A Few of Fr's Finest...Every Day....01-31-03..."Focus on jkphoto"

Billie and Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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:  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.

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

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.

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

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 9A: 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.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: 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.

                     

Today's FReeper in the spotlight is jkphoto. He signed onto FreeRepublic a little over two years ago and enjoys his position as photographer for the Central Valley Chapter. JK attends many of the FResno "Support Our Troops" rallies, but you might not see much of him on the post rally threads. If you do, he'll more than likely have a camera growing out of his nose, because he is always on the 'other' side of the lens.


JK at the Tailgate Party Barbecue

He also enjoys a secondary position with FreeRepublic for which he is extremely proud. His "to-die-for" Tri-Tip, which he fixed for over 50 people at the FR Tailgate Party last July, has earned him the title of "Barbecuer-in-Chief", a titled bestowed upon him by none other than JimRob himself.


I could easily write a book about this FReeper who is near and dear to my heart, extolling his virtues, achievements and exceptional dedication to his faith, his family, his country and his profession, however, I am going to do my best to keep this short and the 'bragging' to a minimum. First of all, for those of you who may not know, he has been married to the same lovely lady for over 35 years......ME!! (And if that ain't an accomplishment, I don't know what is! LOL!)

JKPHOTO was born and raised in a military family. His father, a Commander in the Navy, retired in 1967 after giving his country 32 years of dedicated service. From early on, JK was instilled with a love for God and Country, and a sense of responsibility in honoring those principles upon which the United States was founded.

JK enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and, much to his dismay, was released shortly after with a medical discharge due to severe back problems. Even though this was during the Vietnam war, when many people were doing their best to avoid the military, he wanted to serve his country as had his father and brothers. It seems fate had other plans for him. Shortly after graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, he bought an existing photography studio in the California Central Valley and has been operating it ever since. In the profession it is known as a "bread and butter" studio; creating high quality traditional portraits consistently and serving a clientele of loyal, repeat customers. Now, thirty-five years later, he has photographed thousands of families, babies, high school seniors, weddings, pets, and children. JK also has another love pertaining to his profession, and that is teaching. He received his credentials several years ago and teaches an evening class in photography through the Adult Education program.

I am very proud of the service he has given his community through his participation in Rotary and other service organizations, and his service on the City Redevelopment Board. He is currently a member of the Planning Commission, a position he has held for many years. JK lends a voice of conservatism and common sense to issues coming before the Commission. Often he is the only voice supporting property owners in an effort to protect their rights. Not everyone can be a Governor, Congressman or Senator, but JK believes that everyone can do 'something' at the local level to help promote the conservative cause and stem the tide of liberalism sweeping the country.


JK (center) with Speaker of the House,
J. Dennis Hastert and our newly
elected Congressman, Tony Nunes.

One of his pet projects, especially during the holidays, is donating time to his favorite charity, The Salvation Army. Yes, he was one of the 'bell ringers' standing out in the cold in front of Wal-Mart last Christmas. :-)


Now, I am going to brag just a bit more about a few of his professional achievements.....

JK has received many awards over the years, not only for his photographs, but for outstanding service to the photographic profession, among them the coveted "Paul Kennedy Award" and the P.P.of A. "National Award". A major milestone in his life was in 1980-81 when he was elected President of the Professional Photographers of California, an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America. I will not list all of his professional achievements, but sum up by saying that JK has focused his entire life on being the best he could be; the best Christian, husband, father, photographer and, contributing member of his community.

---

JK, for your dedication to your country, your community and your conservative principles, you are indeed one of
FR's Finest!



Enjoy your day in
FR's Finest Spotlight!

Thank you, jkphoto, for being
the Finest FReeper I know!

(Not to mention the Finest husband and my best friend.) ;-)

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-27-03 Aquamarine...A Gem of A Freeper 01-28-03 "The Taxman Cometh" 01-29-03 snippy_about_it 01-30-03 "My Two Cents" 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

[Billie]

Hi, 'nad; it was so nice talking to you, too - missed seeing you here and wanted to make sure you're still in the country. Lori added your name to our prayer list, along with some of our other special FReepers.

Flagging daisy, dansangel and dutchess to do the same when they post the thread next week. Thanks for stopping in today and do it more often, ok? Maybe you'll cook up some venison stew soon! Hope things are still going well with little g'nad-to-be, Jr. :)

[Mama_Bear]

Hi, BIS. Thanks for coming by. Good afternoon to you!

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for the bump and thank you for including Mama_Bear in todays "spotlight".

Okay, that's it.....I am out of here! It's lunch time. I'll be back later. :-)

[Billie]

Thank you for the post you just made this morning! Now I can't help but want to know and have to ask you......we've heard about some of the side effects of this vaccine. Could you tell us if you've experienced any of them?

[LadyX]

Awww, jk - in this you must be plumb tuckered
from doing Mama_Bear's 'Honey Do List'

Must be dreamin' that next time
instead of Little Neighbor_Boy_Bear,
you're going to tell Mama-B to go fly that kite..:))
LOL

[jkphoto]

Love the photos you keep on coming up with. How did you sneek into our photo album?

Well, it is time for Rotary. Sure hope none of my fellow Rotarians have seen this thread today as it could end up being real expensive.

Be back later.

[Billie]

More news from Libertina and CPAC.............

"CPAC Live Thread II

Thanks for the heads up & link Billie. It's a madhouse here - Oliver North and Ann Coulter are both doing book signings 30 feet from us and there are long, long lines & seciruity people. lol. What a zoo. Ann asked the FReepers to be her cheering section tonight while she is on Meet the Press (?) and we are leaving at 4:30 to go into Georgetown. yahoooooo! Appreciate you passing this on! Libertina"

[Billie]

Here I am, behind again reading today's thread, which is a sweetheart of a thread! Thank you all so much for your daily support and just for being FReepers.....'cause we all know they're the some of the Finest people on earth. :)

[Billie]

Good afternoon, EMB - nice seeing you again today - been a while. :)

Maggie, the Bear pics you're posting (I've noticed a few of them already, just scanning through the thread) are so cute!

Hi, Meekie! The hot chocolate's always a good thing in the morning. (well, after coffee first, that is) :)

[Billie]

Morning, Dansy......you're always the hostess that's firstest with the mostest (hugs)! No wonder the wolfie hangs around - I think, besides his individual hug, he's always hoping to intercept those others, too. :)

[Billie]

Good afternoon, Mix! Odd that only the last letter is showing, but even at that, since it's Friday, I'm sure everyone knows what it is you're posting!

[LadyX]

"Maggie, the Bear pics you're posting are so cute!"

Billie, 'cute' is how Papa_Bear looks in repose..:))
Truly {{{ huggable }}}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Lee'sGhost]

Hello beautiful person. Need a refill yet?

The only side effect so far is a great sense of having done something positive. Actually, 1 in 3 are supposed to get flu-like symptoms, but I don't have anything yet. Of course, it's only been two days. And I was vaccinated as a child, so that is supposed to influence it as well.

But I'll be glad to keep you posted.

[dansangel]

No wonder the wolfie hangs around - I think, besides his individual hug, he's always hoping to intercept those others, too. :)

I've always got plenty to pass around. It's my hope that I can meet y'all in person one day so that I can spread around REAL hugs instead of the cyber-kind! :-)

Ask .45MAN - I've had plenty of practice...LOL! :-)

[Aeronaut]

Hi Billie.

[Mixer]

It is very kooky to say the least. Have a great weekend.

[LadyX]

Looking at your Profile Page, I *SALUTE* your North Carolina roots!
I lived in Winston-Salem for 4 years, and 16 in Greensboro, and loved the state.

As for "And I was vaccinated as a child, so that is supposed to influence it as well."
What do they find is the effect of that?

Curious, because it used to be a routine vaccination until it was supposedly eradicated.

Not only did we have it as children, and it was given our children, but it extended even to my two-month old baby girl in 1962 when we were headed for an assignment in Fairbanks, Alaska - "Overseas!"

Poor little one - the first did not take, and she had to endure it again, along with the other ones for her tender age.

Here is one reason for not administering it.
My son is a volunteer medical professional with DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team), deployed to places like Ground Zero, Hurricanes (he went to Louisiana for Lily, caring for Special Needs patients in a flooded area, earthquakes, etc.

At a recent Field Exercise to train for injecting masses, he was not given his.
It was contraindicated because his wife and son have strong allergies and eczema.

His team is one of only three in America with DMAT designated for possible deployment internationally, as an Insert Team for disasters there, so if sent to an area where there is an outbreak, it would be administered then.

[Lee'sGhost]

NC greetings! Glad you had a good experience here.

Supposedly being vaccinated before diminishes the chance of side effects or severity of them. And yes, there are lots of good reasons NOT to be vaccinated in the absense of an actual known threat.

The CDC has a ton of information if you need or want more. www.cdc.gov There's a link on that page that takes you to everything smallpox.

PS. My brother lived in Alaska a couple of years during the pipeline days.

[LadyX]

North Carolina is one of my favorite places!
It was so great to be positioned in the Piedmont area, able to reach with ease the beaches or the mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was awesome no matter what the time of year visited, and we have friends at Emerald Isle.

Are you in the medical field?
In Winston-Salem, I worked for two years as the only help for a GP, doing everything from A-Z - great experience.

In Greensboro, I was a Department Secretary for Moses Cone Hospital for 15 years.
The son to whom I referred is a Physician Assistant (U of Florida School of Medicine), and practiced at a clinic in Limon, Colorado serving an area the size of Connecticut.

He now has been a professor at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for 2 1/2 years.

We lived in Fairbanks from 6 January 1963 to 1 June 1966, before the pipeline and the growth!

[LadyX]

Need to go on Time Out and approach the Dinner Hour and Things Attendant Thereunto, Mama_Bear.

Will return later in the evening, but wanted to send you these pretty flowers, untouched by human - or bear - hands/paws.

You did such a beautiful job with the presentation for jkBelovedOne!