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A Few of FR's Finest
Free Republic | Veteran's Day - November 11, 2001 | By Billie

Posted on 11/11/2001 11:23:15 AM PST by Billie


A Few of FR's Finest
We Salute You
and All Veterans and Active Service Men/Women





When Snow Bunny and I first opened the doors of the Freeper USO Canteen on October 7th, the response from all of you was overwhelming, and one of the suggestions we had came from Freeper, RightOnline. He asked why we didn't call for Freepers to submit their real photos in uniform and picture them at the Canteen. We did just that, and would like to share the photos and information we received since our request. I would like to thank 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub for his help in publicizing the "vet photo drive", and Snow Bunny for her help in soliciting and collecting information so that I could sort and put together this collection, but most of all I'd like to thank ALL of you who have served or are serving our country. You have given so much to make America a better place. Even though the following information and photographs represent only a portion of Free Republic, my thanks go to those who so graciously responded to our call.

bosniajmc: U.S. Army, active CPT, TF 1-155 IN(M) JMC/IO;   AFVetGal: U.S. Air Force, '75-'95, Public Affairs Ofc - Desert Storm;   Archy: U.S. Army 1966-'70; late '70's-early '80's Dept of Army civilian employee, traded to Navy to work with Marines. 1992 til July, 2001 - U.S. Air Force - Lieutenant; July, 2001 to present Army, assigned with a reserve mobilization/training unit - Battalion Staff Officer.    A Navy Vet: U.S. Navy, '76-'86, USS New Orleans LPH-11 '76-'79 (the New Orleans is to be berthed next to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA as a naval museum), USS Barbey FF1088 '83-'86;   4TheFlag: U.S. Army, '71-'74;   Aeronaut: U.S. Navy, '65-'69;   68 Grunt: 1st Marine Div, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, India Company, third platoon '68-'69. In '68 the battalion was known as "The Suicide Battalion".   xinga: photo 1986 B-52/G 1983-88 EWO;    codger: Photo Viet Nam 1966, Major, commanding 2nd Platoon, 48th Assault Helicopter Co - the "Blue Stars";   AAABest: Desert Shield/Storm 3/24 INF;   Clinton's A Liar: U.S.A.R. '91-'99 353rd PSYOP CO (R&A);   Duke809: 314 Tac Airlift Wing '73-'75; 724th TASS, a FAC unit in West Germany '75-'77; 111th TAC Fighter Wing, PA Air Guard '81-'89;   dcwusmc: U.S. Marine Corp. retired.

Logos served in the United States Army from 1962-83.   SwedeGirl's husband was a 1st Lieutenant in the photo above, serving in Viet Nam 1/9 CAV Huey Lift Pilot 1969-70.   Neil E. Wright's photo was taken in 1977 at CTF 72/ComPatWingsWestpac, Kamiseya, JA. He was in the Navy.   FallGuy, Snow Bunny's husband, also served in the Navy on the USS KULA GULF.   1John submitted his photo in uniform and asked us to "guess the year" it was taken; hopefully he will provide that information since no one guessed correctly!   Sneakypete's photo was taken after he returned from a mission in Laos, Viet Nam in 1969.   T'wit's photo in uniform was taken during the famed "Berlin Crisis" of 1960.   COB1 sent his photo from his first liberty out of Boot Camp.   LadyX was a Marine in the Korean Conflict. She was a Classroom Subjects Instructor for women recruits at Parris Island.   Dick Bachert submitted this photo from the U.S.A.F. when he was 24 years old.   68-69TonkinGulfYatchClubU.S. Navy GMG3, '66-69, USS Corry DD817.   YankeeinSC, husband of Commonsense, is a Viet Nam Air Force veteran. His photo was taken on the recent Freeper Cruise.   Delta 21 is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, going on 20 years.   JoeSixPack1 is retired from the U.S.M.C.

mc5cents: Photo was taken in Saigon, 1965;   Norb2569:U.S. Marines '70-'92 Gunnery Sgt.;   LBGA's son, Tyler: Active, Blackhawk Repair Specialist & Crew Chief, Korea; recently accepted to 160th Task Force, training to drop Delta Force units; Van Jenerette: U.S. Army;   Jim Robinson: Photo 1968. U.S. Navy. '65-'66 Higbee (DD806); '66-'68 USS Hull (DD945); '68-'69 Wiltsie (DD716);   K Jenerette: U.S. Army;   davidosborne: active USAR, Balkans; Ft. Bragg NC Airborne '94-2000;  The KG9 Kid:U.S. Marine Corp., photo 1987 at Boot Camp;   gwmoore:U.S. Navy '66-'72, RadioMan 2nd Class, Viet Nam 1970 (Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club), USS America (CVA-66). Currently Search & Rescue Pilot with Civil Air Patrol.   Equality7-2521: U.S. Navy '87-'92 Aviation Electronic Technician 2nd Class assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 5, deployed onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69);   SAMWolf:U.S. Army 1969-'71, Viet Nam/Germany.

porgygirl: Submarine Force 1955-1969;   Phil V.: RA 19849878 SP5 1965-1968;   MudPuppy: U.S.Marine Corp. 1982-'93 Sgt., Presently working as a government contractor on a marine base.   NorCoGOP: U.S. Navy;   RaceBannon: U.S.M.C. '77-'81 MOS7242 Cherry Point '78-'79; Kaneohe Bay '79-'81; deployed off Iran in '80 by Jimmy Carter for the Hostage Rescue Attempt.   OneidaM: U.S. Army 1977-1987;   rdb3: 82nd Airborne @ Ft. Bragg, NC;    JWTexian: U.S. Navy '68-'71, USS Independence (CVA-62) ABE-3;   USMC Vet: U. S. Marine Corp.;   The Mayor: U.S. Army '76-'79. Ft. Devens, MA; Assigned to Military Intelligence School. Photo taken 1976 in Basic training;   Vineyard: U.S. Navy 1974-80. U.S. Navy Reserves 80-present. Captain;   rhododogma:Navy GMG 1, SEAL Team 2, BUD/S class 150, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield. aka Dave Rogers,currently running as a Republican Candidate for Congress, District 1, Rhode Island.

spectre: Lackland AFB basic training (photo taken in TI's ofc, wearing TI's hat!);   RightOnline: '77 Grad USAF Academy; '78-'84 flew KC-135 air re-fueling tankers for Strategic Air Command (Castle AFB, CA and Dyess AFB, TX. 917th AREFS);   SERE_Doc: U.S. Navy Corpsman - Guatemala SA;  Tet68: RVN VMA-223, VMA-314 '66-'68 - Viet Nam. Plane Captain A-4 Sky Hawk Ground Attach Aircraft; '68 Lance Cpl;   Future Snake Eater: (RightOnline's son) Army National Guard, NC; Bradley Fighting Vehicle drive in a Mobile infantry unit. Army ROTC at NCSU - will receive his commission as an Army officer in about a year and a half. He aims for Special Forces;  RightOnline'sWife: U.S.A.F. 7 years, Staff Sgt.; air traffic controller for AF;   CIApilot: "Dear Talibunnies, Do not underestimate the power of America's 'PMS' patriots." Captain DC3, B-727, B-757. Previously: Air America and Torrejon AFB, Madrid, Spain '66-'69;   clamper1797: U.S. Navy '72-'73, Viet Nam; AME-3 VA-93 CVA41 Member Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club;   usmcobra: U.S.M.C. Photo was taken in 1985;   onedoug: 1/1 CAV, Americal I Corps RVN 1968-69;   Diver Dave: U.S. Navy '63-'67 SFP2 (DV) (Pipefitter 2nd Class Diver) USS Piedmont (AD-17) (Destroyer Tender) Home port: San Diego; WESTPAC Tours: 3 ('64, '65, '67);   Joe 6-pack: U.S. Army 1991-2000.


I heard from many others who didn't send a photo, but I'd like to include a bit of information they shared with me. An especially poignant note came from Dick Bachert, who wrote: "Just wanted to remember at least one of the guys with whom I served at Belvoir and who would be a Freeper today -- but can't -- because his name graces that Wall in DC.  Andy Shimp from Skokie, Illinois, died in Vietnam toward the end of that miserable travesty. One of the nicest guys I've ever known."

But for the tragic accident that took his life on the night of October 3, 2001, CHIEF negotiator would be among those veteran Marines pictured above. Instead, CHIEF, we know you're looking down from a higher place, and we salute you.


CIApilot sent the picture at left of her uncle and had this to say: "My uncle Harry Kennedy, 2nd from left, standing. 8th AF, 94th Bobm Group, 333rd Sq., B-17 Heavy Bombers 'Jimbo's Circus.' He passed away recently, but would have liked to be included in the Freeper USO Canteen. He loved to fly."

CIA, this one's for your uncle, God rest his soul.

I wonder how many FReepers have served in more than one war. I know one very special Veteran who's been at FR almost from the beginning. Invictus, you were there for us in World War II, and again in Korea, as a Chaplain, when your country needed you. Oh, the stories you can tell. Thank you for serving, and please come back to FR. We miss you.


Mark 17: U.S.A.F. '67-'87 M Sgt. 1877th Communications Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base RVN 14;  gcraig: U.S. Navy - USS Midway & USS Nimitz - Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Now Air Nat'l Guard, NC 19 yrs service;   91B: NCAR NG;   AlGone2001: U.S.A.F. '83-'84 Lackland AFB, TX basic training; '84-'86 Spangdahlem AB, Germany 2137 ISS; '86-'89 Robins AFB, GA 5th Combat Communications Group; '89-'96 Georgia Air National Guard;   LiteKeeper: '66 2nd LT - Field Artillery. Viet Nam '67-'69 1st Lt & CPT in country. 199th Lt Inf Bde & II FFORV-Artillery. 2 bronze stars for Valor; Purple Heart; 5 Air Medals. 1970 transfer to Military Intelligence CA Army Nat'l Guard (Field Artillery) '72-'85; Active '85-'95 Chaplain (Major);   Pumba: U.S. Army vet - Bosnia. About to go active Navy.   Little Bill: 1965-68 - 2 tours with the 25th. First 6 mo w/ MACV, radio humper;   pcpa: 15B40 (Sgt. Missles) 1st Battalion 68th Field Artillery Schwabish Hall, Germany '68-'70;   HillarysGateCult: U.S.A.F. Lackland AFB, Tx Basic Training. '79-'80 Lowry AFB, Colorado Aircraft Armaments Systems Specialist 4623 OJ FB-111. '80-'82 Plattsburgh AFB, NY, '82-'87 Anderson AFB, Germany; '87-'88 Edwards AFB, Calif; '92-'98 Contractor/instructor - Royal Saudi Air Force;   Don Paul Jones: MP & U.S. Army Airborne School (Class 40-86);   SurferDoc: U.S. Army and Nat'l Guard '64-'70;  connectthedots: U.S. Army '75-'79 Ft. Lewis, WA;   rangerx: U.S.M.A. '78; 82nd Abn Div '79-'80; 1/75th Ranger Bn '80-'82; 24th Infantry Div '82-'84; 11th Armored Cav '86-'88; JFK Special Warfare Center SERE Instructor '88-'90; XVIII Airborne Corp Arty '90-'92;   Taxman: U.S. Navy/ U.S.N.R. '63-'91 Naval Aviator, Tailhooker;   brityank: U.S.N.R. '61-'63. FT 'A' School, Great Lakes, Ill '63; U.S. Navy '63-'67 USS Mt. McKinley (AGC-7) Portsmouth, VA Drydock to Gitmoto San Dieto '63-'64; USS Princeton (LPH-5), Long Beach, CA to WestPac '64-'67;   dakine: U.S.A.F. 19 years - still active;   g'nad: active duty, U.S.M.C.;   cmotormac44: 1944 Veteran;   JohnD9207: Sgt. U.S. Army (retired);   SC Swamp Fox: U.S. Navy '83-'93 USS Saratoga (CV-60)   razorback-bert: U.S. Army '68-'69;   HEFFERNAN 2: U.S.M.C. - Viet Nam;   Vermonter: FTG2, 1968-69 USS Robert H. McCard DD822;   fnord: U.S.M.C. 1975-1979.   Mustang: U.S. Navy LCDR;  Vets_Husband_and_Wife: Both served during Viet Nam. I linked their profile page and urge to to read it.

Finally, I asked Snow Bunny to join me in this tribute. There is no FReeper who loves our men and women of the military more than she does, nor does more for them than she does, and without her, there would be no FReeper USO Canteen.
*****************************************
Veterans' Day

11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month

Please take a few moments from your busy day to pause, reflect, and thank those who have served our country. Please show respect and honor to those who answered the call to serve their country. Tell your children about Veterans. Pass on a legacy of trust, integrity, honor, faith, and determination. Patriotism lives on!

We remember all those who have died for flag and country, duty and honor, truth and justice. For those left behind, we have not forgotten you.

On this Veteran's Day, from the bottom of our hearts and the depth of our soul, Thank you Veteran, welcome home, job well done, we are so very proud of you!
~~~Snow Bunny


In closing, I offer this link to a thread I found on the forum. It was posted on January 22nd of this year: Thank you, Veterans.....May I Salute You?
~~~Billie




TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Breaking News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: r; spartansixdelta
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To: Billie; Snow Bunny
Thanks you two for a wonderful thread. What a great looking bunch of Freeper Vets.

And a Happy Veterans Day and Week for all of those who served and are serving now.

261 posted on 11/11/2001 10:17:12 PM PST by daisyscarlett
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To: Billie
God bless you all, each and every Veteran on this Veteran's day. My fathers a veteran and my two son's (below) will be veteran's. I was ready to quit college and go during the VietNam war "lottery", remembering my number (128) when they got to 124 that year.

I just want to you all to know that one doesn't have to be a veteran to really appreciate each and every one of you. God bless you and your's and especially the family of all those that we knew that didn't come back.

Thanks, for all of America, for the service that you give us. We will forever be in debt!

>

our 'twin' son Justin, active in the Navy
our 'twin' son Brett, active in the Army

262 posted on 11/11/2001 10:22:06 PM PST by AgThorn
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To: Billie; Snow Bunny; Jim Robinson
I would like to Thank each and every FReeper and Lurker that has taken the time to come to this thread today.
I wish to Thank all our Vets and Our Military
I would like to Thank All who have always supported Our Military and Our Vets.
I would like to acknowledge fellow Vet and Brother Jim Robinson for providing a home to all of us.
And my heart felt Thanks to Billie and Snow Bunny for all they do everyday for our great nation.
God Bless America
263 posted on 11/11/2001 10:53:55 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: Billie
bump
264 posted on 11/12/2001 2:59:36 AM PST by lavaroise
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To: Billie
A belated wish of Peace to All of You.

I don't have the words to explain my feelings. As I watched and listened at the Veteran's Day Ceremony in my city my chest swelled and my eyes watered.

I humbly Thank All of You, here and gone.........

Peace be with You

265 posted on 11/12/2001 3:31:04 AM PST by Eustace
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To: NixNatAVanG InDaBurgh; Billie; Snow Bunny; All
Thank you for the great interview.

So many of those who are serving would never complain to the American people about the conditions they serve in. Trust me, they ain't living the country club life. Tents have a mildew stench that is ever present, hot showers ain't always hot, hot meals - the same applies. These guys and gals ain't complaining.

If anyone watched Saving Pvt Ryan last night they could see the horrors of war. The Cpl interpreter's character, who was totally overcome with fear, is reflective of how it effects human beings. All of those characters portrayed were reflective of these horrors. I think Speilberg did a great job to show the world how combat effects everyone on a personal level.

Well, thanks again for the great interview, and thanks to every veteran and patriot who has served and supported the ideals of FREEDOM & LIBERTY!


Semper Fi,
Norb

266 posted on 11/12/2001 3:58:07 AM PST by Norb2569
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To: Snow Bunny
God Bless You All . . . All You Magnificent FReepers . . . And All Who Would Be But Can Not !!!
267 posted on 11/12/2001 4:13:21 AM PST by GeekDejure
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To: Snow Bunny
Snow Bunny, thanks for all you do, also. You are a FR treasure, as well.
268 posted on 11/12/2001 4:43:06 AM PST by xsmommy
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To: RaceBannon
I'd go back in a New York minute!!
269 posted on 11/12/2001 4:46:31 AM PST by Nitro
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To: Billie
Great thread, Billie! Thanks so much.

Semper Fi

270 posted on 11/12/2001 6:05:13 AM PST by 68 grunt
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
Belated Remembrance bump.

Lest we forget.

271 posted on 11/12/2001 6:14:55 AM PST by headsonpikes
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To: Billie
Wow, great job Billie.
A hearty "Cleared Hot" from the 704th TASS
Our motto, "Going out of business since 1984"
272 posted on 11/12/2001 6:54:10 AM PST by Duke809
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To: Aeronaut; 4TheFlag; LiberteeBell; onyx; Yankee; firebrand; fhayek; Guenevere; Leroy S. Mort...
Again, let me thank you personally for your nice words and to the vets for their service. This was a tribute I've been working on for weeks and it means so much to me that it means so much to the veterans and the active service men and women. You are all special. I just don't want to leave anybody out in expressing my thanks for what you mean to America and what each one of you means to Free Republic.

Leroy, I am sorry I didn't get your picture and your information in time to include it, but thank you so much for posting it here for others to see.

273 posted on 11/12/2001 6:57:34 AM PST by Billie
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To: Billie
Thanks for your efforts Billie. I can only remember being thanked for my service about three times and I've been out of the Navy for 32 years. It does make we vets feel appreciated.
274 posted on 11/12/2001 7:05:25 AM PST by Aeronaut
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
Thanks for the ping and thanks for the thread.

Greg Adams
aka ImpBill
Just another aging vet

275 posted on 11/12/2001 9:17:52 AM PST by ImpBill
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To: Billie; All
Thanks to all those who serve...past, present, and future.
276 posted on 11/12/2001 10:27:42 AM PST by GEC
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To: NixNatAVanG InDaBurgh
wow!
277 posted on 11/12/2001 10:44:14 AM PST by MistyCA
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To: Billie
I salute all of you Veterans and all of you currently serving!
278 posted on 11/12/2001 10:46:14 AM PST by Big Guy and Rusty 99
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Army
Navy
Marines
Air Force
Coast
Guard

Stop in and help support our military, their families and Vets!
Come on by and meet some very Patriotic FReepers.
See great graphics and posts and have a few laughs along the way.

New Thread Every Day!

279 posted on 11/12/2001 10:49:57 AM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: All
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, AND ON THE WALL PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBERING THOUGHT CAME TO MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, SO DARK AND SO DREARY, THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, NOW I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL, AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD EVENING'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan.

280 posted on 11/12/2001 10:53:59 AM PST by A Navy Vet
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