USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ W.W. II WAVES ~ February 25 2003

Naval Military History | February 25 2003 | snippy about it

[snippy_about_it]

Today's thread is all history and part vanity. I am an avid fan of history and to be able to share a little bit of my mother's history is a blessing. We don't often get to hear this side of the story. Thank you for allowing me to share.

*

My mother tells great stories of her war time experience. From the train that took her from New York to San Francisco to her ship ride to and from Hawaii and her time there.

Everywhere the train would stop the townspeople would come out and offer coffee and snacks and cheers all around. She traveled on the Matsonia, a cruise ship turned into a troop ship. Because of war time they would have to weren't allowed to have any lights on at night. You couldn't even read a book in your bunk with a flashlight. I can't imagine crossing the sea at night with no lights on.

She doesn't speak of it as a scary time, but a wonderful patriotic time, doing without and not minding, making do with the simplest of things. In Hawaii they used their pillowcases to play in the surf, fill them up with air and float on them.

She fell in love with riding in jeeps. She loved working with the planes and pilots. She said she was so happy not to have to wear the dresses all the time but got to wear jeans instead. From a girl growing up on Long Island, Hawaii was quite a treat, a real paradise, undeveloped as it is now.

She says they would have to taxi the planes after they worked on them, direct them in and off the tarmac and strap the pilots in their parachutes after the pilot got in the plane.

Of course they entertained as well as worked and did the best they could with what they had, volunteered on their "off" time.

I've read some WAVES stories that mention the guys weren't too happy about the women joining up but my mother never told such stories, the sailors and pilots she was around were always kind and courteous. Gentlemen and flirts.

It always sounded somewhat romantic even though it was during a time of danger and uncertainty. She signed up as soon as she could and had to have her parents give their permission. She's been in love with the sea and planes, sailors and pilots ever since.

[snippy_about_it]

"Tonight I also have a message for the men and women who will keep the peace, members of the American Armed Forces:

Many of you are assembling in and near the Middle East, and some crucial hours may lie ahead.

In those hours, the success of our cause will depend on you. Your training has prepared you.

Your honor will guide you.

You believe in America, and America believes in you."

President George W Bush
State of the Union Address
January 28 2003

USO CANTEEN FREEPER STYLE MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

[snippy_about_it]

Please enjoy the links provided. The Naval Historical Center is quite large and one could spend the day reading.

Here is a link to their home page.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER Home Page

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody !! Happy Tuesday !

We are in a 'winter wonderland' this mornin' ! I got 3/8 - 1-2" covering of SLEET on my sidewalk ! ...

19 degrees as I post this. Hey! They said it would get down to 23 ! B-r-r-r-r !!...

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[snippy_about_it]

Early morning Eastern Standard Time bump. Tonk will arrive shortly to extend his opening greeting. Enjoy and have fun today my fellow Canteener's. I'm off to work. See you all tonight.

Good Morning and God Bless all our wonderful military men and women.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning everyone.

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning to you, my friend.

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning, amigo

[JohnHuang2]

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning, friend.

[Aeronaut]

Hey John.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Click for current time
in Afghanistan

[Kathy in Alaska]

Duty ~ Honor ~ Country

Click above to visit "A Day in the Life of President Bush"

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are,God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

.

Bless This House

Bless this house O Lord we pray;
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove
ever open to joy and love.


Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there,
with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within,
keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we
May dwell O Lord with thee.

.

(Click on praying hands above,
or on banner at the top to hear the music)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night fellas. See you in a few hours.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin' !

[MeekOneGOP]

G'night, princess ! ...

[tomkow6]

Good morning, Snippy! Good morning, Canteen Crew! Good morning, EVERYBODY!

GOOD

MORNING

TROOPS!!

[tomkow6]

Today's FEEBLE attempt at humor:

A woman knocked on the pearly gates, Her face
was scarred and old, She trembled and she shook with fear,
she was just about to fold.

"What have you done...", St. Peter asked, "...to gain
admission here?"

"I've been a loyal AOL user sir,..." "...for many and
many a year."

The Pearly Gate swung open wide, St. Peter rung the bell,
"COME IN AND CHOOSE YOUR HARP..." he said "...you've had
your share of hell."

[JohnHuang2]

G'nite, my friend :^)