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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.
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![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/eaglewithstars.jpg) 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.
![](http://d21c.com/billie/banners/redwhitebluebanner.jpg)
![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/vet1a.jpg) TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE: T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM: YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1
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![](http://d21c.com/billie/banners/redwhitebluebanner.jpg)
![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/vet2a.jpg) TOP: Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE: 4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM: Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc
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![](http://d21c.com/billie/banners/redwhitebluebanner.jpg)
![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/vet3a.jpg) TOP: mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE: Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM: gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf
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![](http://d21c.com/billie/banners/redwhitebluebanner.jpg)
![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/vet4a.jpg) TOP: porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE: RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM: USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma
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![](http://d21c.com/billie/banners/redwhitebluebanner.jpg)
![](http://d21c.com/billie/FRfinest/vet5a.jpg) TOP: spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68
MIDDLE: FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797 BOTTOM: usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack
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![Texas](http://www.freerepublic.com/images/flags/us/texasC.gif)
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!
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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.
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To: ladtx; dutchess; Billie
How very cool...Mr. Dutchess enjoyed Mrs. Dutchess's day so much that he is considering signing up and posting, too....
We will be looking for her....Just tell her to mention that she is Leila Kay's granny and we will all know who she is right away...lol...
To: JustAmy; lodwick
I'd love nothing more than to be there to freep with the likes of the Fresno Group, Amy!
All of you there are such an inspiration to the rest of us.
Afraid it is too far from South Carolina, though.
I truly appreciate the thought and would love to meet you in person some day.
Remember how we drove the Defund the ESA Petition over a year ago?!
LOL
282
posted on
10/18/2002 5:28:02 PM PDT
by
LadyX
To: ladtx
Hi Mrs. Ladtx! I'm happy that you're enjoying the music. I know you must be so proud of your husband and for good reason. :)
To: ladtx
I'll try to get her to start by posting under my name for a while but signing it Mrs ladtx till she gets used to it. Great!
Welcome to you, Mrs ladtx! As you can tell by the comments on this thread today, your husband is one of our favorites here. :-)
To: ladtx
I know - I tend to post what I wish to have to eat, and not at all what I really have to eat. It may be time to dial the local PizzaGuys though - it seems to be the choice by consensus.
285
posted on
10/18/2002 5:33:35 PM PDT
by
lodwick
To: daisyscarlett
Ooooh pizza! Do I need to bring along some of these?
286
posted on
10/18/2002 5:33:38 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: Pippin
Thanks Pippin. It's been a good day and your good wishes made it better.
287
posted on
10/18/2002 5:38:31 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: ladtx; daisyscarlett; yall
![](http://www.masseyspizza.com/images/Supreme_Pizza2.jpg)
I have no idea what all is on here
but this is supreme pie.
Enjoy.
(Brush and use the mouthwash tonight)
288
posted on
10/18/2002 5:43:24 PM PDT
by
lodwick
To: Mama_Bear
I'm trying to cajole her back to the computer to answer you but she's wrpped up in watching O'Reilly now. She'll be here shortly.
289
posted on
10/18/2002 5:43:32 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: ladtx
you're welcome!
I look forward to seeing Mrs. Ladtx posting here.
290
posted on
10/18/2002 5:44:38 PM PDT
by
Pippin
To: ladtx
You need to get back down there to the "wiregrass country" and see that new museum. It is nicer than you can imagine.....and huge. It is still somewhat close to the Daleville gate.
Yes, I used to be able to detect the different sounds of the helicopters, but now there are new civilian types that fly over constantly (I am near a big Northeastern airport)and I cannot identify them. There is nothing like the sound of a Huey, though.
To: ladtx
"wrpped"? You mean as in wrapped?
Yeah, yeah wrapped.
292
posted on
10/18/2002 5:45:09 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: Swede Girl
You're back Swede Girl. We were stationed at Mother Rucker(no it's not a curse word, it's a fond appelation all helicopter pilots have for Ft. Rucker, AL) from 1976 to 1982. It was almost as good as Ft. Wolters. We really did enjoy it, especially the trips to Panama City Beach.
293
posted on
10/18/2002 5:49:13 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: Billie
Billie, it is great to talk with you. Yes, you did a "makeover" on me....dressed me up fancy! ;o) Thanks so much....I have saved that picture!
I do not get on board as much as I would like to.....my schedule has been hectic lately. But, I do read through as much as I can each day. Thanks again for ALL you do to help make FR such a great place to visit!
To: Mama_Bear; daisyscarlett; Billie; lodwick; Aquamarine; dansangel; All
Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I appreciate you "spotlighting" my husband today. I am very proud of him and especially proud of our grandbaby - Leila Kay.
Mrs. Ladtx
295
posted on
10/18/2002 5:54:58 PM PDT
by
ladtx
To: ladtx
Hi, Mrs. Ladtx!
Welcome to FR's Finest
Goreat to meet you!
296
posted on
10/18/2002 5:57:26 PM PDT
by
Pippin
To: ladtx
.....and especially proud of our grandbaby - Leila Kay. She is a doll! How blessed you are! I have two grandkids, both boys. Grandchildren are wonderful, aren't they?
I hope you will come back and visit with us often. Our welcome mat is always out for you. :-)
To: ladtx
Mrs. L - it's so great see you and to be able to say Hi to you. We say "Thanks for all you've done" a lot here...but as your husband, and everyone else has said, "I was just doing my job, and I wanted to do the best job I could."
Salute you, and all military wives for "just doing your job" the most under-appreciated, behind the scene, un-paid labor of love that there is. Thanks so much. JL
298
posted on
10/18/2002 6:45:38 PM PDT
by
lodwick
To: lodwick; ladtx
Mrs. Ladtx-welcome.....Mr. Ladtx is great but I am sure the woman behind the man is pretty special, too.
Lodwick, you said that very well and express my thoughts too...
To: daisyscarlett
Thanks Daisy. As you know my MIL is an AirForce wife, so for 20+ years, I've heard lotsa stories about the unsung heroes - the wives and families of our warriors. We should never forget or discount all that those who remained behind contributed. This is one story that may never be fully told.
God Bless all you military wives - thank you!
300
posted on
10/18/2002 7:06:33 PM PDT
by
lodwick
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