Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

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

Posted on 10/18/2002 7:16:51 AM PDT by 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





                     









Texas



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



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; military; patriotic; surprises; texas; veterans
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 301-309 next last
To: ST.LOUIE1; RikaStrom
Thanks for the kind words.
121 posted on 10/18/2002 11:11:57 AM PDT by ladtx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 107 | View Replies]

To: Militiaman7
Good afternoon, Beautiful Eagle Man! Another beauty. Thank you for your support and presence here every day. Will be thinking of you all next Tuesday. Keep us posted.
122 posted on 10/18/2002 11:13:54 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 68 | View Replies]

To: lodwick
Big D Awesome Bump! I swear those buildings in the back look like they're on fire.
123 posted on 10/18/2002 11:15:57 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 71 | View Replies]

To: The Thin Man
Billie, I have nothing to say to you today. I can't think of anything mean and it used to be so easy. :-(

Thank you. I just made your day. :) (Or did you just make mine?) LOL

124 posted on 10/18/2002 11:17:37 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 79 | View Replies]

To: eureka!
I just said The Thin Man made my day. I think you put the icing on it. :) Thanks.
125 posted on 10/18/2002 11:19:31 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 83 | View Replies]

To: Auntbee
Auntbee!!! I have missed you! Thanks for coming - I did see you had been here Wednesday, but I was gone most of that day.


126 posted on 10/18/2002 11:22:32 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 85 | View Replies]

To: dutchess
LOL!!
127 posted on 10/18/2002 11:24:17 AM PDT by ST.LOUIE1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 111 | View Replies]

To: Billie
...even coming in for a landing occasionally to have a cup of coffee with me. :)

Always my pleasure Billie.

128 posted on 10/18/2002 11:31:38 AM PDT by Aeronaut
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 115 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Yes, I thought that was funny, too. I'm just puzzled that the Mac users haven't posted their usual "nah nah nah nah nah" taunts yet.
129 posted on 10/18/2002 11:32:47 AM PDT by ru4liberty
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: Billie; ladtx; daisyscarlett; dansangel; JohnHuang2
Billie, every presentation is so very well done. You, daisy, dansangel and JohnHuang do a fanastic job every day. But this was one of the best profiles, I think. Maybe because the person in the spotlight is so very deserving of this honor. :-)

Ladtx, I salute you. May God continue to richly bless you and your family.


130 posted on 10/18/2002 11:37:01 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Libertina
Enjoy that family of yours, Lib! Wonderful to see you here, even if you HAVE already come and gone!
131 posted on 10/18/2002 11:37:33 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 88 | View Replies]

To: daisyscarlett
daisy, the first pic didn't load, but I love the kitty and teacup. The only thing cuter would be a puppy and a teacup ;-)


132 posted on 10/18/2002 11:38:57 AM PDT by ru4liberty
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: ladtx
Great! Looking forward to both the drawings and the photos for the next Finest collage.
133 posted on 10/18/2002 11:39:09 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 98 | View Replies]

To: Billie
hohoho I am sneaking a peek while my daughter and mom are chatting in the kitchen! :)
134 posted on 10/18/2002 11:40:13 AM PDT by Libertina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 131 | View Replies]

To: ST.LOUIE1
Yaawwwwnnnn! Afternoon, Wolfie. :) Thank you hugs.

((((((((((((Wolfie))))))))))))))

135 posted on 10/18/2002 11:41:09 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 108 | View Replies]

To: dutchess
Who wudda thunk it?! What a creative use of pumpkins! LOL
136 posted on 10/18/2002 11:42:24 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 111 | View Replies]

To: Mama_Bear
Thank you Mama_Bear (I've always liked your screen name) believe me, the honor is all mine. Many have used the word hero today, but I've never felt like one, only someone who felt I had a job to do and did it as well as I could.
137 posted on 10/18/2002 11:43:04 AM PDT by ladtx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies]

To: RikaStrom
Hi, Rika - thank you, and thanks for making that typo! the teacher is human. LOL
138 posted on 10/18/2002 11:47:11 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 119 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Hey Miss Billie...ugh...what a week...I'm beat...is it happy hour yet?...


139 posted on 10/18/2002 11:50:58 AM PDT by g'nad
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 136 | View Replies]

To: Mama_Bear
Maybe because the person in the spotlight is so very deserving of this honor. :-)

I thank you for the first thing you said, but also, believe you put your finger on it with this statement. As much as I believe there is not one FReeper more deserving nor more important than the other, the difference in this particular profile is that none of the others we've put under that spotlight have been focused on the FReeper as a military person, as this one seemed to call for by his continuing to keep alive the memory of his fallen Vietnam comrades.

140 posted on 10/18/2002 11:56:30 AM PDT by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 301-309 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson