A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....07-07-03....Military Monday

Billie

[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.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and 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 could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I had been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that didn'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 we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.

There's more of course. We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!

If you would like to be featured, or would like to see someone else featured, please send me a private FR mail.

Every Monday we will post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.

Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day! ~ Billie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You For Serving Our Country!

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

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

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.




                     

THE WEEKEND THREAD 07-04,05,06-03 4th of July Holiday Thread

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 a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Billie]

[Billie]

Once again, it's time for some of FR's Finest Military, then and now. Thank you for your service to this great country of ours; you are America's heros, and we're proud of you!

To All who are reading this:

We hope your weekend was all you hoped it would be. So does anyone have any fireworks left? Don't you know our pets hope not!

[martin_fierro]

HAPPY MILITARY MONDAY!

[Fiddlstix]

Good Morning Everybody.

You Know The Drill
Click the Pics J

Coffee & Donuts J

[dansangel]

((((((((Billie))))))))

*Love* that new graphic! It's so appropriate! :-)

For our brave Military members: Please, dear Father, wrap Your loving arms of protection around each and every one of our brave Military members. We ask that You protect them the way that they protect us.

We also give thanks, Dear Lord, for living in the greatest country in the world. Thank you also for sending us a moral and spiritual President. Please protect him, too, from those that would hurt him with slander and gossip.

We ask this oh Lord in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

[.45MAN]

Good Morning Billie! and All. Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th!!!

[dansangel]

((((((((M_F))))))))

So hard to get back to w-o-r-k (ugh) after a 3-day "mental vacation."

Sigh - someday the Lotto will be mine!

:-)

[LadyX]

It is my privilege to live in a small, conservative God-loving and
God-fearing bastion of patriotism; and proud to display that.
We recently buried our second County son who lost his life in Iraq,
ambushed while on patrol.

The following is a Letter To The Editor that appeared July 2, 2003
in the local weekly newspaper - The People-Sentinel - Barnwell, SC.

This is a hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking view of Iraq - - -
A 'Fair and Balanced Report' from a real American military
Executive Officer there, written to his sister at home here.

Obligatory TISSUE ALERT given - -

===============================================================

Serviceman finds Iraq gratitude to U.S.

I would like to share a letter that my daughter's sorority
received from my son this week. As we prepare to celebrate
our Independence, please remember the heroes we have lost,
as well as men and women who remain in harm's way.

Our freedom is not free!
Sincerely yours,
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX,
Barnwell

Sisters of Alpha Chi Omega,

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the letter I received from you
yesterday. It means a great deal to be remembered so far from home.
I hope you don't mind I shared the card with my soldiers and posted it
in our Operations Center to serve as a reminder of the support
your sorority and the American people are demonstrating every day
for what we have done and are continuing to do.

I feel I should tell you about some of my experiences in Iraq.
My sister may have told you that my company is in central Baghdad
and we are responsible for several kilometers of urban city.
The biggest shock was the contrast between the extravagance
in which Saddam and his family lived and the poverty in which his
people lived only blocks away. Despite the poverty, people living
in our area of responsibility are the most friendly and hospitable
people I have ever met . . . including Southerners.

While conducting patrols through the neighborhood we are constantly
invited to share the meager supper that these very large families serve.
They live with their extended families, but are more than willing to
give us a large portion of the very small amount of food they have
managed to supplicate.

They are also a very grateful people.
On the first day after the ceasefire, I was leading a small patrol through
a neighborhood destroyed by artillery fire. A woman of about 35 years
was walking down the street with two small girls following closely.
As the woman approached, she greeted me in perfect English.
She began to relate the atrocities that her family had endured under
Saddam's regime. Both her father and husband had been arrested
from her home for allegedly speaking against Saddam. Her father was
unable to survive the torture inflicted upon him and her husband was
returned to her with major head injuries to which he eventually succumbed.
She pointed out her family's home that was more now little more than a
skeleton of walls and empty windows.

She then took hold of my arm and kissed the American Flag that we wear
on our right shoulder. She told me she was thankful for all that we had done
and for the opportunity that we had given her as well as her children.
I will never forget Nodham Amman.

In March, when we first crossed the border, I was unsure if our mission was
justified. I had heard the stories of the poverty, the torture, and the genocide.
After my experiences with the people in and around Baghdad,
I know that my cause was just.

This city still contains elements that are opposed to our presence and loyal
to Saddam and continue to prey on the innocent civilians of Baghdad.

I ask that you continue to pray for my troops and for those that are replacing us
in the near future. Pray that we have a safe trip home to our families.

I thank you for your support and look forward to tanking you in person soon.

1LT, EN XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, Jr.
Executive Officer

==============================================

God - please bless this wonderful American son and his family,
and our beloved America ~ ~
Amen. =================================================================

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING MARTIN,BILLIE,AERONAUT and EVERYONE ELSE!!

How was your weekend?

[dansangel]

((((((.45MAN)))))))))

Hugs and *smoochies*!

:-)

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING to the (2nd) FINEST COUPLE!

PS: You know who the First Finest Couple is! :O)

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[dansangel]

After my experiences with the people in and around Baghdad, I know that my cause was just.

Similar stories abound but fall on deaf leftist ears. Shame on all of the lib-leftists who refuse to acknowledge this story.

Thank you for sharing that ((((((LadyX)))))))

May God place his bloodline of protection around each and every one of our selfless Military members.

[dansangel]

((((((Pippin)))))))

Happy (I think) Monday!

:-)

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING LADYX!

Thank you for postint this beautiful e-mail letter.

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS!

[dansangel]

PS: You know who the First Finest Couple is! :O)

That would be our very own POTUS and his beautiful Laura!

I don't mind being second to them! :-)

[dansangel]

(((((((Aeronaut)))))))

Glad to see you this fine (?) Monday morn'!

:-)

[Pippin]

HAPPY MONDAY, DANSY!

HEY!

It may be Monday BUT

It's another day the LORD has blessed us with! :O)

[Pippin]

YEAH!

[Aeronaut]

good morning Angel.

[dansangel]

I'm glad you were able to dodge all of the fireworks in your plane this weekend!

:-)

[martin_fierro]

You can have the Lotto after Mrs. Fierro and I are done with it. <|:)~

{{{{{dansy}}}}}

[dansangel]

It may be Monday BUT It's another day the LORD has blessed us with! :O)

Thank you for putting that into proper perspective for me. Of course, as usual, you are absolutely right!

:-)

[dansangel]

You can have the Lotto after Mrs. Fierro and I are done with it. <|:)~

Just leave us some, y'hear? LOL!

[dansangel]

PS - your FReeper collages are absolutely drop-dead outstanding!

[martin_fierro]

Thank you thank you thank you m'dear -- if anyone wants higher-res versions (make nice wallpaper), they can get 'em here:

• Dubya
• Eagle & Flag
• Eagle
• Flag
• Liberty
• Reagan

[martin_fierro]

TAGLINE CORRECTION!

[dansangel]

Wow! Thanks for posting those links!

(((((((M_F))))))

[Calpernia]

Goodmorning to all! Great post this morning Billie. I recognized quite a few freeper names. It is fun getting to know everyone.

click the bird

[iceskater]

Thank you for sharing that.

[Aquamarine]

Good morning all! The second pic made me think of you Lady. Did you ever have to do a Combat Swim in full battle gear?

They call it the thousand-yard stare: Marine recruits test their mettle during final exercises at Southern California's Camp Pendleton. The three days of obstacle courses and long marches is called "The Crucible."
by Peter Turnley (US News)

The exercise is called, simply, Combat Swim. Female marines at Parris Island, S.C., take to the water in full battle gear: a 40-pound pack, a helmet, and an M-16 rifle
by Lauren Greenfield (US News)

[FreeTheHostages]

[Iowa Granny]

Good Morning. Wonderful opening.

Thanks to one and all who protect this wonderful country.

[dansangel]

Sistah ((((((Aqua)))))))

Thank you for the lesson in Marine training. Sometimes we forget the rigors of training that these fine Marines (and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces) must endure before even going into battle.

God Bless them all.

[LadyX]

"Did you ever have to do a Combat Swim in full battle gear?"

Thankfully, I was never put to the test, Aquamarine!
During the time of the Korean Conflict, women in service were used for support roles only, freeing men for combat.

It is just in recent years they have been phased into combat capability.

Parris Island, too, has The Crucible at the end of every Marine's recruit training.
They must successfully navigate the grueling course that takes them through the swamp at Elliott's Beach, and reach the Iwo Jima Monument.

They then have *earned* the right to receive and wear with utmost pride the globe and anchor emblem that separates the wheat from the chaff - -

There is a Special Ceremony in front of families and friends the day before they graduate from training and go on leave when they are given their emblem by their Drill Instructors.

When all have pinned them on and stand at attention, they are finally able to be and be called *MARINE* - finally considered worthy of what that is.

Attending one of these 'pinning on' ceremonies a year ago was thrilling beyond measure for me.

[martin_fierro]

GOOD MORNING

[[[[[AQUA]]]]]

[Temple Owl]

Good Morning Billie and all. It's really hot here in the Cradle of Liberty. But I'll take it6.

[martin_fierro]

HAPPY MILITARY MONDAY

[[[[[]]]]]

<|:)~

[Billie]

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; Mama_Bear; Dansangel; Dutchess; Aquamarine 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 The Mayor........................niece LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.....................nephew ValerieUSA................2 sons Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................activve duty LongCut..................active duty Trish.......................active duty

Maigrey................cousin ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear...........nephew gator girl............husband severa................husband MozartLover......son, nephew LBGA........................son SpookBrat...........nephew Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Tiffee4Bob.......boyfriend Diver Dave................niece deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews Armymarinemom.....3 sons Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law Darheel..................niece dixie sass.............nephew BeAllYouCanBe.........son AgThorn...............2 sons homeschoolmama.......nephew kneezles.................son

[Aquamarine]

It is just in recent years they have been phased into combat capability.

I tend to forget about that. I'm not one of those in favor of putting women on the front lines of combat. Just my opinion.

[Aquamarine]

Nice rock (((Martin)))

[martin_fierro]

Had a good July 4th weekend, though Mrs. Fierro was laid up with back troubles.

My lamer town cancelled its annual fireworks show due to budget constraints (beats a tax hike, I guess).

Attended the Independence Motorcycle Rally in Hollister, CA -- THAT was fun!

[Billie]

Two One-Year Anniversaries today - hope your year has been a good one. :)

Happy Anniversary, getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL !




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

Happy Anniversary, panther33 !

[Billie]

Good morning, martin - love that graphic!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin' everybody ! Happy Monday !

82 as I post this, headin' for around 92. Thunderstorms possible, again.

[Billie]

Hi, Mr. stix, that lower left donut looks like just what I like - a chocolate, cake donut?! Yummm!

[MeekOneGOP]

Rest in peace, Buddy Ebsen (my pic post on #66).

[MeekOneGOP]

I can't tell what 'size' it is, or I might have posted it. :O(

[LadyX]

"I'm not one of those in favor of putting women on the front lines of combat. Just my opinion."

Probably most persons agree with that, Aqua, including me; the complications enormous of having them placed on combat teams.
First and foremost must be the ability of the team/unit to succeed.

However, consider that while operating in other roles, they are subject to attack and having to know *how* to protect themselves and their fellow Marines!

A prime example was our Trish, now a Marine Captain, and Executive Officer at a base in Mississippi.
She was aboard ship off Afghanistan as a Supply Officer with one of the first MEU's to go in, and was choppered in to the base established at Kandahar.

They were indeed under attack, and her training was essential to the success of all, just as was that of the men.

Remember that sometimes the war comes to you, unbidden . . .

[Billie]

Your prayer for our troops is so beautiful, Dansy. Thanks for posting that here.

Thanks for the compliments on the 'hostess/guest writers/contributors' - hope all will save the link and post it freely. LadyX asked me to do something with that Rotti Express quite some time ago, and she mentioned it again last week - wolfie said he didn't want to be 'just another rotti' LOL! (Don't you love the way he changed his ears and nose first thing!)