USO Canteen FReeper Style....Childrens Art to our Troops....July 23,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

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If you know a Veteran, someone in your family,
friend of the family, neighbor, who served their
country, take a brief moment of your day to thank them.
Thank them for the sacrifice they made
for the better good of their country.

We at Free Republic, and the USO Canteen FReeper Style,
are thankful for every service member
in our military, who has served our great nation.

So, to the men and women who answered the call,
in both times of war and peace, thank you.

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Message from Snow Bunny to all those who visit the Canteen.

This is how I think of the USO Canteen Freeper Style.
It is like a cottage down a road,
a place where a weary veteran can spend the night.

Since it opened, it is magical how so many
Freepers who post here, feel it too.
It has been so dear how the Freepers
kept making it a cottage - a home-type of place
that had a huge living room
for them to visit in and a dance floor, a library, etc.

Many Veterans have written to me,
saying that the Canteen is like home
to them for the first time since they served.

This is your Canteen -
a respite from our busy
and sometimes troubling world.
Make yourself at home.

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Children's Art at the Canteen

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SPRINGFIELD, Va. (AFPN) -- With a pencil, pen and marker, Daniela McCain, third-grade daughter of Tech. Sgt. Christopher and Pamela McCain, from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., drew herself a first-place entry in the Air Force category of the Armed Services YMCA Art Contest 2002

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[tomkow6]

Today's FEEBLE attempt at humor:

Two weeks ago was my 45th birthday, and I wasn't feeling too hot that morning anyway. I went down to breakfast knowing my wife would be pleasant and say "Happy Birthday," and probably have a present for me.

She didn't even say "Good Morning," let alone any "Happy Birthday." I thought, "Well, that's wives for you. The children will remember." The children came down to breakfast and didn't say a word.

When I started to the office I was feeling pretty low and despondent. As I walked into my office, my secretary, Janet said, "Good Morning, Boss, Happy Birthday." And I felt a little better; someone had remembered. I worked until noon.

Then, Janet knocked on my door and said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day outside and it's your birthday, let's go to lunch, just you and me."

I said, "By George, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go." We went to lunch. We didn't go where we normally go; we went out into the country to a little private place. We had two martinis and enjoyed lunch tremendously. On the way back to the office, she said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day. We don't need to go back to the office, do we?" I said, "No, I guess not." She said, "Let's go to my apartment."

After arriving at her apartment she said, "Boss, if you don't mind, I think I'll go into the bedroom and slip into something more comfortable."

"Sure," I excitedly replied. She went into the bedroom and, in about six minutes she came out carrying a big birthday cake, followed by my wife, children, and dozens of our friends. They were all singing Happy Birthday... and there on the couch I sat... naked!!

[Pippin]

LOL!! Tom! You're so cute!

[tomkow6]

...youe "buddy"

Buddy? Or do you mean MY GOOD FRIEND ?

[Pippin]

Good Morning, Cote!

[Pippin]

I meam your

COMMANDER IN CHIEF!

[Pippin]

Thanks, You do too!

[tomkow6]

Oh

[Pippin]

Now you go hide in your burka!

[Northern Yankee]

Good Morning all.

A beauty of a day here in the Midwest. Today's temps are going to be in the mid-70's, with dew points in the low 50's. Perfect!

Was at my mom's last night, with lots of the family in.

Ladies and gentlemen, it doesn't get much better. Kids were going fishing, canoeing, or playing football with great enthusiasm. Adults were in conversation, eating, working in the kitchen, or playing cards. Eldest sister surprised everyone by walking into the house. (She works in Milwaukee, about 2 and a half hours away.)She just decided to come up for the overnight.

It is so great to live in a Country where we can live out our dreams, watch our children growing up, and enjoy each other's company with much pride and love. It's an honesty that has no limits, and a love that has no bounds.

There is a great love in our family, and pride in each other's accomplishments. We relish the times we do get together, and know that those precious moments will linger until we meet again. (I reckon that's how it is in most families.)The best thing about it though is that we appreciate the moments. We support each other, and are glad to help out those in need. We work together, play together, and worship together.

I often tell people that my family was like the Waltons growing up. There were ten of us children, and of course mom and dad. We lived in the country. It seems like we were always working on weekends, Whether it was mowing the grass, raking leaves, weeding the garden, cutting wood, or clearing out areas in the woods. Of course we did have our fun... We swam, fished, trapped, hunted, hiked, explored, made forts, chased fireflies, played tag all night during the summer, or slept out under the stars. It was a bonding time; a time well spent learning about how to live with siblings, and understanding, and not always liking, that others must always come first.

As we grew up we went to school, served our Country, got jobs, married, and started to raise families. We now are trying to instill those same values in our children that our parents imparted on us. We are optimistic about life, enjoy laughter, shed tears during our dark times, and celebrate each other's life together. We also understand that even though things will not always be perfect, in the end we still have the love of each other, and of God.

I tuned into C-Span this morning and saw Louis Farakhan ranting on about injustice in the world, and spouting anger. I thought here's one who will never get it. Never understand that this life is full of opportunity and goodness. Never understand that we are here to work for each other. Never understand that the good Lord has given us a marvelous life, and that it is our duty to share that life and those blessings with each other. It doesn't matter what race you are, or religion, or creed. What matters is what you do with your life, and how you treat each other.

I continue to thank God for all that he has given our family, and hope that my children's children will see the same things with their family, as I have seen with mine. And in the end... I think they will. Blessings to all.

[tomkow6]

Ok

ANYBODY GOT ANY COFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ???

[southerngrit]

Good morning, friends. Good morning to all our great servicemen who are fortunate enough to have found this thread. We salute you.

Grey - I understand your concern over the loss of our children's innocence. Having said that, September 11, 2001, wasn't just a bad dream we can soothe away for them. I am proud that we are once again incorporating appreciation of the men and women who serve America into our youth. It gives me hope for the next generation of Americans. I think kids are pretty savvy these days. They learn about life much sooner than we would like, and it's not like this young person came up with "Kill Osama Bin Laden" on his own. The whole country was screaming for his head, particularly during the time frame the letter was written.

To Our Guys: Stay safe and know that you are always in our thoughts.

[Pippin]

Blessings to you too, NY! What a great atitude you have!

Make me glad, too, that I live here were we are free to persue our dreams. Have a great day!

[Pippin]

Tom! What's with the NuN!?

[Pippin]

Good Morning, SG!

[tomkow6]

Bad habit of mine?

[Lee'sGhost]

Bunninator:

Now you've done it. Had to go and make me tear up first thing in the morning, didn't you. You just think you're so clever playing my heart like a two dollar violin. Pretty soon people will start to think I have feelings or something. Thanks a lot.

LG

[southerngrit]

Good morning, ClaraSuzanne. Gotta hit the shower so I can get out of the house on time, for once. Will try to check back in later in the day.

[Pippin]

GROAN!