USO Canteen FReeper Style....FReeper FRiday..May 24,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

I would like you to meet FReeper Veteran HiJinx.

Thank you HiJinx for serving our country !

Somehow I always knew I was destined to be a part of the U.S. Armed Forces and travel around the world. That may be because my Air Force Father brought me in to this world as an Englishman, then taught me to walk and talk as an Italian! My poor grandparents couldn't understand a word I was saying when I first met them in Dayton, Ohio.

My Dad was career Air Force, my Step-Dad was Navy, so my brother and I joined the Army. Natural choice, right? This is the obligatory graduation photo, complete with the old bus driver's cap.

For some reason, they didn't trust us with live ammo on the live fire rush and cover course, so we used blanks. I'm not really pointing my M-16 at the photographer, it just looks that way. Maybe there's a good reason for them not to trust us!

The training was completed, graduation was a day away, and we were restricted to our barracks. Note the WWII era corrugated sheet metal construction. Our Basic Training Company, C-2-3, was the only one in the 3rd Battalion 'living' in Quonset huts in 1976. At the end of BCT I had lost 35 pounds and Mrs. HJ had not seen me for 3 months. On the back of this picture I penned "Here's a lousy picture by a lousy photographer, but it gives you an idea what we do on the weekends - sit around and wait!!"

My entire career was spent as a Military Intelligence NCO, and I'm rather proud to have been one of President Reagan's Cold War Warriors. My first duty station was at the USASA Field Station Berlin. Everything above the third floor of the main ops building (the one in the back) was antennas. Ostensibly, we were there providing worldwide communications support to American forces. The site has now been turned over to a German concern and is in use as a resort with a ski-lift, grass ski-slope, and toboggan run down the backside. There's also a 'clothing optional' beach at the base of the mountain. No, I never went there...wink-wink!

I re-enlisted 4 times during my career, this was the first. The Company Commander in this ceremony, a Captain, just finished his tour last year as the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Intelligence Center at Ft. Huachuca.

Much of the photographic record of my time in uniform has me out of uniform! Our blonde Cocker Spaniel Sebastian is receiving a new pillow for his bed for Christmas. The poor boy begged for everything. Check out those paws...to dust those hardwood floors, we'd toss a ball for him to chase...he made a great dust mop, and got lots of exercise to boot!

My first CONUS (stateside) assignment was to the Big Red One (1st Infantry Division) at Ft. Riley, KS. Here Dad is doting on Jonathan, who is a natural ham. He'd follow a camera anywhere!

Another of the sights that all MI soldiers should be familiar with is the AN/FLR-9 (Flare 9) HF/DF Antenna System. This is the Augsburg site, where I spent 3 and a half pretty good years. On an earlier thread we paid tribute to NSA soldiers and civilians who had lost their lives in the line of duty, and the memorial says they 'Served in Silence.' That is still true to some extent. These sites are only shown now because they are no longer in use. ~Photo courtesy Carl Schweibinz

My final tour of duty was as a Combat Developments NCO here at Ft. Huachuca. I'm here to tell you, this was rough duty! TDY every month, living out of a suitcase, and putting on Dog and Pony shows to convince the Army to develop our new systems. The Association of the US Army (AUSA) shows weren't too bad, until the Chief of Staff, Army (GEN Sullivan) showed up for his briefing with 35 staff officers in tow!

This is what consumed my final years of service. The Army Family of Common Sensors was to be the last set of Intelligence and Electronic Warfare systems the Army would ever need, with reconfigurable electronics and antenna systems to handle the mission of the 10 different systems currently in the field. Pictured from left to right are the Ground Based Common Sensor-Light on a Heavy Hummer, the GBCS-Heavy on an Electronic Fighting Vehicle, and the USMCs Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System on an LAV-25. The upgraded Black Hawk is the Advanced Quickfix system with COMINT/ELINT sensor package and extended range fuel tanks.

For those who would like to see a larger, more detailed picture of Field Station Berlin on top of the Teufelsberg, click here. This is quite large, please be patient. Ditto for a larger picture of the AFCS Intelligence Collection Systems, click here.

[kneezles]

Both of them were the Stanley screw drive. There is a coupling attached to the motor shaft, a u-coupling that connects to the screw drive, and the ears broke off. I called the toll free number on the manual, and was told that Stanley went bankrupt last year, and the service company I talked to said that part was not available. I'm going with Genie.

[stand watie]

PRETTY graphic!

[HiJinx]

Hey, Joe, when you work the crowd at the Memorial Day Parade, are ya gonna carry one o' them high tech military style weapons like the folks in this picture?

(This is an American Rifleman illustration by Harry Lloyd Jaecks.)

[Jen]

Rockin' for the U.S.A.: A National Tribute to the U.S. Military

On May 25, at 9 p.m. EST, CBS television will air a special sponsored by McDonald's. Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., hosts "Rockin' for the U.S.A.: A National Tribute to the U.S. Military," featuring comedian Jeff Foxsworthy and singers Celine Dion, Marc Anthony, Clint Black, Jessica Simpson, Lonestar and MSM (formerly Miami Sound Machine).

CBS filmed the show May 4 aboard the USS Harry S. Truman during McDonald's Fleet Week and McDonald's Air & Sea Show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. More than four million people turned out to attend Fleet Week events, according to company officials. The U.S. Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team dropped in to present an honorary baton to McDonald's USA President Mike Roberts for recognizing the armed forces with the national salute.

The television special includes a message from Roberts to the American people and to the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard.

"We believe it's our duty – and honor – to show pride in the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces," Roberts said in statement. "We know that freedom isn't free. The National Salute is our way to say 'thanks' to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms and our American dreams. Our hope is that everyone in the U.S. armed forces knows how much we support you, appreciate you and thank you."

[SpookBrat]

"I hope their fellow citizens enjoy the coming 3 day weekend, because these men are the latest who paid for it."

Damn straight, SAM. Your anger is justified.

[HiJinx]

crossword puzzle/word game magazines This is just too co-inky-dental!
Look who's holding what in the picture where he's sitting on his cot in the Quonset hut...!

[SpookBrat]

Nerd Bump! (my mother said the same thing growing up. Marry a nerd. They make the best husbands. ROFL)

[HiJinx]

Ummmm...Kneezles, are your rods all sufficiently shielded?
Are you spending too much time in the containment dome?
Dude, that photo is out there!

[SpookBrat]

I forgot to tell...I lost my camera at the beach yesterday. (It's really ok, because I've been wanting a new one for a long time. I should have thrown it in the water a long time ago). A big wave snuck up on us, when we weren't expecting it. I lost my camera and my cell phone. *&^%$#@^*(^$#!

I've heard Sarasota was a good place for sand dollars and shells.

[Jen]

Hahahaha! Is that what you're holding? I thought you were 'reading' Playboy, for the 'articles' of course... ;-)

[redhead]

Yippee!! 4 eggs in the nest this morning! This little bird is definitely on the mommy-track!

Packing up and getting ready to leave for Cedar Rapids IA for a wedding tomorrow. Don't let anything happen on here while I'm gone, ok?

HiJinks: Wow! Your story reminds me of my middle son, who wound up in Army MI and spent a tour in Sinop, Turkey in the mid-80's, then to Ft. Polk LA. He went to Ft. Huachuca for some orientation in some new equipment at one point. Who knows? You guys probably even shook hands er sumpin!

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' one and all. Great profile this morning.

Greetings to all our Armed Forces throughout the world. May God Bless and protect.

Have a safe weekend.

When opportunity rises, thank a vet and all those now in uniform.

[COB1]

THANK YOU, HIJINX!

I'd like to start my Memorial Day weekend by honoring all our heroes, both at home and abroad, with this poem received from my beautiful daughter in California:

"Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favourite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school,
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called,
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
for a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
she heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone.

Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll be forever in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favourite dress.

And from somewhere in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see, he was a fireman
and died just this past year,
When airplanes hit the towers
and taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far."

May God bless our men and women who defend this country from afar,
and may He bless those here at home who protect us from the ravages of those who hate us.

[HiJinx]

Could be. It certainly would have been an honor.

Us older guys have reason to be proud of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have followed us. As we saw in the Gulf War, as we are seeing now in Afghanistan, America's fighting men and women are absolutely, without a doubt, simply the best in the world.

I don't have enough words to express my feelings for everyone out there today. Redhead, please pass my thanks to your son...!

[Billie]

Thank you, HiJinx, for serving.

Thank you, each and every one who has served or are serving now. We are indebted to you all.

The WTC Flag, signed by the 911 Victims' families and survivors has returned to New York from Afghanistan.

God Bless Our Country, Our Flag, Our Leaders, Our Warriors.....

[HiJinx]

Thanks, Cobby. The screen is blurry, is my prescription changing?
That poem is making the rounds, and it never fails to bring a tear.

[HiJinx]

Good Morning, Miz Billie!
How is Texas this morning?
Arizona is hot and dry with clear blue skies, just the way I love it!

[Colt .45]

It is the veteran, not the reporter,
Who has given us the freedom of press.

It is the veteran, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the veteran, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

And lastly ... sadly ...
It is the veteran
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves the flag
Who followed that flag into battle
And whose coffin was draped by the flag
Who gave the right to the protestor to burn the flag.

Somewhere in the Pacific on a lonely island is the tombstone of an American Soldier that says ' Tell them I gave all of my tomorrows, just so they could have today.'

[Jen]

<===Click Here

A Memorial with pix and names of those killed Sept. 11 at the Pentagon; includes links to memorials for those who died in NYC and Pennsylvania.

[Howlin]

I'm cleaning up the yard today, to put up some MORE flags. (I found a GREAT set of red, white, and blue lights at Target that form a flag........and yes, we ARE putting them up today!!!)