A few of FR's Finest...Every Day...05-09-03...Don't Worry, Your Dogs Are Doing Great

Billie; USA Weekend

[Billie]

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.

                     

"Don't worry.
Your Dogs are doing great."
A touching letter to a brave soldier overseas ... from the family fostering his dear pets until his return.

I found the following story in the weekend magazine inserted in our newspaper last Sunday, and wanted to share with you. The title is the same, and the photograph of the 'foster family' below was included in the article. For anyone interested, the Military Pets Foster project can be reached online at netpets.org or at 843-249-5262. Cats are fostered through operationnoblefoster.org. ~ Billie

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

The Military Pets FOSTER Project allows civilians to foster dogs and other pets that belong to deployed members of the military.

Terri, an associate underwriter for an insurance company in Tennessee, is a "foster mom" to two dogs (the Department of Defense requests that the names and hometowns of the military pet owner and their foster homes be protected.) Terri was online at a boxer Web site when she saw a link to the military's new intiative. "I don't support war," she says, "but I do support our country and our military. I thought, "Here's something I can do."

After filling out the e-mail application in late January for any kind of dog (she's allergic to cats), she heard back within hours. The next day, a soldier seeking a foster home phoned, saying, "I have two dogs who need caring for." Says Terri: "It was, like, make a decision right now or never. Of course, I said yes."

They didn't speak long. Terri explained that she and her husband, Frank, a tool distributor, have a 10-year-old boxer named Alex that the soldier's dogs would have to get along with. "I also explained that Frank is often home during the day, so the dogs would be walked often," Terri says. "I certainly had the impression that he was worried about finding the right home for his dogs."

We asked Terri to write a letter to the soldier, updating him on his dogs.
~ Steve Dale, USA WEEKEND

DEAR SOLDIER,

We only had the chance to talk for 15 minutes; this all happened so fast. Don't worry; your dogs are doing great. I know how hard it is for us to leave Alex for a weekend -- I can't imagine leaving him for months at a time.

A few days after we spoke, your friend delivered the two dogs and enough cash for a few months of dog food.

Alex immediately welcomed Buddy (a 4-year-old beagle mix). But he snapped at Mickey (a year-old Labrador retriever). You know Mickey: Instead of snapping back, he responded with a bark that must have translated to "Let's play," and that's exactly what they've been doing ever since.

My image of Labradors was that of steady guide dogs or disciplined bomb-detection dogs. Mickey, though, is young and pretty much out of his mind. I swear he has attention deficit disorder. I enrolled him in obedience class, and that's helped a lot -- you would be very proud of all he's learned.

It's Buddy who gave us a scare. Frank opened the front door to take the dogs out, but their leashes weren't on yet. In an instant, all three dogs ran outside. Alex didn't get far, and Mickey surprised us by coming right back, too. But Buddy did what beagles do -- he found a good smell and followed it. Frank phoned me at work, and I sped home. It's amazing I didn't get into a wreck, but I felt like one of my children was in trouble. I was thinking, "Here you are defending our country and trusting us with your dogs, and I've let you down." Frank was running all around the neighborhood. Finally, a neighbor pointed to her swimming pool cover -- where Buddy was standing, staring at a cat.

Your veterinarian is an hour away, so we visited mine when Mickey started to shake his head back and forth. Don't worry: It was just an ear infection, and now he's fine. We also put the dogs on a heartworm preventive. I'm told we'll be reimbursed for the cost, but it's really not important. One paw washes another. What you're doing for us is worth a lot more than the cost of heartworm medicine.

The experience of having your dogs has been wonderful. I was missing my other two dogs, both boxers, who died within the last three years. Having three dogs around the house again has been good for all of us, including Alex. I think he missed his friends. Now, Alex is having so much fun. He's more active, and that has been good for him; he hasn't needed any arthritis medication since Buddy and Mickey arrived.

Buddy is amazing -- he's unconditionally happy. That tail hasn't stopped wagging since the day I met him. His joy is contagious; he makes us feel good. Mickey may be crazy; but he's so loving. You can't look into his big copper eyes and not feel his heart.

I never asked where you're deployed, but I suspect you are in the Middle East. I also never asked how long you'll be gone, or why a friend or family member wasn't able to watch your dogs. That just didn't seem important.

Of course, we hope you return home safely -- but I'm hoping when you do, you give us a week to say goodbye to these dogs we've come to love as our own. The other day, I found Frank snoozing on the sofa, curled up with all three dogs. After you return, I may continue fostering dogs for rescue. We're grateful -- at least we feel like we're doing something to contribute.

I didn't watch Desert Storm much on TV. But I feel more connected to this war. I always tune in for updates. As I watch, I think of you. I think, "Your family is waiting here for you."

I don't know your human family. But this family matters, too.

All the best,

Terri, Frank, Buddy, Mickey and Alex

          I want all of these sweet animals. :) ~ Billie

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 05-05-03 Cinco de Mayo 05-06-03 Exit148 05-07-03 Aloha Ronnie 05-08-03 JohnHuang2 Essay

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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[GailA]

[MeekOneGOP]

hehe ! Yep ! I had to resort to "Easter Egg Huntin' " for a couple today too !

[MeekOneGOP]

Gotta grab a bite to eat on that one. Be back later ! :O)

[deadhead]

Great story Billie, thank you for sharing it with us. You know, I just couldn't pass up a dog thread without posting my sweet Lucy :-)

Heard some good news today, my cousin Brian will most likely be home by July 4 and he has been promoted to Captain.

Colleen

[MeekOneGOP]

I love that one, Meekie! I think it needs to be a hostess graphic! LOL!

hehe ! I like that one a lot too ! Feel free to use it if ya'll want ! :O)

[Dubya]

My dog Rosie is helping me on this thread. She likes this one.

[Dubya]

FYI

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2003 - Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch does not have
amnesia, according to a May 8 release from Walter Reed Army
Medical Center here. Instead, say her attending doctors, she has
no recollection of any events that may have occurred from the
start of the ambush until when she awoke in an Iraqi hospital.

Based on military debriefings and mental health evaluations she
has undergone, they believe the probability of her remembering
any events during that time period is very low, stated the
release.

"Amnesia is the loss of the ability to recall an event that's
been previously laid down in someone's mind," said Walter Reed
Army Dr. (Lt. Col.) Greg Argyros during a May 9 CNN interview.
"If you meet an individual or experience an event, a memory is
laid down in the brain and you're able to recall that, and that
is your memory. When you lose that memory, that is amnesia.

"There are events that occur when memory is not laid down," he
continued. He gave an example of patients under general
anesthesia having "no recollection whatsoever" of what took
place during their operation. He said that's "because no memory
is laid down."

Argyros said that Lynch had been "evaluated by a number of
mental health professionals and her medical team," people who
"have particular expertise in the evaluation of individuals who
have suffered war injuries."

He stated that "it is their opinion that it is very unlikely
that in the future she will recall any of those events."

"She is consistent in every question that she has answered in
response to that time period," Argyros emphasized. He said based
on findings from military and medical debriefings and other
sessions, "she has absolutely no recollection whatsoever" of the
events surrounding her capture and POW status.

The release stated Lynch continues to make steady progress since
arriving at Walter Reed April 12. She's healing at a
"satisfactory rate" with "no unexpected complications."
Currently, no more surgeries or procedures are planned.

The release also reported that Lynch's physical and occupational
therapy sessions have increased to twice daily.

"Occupational therapy helps her with activities of daily living,
such as combing her hair, brushing her teeth and other personal
hygiene matters," stated the release. "The physical therapy is
designed to help her increase her strength and flexibility."

Lynch spends her free time reading and writing e-mail, enjoying
letters and cards from well-wishers, and listening to music and
watch television, according to the hospital statement.

It also said "recent inaccurate reports of amnesia have resulted
in her explaining to friends and family that she is okay and
still the same Jessi."

"I don't want people to think I can't remember things," Lynch
reportedly said.

Officials have set no discharge date for Lynch. Hospital
officials want to "ensure she recovers properly," the release
stated. "Her doctors say that her terrific attitude toward
recovery is a valuable asset."

[LadyX]

Just returning for the evening, Thin Man.

Would you please identify what # 2 is??!

That looks like dark green Jello on top of it,
perhaps from a hospital tray, being recycled?!

Yucky - - - revoltin' !!

[Dubya]

FYI
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2003 - Today's military women are dedicated
professionals who play key roles across America's armed services, U.S.
Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz told members of DoD's
military women's advisory group.

America's military women, have provided important contributions --
often while in harm's way -- in support of recent military operations,
Wolfowitz today told members of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women
in the Services. The panel was in Washington for business meetings.

"We've had so many women involved so integrally in our armed forces,"
Wolfowitz said, pointing out U.S. service women's "spectacular display
of military professionalism" during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For example, Wolfowitz cited the bravery of former prisoner of war Army
Pfc. Jessica Lynch, still recuperating from her injuries at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center.

He also praised the skill and tenacity of a female A-10 "Warthog" pilot
who brought back her badly shot-up warplane on manual control. She was
so proficient at destroying enemy troops and equipment in Iraq, he
added, that some of her flying mates claimed her real-name initials,
K.C., instead stood for "Killer Chick."

Wolfowitz also commented on the May 8 launch he attended at the
military Women's Memorial in Arlington, Va., of the publication of
DoD's "A Day in the Life of the U.S. Armed Forces" book of photographs
that depicts service members performing their missions worldwide.

The deputy secretary said 125 of the best American men and women
photographers -- including military -- deployed around the world Oct.
22, 2002, to capture the U.S. military's story that day as shown
through the actions of its troops.

He said 250,000 total photos had been shot and a couple of hundred of
these were selected to appear in the book, which he called "fantastic."

Recalling "Day in the Life" photographs he saw at the book launch,
Wolfowitz told the committee that many of the "most captivating scenes"
taken by the photographers "involved women in the armed forces."

Wolfowitz said he was especially impressed with a photo taken of a
determined young female Marine in training at Parris Island, S.C.

That military women are greatly represented in the book is only
natural, the deputy defense secretary pointed out, since military women
today perform "such integral roles in the armed forces . there's no
hiding it."

The DACOWITS chairwoman, retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Carol G. Mutter,
told Wolfowitz that the advisory committee had recently visited some
stateside military installations, with overseas trips planned as well.

This year, Mutter noted, DACOWITS is focused to examine three areas:
women's health care, particularly obstetrics-gynecology; military
women's retention issues; and military deployment issues.

Thousands of active duty and reserve service members -- of both genders
-- have been or still are separated from their families back home while
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and other military operations in
recent months.

"We're certainly very interested in what the impact of the deployments
are on the (military) families . and how that will manifest itself on
retention," Charles S. Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of
defense for personnel and readiness, remarked to DACOWITS members at
May 8 meetings.

"The deployment concerns are cross-gender," DACOWITS member Dr. Lynda
Davis reported to Wolfowitz. "We think it's very timely that we're
looking at that . to get feedback directly from spouses and the persons
serving themselves - because of the situation that's just happened" in
Iraq.

"I think we'll have some very good information and recommendations to
come back on that," Davis asserted.

Wolfowitz agreed with Davis that family separation "is a big issue"
across the U.S. military today.

Yet, the U.S. military has "an enormous opportunity now to reset .
where we deploy our forces, how many we deploy, what patterns we use,"
Wolfowitz pointed out. He noted, for example, that DoD officials are
re-examining the practice of assigning one-year, unaccompanied military
tours of duty to places such as South Korea.

"That's the way we've done it (in Korea) for 20 years or 30 years," he
remarked, adding, "It's not clear that's necessarily the best way to do
it."

[ST.LOUIE1]

Cute thread, BillieBlue. : )

Good girl.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Louie-Louie - wherefore art thou??
Wast this yew I caught the other night out bayon' at the moon??

Guilty. LOL

And quit spyin' on me. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

I'd like some water in that bowl. : ) Hi, nic!

[Dubya]

Famous Mothers

COLUMBUS' MOTHER:
"I don't care what you've discovered,
you still could have written!"

MICHELANGELO'S MOTHER:
"Can't you paint on walls like other children?
Do you have any idea how hard it is to
get that stuff off the ceiling?"

NAPOLEON'S MOTHER:
"All right, if you aren't hiding your report card
inside your jacket, take your hand out of
there and show me."

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S MOTHER:
"Again with the stovepipe hat? Can't you just
wear a baseball cap like the other kids?"

MARY'S MOTHER:
"I'm not upset that your lamb followed you to school,
but I would like to know how he got a
better grade than you."

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER:
"The next time I catch you throwing money across
the Potomac, you can kiss your allowance good-bye!"

THOMAS EDISON'S MOTHER:
"Of course I'm proud that you invented the
electric light bulb. Now turn it off and get to bed!"

PAUL REVERE'S MOTHER:
"I don't care where you think you have to go,
young man, midnight is past your curfew."

ALBERT EINSTEIN'S MOTHER:
"But it's your senior picture.
Can't you do something about your hair?
OY! Styling gel, mousse, something...?"

[Diver Dave]

Howdy Billie. Showed this thread to a good friend - He likes it...

[Pippin]

Howdy,

(((LOUIE)))!

[Pippin]

Howdy,

((((DAVE))))!

[Pippin]

Howdy,

(((DUBYA)))!

[Pippin]

Howdy,

(((DH)))!

[Pippin]

Howdy,

((((LADYX))))!

[Diver Dave]

Howdy backatcha, pip. Sorry, can't stay long... family night pizza night tonight and duty calls.