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

[JohnHuang2]

What, all of maybe 2-3 hours? :)

Wait a min: How did you know?! hehehehe

[Budge]

Wait a min: How did you know?!

I have my ways.

But if you really must know, I just read a post by you that was only a few hours old. :)

[Pippin]

Good Morning (((MB)))!

No fair having prior knowledge of this FInest FReeper! LOL!!

I bet you loved every minute of it!

Hi, (((JKPHOTO)))!

Enjoy your day in the spotlight! I bet you loved that interviewer! ;^)

Thanks to both you and Mama_Bear for your service to our country and to FR!

You are both FR's Finest, IMO!

[mhking]

jkphoto: Congratumalations!

Mama (& all o' the rest o' y'all) Good morning!

[Pippin]

Good Morning, (((MHKing))))!

[LadyX]

It is a genuine pleasure to officially meet the Other Half of the Bear Family.

For a long time, you both have made us a part of it, enriching our lives with your presence on the Finest and your devotion to the Fresno Freeps.

Papa_Bear, reading your biography is an inspiration to us, and we are in awe of what you do for others and your community.

You truly are an example of ' A Life Well Lived '

{{{{{ Hugs for Papa_Bear }}}}}

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody !! Happy Friday !

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Morning coffee bump!!!

[MeekOneGOP]

Congratulations, FReeper of the Day ! Enjoy your day in the spotlight !

.......jkphoto

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

[dansangel]

What a beautiful and moving tribute! You two are a beautiful couple, filled with the principals and morals that many can only aspire to.

In getting to know jkphoto better, I've gotten to know Mama_Bear better as well. You two are role-models for married life. When Christian and moral values are ingrained into a marriage, only warmth and success can come out of it. Look at our President and First Lady! They are living, breathing testimonials to just that!

{{{{{{{{{{{Mama_Bear}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{{{{{jkphoto}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I am honored to be among your ranks! May God continue to bless both of you and your respective families abundantly!

[dansangel]

Good morning {{{{{{{{{{Meekie}}}}}}}}.

Happy Friday to my {{{{{{{{{{{{finest sistahs}}}}}}}}}}} and fuzzy brothah, {{{{{{{{{{{Louie-Wolfie-Man}}}}}}}}}}}}

[LadyX]

Now you know, of course, the reputation of 'some Southerners' as snoops is totally unwarranted.

In the interest of our Finest Freepers, and knowing you might be too modest to do so, however; I appropriated your Home Photo Album for a while.
Some of those glimpses of the real jkphoto will be interspersed through the thread.

Rather significant is this view of Papa_Bear helping you mix batter for the Famous Mama-Bear chocolate chip cookies you provide the Fresno Freepers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What a Guy !!!

[Lee'sGhost]

Here's a hobbit hug )))))))Pippin((((((( (That's a really tight hug.)

[LadyX]

Thanks be to thee, Carlsbad Carl ~
thy libations perk us up and make our days flow freely, forsooth...:)

[Mixer]

Sorry sometimes the letters do not show and I can not copy them to my server today for some reason. Have a great day everyone

[LadyX]

WHEREFORE ART THOU ??!!

~ A Little Morning Rap ~

G'day to thee, jwfiv!
Your words engage us,
seldom enrage us -
a fully fine fellow you be!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ah, yes! I have a word or two for you, folks!

[Billie]

Good morning to you two, and though I told you earlier (privately), your thread today is just the best! Can feel the pride you have in your husband; the photos are exquisite, and the presentation is perfect!

Know you are also proud of Lori, JK! Whatever you're doing, you two keep on keeping on...it must be working!

[LadyX]

Bet this guy can coax you out of hiding to come see our special Finest Freeper this day!

[daisyscarlett]

Congratulations, JKPhoto. So happy to read more about you. You have achieved much in life and the best is yet to be....I salute your service to God, family and country. I especially love that you are a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army...and someday I hope to partake of that famous tri-tip (and Lori's cookies too).

Lori, what can I say! I love your work and without a doubt this is one of your best...if not the best...you have done. Your love and admiration for your "best friend" shines through. One question, does that photo montage have pictures of your family, if so please identify. I thought I recognized "Bear"....

[LadyX]

Papa Bear - World's greatest expert on almost everything.

He is often wrong but never in doubt.
He is a woodsbear and rough carpenter - very rough.
He loves his family with all his might,
and since he is a bear,
that is a lot of might.

(that text came with the gif !! )