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

[daisyscarlett]

[JustAmy]

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us. Thank you for bringing the names of your fallen comrades here each day. God Bless and Comfort their families.
Thank you for your service to our country and ...........


For being one of FR's finest!!

[dutchess]

ladtx...it is so nice to get to know you. Thank you for your service to our country and daily reminding us of our fallen heros. WE MUST NEVER FORGET....

As I posted the other day....I am very ashamed of my early attitude towards the Vietnam War and our military while I was in college in the early 70's. It was "chic" to be opposed to the war and, while I did not actively protest, I did not defend our military either. My junior year I befriended a vet who had just returned from Vietnam who really opened up my eyes and helped begin my conversion to conservatism. I thank you for all you do.

Billie, and excellent choice today and beautiful presentation.

[Billie]

Thank you, ladtx. There must be something about the number "7" - seems so many days have that number of casualties.

Thank you for adding the personal comment about CW2 Hargrove. God Bless all their families.

[Billie]

I'm glad to see you again, Colleen. Thank you for your FReepmail. I wish I knew how to answer it - we all miss whoever.

[LadyX]

Wonderful wife - wonderful critters to watch and tend - plenty of firewood and coffee - a computer your window on the world - and all your phriends here celebrating your safe harbor with you.
Sounds idyllic.

Love to Thud, who I presume has his own blanket-lined basket near the fireplace?

Do keep us psychoceramics anchored, though - - we tend to drift off course without your guidance..:)))

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[Swede Girl]

Thanks for your service, ladtx. I know know well the history of your training and career as I grew up at Wolters and Rucker (Army Brat), and married a helicopter pilot (1/9 CAV).

Few know the true extent of training and expertise that it takes to fly these machines. Add to this the patriotism and sense of duty that all military chopper pilots share. My husband trusts and respects these guys, his comrades, above all others.

You have had a wonderful career and should be very proud of your service. If you have not had an opportunity yet, please visit the Helicopter Museum at Ft. Rucker. It is awesome.

As Joe Galloway said....the sound of the helicopter was the lullabye of our youth.

[Billie]

Isn't that pic of Leila Kay the cutest thing?! I started to put BOTH of them on the thread, but with the link to his profile page, I hoped others would go there to read the poem, and they would see this photo, too.

[daisyscarlett]

Thank you for posting that comment by Salty along with your usual list of names. May Salty RIP along with the six others killed on this date in VietNam.

[lodwick]

Sounds about perfect. Thanks for the good report.

[Billie]

As I just mentioned to ru4Liberty, I came so close to putting this pic of Leila Kay beside the birthday pic!

[daisyscarlett]

Good morning, flyer. Nice salute to ladtx...

[dutchess]

...and what a beautiful grandchild you have. Bet you and Mrs. ladtx are spoiling her to death!

[Billie]

Good morning, Mud! Want some "Black" coffee? :)

[daisyscarlett]

Hope you are having a super Friday. Know you are looking forward to your daughter and SIL coming to visit this weekend....Enjoy!!

[Billie]

Morning, sunrise man! Got a "Dallas" area sunrise? :)

[Billie]

Hi, Flyer! Love your red, white and blue with the flags salute! Great pic of humble, too!

[daisyscarlett]

Good morning, bud....Thanks for the great information and photo of the Huey...

[ladtx]

Thanks for the kind words Swede Girl. I haven't been to the Helicopter Museum at Ft. Rucker in years. The last time I went it was still in the old hangar near the Daleville gate, probably around 1980 or so. I do love the sound of the helicopter flying over. Mrs ladtx can still identify what type it is just by the sound before she can see them. She still astounds our sons with that talent.