A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....07-21-03....Military Monday

Aquamarine; Billie | Billie

[Aquamarine]

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 07-19,20-03 Week in Review

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

[Aquamarine]

That's so funny that you had the photo editing program and didn't know it.

I know! Sometimes I think I need to buy a clue. LOL

[iceskater]

Yes, I started last week. I lost seven pounds as of Thursday. I haven't checked since then. I thought I would miss the potatoes and bread a lot. But I really haven't. It has surprised me. Chocolate, however, is a whole 'nuther story (could be hormonal). I had a bad weekend due to a variety of situations but I'm back on track today.

Injury, stress, etc. has done me in this summer. I really had to do something. I know quite a few people who've been really successful with Atkins so I thought I would try it. So far, so good. The immediate positive results is extremely helpful in keeping my motivation going.

[dutchess]

I lost seven pounds as of Thursday

Great job. Plus what I'm hearing...all the naysayers about this not being a healthy diet are now being discreditied.

...could be hormonal

Don't even talk about hormones LOL! Keep up the good work!

[lonestar]

Giz--

lonestar is the world's worst cook! But I'll put in an order for you.

Love,

Weinie

[Aquamarine]

What's happened to you Martin? Are you in FReeper detox? LOL

[Dubya]

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2003 -- A team of 21 U.S. Marines arrived in Monrovia
today to add a level of security to the U.S. Embassy in Liberia's capital,
Defense officials in the Pentagon said.

Civil war in the West African nation has increased security concerns. The newly
arrived Marines, deployed from Rota, Spain, are part of a Fleet Antiterrorism
Security Team. They join a 35-member Humanitarian Assistance Support Team that
U.S. European Command deployed July 7. Another 20 Marines are staged in
neighboring Sierra Leone awaiting further orders.

DoD officials said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved the deployment
July 20 after the U.S. ambassador to Liberia requested assistance.

The FAST members arrived in Monrovia via helicopter and were greeted by mortar
fire in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy.

Navy Lt. Dan Hetlage, a DoD spokesman, said officials aren't sure if the
mortars were aimed at the embassy or if the Marines were caught in the
crossfire of local warring factions. He also noted U.S. Embassy personnel had
received no mandatory evacuation order.

First reports from the ground indicate two local contract security guards and
an American reporter have been hurt, Hetlage said. Defense officials routinely
caution that first reports are often wrong.

President Bush spoke briefly on the situation during a joint press conference
with the prime minister of Italy from his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

"We're concerned about our people in Liberia," Bush said, in response to a
reporter's question. "We're continuing to monitor the situation very closely."

The president said July 14 that any American military involvement would be in
the form of assistance to the Economic Community of West African States. He
reiterated today that he is waiting for ECOWAS to put together a peacekeeping
force "that I have said we'd be willing to help move into Liberia."

Just fewer than 200 U.S. service members are currently serving in western
Africa. Three HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from Naval Air Station Keflavik,
Iceland, and the personnel needed to support them were sent to Sierra Leone
July 13. An MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft was sent to Senegal from its Air
Force base in Mildenhall, England. Hetlage explained these aircraft are
standing by should an emergency evacuation of U.S. military personnel be called
for.

On a related note, Rumsfeld signed an order July 19 to move the USS Iwo Jima
Amphibious Ready Group and its embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special
Operations Capable) from the Red Sea near Djibouti, where it has been
supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, into the Mediterranean
Sea. The group should reach the Med in "a few days," Hetlage said.

The three ships of the group - the Iwo Jima, the USS Carter Hall and the USS
Nashville - carry roughly 2,500 sailors. The 26th MEU adds another 2,000
Marines. Once the ships are in the Mediterranean, they would be able to reach
the coast of Liberia in seven to 10 days if called upon, Hetlage explained.

The lieutenant described moving the ships as "a prudent deployment." "We're
putting them in position in case they're needed," he said.

_______________________________________________________
NOTE: This is a plain text version of a web page. If your e-mail program
did not properly format this information, you may view the story at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jul2003/n07212003_200307215.html
Any photos, graphics or other imagery included in the article may also
be viewed at this web page.

---

Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news
and information about America's response to the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks and the war against terrorism: "Defend America"
at http://www.DefendAmerica.mil.

---

Visit the "Department of Defense Homeland Security" Web site
at http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/homeland/ to learn more
about the Department of Defense role in homeland security.

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for posting this article about the Marines arriving in Liberia today. It's obvious how much you care about our military. :)

[Dubya]

Thank you.

[Dubya]

man wounded during fighting in Liberia capital lies in hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Monrovia July 20 2003. Liberian troops battled on Sunday to repel a fresh rebel onslaught at the threshold of the center of the capital after President Charles Taylor vowed his forces would fight to the last man.

[Billie]

Hi, Sistahs!

Looks like everyone's been out today - I'm sorry I've been away all afternoon and don't know if I can be around much this evening. :(

Aqua, You have mail (in just a few minutes) :)

I love you, Sistahs!

[Aquamarine]

I think alot of people are on vacation this time of year. It's not usually this quiet in here.

I love you too Sistah Billie. :)

[Dubya]

Carlson's Raiders, Fox Co.,

2nd Battalion - Pacific Campaign

This picture was taken in the Tassafaronga area on Guadalcanal in 1944 following our invasion and capture of Guam. Guadalcanal was our R&R base plus our training area for our next mission.

The circumstances of the sword is rather unusual: our company (Fox Co., 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment) made up of Col. Carlson's Marine Raiders was hastily summoned to reinforce another Marine company in trouble with an enemy force far too large to contain. In our haste to respond, we had to doubletime with our combat packs over the many miles to our target. This situation required a rest break. During this break I decided to do a little reconnoitering. I climbed down a steep hillside and found a huge burned out cavern which was about 15 feet high and wide. Upon closer inspection, I saw a dark tunnel in one side of the cavern. I slowly approached the tunnel with my back to the wall and my 45 auto extended in front of me. After sneaking slowly in about 15 feet waiting for my eyes to become accustomed to the darkness, I saw a Japanese soldier lying face down with his hands over his rifle feigning death. Even though I tried to be very quiet, he must have heard me because he started to slowly raise his head . Seeing this movement, I shot him in the face. Even though his face was shattered, he still tried to rise and use his rifle. I shot him again, this time through his throat practically taking his head off. Hearing the shots, one of my friends came running down to investigate. I asked him to bring a flashlight. With the light I continued into the tunnel past the dead soldier only to find a pile of dead Japanese soldiers at the end of the tunnel. I immediately saw two swords sticking up out of the pile of bodies. I gave my friend one of the swords and kept one for myself. To this day, I still can't figure out why that soldier was protecting those dead bodies. Whether they were relatives or members of his unit is still a puzzle to me.

[Dubya]

'The more Marines I have around the
better I like it!'

General Mark Clark, US Army

[Dubya]

COMMANDANT'S PLANNING GUIDANCE:

MY 5 PILLARS

* WARFIGHTING - No matter what the crisis, no matter what the threat, the nation must have one thought, "Send in the Marines!"

* PEOPLE - People are our most precious asset and we protect them by the fair, scrupulous, and unbiased treatment of all Marines as individuals - caring for them, teaching them, and leading them.

* CORE VALUES - I do not intend for these to be just words -- I expect them to frame the way we live and act as Marines. Our core values of honor, courage, and commitment are at the very soul of our institution. There is no room in our Marine Corps for either situational ethics or situational morality.

* EDUCATION AND TRAINING - The Marine Corps has always turned to its education and training systems to keep its warfighting edge. Education and training provides the foundation for a Marine Corps that can adapt to a changing world.

* NAVAL CHARACTER - The Navy and the Marine Corps are inextricably linked. Together, the sea services provide a tremendously versatile and unique warfighting capability to the nation

* The two most important things the Marine Corps does for our Nation are to make Marines and win battles.

* The Marine Corps will be recognized, not just in the United States, but globally, as the premiere crisis response force - ever ready to project the power and influence of the United States from the sea to any foriegn shore.

* Our Marines' moral character, Courage, and ethical values will dominate any location or operational area with the unconditional certainty that the Marine Corps is a force for good.

* A key objective of my planning guidance is to encourage -- to demand -- creativity and innovation to ensure that we retain an adaptive and flexible Naval force able to anticipate events and win across the spectrum of conflict.

* I want to know three things: what aren't we doing that we should be doing, what are we doing that should be done differently, and what are we doing that we shouldn't be doing?

* Marine Corps operational forces will continue to be organized as Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs), with the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) as the principle warfighting organization. * "Jointness" is a key warfighting capability. The Marine Corps possesses the resident expertise necessary to coordinate effective ground, air, and sea forces.

* It is my intent that we reach the stage where Marines come to work and spend part of each day talking about warfighting: learning to think, making decisions, and being exposed to tactical and operational issues.

* Most of all, be prepared to fight and win.

GENERAL C. C. KRULAK

[Dubya]

11 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

1. Be Technically and Tactically Proficient

2. Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement

3. Know Your Marines and Look after their Welfare

4. Keep Your Marines Informed

5. Set the Example

6. Ensure the task is Understood, Supervised , and Accomplished

7. Train your men as a team

8. Make Sound and Timely Decisions

9. Develop Responsibility in your Subordinates

10. Set Realistic Goals

11. Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility for your Actions

[Dubya]

Proper Definition of Marine Rank

General

Leaps tall buildings with a single bound. Is more powerful than a locomotive. Is faster than a speeding bullet. Walks on water. Gives policy to God.

Colonel

Leaps short buildings with a single bound. Is more powerful than a switch engine. Is just as fast as a speeding bullet. Walks on water if sea is calm. Talks with God.

Lieutenant Colonel

Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds. Is almost as powerful as a switch engine. Is faster than a speeding B.B. Walks on water in indoor swimmimg pools. Talks with God if special request chit is approved.

Major

Barely clears quonset huts. Loses tug of war with locomotive. Can fire a speeding bullet. Swims well. Is occasionally addressed by God.

Captain

Makes high marks when trying to leap building. Is run over by locomotives. Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury. Dog paddles. Talks to animals.

First Lieutenant

Runs into buildings. Recognizes locomotives two out of three times. Is NOT issued ammunition. Can stay afloat if properly instructed in the use of Mae West. Talks to walls.

Second Lieutenant Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter buildings. Says: "Look at the choo-choo." Wets himself with a water pistol. Plays in mud puddles. Mumbles to himself.

Sergeant (any)

Lifts buildings and walks under them. Kicks locomotives off the tracks. Catches speeding bullets in his teeth and eats them. Freezes water with a single glance. BECAUSE... HE IS GOD!!!

[Aquamarine]

The part about the First and Second Lieutenant is so funny.

[Dubya]

Proper Uniform

A Marine General was being court-martialed for an incident where he was found to be chasing a young lady through the hallways of the hotel in which they were both staying. Neither of them were wearing anything. One of the charges was that of "being out of uniform."

The General's lawyer argued that the officer was not out of uniform, as the regulations read: "A Naval officer must be at all times appropriately attired for the activity in which he is engaged."

The General was acquitted.

[Dubya]

It sure is. And its true I'm told. :^)

[Dubya]

NOT EVERONE CAN BE A MARINE!

AND SOME PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE!