Free Republic

Webmaster comment: The following document was compiled and presented by a fellow LS-MVPA club member who could not sit idle in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Only in the days after this horrific natural disaster, has the magnitude and scope of the disaster come to light. I am proud one of our members stepped up and into harms way to provide what can only be described as basic necessities that have most probably saved hundreds if not more lives. As the webmaster, I have, and continue to receive a tremendous amount of mail regarding this story and how people...

Fr. Groeschel Critically Injured in Car Accident in Florida EWTNews-Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, well known to EWTN viewers for his numerous series and appearances on the network, is in critical but stable condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center after being struck by a car near Orlando International Airport in Florida. The incident occurred Sunday evening. Details are sketchy but sources say the priest was walking to a restaurant for a meal when he was hit. EWTNews will keep you informed of this situation as it develops. Please keep Fr. Groeschel in your prayers.

Walter Knodel of Spotsylvania's Wilburn Gardens is one of 11 brothers who served as soldiers, sailors and airmen All 11 Knodel brothers served their country Walter Knodel never saw much point in talking about the wars he fought in or the ways he served his country. Neither did any of his 10 brothers, who also did their duty as soldiers, sailors or airmen. "We figured a lot of people already knew what it was like, so there weren't no sense talking about it," Knodel said. "It weren't no vacation, I'll tell you that." And that's about all the tight-lipped 82-year-old...

<p>Before my son became a Marine, I never thought much about who was defending me. Now when I read of the war on terrorism or the coming conflict in Iraq, it cuts to my heart. When I see a picture of a member of our military who has been killed, I read his or her name very carefully. Sometimes I cry.</p>

Legend: Decades after his heroics in Vietnam, relatives and servicemen mobilize to help a dying vet. By Ellen Gamerman Sun National Staff August 16, 2002 WASHINGTON - John Ripley's worthless liver had left his skin a sickly yellow. Toxic fluids were collecting in his system, causing his lean frame to bloat: Once 175 pounds, he now weighed 425. His kidneys were failing. An incision glared from his abdomen, closed with staples in case surgeons had to rip it open fast. Eighteen IV lines fed into his unconscious body. One of the Marine Corps' greatest living heroes was dying. In the...

Members of all ages gather to share pride of having served By Jim Sheeler Special to The Denver Post Monday, April 08, 2002 - The bustling Sunday brunch crowd at Racine's restaurant is made up of churchgoers in their nice clothes, hipsters nursing hangovers and two dozen women with soft felt hats who suddenly stand up and bring it all to a halt. Bea Leist was a member of the Woman Marines of Aviation Squadron Three based out of El Centro Marine Air Base in California during World War II. "I pledge allegiance," they begin defiantly, and by the time...

Dear Mothers, America holds its breath as it awaits word from the president or congress on whether or not we are going to wage an all out war on terrorism. Some two million Americans serve in the nations military. That means two million mothers anxiously wait and wonder as to the destiny of their sons and daughters. Indeed it was tragic what happened on September 11th, 2001. Such an act is incomparable to anything that has taken place in our history. The event has been likened to Pearl Harbor, however on that day in 1941 it was this nations Naval ...

What we’re all about. El Paso, TX- Carlsbad, NM Wednesday, 24 May - At about 1100 a hearse and a few family members appear on the tarmac at El Paso International Airport. Quietly and from nowhere rows of veterans began to appear and surround the family. With the family was the familiar dress blue uniform of a Marine. A Marine from N Battery, 5th Bn, 14th Mar, El Paso, TX. Beside him the red jacket of a member of Marine Corps League Detachment, Carlsbad, NM. A lone casket appeared at the door of the aircraft and is gently lowered. Someone ...

Most area politicians unmoved by march for gun-control laws Gun-rights supporters Pam Biedenbender and her family found themselves outnumbered 10-to-1 during Sunday’s Million Mom March in Washington. Wearing a T–shirt emblazoned with the slogan “When the hammer drops, the B.S. stops,” the ex-Marine and mother of two joined about 5,000 counter-protesters soon engulfed by a sea of gun-control advocates. Biedenbender said she and her family, who wore similar T–shirts, were jostled and jeered by the “Moms.” “I support their right to free speech, even when I don’t agree with them,” she said. “But they didn’t seem to like to hear ...