A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-18-02

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: 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

                     

Ladtx
Retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer

Ladtx flew UH-1's in Vietnam, OH-58's in Germany, and the CH-47 Chinook in Korea and Texas. He served 20 years in the United States Army. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4).

Just a little hole in the chopper. Ladtx, at right.
Vietnam, October 15th (1969?)

Another good day in the Republic of South Vietnam! In all the years of that war no helicopter pilots were lost on this day. Some of us had a little battle damage but at least we were able to get the skids down, grab a quick shower and head for the club. ~ ladtx

During his tenure in the United States Army, Lad served as an Aircraft Commander/Pilot in Command in the 336th Asault Helicopter company, 13th Combat Aviation Battalion, 164th Group, 1st Aviation Brigate, Soc Trang AAF, Republic of South Viet Nam from Sep 69 to Sep 70. He was also an instructor pilot at the United States Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama in the UH-1D & H, OH-58A & C, and the CH-47B & C. He performed duties as an Aeroscout Instructor Pilot in the OH-58A and C, teaching the tactics and techniques employed by that aircraft in an Air Calvary role. Lad served his last six years in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda, Germany, flying the OH-58A & C and in the 6th Cavalry Brigate at Fort Hood, Texas, in the CH-47C & D.

His medals are many. He was awarded the Master Aviator's Badge, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 22 Air Medals (one for valor), and 3 Army Commendations Medals (one for valor). In addition, when he was an Instructor Pilot, Lad landed an OH-58 after the engine came apart and was on fire during an Aeroscout training flight at Fort Rucker, Alabama; he received the U.S. Army Safety Center's Broken Wing Award for that heroic landing.

Ladtx has been a conservative Republican since high school when Richard Nixon ran against John F. Kennedy. He and Mrs. ladtx were married in 1969, after only one date (though he said they had known each other for about a year)! : ) A couple of weeks later he was on his way to Vietnam.

Recently they took a pilgrimage back to Ft. Wolters, TX, near Mineral Wells, where he went through flight school, and was stationed as a TAC Officer after he got back from RVN. At the time, Mrs. ladtx instructed the Warrant Officer Candidates wives in the traditions, military courtesys, etc. of being a Warrant Officer's wife. Their oldest son was born there, at Beach Army Hospital. The historical sign is near the old post headquarters. Fort Wolters closed in 1973.

Ladtx and wife at Fort Wolters, Texas

Ladtx worked for Boeing for 11 years, doing design work for military avionics upgrades, and is currently working for Rockwell Collins, doing the same type of work. He became a FReeper on April 27, 1998, and you can see him here at the Finest every day as he posts a memorial to his fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in the line of duty on today's date. Since he began posting this memorial almost a month ago, there have only been three or four days when there were no chopper pilot casualties.

The creative side of Lad dabbles in pen and ink, watercolor, and some oils and acrylics. He's written a novel called "Dreams of Quivira", as yet unpublished, and has also written poetry based on his Vietnam experiences. One of his poems, "The Chapel Bell's Last Clang," can be found on his profile page. Very poignant, he posted it on one of our threads a couple of weeks ago.

Ladtx and his wife have three sons: one a Captain in the Air Force (WSO on B1's), one a student at Lubbock Christian University and in the Army Reserves, and the youngest, who is playing basketball at East Texas Baptist University.

Oh, there's one other member of the ladtx family that is worth a teeny mention here, because she is a teeny little tot who just celebrated her first birthday about a week ago. Her name is Leila Kay, and they are more than a teeny bit proud of her. Can understand why; she's nothing if not adorable! But don't take my word for it. Ask her granddaddy. :)

Ladtx, it is such a pleasure shining the spotlight on as Fine a FReeper as you are, and we are all indebted to you for your service and for continuing to remember those who didn't make it home.

Thank you, Ladtx!

THIS WEEK'S THREADs

10-14-02 Molly Pitcher
10-15-02 Dutchess
10-16-02 Anniegetyourgun, RikaStrom
10-17-02 "Campaign Odyssey in Baghdad" by JohnHuang2

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Billie]

[Billie]

Good morning. It's cloudy and a bit of drizzle here - good sleeping weather! LOL! OK, I just woke up about an hour ago. :)

[ru4liberty]

Hi Billie! Let's start the day with a few yuks!

[anniegetyourgun]

For the longest time I would see that handle "ladtx" and think "ladytx" for some reason. (Dyslexic or just my over 40 eyes!) So I thought ladtx was female for a time. I got over that silly notion eventually. Now that I can see his handsome face, I wonder how I ever thought such a thing!

Have a super day LADTX!

[ladtx]

In memory of my fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in that war the following were lost on todays date. God bless them all.

1966 WO1 Bobbie J. Dennis -- 1 CAV, Age 36, Fayetteville, North Carolina
1966 CW2 James W. Hargrove -- 121 AHC, Age 37, Rotan, Texas
1968 WO1 Timothy Cole Jr. -- 54 MED DET, Age 21, Newnan, Georgia
1968 WO1 Gary W. Doolittle -- 571 MED DET, Age 28, Cincinnati, Ohio
1970 WO1 William J. Cahill -- C/1/9 CAV 1 CAV, Age 21, Haverhill, Massachusetts
1970 WO1 Gregory M. Kutkowski -- 1 AVN BDE, Age 22, Irvington, New Jersey
1971 1LT Robert J. Barton -- 176 AHC, Age 23, Miami, Florida

A comment about CW2 Hargrove from a crewchief in his unit.

"We were pulling out of a target attack once and you could feel the pressure on the rotor head and I said,"Salty, (He was a former Navy jet pilot) one of these days you're going to pull the rotor head off this S.O.B.,What are you going to do then?" He looked at me, grinned, winked, and said,"It starts with Our Father who art in heaven." I thought the world of him."

IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLADE

SCOUTS OUT!

[deadhead]

THANK YOU LADTX!

Excellent read and pictures ladtx. Leila is adorable!

[ru4liberty]

Wow! That poem is powerful. Thanks, more than I can say, for your service to our country.

I hope you don't mind, but I thought this pic should be be right out front!

[ladtx]

Thanks for the kind words all. And thanks to ru4liberty for posting the pic of Leila Kay, her Dad is stationed at Ellsworth AFB, SD, a long way from Texas.

[Mudboy Slim]

"Black's DAWG!!"
(To be sung to Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog")

Hey, Slick Willie, yer a TREAS'NOUS FOOL!!
Gon' make Bill sweat...Slick's Mudboy's Tool!!
Medyuh's VILE, way they ignore Left's stink...
Gon' make Slick burn, gon' make Left sting.
Hey, Slick Willie, didja think you'd git away?!!
Boy, yer such a trip...still, Prison's yer Fate!!

Oh yeah, oh yeah ah, ah, ah~ah.
Oh yeah, oh yeah ah, ah, ah~ah.

Right's gotta roll...we shan't stand still,
Once Justice starts...next, we'll git Bill!!
"If ya do the crimes", Ashcroft said,
"We'll catch you, 'cuz Truth ain't dead!!"

Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ah-ah.
Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ahhh__.

Heh Terry, "PUNK" McAuliffe...Slick's petty "lady".
Lib'rals, watch US do it now!!
Slick Willie, yer a Traitor, you Evil Rapist,
Fear yer Fate...Right's Rollin' Now!!

Folks, won't take too long 'fore Slick finds out
What FReepers mean by "Take Slick Out!!"
Takes my money, scratched my car,
Started tellin' MUD's FRiends, Slim's just gone too far!!
Yes, I know, Right must be Bold...
RATS' red-necked Lib'rals ain't got no soul.

Oh yeah, oh yeah hah, ah, hah~ah.
Oh yeah, oh yeah hah, ah, hah~ah.
Oh yeah, oh yeah hah, ah, hah~ah.
Oh yeah, oh yeah hah, ah, yeah.

All I ask for...all I pray,
Dubyuh's Rollin' Justice gon' come Slick's way!!
Need no Lib'rals...no Feds to hold my hand,
Git Left outta my Life, make me a happy man!!

Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ah-ah.
Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ah-ah. Ahhh__.

Ohhh ye-ah.
Justice makes US do it now.
Yeah-yeah. Yeah-yeah. Yeah-yeah.
FReepers shake 'em do it now.
Babe! Babe!
Wooh, keep doin' it babe.

[ Busted. ] Hey.
[ Busted. ] Hey.
[ Busted. ] Hey.
[ Busted. ] Hey.

[ Busted. ] Hey~yeah.
[ Busted. ] Hey~yeah.
[ Busted. ] Hey~yeah. Oooh~yeah.

Oooh~ahh. [( Well done. )]

Justice makes US do it now.
FReedom lets US do it now.

Work in progress...Mudboy Slim

[lodwick]

Gulf Coast Sunrise - Salute ladtx

[Mudboy Slim]

Whatta cutey-pie!!

FReegards...MUD

[Flyer]

Thank you, Ladtx For your outstanding service to our Nation

---

God Bless America, land of the free, home of the brave. . .

-----

HG Taking on the Al Clayda

 

-----

[Mudboy Slim]

"Ladtx flew UH-1's in Vietnam, OH-58's in Germany, and the CH-47 Chinook in Korea and Texas. He served 20 years in the United States Army. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4)."

Thank you fer yer service to this Country, sir...and Conrats fer being named one of FReeper's Finest!!

FReegards...MUD

[eureka!]

Bump for ladtx and all our fine military Freepers and their supporters...

[dansangel]

What a warm and wonderful tribute to a courageous war hero! We are so fortunate to have you, ladtx, as part of "A Few of FR's Finest."

May God Bless you and your beautiful family! Thank-you for the daily heroes posting...we must NEVER forget!!!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ladtx}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[xJones]

Your homepage is most impressive. Thanks for your service and congratulations on your family. Ya done good. And I'll vote for Leila Kay (I'll bet she's got you wrapped) (:D:

[dansangel]

Good AFTERNOON, Billie-blue!

o~<);-)

{{{{{{{{{{BILLIE}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[ladtx]

I appreciate all the kind words, good thing you can't see me thru the computer, I'm blushing behind this white beard.

[FreeTheHostages]

That truly is one blessedly cute grandchild. I read your chopper posts religiously.

[lodwick]

The Huey became a symbol of U.S. combat forces in Vietnam and millions of people worldwide watched it fly in TV news reports. At its peak in March 1970, the U.S. military operated more than 3,900 helicopters in the war in Vietnam and two thirds of them were Hueys. Their impact was profound, not only in the new tactics and strategies of airmobile operations, but on the survival rate of battlefield casualties. U.S. Army patients made up 390,000 of the total number of people transported by medevac helicopters in Southeast Asia. Almost a third of this total (120,000) were combat casualties. The Huey airlifted ninety percent of these casualties directly to medical facilities.