A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....05-07-03...."Never Forget"

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.

<

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.

                     

"NEVER FORGET"

A proud Vietnam Veteran, a lover of freedom, a tireless activist, a man of faith, dedication and conviction..it is a pleasure to introduce you to.....

ALOHA RONNIE

To Understand Ronnie now….it's important to understand his core beliefs.

My Core Belief is that I know and understand how very dearly loved I am by the LOVE Itself, GOD is LOVE, and by that same LOVE that's carried in the hearts of those around me who really do care for me. And that LOVE is the Only Reality.

Ronnie says he lost the best friend he ever had, his LOVING Mother EVELYN, when he was 20 years old. He soon left college as a Political Science major and was drafted into the U.S. ARMY before Vietnam was a war. He already had a feeling about what was coming.

Before my reporting for Vietnam duty with the U.S. 7th Cavalry in the summer of 1965 my mother lovingly told me (in the clear from above) while I was standing over her hillside grave:

"Have no fear, RON, for you will survive this War and you will do so without having to fire a shot".

And that's exactly the way it all turned out for me, even with my going through the 1st major battle of the Vietnam War.

Ronnie at Christmas, 1965, in Vietnam...the closest thing to a Christmas tree..

We Were Soldiers Once…and Young

The Battle of IA Drang - 1965, which Ron's unit was involved in was chronicled in the Book… "We Were Soldiers Once…and Young", written by Lt. Gen Hal Moore (USA ret.) and Joe Galloway.

The book has since been made into a movie, "We Were Soldiers" staring Mel Gibson and Sam Elliot. In reality Ronnie served as the radio operator to both officers portrayed in the movie. This photo was taken at the Year 2001 IA DRANG Alumni DC Conference in D.C. (I would add that you all, at a minimum read the preface of the book and see the movie...it's a true history lesson!)

Actor SAM ELLIOTT who portrays Hero CSM BASIL PLUMLEY to
MEL GIBSON's Lt. Col. HAL MOORE in ..'WE WERE SOLDIERS'..
with ALOHA RONNIE Guyer/Radio Operator to both in Vietnam ...and
the real IA DRANG-1965 Hero S-3 Operations Officer Capt MATT DILLON....to the left .
(photo taken by Kevin Burke)

Ronnie says he went to Vietnam as a political moderate who had shaken hands with JFK in Los Angeles on the day he accepted his party's nomination for President. At the time he was opposed to the death penalty.

I came back a staunch conservative, believing in the death penalty after having witnessed there being some really bad guys out there doing some really bad things to innocents…that had to be stopped.

Ronnie also says he was known as his unit's most prolific letter writer and photo taker. He has over 1,000 slides taken during that time and so many letters sent to loved ones back home that he's been told ever since that there is a book in there. He actually would like to publish a book about his experience, pictures and all, and how it pertains to the world today.

Ronnie returned from the war….having a "calling" to speak the truth about what really was happening. Regrettably, there was no internet, Conservative Talk Radio/TV or FOX News Channel to counter what Ronnie refer's to as"WALTER CRONKITES ANTI-US TV lies about our Fight for Freedom in a then Free South Vietnam".

Life after Vietnam

Upon his return Ronnie began working immediately for Matson Steamship Lines (www.Matson.com) which ships cargo to Hawaii and Guam.

At Matson Lines I supported our Military Heroes and their families, shipping their family cars to Hawaii where Freedom Fighters were on their way to fight wars over the decades.

He almost immediately became known as "Mr. ALOHA MATSON" because of his warm "ALOHA" spirit that he always shared with his customers. Thus his eventual Freeper/Talk Radio Name ALOHA RONNIE.

No Friend of Hillary

JimmyValentinesbrother carrying Ronnie's challenge at recent DC freep at a private fundraiser at her home

After his retirement from Matson Lines after 35 years, Ronnie's Citizen Activities began with the 1990's Battle to Save the U.S. Long Beach Navy Base from being turned over to Communist China by HILLARY RODHAM & BILL CLINTON for China Army Money. It was during this Battle that he first came to Freerepublic.com, having heard about it on Talk Radio.

After our beating the CLINTON White House in Congress, "Friend of HILLARY", Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill, pledged to flatten our Navy Base anyway, without her even having a Port Steamship Company tenant for it to use.

Ronnie continue's to fight against Hillary's influence and quest for power. You will frequently see and hear him challenge her recent appointment to the Senate Arms Services Committee. His regard for the military, freedom for the enslaved and distain for Hillary AND the left are clear:

Now, in a new Century of Freedom, the Iraq War has finally proven to be this Friend of HILLARY's credibility Waterloo with the American People...!!!

T'is too late, though, for the millions of poor Southeast Asian souls who lost their lives to invading communist bullies after "The Most Trusted Man in America" fooled US thru TV into leaving them behind to their fate. The blood of many just drips from the sleeves of one WALTER CRONKITE.

My Goal has always been to help bring some Political and Spiritual CLARITY ...for all to see ...that the very people who worked against Freedom for Vietnam long ago are the very same people who are against Freedom for Iraq now and always will be against Freedom for anyone, anywhere, anytime equals

• HILLARY RODHAM
• BILL CLINTON
• WALTER CRONKITE
• JOHN KERRY

and who want to still run our Country!!!!! NOT IT I CAN HELP IT!.

Ronnie is emphatic about his life's mission. In his own words:

• Stop Anti-U.S./Anti-Freedom HILLARY RODHAM from ever becoming President of the United States.
  
  
• Remove Anti-U.S./Anti-Freedom HILLARY RODHAM from the Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees our most secret Military Operations and their Budgets, especially in a time of a world war that we are now fighting against HILLARY RODHAM's Terrorist Partners.
  
  
• Lastly, I am doing all I can to see Freedom's Return to Communist Vietnam on behalf of the Freedom-Loving Vietnamese-Americans here in Free America.

Ronnie at the Oscar Support our Troops Rally

In addition to fighting to keep ELIAN Free, hold Gary Condit accountable and attend Support our Troop events, Ronnie is also a frequent speaker at rallies as well as a frequent caller on talk radio and TV, always giving a plug for Free Republic.

Ronnie fights his battles with a passion…and is driven by his faith. In his own words:

As a Lifelong Witness to the Heroism of many I am now doing what the experiences GOD brought me to and then through for His Plan with my Life. I have entirely released EVERYTHING in my Life for His Purposes.

Thanks you ALOHA RONNIE for your faith, spirit, service to our country and for helping make sure we NEVER FORGET.... You indeed are one of our FR'S FINEST!

"NEVER FORGET"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 05-05-03...Cinco de Mayo 05-06-03...A Lesson in Chinese...Exit148

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]

Hi Dave...thank YOU too...for your service to our country!

[dutchess]

Hi Aqua. Beautiful graphic and love the taps...

I see you survived the storm...we had a heck of a thunderstorm this morning...I delaying putting up the thread this morning as we already fried one modem when lightening went through our telephone line. Hate when that happens!

[ladtx]

The reunion with Brian has been great. He and his family arrived last Friday. He kept a journal while he was over there and had many pictures. He brought us a US flag he took with him on his first mission and gave it to us along with the arming pin off one of the JDAM's he dropped that first night. He'll be getting us a certificate signed by the crew and the squadron commander when they all get back. Little Leila was a little shy of him at first but adjusted quickly. Because of the jet lag he was sleeping a lot during the day and she would sneak into his bedroom just to watch him sleep.

They are leaving today to go visit in-laws and we will be joining them for a big crawfish party this coming weekend. The only damper is that his brother is still in Mosul in Iraq and will be there for a while yet. The one silver lining in that cloud is that Jeff has been promoted to SGT since he's been over there.

[dutchess]

Thanks for stopping by Landru. I really enjoyed getting to know Ronnie. I've seen his him around....but was not aware of all that he was involved in.

[Aquamarine]

Good morning Duchess. It was a very rough night. Loud thunderclaps and downpours woke me up off and on all night. Spent yesterday cleaning up blown down limbs and dead trees across the driveway. Now we're worried about flooding...the creek is roaring and will continue to crest today. Also have another big line of storms coming.

[Diver Dave]

...thank YOU too...for your service to our country

You're Welcome, and thank you for those words. It was my honor, privilege, duty and pleasure to serve... Still is in a different capacity. The "oath" we took has no expiration date.

[FreeTheHostages]

[FreeTheHostages]

Great job with the Oscars Freep! That totally rocked. I think Kristinn plugged it on FOXNEWS when discussing the Tim Robbins stuff, too.

[dutchess]

Good morning Free...Gosh we're here at the same time! Cute calendar...wish I was cuddling up in bed with "my kids" on this rain soaked day...instead I'm stuck at work...occasionally "sneaking in" LOL!

[dutchess]

So glad that the reunion went well. I was thinking of you when I was watching the joyous reunions yesterday from the USS Lincoln. That's also great news that Jeff was promoted although I'm sure you miss him terribly.

[ladtx]

We all do miss Jeff a lot. By coincidence we just got an email picture of him taken with the the first cache of either weapons or ammo (it's hard to tell) they found.

SCOUTS OUT!

[The Thin Man]

Congratulations to a True Patriot on being today's Finest! Thank you for your service, Aloha Ronnie.

[The Thin Man]

Good morning, dutchess! So glad to see you after having to deal with that horrible Billie and wretched FreeTheSausages yesterday. :)

[martin_fierro]

Good morning, everyone!

Enjoyed reading your profile in courage, Ronnie! HAVE A GREAT DAY

[dutchess]

Good morning, dutchess! So glad to see you after having to deal with that horrible Billie and wretched FreeTheSausages yesterday. :)

Oh oh....were billie and free bad girls yesterday?...shame on them for being mean to our very special Thin Man! (is it getting deep in here????)

[dutchess]

God Bless Our Military
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Daisyscarlett; Dansangel; Dutchess; Mama_Bear; and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~

We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Pippin....niece,nephew,loved one Doug from Upland......son-in-law weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon..son-in-law,grandson BeforeISleep...................son BeAllYouCan Be............son The Mayor.................niece consort...2 daughters, son-in-law Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty LongCut..................active duty Trish.......................active duty bkwells..................active duty

Maigrey................cousin ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear...........nephew gator girl............husband severa................husband MozartLover...........nephew LBGA........................son SpookBrat...........nephew Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Diver Dave................niece deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews Armymarinemom.....3 sons kneezles...................son Darheel..................niece dixiesass..............nephew LadyX..............grandson AgThorn................2 sons

[LadyX]

It always is so thrilling to read of our Free Republic Patriots;
especially when they are like Aloha Ronnie.

There are many of us, Ronnie, who cannot and will not ever forget. I was a child during WWII; a U.S. Marine during the Korean Conflict; miitary wife during the Cold War and Nam, my husband serving in both Korea and in Southeast Asia (Oct '67-Oct '68).

We reared two sons and a daughter to be Patriots - the ultimate weapon against "The Destroyers."
They are Christian, caring, productive grownups who are passionate conservatives and God & Country-loving individuals.
They in turn produced eight children, on their way to being the same kind of Americans.

The tide is turning against the ones who took the nation off course.
How proud and appreciative we are there are those like you so dedicated to standing in the gap!

It is with utmost pleasure we honor you this day, Ronnie - - -

[Saundra Duffy]

Mahalo, Aloha Ronnie, for all you do! And keep up the good work. You are loved and honored. For victory & freedom!!!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody !

Congratulations, ALOHA RONNIE, our FReeper of the day ! I hope you enjoy your day in the spotlight !

80 degrees as I post this . . .

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[knighthawk]

Beautiful