USO Canteen FReeper Style....FReeper FRiday ....GATOR NAVY ......August 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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The USO Canteen Honors FReepers
who have served, or are now serving their country.

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You may have a loved one who has served in the past.
We at the FReeper USO Canteen would like to honor each and every one.

Thank You GATOR NAVY for Serving our Country

Because 5 of 6 ships I have been on have been amphibious ships,
or "gators".

Also, my job is navigation, or a 'gator.

I am a Chief Petty Officer and just went
over 20 years service this March.

My ships have been :
USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) plankowner
USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198)
USS ST LOUIS (LKA-116)
USS SAN BERNARDINO (LST-1189) decomm crew
USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8)
USS JUNEAU (LPD-10)

I have been stationed in Japan since 1990.
I am currently on shore duty near Tokyo,Japan/

Prior to this tour all my Japan time was in Sasebo, on Kyushu.

I have been happily married for over 9 years to my lovely wife Atsuko.

We have two sons, Takezo, age 7, and Shuzo, age 5.

Here is my son Takezo

Here is my son Shuzo

Although I read FR daily, I don't usually log on unless I want to
reply to a thread. But I will always get back to you (ask Snow Bunny)
sooner or later if you send something my way.

[MistyCA]

LMAO! Cute! :)) GOodnight!

[radu]

Tonk, Kathy, I want to thank BOTH of you. Tonk. for turning me on to the Canteen and Kathy, for convincing me to stop 'lurking' and join the gang.

And thanks to everyone else for making me feel welcome here as one of the gang.

We're all here for the same reaon....to show our support for those who do, or have done, their duty to keep this country free.

And THANK YOU, troops!!

[radu]

Good night, souris. Thanx for the chuckles and swoons. Sleep well.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Hi Misty! Nice to see you.

[Victoria Delsoul]

[radu]

Almost caught up! (Sam helped a lot with that stealth car he sent. Teehee!)

[MistyCA]

Bathroom art????? I would hang that art above my bed, thank you! :))))

[SAMWolf]

Hey! A tank post and I didn't get flagged?

Canteen Rules and Regulations Article 3 Section 2 Sub-Section C states:

All posts containing graphics, artwork, drawings, photos and references to tanks, AFV's, Armored Fighting Vehicles, Armor, Panzers or PzKfw's will include a flag to SAMWolf.

[SAMWolf]

Comes in handy doesn't it?

[Victoria Delsoul]

Wonderful news, Radu. So good to see you!

[radu]

Yeah, I saw that speed limit. That's CRUEL on a Friday night. LOL I had to take short cuts JUST in case our Canteen sherriff has a special radar gun that has a Stealth detector. I've learned NOT to take anything for granted here! Heehee!!!

[MistyCA]

LMAO! Don't remind me! :))

[JohnHuang2]

You're welcome *Smiles*

[radu]

If y'all haven't burned the motor up on that fan, sure, I could use a bit of breeze. It's awful hot in here. pant pant pant

[Sabertooth]

Thanks for the song, Victoria.

Instead of "Who's Your Daddy?" that pic ought to be posted with "Who's the Bum?"

[MistyCA]

HI! I am anxious to hear the music you do for the rodeo! I am just worried about what I am going to wear! :)

[radu]

If I had that painting above my bed I wouldn't get any sleep!! :-D

[radu]

YES, it does come in handy. Thank you very much!!!! :-))

[MistyCA]

Howdy, John! Good to see you!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks. The more people that visit, and then come out of lurker mode, the better. (Tonk and Sam are responsible for my joining up.) Supporting our troops in each of our own ways, yet all together, is what makes the Canteen such a success IMHO. Snow Bunny and all the Vietnam vets, especially, know what "is right", having been there, done that, and continue to lead the way. Honoring our troops is such a satisfying way for those of us who aren't serving to show our respect for, and understanding of, those that keep us free and those that have kept us free. A debt that can't be repaid, but can be thanked every day. I am amazed every day that the Canteen has so many different contributing talents. Thank you God for bringing so many good people together.