A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...03-12-03...FR's Sweetheart...azGOPgal

Dutchess and Billie

[dutchess]

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.

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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.

                     

I actually remember when AzGOPgal first posted on "The Dose". She was young, positive, energetic….and was immediately embraced…. She openly speaks of how FR has helped her grow politically and spiritually ...has touched the lives of many of us…as many on FR have also touched her life. I ask you to join us in spotlighting our own our very special…..

azGOPgal....A Finest Sweetheart

azGOPgal and Dittomom at a Support our Military Rally last weekend

The Beginnings

Contrary to some on the "other side" we all know that it takes loving parents, not a village, to raise a child… AzGOPgal was blessed with loving parents. She was raised in sunny Arizona and describes her childhood and upbringing as "awesome".

I lived on a street with a bunch of kids my age, and everyday we got ourselves into some type of mischief. We played baseball, football, hockey, broke a few windows (complete accidents), and built forts and race tracks for our bikes. There wasn't a sunny day that my brother and I spent inside.

She was raised in a happy and loving atmosphere. She and her brother never went to bed until they got their "goodnight kiss".

My parents, especially my mom, encouraged us to try new and different things, and they were very supportive of what we did. We have lived a fairly privileged life, often traveling to Mexico for summer vacations or taking our motorcycles to the California sand dunes, but we were taught to appreciate what we had.

Az was very active as a child and lived to play soccer. Her mom signed her up when she was in kindergarten, and she played all through high school.

A Freeper Pet Story

As with many freepers, Az grew up with cats and dogs. Right now they have a lapso named Sophie and a Himalayan named Fluffy.

Fluffy is such a character. He can open doors, and he comes when you call his name. He is such a great comfort to me and will lay right next to me and start purring like crazy.

AZ didn't grow up in a political household. Her mom and dad never talked politics with or around she and her brother. Her dad is a life-long Republican, and always voted, but never got involved beyond that. Her mom was a registered Democrat until Clinton became President, and then she switched to the Republican Party.

My political interests and views were deeply influenced by my grandmother. She is a staunch Republican, very outspoken, and not afraid to say so. Recently, I have had great political conversations with her, and she helps to reaffirm my beliefs and make them even stronger.

The High School Years

Az did not become involved in school activities until her sophmore year in high school when she ran and was elected Student Council Treasurer.

Student Council opened my eyes to so many different experiences. I learned leadership skills, became more outspoken, and formed a desire to help out my classmates and make high school a more enjoyable time for them. It was such an awesome time in my life, and I felt that my life was enriched because of Student Council. A lot of what I do now is influenced by my experiences of my three years in the council.

A Political Awakening

Az first became aware of politics during Clinton's Presidency (pre Monica)

I can remember watching his speeches from the Oval Office and thinking to myself that I hated Bill Clinton and that I never wanted to have anything in common with him besides being left handed-that was bad enough. I absolutely despised Clinton and thought he was a complete phony

When George W. Bush came around in 2000, she was ecstatic. And actually had the opportunity to go to the Inauguration in 2001.

Az and friends touring DC the day after the first liar in chief was evicted!

I can remember that for the entire time I was completely awestruck and speechless. I came back from Washington with a deep interest in politics and everything George W. Bush. I was so relieved that a man of honor, dignity, and respect was going to be restored in the White House.

On September 11th

AZ says she tries to keep an optimistic view on life and deal with things with a sense of humor. She turned 18 on September 11, 2001 and cried for almost two days straight.

I got through the tears by joking and laughing with my friends. I always said that I would sue Osama bin Laden for emotional damage for ruining my birthday. Sharing my birthday with the tragic attack has put a lot of things in perspective that has made me appreciate life more. So many people lost their lives that day in an instant, and it just shows how some things are so unexpected.

AzGOPgal….Member Since 11/14/2002

Az found FR during the 2002 elections stumbling on OhioWFan's and rintense's 25th Wedding Anniversary Tribute to the Bushes through a google search. (thank you OhioWFan and Rintense for bringing us this breath of fresh air!)

I read it and was amazed at how many other people admired and respected the First Couple. I lurked on the Dose for about two to three weeks afterwards until I finally signed up. When I first posted, I got this amazing welcome from everyone and was blown away by the caring and kindness of all the posters. The warmth and kindness got me hooked instantly, and I have been addicted to FR and the Dose ever since.

On Religion and Prayer

Az says she was not a very religious person growing up, although she has always believed in God. Her family was not actively involved in an organized religion and she only occasionally attended services with her grandmother and friends.

Being at the Dose and witnessing the power of prayer has made me look at the relationship I have with God, and completely change it. So many people have asked for prayers and then come back to say that they felt all the prayers that were sent their way. I found that to be so amazing and so powerful. I attribute the people at the Dose the reason why I have turned to God. It's a great feeling to know that SOMEONE is up above is always watching out and protecting me.

AzGOPgal…now….the College Student and Activist

AZ is in her second semester at a college in Arizona, majoring in Political Science. Although she says Arizona is a fairly conservative state, she finds the liberalism of the young students and the old professors to be very visible.

I am very strong in my beliefs, so I don't have to worry about them tainting my young mind, but it's sometimes dispiriting to not have somebody who agrees with you. I do a lot of listening and a lot of reading to try and expand my knowledge and understanding of different things. And if I feel that I have enough knowledge on a subject, I do my best to inform others, and hopefully I can make a liberal look like an idiot in the process.

Az does take time out from her school and "freeping" to take in the beauty of the land God has created. She has taken up snowboarding and says it's the most fun that she has had in a long time.

When I first started, I fell down the mountain more than I actually snowboarded down. But with the class I am taking, I have gotten so much better. It has provided me with a way to just forget about everything that's going on around me and let go of all the stress that builds up through the week. Every time I get to the top of the mountain, sometimes I just sit at the top and look down at the wonderful and amazing view.

I think Maigrey, one Az considers her "big sister" says it best when describing our special young lady….

….Az is by far a beacon of enthusiasm in the growth of the new generation of conservatism. But the best thing about her is her growth: right before my eyes, she has come to appreciate the better things in life. For that (being able to see someone grow emotionally and spiritually) I am grateful to call her my "little sister."

Thank you Chelsea's parents for helping mold her into the beautiful young lady she is... and thank you special freepers who have embraced her….Above all else THANK YOU Az…for being who you are. Your are INDEED one of our FR'S FINEST!!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 03-10-03 Dog Gone 03-11-03 AuntB

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

[dutchess]

Was? She isn't anymore? Dutchess, how could you do such a "hit piece" on such a fine young FReeper? :-)

Oh my gosh....I know I finally "passed the test" when I get abuse from our own Thin Man. Would it help if I offer to bake you a cake????

[dutchess]

Here in Arizona, if we get enough winter rain, the wildflowers can also be spectacular

We visited Arizona in the spring about 6 years ago following a pretty wet winter. Remember doing the "desert tour" and it was spectacular....just plush with flowers etc.

Thanks for letting me use the great picture. You guys look like you had a blast!

[The Thin Man]

Would it help if I offer to bake you a cake????

Yes, but only if it's good. :)

[valleygal]

Welcome Chelsea! It's always good to know about young, conservative Arizonans...there is hope!

Where did you go to H.S.? (You can fr-mail me). I have two daughters in H.S. so was wondering. I went to ASU, myself.

The wildflowers are starting to bloom with all the rain we've had. Went to Show Low via Payson this past weekend. Beeline Highway was really green...lots of flowers.

[FreeTheHostages]

Yes, you know you've "arrived" when The Thin Man feels threatened by your excellence. ;)

[Diver Dave]

Graphics compliments of StLouie.1

Uhhh, 'fraid that graphic needs editing ... or a Constitutional amendment.

Congratulations, azGOPgal. It's great to see that those liberal profs haven't turned your brain into Dem Mush. Welcome to the FR's Finest... Hall of Fame.

Atta Girl, azGOPgal!!!

[hoosierpearl]

Congratulations young one. It was a lovely article and nice to get to know you a little better. Did you know I have two sons?

[dutchess]

Did you know I have two sons?

Am I hearing a little matchmaking going on???

[dutchess]

Yes, but only if it's good. :)

Well...never mind.... How about a defrosted Sarah Lee thingy????

[AuntB]

Hi azGOPgal...how have I missed getting to know you??? What a fascinating young woman..btw, I have a charming son who hangs out on FR (not often enough!)......

Billie, dutchess...beautiful job as usual. It was such fun yesterday and thanks again.

[dutchess]

Uhhh, 'fraid that graphic needs editing ... or a Constitutional amendment.

?????????Okay...you've got me curious....she won't be old enough....???not an election year???.....inquiring minds want to know!!!!!

Did you retrieve the kite????

[Aquamarine]

It's Spring like here today too! Need to take a break from working on the Patriotic Music thread that's planned for Friday and go outside and enjoy it.

Click on the pic

[dutchess]

Glad you enjoyed yesterday....you're a very special lady! Keep up the good fight!

[Pippin]

2030 is not an election year. you should have the graphic say 2032.

[Diver Dave]

not an election year???.....inquiring minds want to know!!!!!

Bingo!!! :)

Did you retrieve the kite????

Nope... Drats. :(
Can't find anyone dumb enough to climb the tree to retrieve it. Hmmmm... Maybe I should call the dem party headquarters. Lot's of qualified folks there... :)

(Spring is here....let's celebrate!)

[kayak]

azGOPgal ~~~ you not only are one of FR's Finest but you represent hope for the future of America. Many of your generation have been tainted with cynicism and the decadence of that last decade; but bright and shining stars like you are the best antidote to the debauchery that our country recently experienced. You CAN make a difference ..... and you WILL make a difference.

Your enthusiasm is infectious. Just as it brings such delight to those of us who know you on FR, I am sure it is a blessing to all those in your daily life.

God bless you, Sweetie! May you grow in His favor and in His grace.

Now go hit the books, young lady! .... *grins*

[MeekOneGOP]

Re #49, 51, 64: Thanks, folks. I will pass along your greeting to SpookBrat !!

Heading to the Black-Eyed Pea in a few minutes . . .

[Billie]

Hi, Billie! Good to see you today after such a long and grueling day yesterday under those hot spotlights. :)

I am glad that you have decided to sit through the downloading of all the graphics on our thread and will be joining us more frequently, now that you've seen the light! LOL!

A few days ago, I did a thread here called "The Anatomy of a Finest Thread", and it explained a little of who does what, when, and why.

The reason that my name is always 'there' in the opening is only because we use the same 'top' parts every day, with the introduction and the military photos (which I did create in the very beginning).

However, usually, when you see that one of the other hostesses has posted the thread, it means that that particular hostess 'did' that whole profile part, and it's so important to me that they get all the credit for it - the part that changes every day! Dutchess Done Good, huh?!

So glad to see you today!

[Billie]

Oh my gosh....I know I finally "passed the test" when I get abuse from our own Thin Man. Would it help if I offer to bake you a cake????

LOL! The price of your association with the Finest, Sistah! His meanness rubs off on all who claim sisterhood here, and he scours the threads with a magnifying glass for the tinyest of things he can find fault with! So far, only Mama_Bear has escaped his beady-eyed scrutiny. :) (However, we're all still waiting for her to slip up and actually make her first mistake.) LOL!

[Billie]

Oh, yes, the bluebonnets. So beautiful in the spring time - the Hill Country - Austin "area" - is where you'll find them most abundantly along the fields and highways.