A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....07-07-03....Military Monday

Billie

[Billie]

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.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and 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 could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I had been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that didn'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 we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.

There's more of course. We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!

If you would like to be featured, or would like to see someone else featured, please send me a private FR mail.

Every Monday we will post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.

Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day! ~ Billie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You For Serving Our Country!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.




                     

THE WEEKEND THREAD 07-04,05,06-03 4th of July Holiday Thread

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 a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[firewalk]

Good afternoon (-:

Thanks for the ping & your post
(thanks for the tissue alert too)

[LadyX]

Lance Cpl. Dane E. Childs, company honorman, Platoon 2078, Company E, presents his guidon before presenting himself to his family and friends at graduation today. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(July 2, 2003) --

In Marine recruit training, there is hardly any time to prepare for what is being experienced, unless preparation begins before recruit training.

Lance Cpl. Dane E. Childs, Platoon 2078, Company E, a 19 year-old native of Springdale, Ark., attributes his success in recruit training to preparing for it an entire year before shipping to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.

"He was prepared to go into recruit training," said Denton Childs, his father. "He worked out everyday, read books, and knew what to expect."
In addition to knowing what he was getting into, Childs knew why he was getting into it. He always wanted to be the best of the best and that is why he chose the Marine Corps over the other services, according to Denton.

"In everything I do, I want to do my best," said Childs. "That is why I didn't join the Navy or the Army."
"He wanted as much of a challenge as he could get," said Denton.
With the challenge of recruit training in his sights, Childs knew the Marine Corps wouldn't be easy, according to Nereida Childs, his mother. He worked out, building himself physically and made a healthy diet high on his list of priorities.

His recruiters and fellow poolees in the Delayed Entry Program gave him the name "Turbo" for the amount of crunches he could pump out at the initial strength tests. According to Childs, he could do about 110-120 crunches in two minutes compared to his 167 crunches now.

The positive physical payoff of Childs' hard work prior to and during recruit training can be seen in his increase from 23 pull-ups to 29 pull-ups and the decrease in his three-mile run time from 22 minutes to 20 minutes.

Childs felt he was a weak swimmer, but applied his "be the best" attitude and ended up becoming a first class swimmer, one of only three out of his 54-man platoon. Childs excelled on the rifle range as well, scoring 237 out of 250 qualifying as an expert rifleman, even though he had never shot a rifle before.

"He always worked harder than everyone in sports," said his father. "He did it harder and got better than everyone."
On top of always striving to be the best, Childs has always helped others who were falling behind and stuck up for the underdog, according to his mother.

This was displayed in recruit training by his ability to make his platoon work together to get the missions accomplished.
"I was put as guide for my pull-ups, and then I grew from there," he said. "I learned things and made the recruits work as a team."

Childs said he displays his leadership through his bearing and the example he sets.
"I believe in giving 100 percent at all times," he said. "Even though it is not always easy."

It is a continuous cycle for this new Marine to look for tough challenges and complete them before moving on to the next.
"I give until I know I can't get any better or give more," said Childs.

Childs said he dreams of living in San Diego on the beach with financial stability and a beautiful wife.
His family and girlfriend visit him at graduation today as he crosses the parade deck one last time, ending his recruit training and earning the title, Marine.

[firewalk]

Attending one of these 'pinning on' ceremonies a year ago was thrilling beyond measure for me

I was at Parris Island last week (my son graduated) and could not see this ceremony (it was done in the barracks because of lightning)

Still, I was very proud watching the graduation the following day (-:

[Aquamarine]

Hi Sistahs!

Just returned from running errands and heard Rush on the radio discussing the internet's influence on politics. Heard him mention Freerepublic in a good way but don't remember his exact words.

[dansangel]

Heard him mention Freerepublic in a good way but don't remember his exact words.

He'd *better* have good things to say - LOL!!

Welcome back, Aqua! :-)

[dansangel]

Lance Cpl. Dane E. Childs - *Salute*!

[Aquamarine]

Gosh, if I had to try and swim with all that gear those Marines are 'wearing', I'm sure I'd sink to the bottom immediately. Am sure just the clothes and the boots alone would be more than most could handle.

Back when I was a teen ager I trained to be a Senior Life Saver (Lifeguard). At one point we had to swim in our clothes. You wouldn't believe how heavy blue jeans get when they're wet...and shoes act just like anchors when filled with water!

[Aquamarine]

I found a thread on the subject...

"Rush: "..No way MoveOn.org can even match Free Republic"

[LadyX]

Oh, how wonderful that you were there for his graduation, BIS !!!

Perhaps you have an inkling of the tremendously special atmosphere, being among our Marines - felt the pride and esprit de corps - experienced the recognition and R-E-S-P-E-C-T they accord every civilian they encounter!

You might understand my having said from the moment I stepped aboard the base, registering at the Entrance Gate Shack, I was transformed by memories and adrenaline to "how I was" and always will be on essentally hallowed ground!

After an hour of trailing behind me, my then 16-year old grandson was literally begging me to slow down..:))

You might remember I was the proud bearer of the American Flag out front with the Company Commander of "A" Company - leading the eight full companies in the Dedication Ceremony for the Iwo Jima Monument on the Parade Deck - - -

It doesn't get more special than that.

[firewalk]

tremendously special atmosphere, being among our Marines - felt the pride and esprit de corps - experienced the recognition and R-E-S-P-E-C-T they accord every civilian they encounter!

You put it into words so well (I could not) My face hurt from smiling by the time we headed home.

You might understand my having said from the moment I stepped aboard the base, registering at the Entrance Gate Shack, I was transformed by memories and adrenaline to "how I was" and always will be on essentally hallowed ground!

I understand (-:
Watched my husband transform when we arrived (he trained there too) The emotions stay with you for your whole life.(my husband told me so...like I did not see it in his eyes)

You might remember I was the proud bearer of the American Flag out front with the Company Commander of "A" Company - leading the eight full companies in the Dedication Ceremony for the Iwo Jima Monument on the Parade Deck - - -

There were Eight companies? Wow, they ("m" company) had five. I didn't think anything about this, until my husband asked why there was 1 more than they had.

It doesn't get more special than that.

No, it doesn't (-: (-:

[LadyX]

Monday, July 7, 2003

Europe-based troops leave for Liberia

By Scott Schonauer, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Monday, July 7, 2003

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain — A team of U.S. military civil affairs specialists from various bases in Europe was to fly to Liberia from here late Sunday to assess the humanitarian needs in the divided and battered West African country.

The group will include medical personnel, civil engineers, logistics specialists, water purification experts and a public affairs officer, said Master Sgt. John Tomassi, spokesman for the U.S. European Command based in Stuttgart, Germany.

A team leader will report the results of the fact-finding mission to Gen. James L. Jones, commander of U.S. forces in Europe. Tomassi said he did not know how long the group would be in Liberia.

Between 10 and 15 Marines will back up the group — called a humanitarian assistance survey team, or HAST. The Marines will come from the Rota-based Marine Corps Security Force Company Europe and will be responsible for protecting HAST members.

They will serve as a smaller version of the company’s Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, or FAST platoon. The unit is equipped to deploy to hot spots on a moment’s notice to protect U.S. assets, ships and embassies.

The group is comprised of members of each service but the majority will be from the Navy, Tomassi said.

The mission comes as embattled Liberian President Charles Taylor accepted an offer of asylum in Nigeria on Sunday, but gave no timeframe for quitting power and insisted the transition must be orderly, urging the United States to send peacekeepers.

There has been no decision to send any additional U.S. troops, Tomassi said. The assessment team will help commanders decide what type of possible humanitarian support the U.S. government could offer the country.

West African leaders are calling for 2,000 U.S. troops to lead a peacekeeping force drawn mostly from African nations.

Liberia, founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, has been embroiled in civil war for more than three years.

President Bush has urged Taylor to step down — Bush said Saturday he would “not take ‘no’ for an answer” — but he has not decided whether U.S. forces would be a part of any peacekeeping team.

In recent street demonstrations, some Liberians have pleaded for U.S. help. African leaders were hoping Bush would decide on sending troops before he left Monday for a five-nation African tour. The trip does not include Liberia, but Bush will be meeting with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who offered Taylor asylum in his country.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[LadyX]

"There were Eight companies? Wow, they ("m" company) had five. I didn't think anything about this, until my husband asked why there was 1 more than they had."

When you say " "M" Company had five" - you are saying that SINGLE Company "M" was comprised of five Platoons, BIS.

When I attended the graduation a year ago of Lima ("L")Company, it was a SINGLE Company comprised of six Platoons.

The Dedication Ceremony was eight full Companies - each one of the eight comprised of several platoons !!

The Marine Corps Museum there will tell you it was the greatest buildup in Marine Corps History the year I went there - 1952 - some 35,000 Souls On Board then!

You cannot even imagine how full of bodies the base was, cranking out recruits every week to go to Korea to fight.

Glorious it was, with those eight full companies extending all the way across the back of the Parade Deck, and then coming on line, facing the Commandant and Reviewing Dignitaries . . .

All eight Company Guidon Bearers took their cue from me - leading "A" Company - and as my Drill Instructor from recruit training knew I would, I did it perfectly.

You should have seen 5' 4 1/2" 118-lb. me holding that flag staff out straight for the eternally long National Anthem - would have died before I dropped it, a 30-mile wind trying to snap it out of my grasp - -

[Calpernia]

:-)

[LadyX]

"Watched my husband transform when we arrived (he trained there too) The emotions stay with you for your whole life.(my husband told me so...like I did not see it in his eyes)"

Please give my best to your husband and tell him it never, never leaves you.

Living aboard Parris Island thereafter as a Classroom Subjects Instructor, after I left, I always missed hearing the constant Cadence Calling all over the base.

A year ago, in the Gift Shop, I purchased three Cadence Calling Tapes - - a Marine's Bedtime Lullaby...:))

He should get a laugh out of that...:))

Special prayers from this Marine will be covering your son - - - count on it.

[firewalk]

When you say " "M" Company had five" - you are saying that SINGLE Company "M" was comprised of five Platoons, BIS.

When I attended the graduation a year ago of Lima ("L")Company, it was a SINGLE Company comprised of six Platoons.

The Dedication Ceremony was eight full Companies - each one of the eight comprised of several platoons !!

Thank you for explaining it to me (I'm in training too) (-:

All eight Company Guidon Bearers took their cue from me - leading "A" Company - and as my Drill Instructor from recruit training knew I would, I did it perfectly.

You should have seen 5' 4 1/2" 118-lb. me holding that flag staff out straight for the eternally long National Anthem - would have died before I dropped it, a 30-mile wind trying to snap it out of my grasp - -

You have a way with words LadyX. Reading this, I am there, and I can see you holding that flag...making it look easy. (-:

[FreeTheHostages]

:)

It's a beautiful day in conservative land. We get 16 percent of our oil from Africa, and that's projected to go to 20 percent in the future. President Bush has gone to Africa. Makes sense. It's forward-thinking.

BUT if you're talking about countries that we need to talk some sense into, I say FIRST we have to go to Canada and find out what's up with them!! Every day I hear something new and troubling about the body politic there.

[Calpernia]

>>>I say FIRST we have to go to Canada and find out what's up with them!!

Easy. Someone 'in charge' is receiving monies/favors/payoffs. Canada lent easy border access.

I would REALLY love to know what happened to that box of files with, "people of sympathy" for SH's position. Did you see that thread? It was posted months ago by MadIvan.

Publishing those files would make a lot of PC crap go away real fast.

[FreeTheHostages]

God Bless MadIvan. He's the best!

[LadyX]

Next month it will be 51 years since that event, BIS, and I feel the emotions even more strongly now than I did then.

Rather nice at this end of life to remember being a child during WWII and cognizant of patriotism - and being part of the Korean Conflict and the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam - how great it is to be an American and have participated in its history!

[Aquamarine]

Europe-based troops leave for Liberia

Hopefully these Special Forces can help Liberia before it turns into another Sudan where millions of Christian's were slaughtered over the past few years.