USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ New Year's CHEESE Ball! ~ December 31, 2002

American Preservative and FRiends of the Canteen | Wednesday, December 31, 2002 | American Preservative and FRiends of the Canteen

[American Preservative]

The hour is near
Time to face a New Year
A toast to good health, family, and FRiends dear
A wish for safety, prosperity, laughter, and love
And, many, many thanks! to those serving our Country
and, to the One above.

*******************************

OK, was that mushy? Was it cheesy? Yes! Heartfelt, too.....

And, speaking of "CHEESE" (after all....this is Free Republic : ))

You are cordially invited to the Canteen's
New Year's
: )

So guys and dollz it's time to boogie!

*******************************

HAPPY 2003!

Come on and party!

Please pick up your new CHEESY name tag for the ball HERE

(To "find" your new cheesy name, use the first letter of your first name for your first cheesy name. Use the first letter of your last name for the first part of your last cheesy name, or, your middle cheesy name, and, use the last letter of your last name for your cheesy last name. [Thanks LindaSOG. I tweaked the formula. : )]
For example: The name Hillary Clinton becomes Hereford Hop Curd Nokkelost.)

Hey, if that's too much, just pick a few cheese names and have fun! : )

*******************************

So, everyone LET'S CHEESE ROLL! LET'S CHEESE DIP! AND, LET'S HAVE A CHEESE BALL! : )

[American Preservative]

Thank you Kervella. : ) Did you see the cheese ball recipes that other party-goers brought? We may have to change the name to Canteen CHEESE Ball....and Recipe Exchange! : ) LOL. Cheers!

~Abondance~

[Kathy in Alaska]

OK, Girlz, me being late should be no surprise, but after The Kid's driving yesterday, I'm not sure about letting her loose with today's wheels: a hummer limo! ms feather, please keep an eye on The Kid. Oh, maybe that's letting the fox in the hen house. LOL! Have fun. I think I'll be able to join ya later today.

[Kathy in Alaska]

AVOIDING 'TRASH-GANISTAN' — Senior Airman Courtney Swales (left) holds on as Senior Master Sgt. Dave Dickinson drives a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle with a load full of trash from Air Force Village at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Hauling trash to the dump is one of many additional duties airmen frequently pull at the base. Dickinson is the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group first sergeant and deployed from the 72nd Medical Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Swales is a medical technician with the 455th EOG and deployed from the 30th Medical Group at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Adam Johnston

[Pippin]

I'll drive! :^)

[kayak]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Air Force leading Rose Parade
by Tech. Sgt. Mark Diamond
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

12/30/02 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The U.S. Air Force will lead the 114th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif., with a formation of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter aircraft.

The service's Total Force Band will round the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards at the same time the B-2 and F-117 aircraft fly overhead.

Pilots from the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., will fly the F-117s. The B-2 Spirit will arrive from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo.

This year's Total Force Band is comprised of 120 members from 15 Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard bands. It is being organized by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West here.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Kistler, Band of the Golden West manager, it takes a lot of practice to prepare for the Rose Bowl parade.

He said the Total Force band members arrived in Southern California Dec. 29 leaving only two days to practice. Members will rehearse twice a day on Dec. 30 and 31.

"We must get used to the size and sound of the Total Force Band and to marching beside, in front of and behind different people," Kistler said.

Tech. Sgt. Ken Buchanan, a member of the Band of the Golden West, said he is excited about participating in the Total Force Band for a second time. He was a member of the band during the 2000 Tournament of Roses Parade, and he knows what to expect this year.

Buchanan said the two full days of practice are intense, but well worth the time and effort.

"You've got more than 120 band members who have never worked together trying to make it look like we've been working together for years," he said. "When we turn that first corner and the TV cameras are on us, we want to present the total Air Force image."

Buchanan, who has been an Air Force band member for 13 years, said the band may only get 10 seconds of airtime on national TV, but that is 10 seconds in which the band can send its message.

"When we perform, we're representing everyone who wears a uniform," said Buchanan. "How incredible is that? This is an opportunity for us to remind everyone what the armed forces are all about, the Air Force in particular."

He said he thinks the Air Force band members will make a special connection with the American people, and their message will be heard loud and clear.

"It's amazing how proud the audience is when they see us," Buchanan said. "There's a bond between the military and the public. It's incredible to see, and it's even more incredible to be a part of it."

Buchanan, who plays the euphonium, said the six-mile parade route goes by quickly because of the excitement and the people.

"When you're rehearsing, it's difficult and stressful, but you forget all about that when you're actually marching," he said.

This year's Total Force Band includes 10 piccolos, 10 clarinets, 10 alto saxophones, 10 tenor saxophones, 12 French horns, 18 trumpets, 10 trombones, 10 euphoniums, 10 sousaphones, and 20 percussionists. Additionally, 13 people in the formation will perform color guard, banner carrier and command functions.

For this year's parade, the commander of the Total Force Band, Capt. Douglas Monroe, has selected "The Air Force Song," "Washington Post" and "National Emblem."

[Pippin]

Happy New Year, Kay!

[MoJo2001]

Hey now!! Everyone survived my driving abilities..Thank you!! LOL! The weather is awesome here, Ma. It's in the 70s. Woohoo!!

[Pippin]

Hey, Mojo, I told her I'd drive this time ( although I've never driven before) but I guess we'll be okay! LOL!!

[southerngrit]

I've just been let in on the fact that my daughter invited TEN of her friends over tonight to ring in the New Year, and that five of them (the girlz) are spending the night.

She's absolutely sure she told me about it earlier in the week - oh yeah, maybe she didn't talk to me about it, but her FATHER said it would be okay!!!

Urgent phone call placed to Hubby-Dearest - "Why yes, dear, I told baby-girl she could invite anyone she wanted over...aren't you happy that she feels comfortable having her friends come to our house? I told the kids I'd spring for the fireworks."

Looks like I need to make a grocery run - do any of you have any of those cheese balls already chilled that I can 'borrow'?

[Kathy in Alaska]

You and The Kid can duke it out. Just remember, all transportation must be returned in mint condition; cleaned, waxed, no crumbs inside. We all will help with clean up tonight. You can have this for the drive.

[MoJo2001]

Well, that's good!! I'm sure everyone will feel much safer. How about I help navigate. *evil grin* Or, how about we let Burka man do it!! Hehehe

[Pippin]

Burka Man nas the navigator!?

OH! Noooooooooo!

[Radical Poet]

Hey:

"King of Ping!"

Happy New Year!

I thought you would appreciate my newly crafted poem for the occassion! ;-) (Ping at will!)

Reflections of a Milemarker

Today is New Year's Eve, - 2002
As we reflect on the past and look to the new
The last two have been: "milemarker" years
- And that's for sure
As an enemy's emerged from a "religion," - impure
The world has been changed by the hands of evil men
Who kill with out their conscience condemning them
Thousands of families forever changed
Parental roles re-arranged
America stood tall when the Twin Towers fell
And defined the word: "Brotherhood," - in the face of hell
Broken and burning, we cried and we wept
As we prayed through a journey, we'll never forget
Police, rescue, firefighters stood tall
Construction, demolition, hospital worker's resolved
Working like zombies with no thoughts of themselves
They wiped away tears, when ever they fell
And struggled to save, to heal, and make well
A nation united, in more than in name
Our past resurrected, - our passions enflamed
And who can say for certain, how it will all end
The ONE thing that's sure, - with God's help we'll win!
Our government changed, and took a much needed bath
As we washed away some, of the scum of the past
We've raised a new bar, in the world's "chess game"
If you mess with our citizens, - we'll make you feel pain!
Our president says, he's a God-fearing man
He "walks-the-talk," with a firm yet, - fair hand
And prays for the guidance of "The Son of Man"
Yes, "freedom of worship," is still alive here
But let's make one thing, - "perfectly clear"
You can pray to a latrine for all that we care
But if you hide behind religion, for purposes of warfare
You best study HELL, 'cause we'll damn sure send you there!
We're a compassion folk, with room for the oppressed
But our electronic munitions, are the world's very best
We're vigilant and sober, so if you come over
Be prepared for us to really, "look over your shoulder!"
Call it what you want, we don't give a damn
You're wanting in: OUR COUNTRY
- So: "get-with-the-program!"
We're on a mission, and we'll never quit
If you plan us harm, - you're gonna get "hit!"
So we look to the New Year, in quiet resolve
We pray for God's help, as the future evolves
We look to each each to be vigilant and aware
For the sake of our children, we must be prepared
Perhaps "YOU" can prevent, - the next nightmare!

Copyright 2002 Stan Simons

[Pippin]

i got a response to my e-mail I sent to the guys on those deployed ships. and guess what, he and I have the same last name, I think that's cool!

I will say a prayer for him and for his shipmates tonight.

[MoJo2001]

You and The Kid can duke it out. Just remember, all transportation must be returned in mint condition; cleaned, waxed, no crumbs inside. We all will help with clean up tonight. You can have this for the drive.

Ma, Pippin and I have this figured out. Burka Man will do the cleaning stuff. We'll do the driving and navigating. Don't you feel better now?? LOL! Now I've gotta get going with the music dedication or it's not gonna get done!! Be back in a bit or later. Whichever comes first!

[tomkow6]

Ready, when U are!

.......Does this mean I hava ta do that thing with water & s...so...soa...........I cant say THAT word either!.......

[MoJo2001]

Whoa!! That's awesome! Especially if you have an unusual last name. That is so wonderful that you will be sending prayers their way. It is much appreciated. God Bless you for your kindness!! *HUGS*

[Pippin]

As Gollum would say

Yessssssssss! Prescioussssssssss!

[tomkow6]

I'll drive!

YOU have a DRIVERS LICENSE?

You don't have an Illinois driver's license by any chance, do you?