A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 09-03-02

DaisyScarlett and Billie

[Billie]

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:  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.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

                     

              Diver Dave

A Man Who Loves His Country,
His God, and His Family

Diver Dave with his wife, Linda
Modesto, California
Freeper since 07-04-98

**LOVE OF COUNTRY**

Military Service

Diver Dave served in the U.S. Navy for four years, enlisting on 9/30/63.

He began his Navy career as a Shipfitter/Pipefitter and his first ship was the USS Piedmont (AD-17) homeported in San Diego. While serving on the PIEDMONT, he made three WESTPAC Tours, each tour lasting six months. The PIEDMONT was a destroyer tender - a floating shipyard of sorts. It was their job to provide repair services to the ships of the Seventh Fleet.

Just prior to sailing for his second WESTPAC tour, a call went out for volunteers to attend diving school. Diver Dave volunteered, was interviewed and after passing several tests (such as swimming, diving and recompression/decompression testing) he was accepted and attended the Navy Second Class Diving School in Subic Bay. After completing Diving School, he reported back to the PIEDMONT for duty in the Diving Locker. Diver Dave left the Navy after his four year enlistment ended having attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Diver Dave feels that the separation from loved ones was the hardest thing about serving in the military. Other than that obvious hardship, he says that he enjoyed his time in the military and would do it all over again.

Support of the Military

Diver Dave is a strong supporter of those serving our country now and those who have served our country in the past. He participates in many Forum threads pertaining to the military.

He once told the story of how he saw an elderly gentleman alighting from his vehicle which had a bumper sticker sign stating he was a Veteran of WWII. Diver Dave went over to him and shook his hand and thanked him for his military service. This is just one example of similar stories he has related on the Forum threads.

Political Activism

Diver Dave, like so many of us, lurked on Free Republic for a long time before signing up. He found FR Forum through a Drudge Whitewater link and was immediately hooked. He finally registered on the Fourth of July 1998. Someone had started a thread calling for all members of the Armed Forces and Vets to answer roll call. After reading all the posts from members, with tears streaming down his face, he signed on and mustered-in.

His screen name served two purposes. First, The Whitewater File, and the depths that X42's went to hide their scandals, required some "deep diving" to get to the bottom of the mess. The second purpose of his screen name was, of course, in relation to his military diving career.

"Freeping the Dirtbag"

"We Have Not Forgotten - Gary Condit's Rotten."

Diver Dave is a member of the California Central Valley Chapter of FReeRepublic.Com (aka the Modesto Freepers). The Modesto Freepers are well known and well loved for their successful Freeping of (soon to be be former) Congressman Gary Condit out of office.

Every Saturday afternoon for eight months, beginning on July 20, 2001, Diver Dave-along with a dedicated group of diehard FReepers and Patriots-gathered on the corner of 16th and J Streets in downtown Modesto, CA and Freeped for the removal or resignation of Gary Condit from office as a U.S. Congressional Representative and later on, calling for his defeat as he shamefully ran for reelection.

Diver Dave attended almost all of these Saturday afternoon Freeps of the Dirt Bag, missing only two in the entire eight month period. Sometimes he was joined by as many as 40 FReepers and concerned citizens and sometimes it was a group of less than 10. Passing motorists gave much encouragement to the group - honking their horns in support and giving the "thumbs up" sign. Jim Robinson journeyed 200 miles round trip from Fresno to attend many of these Freeps of Condit as did other Fresno Freepers. He also posted the weekly report of the Condit Freep in Modesto on the FR Forum and thus became the FR sounding board for the Condit Freeps.

Thank you Diver Dave and FReepers and FRiends. Here are some names of those who supported the Condit FReep: DiverDave; CheneyChick; Saundra Duffy; lager; ontherightside; Commander8; SiFiPattie; Mtngrl@vrwc; JustAmy; MamaBear; JKPhoto; Cali5; CounterCounterCulture; I_want_gary_condit_out's mom; The Real Deal; HDRider; fxrdeb; and Jim Robinson. This is NOT an inclusive list, so speak right up if I left you or one of your FRiends out!!!!

MODESTO AREA FREEPERS ATTEND
CHANDRA LEVY MEMORIAL SERVICE
MODESTO FREEP OF CONDIT

**LOVE OF GOD**

Diver Dave is a man of strong religious conviction. He attends religious services, reads the Bible and prays regularly, much as our President George W. Bush does. He often quotes religious scripture in his posts on FR..

"My faith, and thus my walk with the LORD, are the most important things in my life. I pray that it is the same for everyone." ~Diver Dave

"I felt the call to the ministry but GOD had other plans. Many are called - but few are chosen. My calling is not as a pastor, but instead, a layman to witness and share the Gospel - Ever ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ." ~ Diver Dave

Diver Dave's Mother and Father were Godly Christian parents. His father entered into the presence of the LORD in 1996 at age 88 and here are some memories that DiverDave has of him:

"My Dad was uneducated by today's standards, was rejected by the military in WWII due to health reasons, so he wasn't a war hero. In my eyes, he was an even greater hero because of his belief and faith in Jesus Christ. He walked the walk and talked the talk. In my whole life, I never heard him swear once. I watched as his hand got smashed while hooking up a truck trailer to a truck. Not a word! The intense pain was obvious but not one swear word. I was with him on several occasions as he bore witness of his faith to different people and later led those people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. At a time when parents would drop their kids off at Sunday School, Dad and Mom took us to Sunday School and church services. He taught several Sunday School classes from Jr. High boys to Adult classes and he was very good at it. Do I have any idea what a powerful man is? You better believe I do."

STAY PRAYED UP (post#143)

**LOVE OF FAMILY**

"The Bible tells us not to have a prideful heart, but it sure is hard when we marvel at what He has blessed us with - be it our children or grandchildren." ~ Diver Dave

DiverDave is

• a devoted son to his octogenarian Mom,
• a loving husband to his wife Linda,
• a proud father to their three daughters,
• a doting grandpa to grandsons Christian and Logan David (in fact he provides child care for them on a regular basis), and
• a beloved sibling to his twin brother and three sisters.

Diver Dave also......

Loves His Mom, Apple Pie and Baseball..
How much more American can one get?

His love of his Mom was noted above.

So we will move right along to his love of apple pie. We are not sure he actually loves apple pie, but he most likely does as he is a genuine cysberspace chow hound and is usually first in line when the cyberfood bell is rung-on this or any thread. To be fair, he often serves up scrumptuous cyberfood to his FRiends as well.

At last we get to "Loves Baseball". He is a long time fan of baseball in general, the Dodgers in particular. When he bleeds, his blood is Dodger blue. Living in Modesto, far away from Chavez Ravine, he does not get to see the Dodgers very often except when they come to SF to play the Giants. Being a baseball fan, in general, he attends Oakland A's and Giants' games whenever possible. He is not only an ardent fan of "America's Pastime", he is also a very knowledgeable one and is always ready to join in a baseball discussion when it comes up on a thread.

Diver Dave, Congratulations YOU ARE ONE OF FR's FINEST

THIS WEEKEND'S THREAD

08-31-02 thru 09-02-02 Labor Day Holiday Weekend

[Libertina]

BTTT Oh my, what an outstanding person you have picked today, Billie. Diver Dave, you are truly an inspiration. Thank you for your heartfelt sharing of your life and beliefs. It reminds me of what this country was founded upon.

God Bless!

[Diver Dave]

Thanks, blackie. Hope the hot tub deck is finished and you're able to enjoy it.

The Second Amendment...
America's Original Homeland Security !!

I like that!

[Mama_Bear]

'Course I don't know HOW to enforce it! Maybe we can compromise a tad. :)

Whew! Thank you! Compromise is good......I can do that!

I have stalled long enough, I have go get to work. Enjoyed your mail this morning and I will answer you both after I get some of my work done.

Great thread today, it is going to take all of my willpower to stay off of it. The thing is, I can work and monitor my pings at the same time. It is almost impossible not to stop what I am doing and answer. What I should do is just shut down FR all together, but I just can't do it. :-(

[chadsworth]

You are both so cute and so much fun. ;-)

AW Shucks - tanks

Back atcha

[Pippin]

Hi, Chadsy!

[daisyscarlett]

Thanks for that beautiful rose.

One of the things written about you that did not make the final cut was that you take such nice photos of flowers. I remember particulary when you shared some photos of flowers that you took and sent to your Mom....

[Diver Dave]

Thank you, Libertina, for those kind words.

It reminds me of what this country was founded upon.

He's still the same GOD - to be worshipped and adored.

[chadsworth]

In that hole in the backseat you will find one of his dog biscuits.

There you go again cobby - getting me in deeper.

I must confess, the dog biscuits that Cobbie found for LIR to feed me was just too much-- so I stuffed them in the hole. AND I am smart enough to know the difference between a seat and a tree.(most of the time)

Scheeeesse!

Now I know why Billie calls you a Hooligan!!

[chadsworth]

Hi there Ms New Name Pippin- Top o'afternoon to ya

[beowolf]

Sadly, Mon Capitain...I must admit to weighing a 100 kilos...with a 36" waist. Not Bad for a 50 yr old fogey.... I will gladley pay for the extra ballast!-)

[JulieRNR21]

I remember one night when you and DiverDave and St. Louis1 and a few others had a great discussion about the good ole days of baseball and Roger Kahn's great books.....

That was a wonderful trip down 'memory lane'with the 'Boys of Summer'....I enjoyed it as well!

[Pippin]

I'm doing fine!

How are you doing?

How's LIR?

[Diver Dave]

Thanks again for all the work you put into this thread.

I realize that the spotlight is on me today, and I appreciate it, but you three ladies need the lights turned around on yourselves.

You've made me out to be someone special, but FR is full of Someone Specials.

To quote an old sailor friend of mine, "I yam what I yam, that's all that I yam...

Toot! Toot!

[Mama_Bear]

Could you see 'wolfie'?....He was wearing that red tie he loves so much......LOL

Yes, I could see him, but not the chubby picnic bear. I even copied the image location into the address field and it told me "You don't have permission to access /animations/animals/bears/bear_eating_picnic_md_wht.gif on this server." Am I the only one who doesn't have permission? :-(

That's okay, at least now I know which one I am forbidden to see. LOL!

Have a nice day, Julie. (((((hugs)))))

[daisyscarlett]

"Let's see, 1 a week for how many weeks are you planning to be "off"?! Daisy and I can coast for a LONG time! LOL"

Ya-Hoo I like the way you're thinking Billie....

I think this calls for a celebration...maybe some tea in the teagarden. Everyone welcome....

[Aquamarine]

Apologies for knocking Aquamarine's pancakes. Mrs. ofM put some plaster of Paris in some old creamola plastic jugs. Aquamarine, unaware we do not carry fresh milk, used what she thought was creamola as a substiture for milk.

So that's what happened! All great southern cooks know that you put buttermilk in your pancake batter. If you can't keep the correct perishables on the ship I'm swimming home!

[daisyscarlett]

See you later Mama_Bear. Know how hard it is for you to stay away but you must get your work caught up so you can come play with us some more....

[JulieRNR21]

I even copied the image location into the address field and it told me "You don't have permission to access /animations/animals/bears/bear_eating_picnic_md_wht.gif on this server." Am I the only one who doesn't have permission? :-(

This perplexes me....can't imagine why you can't see it...maybe Louie can enlighten us?

[COB1]

"That is a lifetime membership to the doghouse "

But just think, chadsey.......you can sit out there in your doghouse with your computer hooked to an extension cord and visit your favorite site (to which you have a lifetime membership) anytime you want without having to exit out when LIR walks in!!
Just hope she doesn't unplug you!

[Mama_Bear]

but you three ladies need the lights turned around on yourselves.

Oh, no. No way. I shy away from the spotlight, that's why I am one of the hostesses. It's in the rules, isn't it Billie, that hostesses are never to be in the spotlight? :-)