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

[LadyX]

Ladtx, I registered, and posted a thread, on April 27, 1998, too, incensed with the treatment of Ken Starr!
The press was hounding him, taking his trash to his curb container for pickup.
Of course, the Whitewater Days were ripe with reason for indignation..:))

Your devotion to reminding us what is owed to those who fought to ensure freedom for others is greatly appreciated, especially by those who also served.

My time was as a proud U.S. Marine at Parris Island during the Korean Conflict, and as a military wife through the Cold War - the Berlin Wall Crisis - Cuban Missile Crisis - Vietnam - and the Pueblo Crisis.

It is my privilege to pay my respects with a heartfelt

* * * S A L U T E * * *

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' Billie, lad. What a privilege and honor it has been to meet ladtx here on FR's Finest... Welcome to the Hall of Fame, brother.

The service you do each day with presenting the names of your fallen brothers is pretty special.

Thank you for your service to this great country and Welcome Home.

I saw an advertising blurb yesterday on Fox News Channel that this weekend's War Stories with Ollie North is going to be featuring Vietnam Helicopters.

Salute!

[dansangel]

May God Bless and keep the souls of our departed heroes.

[ladtx]

Thanks LadyX, that means a lot coming from you. Thank you for your service to our great country.

[ladtx]

I saw an advertising blurb yesterday on Fox News Channel that this weekend's War Stories with Ollie North is going to be featuring Vietnam Helicopters.

Thanks Dave. I'll be sure and watch it.

[jwfiv]

Hi, Billie...good morning to you, glad you got to sleep a little late...tipping my hat to to you and the Daisy, the Bear and the Angel...thank you all for another excelllent week of coffee, conversation and information.

Howdy, ladtx, pleased to meet you. A big West Texas Atta-Boy is choppering its way to you, carrying wth it my gratitude and respect. Dreams of Quivara is a very intriguing title...memory tells me Quivara is a pueblo name, but I can't recall specifically. Glad you're one of my many good neighbors here in Freeperville, USA. Bless you.

[LadyX]

Another coincidence links us, ladtx.
I was at Ellsworth AFB during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which began two weeks after the birth of my daughter at the base hospital!

Then, of course, it was the home of the B-52's, those proud and mighty workhorses, and the Number Two Target of the Soviet Union had missiles flown, nearly all of our missile silos located within a 100-mile radius of the base.

[Diver Dave]

Attention on Deck!

Present Arms!

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

two

[Molly Pitcher]

Thank you for your service, ladtx, and greetings and congratulations to a fellow Texan!

And speaking of Texans, the President is speaking at a rally as I write.

Wonderful salute, Billie - as always....

[LadyX]

Love the new phrase for The Enemy - the Clay Army.

On the Finest last night there was talk of the Glocktoberfest to be held in another week, and lodwick dubbed the Clays the al claydas.

Perhaps it should be hypenated? al-Claydas?!

A nasty and devious lot, to be sure..:)))

Kudos, loddy, for your cleverness!

[blackie]

Finest Every Day...Bump !!

Let's Roll !!

The RATS Are In Disarray...Eradicate The Rodents !!

Fire Democrats, Hire Republicans !!

GWB Is The Man !!

Snuff Saddam, NOW !!

Death To all Tyrant's !!

The Second Amendment...
America's Original Homeland Security !!

Freedom Is Worth Fighting For !!

Molon Labe !!

[daisyscarlett]

Oh what a joy to see you featured and read your "story"....You are one heck of a guy. Thank you for your Service to our country and thank you for remembering your fellow helicoptor pilots on a daily basis.

[Billie]

'Morning, ru. Nothing like posting the thread, then disappearing for an hour or so. I just checked out your link - funny!

[ladtx]

Billie, you did a great job again. You're really talented when it comes to this 'puter stuff. Thanks for the work you did in putting the profile together it's greatly appreciated.

ladtx

SCOUTS OUT!

[Diver Dave]

[daisyscarlett]

I really do love this presentation Billie. The background and graphics fit in very nicely with ladtx's profile. What a guy he is - I am so happy to learn about him.....Leila Kay is a beauty, but look at her genes...great looking grandparents...

[ofMagog]

Morning, crew. All is well. Wife is fine. Cold and clear up here on the mountain. Plenty of firewood and good coffee. Animal feeders refilled = deer, elk, birds, and little critters happy. Thud adjusting to snow, very slowly with considerable muttering. No other humans for about a mile.

[Billie]

Good morning, annie. I did, too - his 'handle' actually is so close to LadyX (except that LadyX always uses caps for her screen name) :)

Coincidentally, they are both veterans and proud of it!

[ladtx]

Thanks daisy. I credit it all to my upbringing. I had a great Texas Dad and wonderful North Dakota Mother, (although now she's a Mountain Mama living West Virginia), unfortunately my Dad passed away about 22 years ago. Without their good example I wouldn't be where I am today.

[daisyscarlett]

Hi all...

Yep, once again the calendar page for today is very appropro...Ladtx personifies living synonymously...