mother together as our
salute to both of them.

Eric was born in 1984, the third of
four children, he graduated from
High School in the class of 2002 .He
He graduated from his highschool
with a 4.0, and was Valedictorian

He has been an avid Civil War collector
since he was 8 or 9, but the only things
he ever really wanted were the guns and
the swords. He ran an entire Cross Country
race on a stress fracture in his foot because
he refused to quit ‘pressing on toward the goal.’

He is quiet, yet bold ,so bold in his faith
that he told his classmates Sunday in his
Valedictory speech that the only way they
could have a truly successful future was
through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. His
greatest desire in life is to serve that Savior
and live a Christ-like life, and to serve others.

He is handsome, mature, stable, interested in
history and politics, fiercely competitive,
wanting to be the best he can be at everything
he pursues, a talented athlete and musician,
and well liked by his peers.

Eric entered Basic Training for the U.S. Army
shortly after graduating from high school at the
Army Basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

Victory Field in Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Eric's finished his training and he received
the Distinguished Honor Graduate award. He
was first in both classes which graduated.

As her son is serving, OhioWfan is
serving our country as his mom, with
all the concerns , prayers and hope too
that a mother has for her child.

She is a FReeper,a prayer warrior
for our President and our country, a
wonderful artist and shares with us
her talent as an artist.

This is a sketch she has done of President Bush

Eric is a fine young man and his honor
and integrity is a reflection on his parents.
We are grateful to have met OhioWfan and
Grateful too that we can share in her life as
Eric’s deservedly proud mom. It is an honor
to have met both of them and we thank them
both for being what America is all about.

OhioWfan had the opportunity to
see and hear President Bush, through
the graciousness of fellow freeper,
WVNan, who invited her to West Virginia .
WVNan was also able to get a ticket for Eric
to go with them as well.

We went to the Civic Center 4 hours
early to get good seats, but were able
to get a spot on the floor right by the rail.
The President was inspiring and energetic
in his speech, and clothed in humility.....in
Eric's words 'he seemed almost embarrassed'
by the adulation he received.

After he had spoken, he came down the stairs
in front of us and began to greet the people
along the rail.

When he got to me, I said "I pray for you
and Laura every day." He looked at me,
and with obvious sincerity said, "Thank
you. That's the kindest thing you can do
for me." Then he reached out, hugged me
and kissed my cheek. He then shook Eric's
hand, who was overwhelmed with the
privilege of shaking hands with his
Commander in Chief.

Eric ~ OhioWfan ~ WVNan

Thank you OhioWfan for being the
lovely lady you are and for sharing
a part of your life with us that is very
special……..your son Eric.And thank you
Eric for your service to our country and
being the fine young man you are.

My Soldier's Mom

My child, you glow in uniform
In pride I live, my heart so warm
I have such precious thoughts cascade
Some old, some new, not one will fade
How hard that day we said good-bye
The joy, the pain, etched in my eye
You left to serve our Country well
My perfect one, my tears did swell
No better soldier could there be
For in my love, that’s all I see
Oh how I pray for you each day
Be safe, be well, God guide your way
I keep your Home in wait with me
Your Mom will guard it faithfully
How great the day when you’ll return
We’ll talk and talk, night-lights to burn
My Soldier’s Mom, is who I am
While you do proud, for Uncle Sam

Written By Roger J. Robicheau
former US ARMY Veteran
Specialist Fifth Class

[ohioWfan]

I thought you'd like it, mountaingirl, and I didn't know if you'd been pinged.

From one dedicated Mom to another, eh? Thanks, friend!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Seven for keeping us up to date.

[The Mayor]

This is from an E-mail I got today!
I get the Federalist twice a week, it's a great read..
It's where I get most of my quotes from...

Please take a moment to say "Thank You"!

Please take one minute out of your day to visit the Department
of Defense Web page below and add your name to a brief message
thanking the men and women of the U.S. military services for defending our freedom,
then forward this message to your friends or associates and ask them to do the same.

The compiled list of names will be sent out to soldiers,
sailors and airmen at the end of the month.
Visit -- Department of Defense Web page
(Circulation of this message is being sponsored by The Federalist,
the most widely read e-journal on the Internet.
To have The Federalist digest of news, policy and opinion delivered free
by e-mail to your inbox each week, link to -- federalist.com

"To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
--George Washington, First Annual Address, January 8, 1790

Remember, it doesn't have to be National Military Appreciation Month to thank a service member!

Thankyou for Protecting us!
You are number 1,274,897

[bluesagewoman]

A friend brought this photo to my office this morning. I promptly e-mailed it to my husband. He wanted to know if those were bird feet hanging from the hole. I told him I thought they were, but did he think it was enough evidence to call it a birdstrike, and it must have been an awfully large bird considering the size of the feeties. He thought the "evidence" for birdstrike was overwhelming, but I am still unsure. I mean isn't there a defense called, "I didn't do it, nobody saw me, you can't prove it?" These are merely feet, not smoking guns.

BTW, Kathy, I keep seeing reports of some giant bird-creatures up your way. Suppose this might be one of those abominable snow birds? (Need more Velcrow.)

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Cote, it's one of the things I enjoyed doing.

[Jen]

Your bird is a comedian, Jen! LOL!!! Does he imitate sounds too?

YES he does! I have laughed out loud so much in the last few days that he is imitating me! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

It is so funny to hear Mo laugh! It cracks me up even more! :-)

[Radix]

Radix does captions too!




1) Gather around the flag boys!
Or
Wow, a Flying pajama party.


2) Is that a pledge pin on your uniform!


3) Yes, this is the newest American version of Twister!



4) Open the Bay Pod doors Hal!
Or
Al-Quaeda members practice for Olympic bobsledding event!

[Radix]

"Arafat would get business trip paid for by IDF and not come back"



Send him to Timbukto with Alex Baldwin!

[SAMWolf]

Oregon Medevacs Fly Afghan Missions
By U.S. Army Sgt. Reeba Critser
28th Public Affairs Detachment


National Guard medic and his patient are hoisted to a UH-60 as part of a demontration for hoist training in Southeastern Afghanistan. The pilots are from the 1042nd Medical Air Ambulance, Oregon National Guard, and conduct the training as often as the environment and hostile conditions permit. U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser

KHOWST, Afghanistan — Medevac crews with Oregon National Guard's 1042nd Medical Air Ambulance are always at 'battle ready.' Curretnly, UH-60 medevac helicopters from the Salem-based unit are operating in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Afghanistan, as well as back home in Oregon.

“We have a 15-minute launch time,” when responding to medevac requests, said 1st Lt. West Fairchild, a National Guard maintenance test pilot who's a regional test pilot in his civilian career. In Afghanistan, the air crews take patients in Bagram and Kandahar to the base hospitals. Those wounded in southeastern Afghanistan are flown to Orgun-e.

Until a forward surgical team arrives in southeastern Afghanistan, the forward support medical team from the 1042nd conducts medevac drills for future missions.

“We try to do demonstrations as often as possible,” said Chief Warrant Officer Trent Wilms, pilot from Salem. “We are restricted because of the environment and hostile conditions.”

When the pilots conduct demonstrations like hoist training in a combat zone, time is of the essence.

KHOWST, Afghanistan/10 OCT 2002 -- The crew of a UH-60 medevac helicopter hoists a medic and his patient during a training demontration . The UH-60 pilots from the 1042nd Medical Air Ambulance, Oregon National Guard, conduct the training as often as the environment and hostile conditions permit. Photo by Sgt. Reeba Critser/28th Public Affairs Detachment

“When someone is hanging in the air for 20 minutes, he makes an easy target,” said Wilms, a safety management consultant for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Hoist training is the last method we use for medevac, and it’s only if we can’t land.”

The 1042nd is no stranger to rescues and medevacs. Those left in the rear rescued a crew after an avalanche hit them at Mount Hood, Ore. Each helicopter has, at minimum, two pilots, one crew chief and one medic.

“I love my job,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ken Tinseth. “We’re helping soldiers that need to be helped," said the pilot. "It’s a good mission.”

When they receive notification, Tinseth said, the pilots and crew chief begin prechecks on the ship. Then they receive a mission packet, which details the mission and the players. With approval for launch, the crew conducts its final checks on the helicopter before engine start, taking off only with an Apache escort.

“If it is a mission, we’re concerned about performing expeditiously and efficiently,” Wilms said. “Our job is to be ready at a moment’s notice and help someone.

“As a pilot, I don’t have to deal with critical stuff like the medic does in the back. I just get them there and back.”

Wilms said it’s hard to leave his loved ones back home, but he’s glad to support the war against terrorism by doing what he does best - “flying a $10 million helicopter.”

[tomkow6]

Well, I guess no one wants to bet against the CHICAGO BEARS!

NO ONE made a reply from the other day! I guess no one wants to see me take a b........ba...........bat..........(Still can't say that 4-letter word)

[Kathy in Alaska]

"GWB Is The Man !!"

YES!! GWB is the man. Now is the time for Congress to get his judges into courtrooms! Hi blackie.

[redhead]

Wow, OWF! This is wonderful! What a great son you have! I know how proud you are. Congratulations, and may God BLESS you richly! (((OWF)))

[tomkow6]

ARLINGTON, Va. (November 5, 2002) -- U.S. Navy Yeoman 3rd Class Jonathan Wyatt of Colorado Springs, Colo., gets an autographed photo from NASCAR race driver Mike Wallace in the main concourse of the Pentagon. Mike Wallace flew in from North Carolina for the day to visit with members of the U.S. Armed Forces as a show of support to the military and spent up to three hours signing autographs at the Pentagon. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera

Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. (Nov. 5, 2002) -- Seaman Shena Hollingsworth ensures her blanket is folded and presented the proper way in a practice bunk and locker inspection during U.S. Navy recruit training. Hollingsworth enlisted through the Navy's College Assistance Headstart program or ‘CASH,' while attending college for a year prior to boot camp. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael A. Worner.

Great Lakes, Ill., (Nov. 7, 2002) -- Ms. Shauntay Hinton, Miss USA for 2002, receives a U.S. Navy uniform items with USO patches from (left to right) Seaman Recruit Jason Parent, Seaman Apprentice Luis Olivares and Fireman Recruit Cesar Aguilar. The gifts were presented to Ms. Hinton on behalf of the Great Lakes USO during a USO-sponsored tour of Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Michael Worner.

Great Lakes, Ill. (Nov. 7, 2002) – Ms. Shauntay Hinton, Miss USA 2002 gives a ‘thumbs up' to student Patrick Conway from Elizabeth, Colo., while signing autographs during a tour of the Naval Training Center facilities in Great Lakes. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate First Class Michael Worner.

Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. (Nov. 1, 2002) -- Seaman Apprentice Anastasia Novosyolova practices emergency medical technician skills during a practical exam given at the U.S. Navy's Hospital Corpsman “A” School. Novosyolova, an immigrant from Belarus, hopes to become a naturalized U.S. citizen after reaching her first duty station. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Jessica Pearce.

[ohioWfan]

Thank you so much!

I have been richly blessed, and it has been so great to have this very special thread in Eric's honor!

[RadioAstronomer]

Hi! Yes that could easily be a bird strike. Most people dont realize just how flimsy an aircraft really is. They work wonderfully untily you exceed the design limits and BOOM! We had an F-4 Phantom that struck a small bird on a low lever run. The radar was completely destroyed, it shattered the pilots canopy and broke his right arm. The WSO landed the crippled aircraft. They were not sure the pilots ejection seat would function normally after the strike.

[SAMWolf]

Hi RA.

[redhead]

"Now here this...Duchess, I'M DRIVING!!"

Cool! I LOVE fire trucks! Oh, man, this is GREAT!! Go FAST, Kathy!! YeeeeeHaaww!!

[bluesagewoman]

So, you agree those feet are a pretty good clue? BTW, how are you? Haven't seen you in forever.