A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....04-05,06-03....Week in Review

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: 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.

To Our FReeper FRiends: We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our spotlight on various FReepers. We thought we'd kick back on the weekends and simply review those who've been featured during the week. If you missed seeing them and want to say hello to them now, feel free to click on the link to that particular thread. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today and tomorrow, please feel free to do that also. One of us will always be around to see the welcome mat is still out, and maybe even put fresh flowers on the table. :)

"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


03-31-03 "Thank You!" ....A SALUTE TO OUR MILITARY

04-01-03 "Courage" ........................................LADTX ESSAY

04-02-03 "The Exclusive Inquisition" ..........................TATZE

04-03-03 "John's Two Cents" ........................JOHNHUANG2
"What our fighting men and women are really all about. "

03-14-03 "The (More er Less) Honorable Billybob" ...............
CONGRESSMAN BILLYBOB






Strangers are just friends waiting to happen

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

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for posting that Lady, it's reassuring to see.
Sorry, didn't mean to relate the loss of a child to the accomplishments of your son earlier in the thread...was still thinking about the families that lost children in the war and intertwined my thoughts.

[firewalk]

Good afternoon LadyX. Hope you're having a nice day.

The weather here in NJ is beautiful today.

[LadyX]

"Sorry, didn't mean to relate the loss of a child to the accomplishments of your son earlier in the thread...was still thinking about the families that lost children in the war and intertwined my thoughts."

But that was exactly what prompted my relating about him then, Aqua!
Mourning with the parents of those who lost children, we actively grieve aloud with them; and count the blessings of what they are to us.

It was to emphasize the gains and joys we've had, even while facing a possile loss of our own child.

As a DMAT Responder, had Steve's deployment not been canceled in 2001 just before they were to go to Ground Zero, he well could have been injured or killed treating the rescuers right down in the rubble with them.

That would have been what he was doing, first treatment rendered to any ill or injured while doing rescue operations - evaluate, treat, and send out to the applicable further help.

When his unit was deployed to help in Hurricane Lili, that area was badly flooded, sheriff's departments scouring the countryside to find stranded families. Had it been necessary, he would have accompanied them to treat at isolated homesteads where they coud not be transported out. Could have been swept away by the floods - struck by trees, debris - bitten by the poisonous snakes who are 'displaced' - - a thousand scenarios as 'could haves.'

As a member of one of the three International Insert DMAT Teams, he could well go to treat cases such as might ensue if embassy hostages in a foreign country who are being freed are injured under hostile fire.....

Not all losses fighting the effects of evil are purely military ones.

[deadhead]

Hi all, just want to let you know about the care package project I was involved in. It was a huge success, collected a bunch of stuff for our troops. The children in the school were so enthusiastic, cheering heartily for our troops. News 55 was there, and we were on the 11:00 news, they did an awesome job portraying "Operation Brian". The picture of the sign the children are holding was one that I made, it made the news with my friends children, Tom and Brit holding it, they were interviewed. Brian (my cousin) and Alex both pictured on the poster were shown close up and mentioned, I was so proud. Have to run, I am off to a "Support Our Troops" rally.

[Aquamarine]

It looks like you live in a wonderful community DH!
Thanks for keeping us up to date on this project.

[dixie sass]

My brother is with the Sheriff Department in Broward Country and has been since, as an Eagle Scout, he helped to set up the Cadet Program with the Sunshine (I think that's correct) Police Department.

He went from early graduation in high school to the local JR college to get his degree in Criminal Justice, while at the same time working any job he could with the Department.

He was sent to Police School early and was one of the youngest guys on the street. By the time that he had accomplished that though, he had as many, if not more commendations than most seasoned officers. He has been shot four times in the line of duty, all from convicted felons who were either on parole or out on bail.

He is serving his country as part of the thin blue line that most people denigrate. He is working his regular time plus as a member of the group that is guarding the ports there.

I am proud of my brother.

[dixie sass]

Now, You have done a wonderful job on raising that boy of yours. He must make your buttons burst! I hope you have enough thread to keep them in place, lol.

He is truly what this country is all about, isn't he. Hugs to his mother and father who did such a fine job!!!

[Aquamarine]

Humor break.

[JustAmy]

I love to see the children and the community involved in "The Support Our Troops' projects.

Thanks for letting us know what is happening across this great nation.

[LadyX]

Now I'm *doubly* glad to have opened a side issue here, dixie!
(Bet you had a lot to do with shaping dear bruddah...:))

Reminds us of the heroes in New York City, when most were fire fighters and police officers doing their 'everyday' work of love.

Aquamarine's husband is a fireman, come to think of it!
Therefore, we can declare this afternoon as The Finest of American Heroes Day and place your brother and Mike at the head of our list to honor!

By the way, Steve lives in Davie, Florida (Broward County) with a fireman on one side and a police officer on the other. He was a police officer in Pinellas Park on the West Coast in the mid 80's.

Now is highly trained in rescue from tall buildings, silo implosions (from his years in a medical clinic in rural Colorado), and last month in Nevada had a week of Mountain Rescue & Survival Training for DMAT.
He is literally packed and ready to go anywhere in the world he might be needed, medically skilled and trained in rescue, too.

{{{ Hugs for Bro and Mike!! }}}

[LadyX]

What a wonderful find, Aqua!!
LOL

[JustAmy]

"I am proud of my brother. "

As you should be; let him know that he is appreciated!!

[LadyX]

This is what it's all about - her future:

Safe In The Arms of a U.S. Marine

[LadyX]

Here's another great one!

Two-ear salute

Michael Johns, 3, covers his ears as cannons fire as part of a deployment ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, on March 27. Michael attended the ceremony with his father, center, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Johns. Troops from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood were being deployed to the war with Iraq.

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL ! . . .

Baghdad Bob says
"U.S. Forces are not in Baghdad...er...wait a minute."

[MeekOneGOP]

An Iraqi worker identified only as Mohammed, right, helping in the reconstruction of a road near the port of Umm Qasr, speaks to US Rear Admiral Charles Kubic April 6, 2003. The Navy Seabees have started working with locals in repairing roads, setting up playgrounds and helping in the distribution of potable water in an effort to return life to normal. Mohammed later spoke with journalists and told them 'Tell (German Chancellor Gerhard) Schroeder and (French President Jacques) Chirac that if they lived for just one day under Saddam they would have asked the whole world to come and liberate us.' (AP Photo/Roberto Schmidt)

[Aquamarine]

Thanks Lady!
It's dangerous work in more ways than people know. Their station has been in a lockdown since the war started. No free blood pressure checks for now.

[Aquamarine]

Good article Meekie! Thanks for the link.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks! :O)

[Dubya]

LOL. I love that one.