A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-20-02

dansangel; Billie

[dansangel]

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: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog.
MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son.
BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband
poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son;
BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset);
WVNan's husband; ladtx Aunt Eva.

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

         

GROUP 5A: TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68. MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797. BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack.

GROUP 6A: TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett. MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick, Leroy S Mort, Mark17. BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.

GROUP 7A: TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam, dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony.BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang.

GROUP 8A: TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx. MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law. BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

                     

>

"Can Someone With A Name Like That Be Serious?"

Photo of painting by combat artist John Steele painted in 1966.


grumpster-dumpster Freeper since June 15, 2001

I have to admit that it was a bit disconcerting the first time I checked out grumpster-dumpster's profile page. The main reason is that "the grumpster" (as he likes to refer to himself) writes in the third person. This gives one the impression that he is describing a close friend, rather than himself!

The information that the grumpster (a.k.a. Greg) sent for this profile was again written in the third person. After getting my mind-set straightened out (i.e. this was NOT some disinterested third party that had e-mailed me on the grumpster's behalf), I set about putting together this tribute. It was a real pleasure for me because I have met up with the grumpster on other threads and our exchanges have always been enlightening as well as pleasant.

Grumpster spent 32 years in the Navy (mostly active with a little reserve time thrown in). "I was lucky! I had a great occupation in the Navy (Intel) and got to see much of the world," the grumpster says. "I got to work at least once with every warfare community (surface, sub, air, and special-op) within the Navy! I just wish my final tour could have been aboard ship, but I'll admit that I'm really enjoying my retirement."

grumpster-dumpster lurked around Free Republic for about a year before he jumped in and started posting (under a different screen name...Is C'usn).

"When I first found Free Republic I was on active duty in the Navy towards the end of my career. I don't know exactly why I was so drawn into the FR scene, but I suspect it was because the people seemed to have such a patriotic-fervor."

The grumpster continues, "There was another reason of course; there was an aspect that cannot be underestimated. Since I was at the end of a 32 year career, I realized that I didn't know much about 'civilian life'."

"Believe it or not, Free Republic is a tremendous opportunity for those leaving military service to observe and interact with the population they soon will be joining. There's a wealth of knowledge and a real feel for what's going on in the country; essential services for those about to leave a cloistered society with specific rules and regulations to follow."

Politically, grumpster considers himself very conservative. He does list some disappointments with getting involved in the conservative movement. "Just before the 2000 election, I called the regional Republican chairman to volunteer. Never heard back from him or any other official," he says. "Since I live in one of the strongest Rat areas in the country, you would think that any help offered might be seized upon. Not here, evidently. This is one of those areas the Republicans have just written-off as being un-winnable. That's sad because there are more and more conservatives showing up each day."

Grumpster is very big into volunteerism. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus in the local community. He enjoys the fund-raising activities and the spirit of community, faith, service, patriotism and accomplishment afforded by working for others in need of a helping hand - not a handout!

"The best advice anyone can get (IMHO) is to choose your friends wisely. While the anonymity of Free Republic is very appealing to those of us who tend to the shy side, it's also a great place to meet and discuss issues or concerns with other like-minded people who soon become "friends" in a way unique to the times," the grumpster says. (Yes, he really does talk that way!)

As for the future:
Grumpster acknowledges that it's time to get a real-job! "Retirement's been great! I've had the time to do some of the volunteer work I always wanted to do. I even got to 'sleep-in' a few days!"

On a more serious note regarding the future:
The grumpster hopes and prays for a day when the unborn finally get "Justice under the Law."

"It has been a long journey breaking away from the PC regulations and indoctrination forced upon the military services," he says. "But, the future looks pretty bright to me. The atrocities committed on 9/11 have brought forth in this country a 'Patriotic Attitude' I don't think any of us (with the exception of the WWII generation) has ever experienced before. If that doesn't give you faith in God and Country, nothing will. And, I'm truly thankful that Free Republic and FReepers everywhere are such an essential part of that future! "

When you're feeling a bit down and need to lift your spirits, take time out and visit grumpster-dumpster's profile page. It is apparent that he is a very upbeat person from the irony that permeates every sentence.

One example of his humor: "Grumpster-Dumpster has no use for phonies... Just the other day he was telling President Bush and Mel Gibson how much he hates a 'name-dropper'." LOL! :-)

Please join me in giving another deserving FReeper - one who is witty, concerned and just plain fun to get to know - a warm welcome to FR's Finest...

Today that Finest is
grumpster-dumpster!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

11-18-02 "Outrageous Outtakes"

11-19-02 "The Holidays Are Coming"

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

[ru4liberty]

So far so good! Nary a flame. ;-)

Actually, I'm ready for a good flame war re Mexican food bragging rights -- I've lived both places! Viva TexMex!

[dansangel]

Hello FTH!

That was sweet thing to say to the grumpster. There are so many Fine FReepers to choose from in choosing FRiends....we are so blessed!

{{{{{{{{{{{{FreeTheHostages}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

Actually, I'm ready for a good flame war re Mexican food bragging rights -- I've lived both places! Viva TexMex!

And that's exactly why no one wants to engage you in discussion....you've seen the best of both worlds! LOL :-)

[dansangel]

Hi there, Colleen!

Thank-you for stopping by and posting that great picture of the Navy's finest!

Hope you are having a great day!

{{{{{{{{{Colleen}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

Hi Temple Owl!

Yes, I had nearly the same reaction to post #10....and in the very wee hours at that!! LOL!

{{{{{{{{{{Temple Owl}}}}}}}}}}}}

[ST.LOUIE1]

"You're lookin' extra cute today."

Why thank you, kind sir!

Ohhhhhhhh.....I take it back!!! LOL

[dansangel]

Afternoon, Mr. Louie.

[pout] No hug?

OK....I'll go first......

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Louie-Wolfie-Man}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

Thank-you for the always kind words and upbeat posts, miss daisy!

Love and {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Pippin]

Yes, Sir! LOL!!

[dansangel]

As always, jw, so glad to see you!

You bring a ray of sunshine to our "home."

{{{{{{{{jwfiv}}}}}}}}}}

[grumpster-dumpster]

Thank you again for the profile (sorry about the pictures...but we just couldn't get the "scanner" to work.)

I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season...
And I hope each of us remembers the fine young men and women who are "Standing Watch" during these restless times.

As I told you before... this means I'll have to change my profile page! LOL!

Thanks again to you and billie and all the folks who work so hard on these threads.

Sincerely,
-grump

[dansangel]

OK, goshdarnit.....missed you AGAIN!! But then again, it looks like I'm missing everyone today....LOL!!

{{{{{{{{{{Libertina}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

dansangel thanks the skinny one very much for his kind words and wishes him a very good afternoon!!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{TTT}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Libertina]

Hi Pip! Glad to be here at the same time for once! Working now?

[dansangel]

Great graphic, Julie. Thanks so much for coming by to honor our very special grumpy one...LOL!

It's so ironic....he is nothing like his FR name!

{{{{{{{{{{{Julie}}}}}}}}}}}}

[lodwick]

TexMex rules

This is why you've never heard of CalMex.

[Libertina]

You did NOT miss me, Dansangel, for indeed I am HERE! :)

[dansangel]

As I told you before... this means I'll have to change my profile page! LOL!

Uh-uh!!! Better not!

I hope you'll stick around and have some fun with these guys! As for me, it's back to W-O-R-K-ugh! (Something you don't have to deal with....harrumph!

o~<);-)

[dansangel]

You did NOT miss me, Dansangel, for indeed I am HERE! :)

In that case, double-drats!!! I have to get back to my training class. :-(

Hopefully I will catch you later!!

[Pippin]

Yes. I can only post at my lunchtime and my breaks.