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

[JustAmy]

Thank you for this great thread and for the wonderful bio on JK. You did an outstanding job.

[daisyscarlett]

Thank you for loaning us the tea set. It is just perfect for our patriotic profilee today and the cups are "mansize" too.

So, come everyone, let us have tea....

[dutchess]

jk so great to meet you. Sorry that I couldn't get here earlier...our Rotary Club is hosting 13 Russian farmers and I was tied up all day driving them around the county! As a fellow Rotarian...Im sure you understand!

BTW...you sure do have great taste in women!!!!! And Lori....you have great taste in men!

Hi finest sistahs...reporting for duty!

[FreeTheHostages]

WOW! That's a breathtakingly good presentation of JKPhoto!! {{{Mama_Bear}}} (Those are special CPAC hugs!)

JKphoto, it is an absolute please to meet you. Small business is what makes the American economy great.

Here's the news from CPAC: Ann Coulter ROCKED the house. She lampooned Democrat's views on why we shouldn't dissarm Saddam: "Basically, the Democrats' argument boils down to we shouldn't disarm a guy who hates us and wants to kill us because if we try to, he'll hate us and want to kill us."

She made a *lot* of fun of the French and the Germans, as well as Democrat's characterization of the Bush adm's policy of disarmament now as "unilateral." She said obviously they are confused about what unilateral means, given that many European nations have become our allies and signed onboard to help us. She said that Democrats must think "unilateral" means "not without the German's and French authorization." She notes that she has no problem going to war against Iraq without "the moral authority of the German" and the "fighting power of the French" -- in a tone of voice dripping with sarcasm.

Well, we stood in line to try to get Bill a book signed by Ann Coulter, it being his birthday. But the line was very long and she couldn't stay and sign them all. She was very gracious about talking to booksigners -- as was the next person at the book-signing booth, Katharine Harris (who looks lovely, so lovely!, in person - you know how the leftist media always try to find a bad photo of her?).

[FreeTheHostages]

Wow, what an appropriate calendar for today.

[daisyscarlett]

I'll pour tea today...

And here are some tea time treats,too...

[dutchess]

Forgot to add...what a BEAUTIFUL presentation...Also love the prayer for our military family...

[jkphoto]

our Rotary Club is hosting 13 Russian farmers and I was tied up all day driving them around the county! As a fellow Rotarian...Im sure you understand!

Yes, I do understand as the Rotary Clubs in our district are also hosting Russian farmers next month.

Thank you for your comments.

[dutchess]

Hi Lee'sGhost...so glad to see you here today...aren't freeper couples cute????

[JustAmy]

Good afternoon, JK
It is indeed a pleasure to know you and to Freep with you.



You are truly one of FR's Finest!!

[jkphoto]

Love the tea/coffee set. I guess that since it is afternoon tea is appropriate. :-)

[dutchess]

Great report on CPAC. I AM SO JEALOUS!!!!!!

[dutchess]

Hi John. You essay was a hit yesterday!!!! (ofcourse they are always a hit!)

[Molly Pitcher]

MB, thanks for the profile of such a fine FReeper.

jkphoto, it's a pleasure to meet you!

AND almost-good Friday evening to ya'll.

[daisyscarlett]

Yes, that calendar page is very appropriate. Just love it and all the detail on it too. Thanks for posting it....

How was CPAC? How is the chess tournament going?

Glad you got here in time for tea...no frilly dresses today...lol...using big cups and big sandwiches 'cauz jk is our guest (and real men don't eat quiche!!)....So round up some hearty fare for us, okay?

[JustAmy]

Good afternoon, James and all Fresno Freepers!!

Have you been by to congratulate Jeff as being one of FR's Finest? Today's thread is awesome!!

[dutchess]

Just got in Louie. Great to see you!

{{{{{{{LOUIE}}}}}}}

[daisyscarlett]

Well you posted a rare photo-JK freeping. Usually he is behind the camera, as Lori said. Nice picture. Are they joining you tonight for the Fresno freep?

You are lucky to have JKPhoto as one of your own...know he has done signs etc for you several times and often on short notice. Remember how he got the pledge ready for you when that decision first came down....You asked if he could bring some (pledge printouts) next week as you feared it was too short of notice late on a Friday p.m. and he replied, no problem, I'll get them there tonight. I knew right then that Lori had a "special" guy...

Have a great FReep tonight...I will be with you all in spirit...

[dutchess]

Hi LadyX...just got here and have been catching up...the bears you're posting today are too cute....Did they come like that or are you touching them up...in which case I AM SO JEALOUS!

[FreeTheHostages]

"Glad you got here in time for tea..."

Oh I really wish I could stay for tea. But I've just heard that Ann Coulter has dropped 12 tickets to Crossfire tonight with instructions that Free Republic people come and cheer her on. And I live right near where they film Crossfire. SO I *have* to go meet up with the Freepers and see if I can snag myself one of those 12 tickets.