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

[Billie]

Yep! It's in the rules!

[Mama_Bear]

Yep! It's in the rules!

Thought so.

Okay, I'm going back to work now. :-)

[COB1]

"We used Brasso just before charging up San Juan Hill with Teddy."

Yep!
I was just a little tyke but I remember that was the first thing that was said to me when we landed that "other" boat!
"Get some Brasso, son, and polish up that brass! Then let the animals out two by two!"

[humblegunner]

One week with y'all and already I'm being called a "hooligan"!

DANG I hate it when that happens.

[Diver Dave]

kudos right back attcha mtngrl. It was great having you join us in Modesto all those months, then you switch gears and FReep every FRiday night with the Fabulous FResno FReepers.

You do a mighty fine job as the scribe for the FResno Patriots. Always look forward to your reports! Good on you!

[Diver Dave]

Congratulations. They sent me lots of cash when they honored me and I know they will do the same for you.

Now that is awfully encouraging.

Since you're a day ahead of us, perhaps you can give me a heads up on the Lotto numbers for Saturday night.

That's how it works, eh?

I'll split the proceeds with ya.

[Flyer]

One week with y'all and already I'm being called a "hooligan"!

Give it 2 weeks and "hooligan" will seem like a compliment.

[humblegunner]

heads up on the Lotto numbers for Saturday night

I love free enterprise!
And congrats again, Diver Dave!

[humblegunner]

"hooligan" will seem like a compliment.

You mean it isn't???

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Hey, Thanks for the kudo's... and we appreciate your words. But today is about "you". We just wanted to "pipe" in with our thanks and appreciation for YOUR service.

We are always here reading or posting. But again, thanks for your kind words!! The Canteen is one of our favorite places to just read and relax :o)

A "bump" to this thread before I leave for the night.

FRegards!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Aren't you all brothers and sisters who have served at one time or another, in one branch or another?

Absolutely!! A bond that will never be taken for granted or forgotten. EVER!! :o)

We love your tributes, it is wonderful to see peoples service honored in this way. THANKS!!

[ofMagog]

LadyX and I have shared many old stories, something us older vets do these days when the hours get too long and it is a bit long between ports. I may have told this to some of you: I can’t remember.

It was early 1954. I was teaching a mean course called “The Unarmed Defense of the American Soldier” in what later became known as Jungle Training School out in the boonies several clicks across the canal from Gatun Dam, near Pina Village at the mouth of the Chagres in Panama.

I was tough in those days. Had just read From Here to Eternity and was living it there.

I had to go over to Ft. Davis (It may have been Ft. Gulick: It was a long time ago.) for something or the other. A fellow there told me I should hang around for the parade in an hour, that the last active mounted unit (not “for show “ as the one’s at West Point and Arlington) was retiring its colors, being deactivated. It had been stationed up north somewhere, near David.

I went out to the parade field. There were only a few people there.

There was a small band leading the parade. The daily morning rain had stopped and there was heavy steam on the field as the sun slowly came out. All of us voluntarily stood at attention as the old Ward Bond looking Chief Master Sergeant with his tri-cornered hat and stripes from his shoulders to elbows swung a long bullwhip over the heads of the mules pulling the caisson. It sounded like a shotgun. He yelled, “Hyah, ye sons of bitches!”

As they passed the reviewing stand he spit a big wad of tobacco and snapped a perfect salute to the few honchos on the stand.

They passed and then circled back to the center of the field. Their CO and a couple of NCOs came forward and slowly rolled their unit guidon, encased it, and gave it to the fort commander, while the band played a lively, but very low version of As the Caissons Go Rolling Along.”

Newly arrived from Korea Maj. Gen. Lionel C. McGarr then slowly read the retiring unit's long history, in places like Fort Blss and the Indian Wars, the Argonne, and Belleau Wood.

I slowly glanced around the field. Even the old salts had tears streaming down their cheeks.

I witnessed a beautiful piece of history that day.

A few months later I got hit by a sobering grenade in a Cold War "operation" you never heard of in another far away place.

ofMagog
Retired, United States Regular Army

[WVNan]

What a beautiful story. There's only one problem. I never know whether you are telling the truth or spinning a yarn. (g)

[Militiaman7]

Saluting: Diver Dave

[COB1]

And that story, old friend, brought a mist to my eyes.

Thank you, sir, for your service.

I salute you!

[The Mayor]

Miss your morning coffee, Mayor - we just can't make it as good. :)

I am so sorry I haven't been around, work work work. Then I found out that this dialup connection is a long distance call. $175.00 phone bill whew!

[ofMagog]

I assure you the story is true, my dear. I can still see them coming out of the mist a half century later.

I thought of them as I stood at The Wall in Washington a few years ago, a thin, long line that has held us together for a long time.

See your private mail for my "operation."

[WVNan]

Since JustFrank is out of town, Silly Shelly has agreed to provide the Finest Humor.

A woman in Alabama sued her husband for divorce. She told the judge she had nagged and nagged the man, but she couldn't get him to do right. Referring to St. Paul's words in Romans 12:20, that in showing kindness to an enemy we "heep coals of fire on his head." The judge asked the woman if she had tried to "heap coals of fire on his head." The woman answered, "No, but I don't think it will work. I've already tried scalding water, and that didn't do any good."

[humblegunner]

Beautiful.

[Jim Robinson]

Congratulations Diver Dave. You're looking great!!

"Condit is a dirt bag!"