A Few of Fr's Finest...Every Day - Week in Review....02-01,02-03

Billie and Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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: 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.

TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband
poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son;
BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset);
WVNan's husband; ladtx Aunt Eva.

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE: T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM: YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP: Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE: 4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM: Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP: mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE: Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM: gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP: porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE: RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM: USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

GROUP 5A: TOP: spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68. MIDDLE: FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797. BOTTOM: usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack.

GROUP 6A: 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.

GROUP 7A: 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.

GROUP 8A: 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.

To Our FReeper FRiends: We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our spotlight on various FReepers. We thought we'd kick back on the weekends and simply review those who've been featured during the week. If you missed seeing them and want to say hello to them now, feel free to click on the link to that particular thread. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today and tomorrow, please feel free to do that also. One of us will always be around to see the welcome mat is still out, and maybe even put fresh flowers on the table. :)

"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


01-27-02 "A Gem of a FReeper" ...................AQUAMARINE
01-28-02 "The Taxman Cometh" .............................TAXMAN
01-29-02 "The Exclusive Interview" .......SNIPPY_ABOUT_IT
01-30-02 "John's Two Cents" ..........................JOHNHUANG2
"Our Union is Strong"
01-31-03 "Focus on JKphoto" ..................................JKPHOTO






Strangers are just friends waiting to happen

Prayer for Our Military Loved Ones

Father, we come before You this day to ask Your special protection for those America and her allies might have to send forth into harm's way, and those already serving in our military around the world. Your Holy Bible is replete with kings and men You sent forth into battle for Your purposes, going in Your Name.

We understand today we wrestle mightily with principalities and powers of darkness, the evil one using man, striving to be greater than You, and ensnaring millions to do his bidding.

None are greater than You, Lord, and in the struggle for good to overcome evil, our sons and daughters are committed to ensuring others might be freed from them and all forms of oppression, whether that be in subjugation, hunger, imprisonment or worse, as individuals or groups of persons.

We confess we as a nation have gone far astray, Lord, but we pray for Your forgiveness and restoration to Your favor. Strengthen and give courage to those who stand in the gap for us and their loved ones, and grant them peace.

Thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers for those who go forth in the name of righteousness and freedom from evil, and not for gain. Amen.

---

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country.

OhioWfan... son, Eric
mystery-ak ... husband and son
Gogrammy... grandson
Inspectorette... son, Eric
LBGA... son is deployed
Slip18 ... nephew - active duty USN
anniegetyourgun... nephew, Josh
Himyar... son, Robert
ladtx... 2 of his sons
Mama_Bear... nephew - Army
gatorgirl... husband
Pippin... niece and nephew
SK1 Thurman
Doug from Upland... son-in-law, Josh
g'nad... active duty Marine
Trish... active duty Marine
Maigrey... cousin, Sgt.C. Cole

(Thank you to everyone who
contributed to this list)

Thank you, LadyX, for this beautiful prayer,
and, DaisyScarlett, for bringing us
the praying hands graphic.



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

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning!
It's the weekend...
Come in, relax, enjoy!




If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, FReepMail me.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[GailA]

Good Morning ALL a beautiful sunny day here in Memphis. Coffee's on

[GailA]

[Budge]

Columbia

[Molly Pitcher]

Thank you Mama Bear. Prayers for the Shuttle families....

[FreeTheHostages]

Amen

[lonestar]

Hangin out. Literally.

I'm about 60 miles from where shuttle debris is being reported. So sad. I heard it and didn't know what it was. Our windows shook and I live in far Southeast Texas.

[Dubya]

Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming




I find this Airman's response to the Washington Times it should be printed in all newspapers across America. Especially now when the President is calling up more Reserves and National Guardsman. Get this response out to everyone you know. It's time the Jane Fonda's & Shaun Penn's of this country wise up and support the troops that defend them.

Noel Pritzl
1st Vice President USDR


Military pay article

On 12 Nov, Ms Cindy Williams (from Laverne and Shirley TV show) wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming servicemembers' way this year -- citing that the stated 13% wage was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this!

"Ms Williams:

I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted ! overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest leave and earnings statement
(LES), I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through Windows' Calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40 after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center (AFNCC), where I am part of the team responsible for the administration of a 5,000-host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year, nor does it pay less than this. No, this job is being offered at $7! 0,000 to $80,000 per annum. I'm sure you can draw the obviou s conclusions.

Also, you tout increases to Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (housing and food allowances, respectively) as being a further boon to an already overcompensated force. Again, I'm curious as to where this money has gone, as BAH and BAS were both slashed 15% in the Hill AFB area effective in January 00.

Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you have NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off AFDC, WIC, and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN, I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving ! you full "deployment experience."

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone -- obviously they've been squandering the vast piles of cash the DOD has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites.

And when you're actually over there, sitting in a DFP (Defensive Fire Position, the modern-day foxhole), shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as ofte! n as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often en ough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your op-ed piece.

But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it. You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe.

We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies. And you, Ms Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve?

Rubbish!

A1C Michael Bragg, Hill AFB AFNCC"

IF YOU AGREE, PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND SHOW OUR SUPPOR! T OF THE AMERICAN FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN. THANK YOU.

THIS LETTER SHOULD BE APPLAUDED BY ANYONE WHO'S EVER SERVED OR HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SERVE IN THE ARMED FORCES! THIS YOUNG MAN DESERVES A MEDAL!

[Mama_Bear]

I just now heard the news. A horrible tragedy. I am praying for the families of those we have lost...

[jwfiv]

A sorrowful Good Morning to you all.

This ol' cowboy is grieviin' somethin' awful.

It's a hard world we live in.

May the Lord always bless America.

I'm so sorry...(

[BlessedAmerican]

Such a sad morning. May God surround the families with His love and give them grace for these days of grief and mourning.

On a different and a personal note, which I hope is appropriate here....My nephew has been deployed and I am wanting to send a 'care package.' What restrictions should I be aware of and what types of things would be appropriate? Thank you dear Freeper friends. God bless us one and all.....

[Dr. Zoo]

You can find that information on this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/833874/posts

[MeekOneGOP]

For the Space Shuttle Challenger Crew/passengers...

Click here for “Taps”

Rest in peace...

[MeekOneGOP]

Regarding the Shuttle disaster this morning...

It was so strange. I was sitting here FReepin' away on my computer this morning and I heard a noise. I turned my head sideways and thought to myself, 'what was that?' I didn't think much about it until I heard about this disaster and that it happened over the D/FW area. I was on MSN with my buddy John who lives in Farmers Branch (North Dallas) and he said he heard a noise too. Oh, and my Dad called me a little bit ago (I'm doing his taxes Monday for him), and he heard a loud noise at his place in Quitman, Texas. That's about 72 miles East of my place here near Dallas. He said he went outside to see if something hit his house, it was that loud.

What a horrible and sad thing, huh?

Today is Chinese New Year's. Ming was so sad to hear this news. So sad....

I printed off the picture of the people on the shuttle and showed to her and her son Yujing...

[dutchess]

What a very very sad day. When I first heard they lost contact...it was almost deja vu of the Challanger tragedy...How awful for the family members who were waiting at the landing strip. May the lord give them the strength to deal with their loss...

[dutchess]

Hi Meek. Yes a very sad day... Have not heard about anyone being hurt by the debris which is amazing when you see the size of some of the pieces... God bless the families of the 7 astronauts...

[dutchess]

Blessed. Can we add your newphew to the military prayer list? May the Lord keep him safe...

[dutchess]

Hi Gail. What a very sad to for our country....