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

[Mama_Bear]

Daisy, you are so sweet and thoughtful and such a wonderful hostess. Of course, you may pour. :-)

[lodwick]

[Pippin]

Yes, I'm glad, but I don't much like the fact my time on FR is curtialed!

[Pippin]

I'm here but I don't like the fact that the only times I seem to be able to come onto FR and FR's Finerst is AFTER everyone is gone already! HMPH!

[Pippin]

Hi, Meekie! Are you still here?

[Pippin]

Hi, Loddy!

[daisyscarlett]

Thank you allowing me to pour. May I offer you some tea...Would you like some cream and sugar, too...

Are you going FReeping tonight with JustFrank?

Some crumpets for our tea and some cucumber sandwiches, too...

[Pippin]

Darn!

I guess I'm too late again!

[daisyscarlett]

Well I am here Pippin....lol...but ladtx left for a while....JustAmy and Mama Bear are probably getting ready for the FReep tonight and it is dinner time in Billie's time zone....Also, as you recall, WVNan is in Tenn at a class reunion and Mixer is on his way to the Majic Kingdom and Blessed American has computer problems....

[Pippin]

Ghee! Everyone has someplace to go and something to do.

In that case, do you have anymore tea? and scones?

[Mama_Bear]

Are you going FReeping tonight with JustFrank?

No, unfortunately I will not have the pleaure of meeting JustFrank tonight. We cannot go. :-(

The cucumber sandwiches look so good. It's been ages since I have had a cucumber sandwich!

[Pippin]

Then you can join us,MB!

[Mama_Bear]

LOL! Would that be one of your famous Margaritas being spashed all over my screen? ;-)

[glock rocks]

Glocktoberfest!
that looks like fun!

i talked on the phone to freeper Pete-R-Bilt last week... told him i had to go into the clinic this week to get some eye tests because i have glaucoma... and he started laughing at me.

well, that set me back a bit... my friend, you laughin at my misfortune? huh? oh.... duh... Glock-oma. hehehehe. sheesh.

(fortunately, it can be handled with eye drops.)

thanks for the heads-up, can't go, but hope to hear more, JL.

[dansangel]

Hi Meekie!

Hey, it's Friday night....I'll take one of those giant beers, please!

[dansangel]

Oops...I just ordered a beer from Meekie....that wouldn't go so well with tea, would it?

Hmmmm....I guess it's worth a try!

[dansangel]

In fact....I'll have one of what loddie's having!

[Pippin]

Hi, dansangel!

[Mama_Bear]

Then you can join us,MB!

It will be my pleasure. Usually I have to rush through tea on Friday in order to get up to Fresno. The only other place I would rather be, if I can't be rallying with my friends in Fresno, is sharing tea with my friends on the Finest thread........(or on a Caribbean cruise). LOL. :-)

[glock rocks]

hey, it's payday...
i'll buy the house a round...
belly up to the bar, folks