A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 7-03-02

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. I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. 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 can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn'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, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

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: spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68

MIDDLE: FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM: usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

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: 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.

"ONE OF FREE REPUBLIC'S FINEST"

How do you spell FUN? How do you spell FUNNY? How do you spell GENEROUS? How do you spell CHIVALROUS? How do you spell SENSITIVE? How do you spell PATRIOT? How do you spell CONSERVATIVE? How do you spell PROUD TEXAN?

Well, some of us spell it L-O-D-W-I-C-K

Lodwick is a mostly daytime FReeper. He spreads his charm around to many threads including, but not limited to, The Guild, The Canteen, and The Freeoples. His FReeping is often in competition with The List (things to do, often requested by Mrs. L.), with FReeping usually winning out, at least until shortly before Mrs. Lodwick returns home. His contributions to the threads include photos, food preparation tips, product information and a whole lot of caring and sharing. He is also old-fashion chivalrous, often coming to the rescue when a FReeper is rude or obnoxious to a lady and demands that said disruptor behave as a gentleman or leave.

He is an enthusiastic fundraiser, participating in the Quarterly Fund Raising Event (aka the Freepathon). In fact, his Profile Page includes this statement: "Becoming very upset that more folks are not pulling their weight by donating monthly to support the finest conservation website on the internet." He espouses this view often in his daily postings. Currently, he is working hard to BRING BABY BILLY HOME.

Lodwick, you are a FRiend to many of us and brighten our days. Your generous contributions to various efforts have made a difference in many lives.

We Love Ya, Bud. Enjoy your day in the spotlight.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

07-01-02 Veterans Group 9
07-02-02 JulieRNR21

From Hugh Hewitts web site

A young Marine restores my faith.

It was our normal Thursday morning business meeting at our real-estate office. No big deal. Before the meeting we hung around the bagel table, as usual, with our coffee. He stood aside, looking a little shy and awkward and very young, a new face in a room full of extroverted salespeople. An average looking guy, maybe 5 feet 8 inches. A clean-cut, sweet-faced kid. I went over to chat with him. Maybe he was a new salesman?

He said he was just back from Kabul, Afghanistan. A Marine. Our office (and a local school) had been supportive by sending letters to him and other troops, which he had posted on the American Embassy door in Kabul. He stood guard there for four months and was shot at daily.

He had come to our office to thank us for our support, for all the letters during those scary times. I couldn't believe my ears. He wanted to thank us? We should be thanking him. But how? How can I ever show him my appreciation?

At the end of the sales meeting, he stepped quietly forward, no incredible hulk. As a matter of fact, he looked for all the world 15 years old to me. (The older I get, the younger they look.)

This young Marine, this clean-faced boy, had no qualms stepping up to the plate and dodging bullets so that I might enjoy the freedom to live my peaceful life in the land of the free. No matter the risk. Suddenly the most stressful concerns of my life seemed as nothing, my complacency flew right out the window with his every word. Somewhere, somehow, he had taken the words honor, courage and commitment into his very soul and laid his life on the line daily for me and us. A man of principle. He wants to do it. Relishes it. And he came to thank us? For a few letters? I fought back the tears as he spoke so briefly and softly.

He walked forward to our manager and placed a properly folded American flag in his hands. It had flown over the Embassy. He said thanks again. You could hear a pin drop. As I looked around I saw red faces everywhere fighting back the tears.

In a heartbeat, my disillusionment with young people today quickly vanished. In ordinary homes, in ordinary towns, kids like him are growing up proud to be an American and willing to die for it. Wow. We'll frame the flag and put it in the lobby. He only came to my office once, for just a few minutes. But I realize I rubbed shoulders with greatness in the flesh and in the twinkling of an eye my life is forever changed. His name is Michael Mendez, a corporal in the USMC. We are a great nation. We know because the makings of it walked into my office that day.

Ann Baker
Huntington Beach
Orange County Register, June 30, 2002
Golden Pen Award

24 posted on 7/3/02 7:36 AM Central by Valin

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.