TROOP PRAYER THREAD 11: The Holiday Vigil

Here's wishing all Prayer Warriors and our beloved troops and all standing with them a belated yet very sincere Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I'm echoing many when I say we have so very much to be thankful for. High on my list are our magnificent countrymen who stood in lines throughout the nation and voted for the more difficult and rewarding path of Liberation and Morality. High on my list are the precious young men and women who have "placed themselves between their loved homes and the war's desolation" by serving in our armed forces and in our intelligence services and in the contract personnel capacities. High on my list are our allies from many nations who stand with us. High on my list are the Swift Boat Vets and all our veterans who have given their all for this nation in times past. Among them are so many of our own FReeper vets. You know who you are. Thanks. Highest on my list is the Heavenly Father we all share, for He heard our prayers and yearning thoughts in recent days, and He let His finger write in a way that continues our solid opportunities to work with Him to bring about more liberation, security, and freedom in this nation and world.

There are many challenges ahead. The amazing thing about success, is that it surely brings more to us to overcome. We have won a great Victory, but in order to seal that Victory, we must remain vigilant. The work has only begun. It is heartening, however, to know that there are so very many in this nation of like mind, and that we are no longer fully held sway by the Worm-Tongue lispings of the Main Stream Media.

The focus of this thread is all about supporting our troops and those who stand with them at home and abroad spiritually. We have stood together since the inception of the Iraqi invasion. We come together to place before our community the names of those serving, for whom we want prayers. We scan news articles and like to share them as our Prayer Warrior Field trips. Sometimes they are very serious, and sometimes they are funny, but by God's grace, they are always uplifting or a trumpet call for us to roll up our sleeves to work in our own prayer closets.

This particular thread starts during the Holiest of the seasons on the Judeo/Christian calendar. I invite and encourage all to take pauses during the hustle and bustle of shopping and parties and the great busy-ness of the season. Let those pauses, whether you are stuck in traffic, or waiting in line to pay for some holiday gifts, be dedicated to all our troops who are making the joyful madness of the season possible. While many of the prayers seen on this thread are of a decidedly Christian nature, we do state that we have great respect and reverance for our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith and are welcome to post their devotions for our troops here if they so desire.

Many many deep felt thanks to all our prayer warriors everywhere, and may your vigil for our troops during this holiday season and on into the New Year of 2005 be very blessed.

As always, special thanks go to amom, who is our prayer list Keeper. The updated list can be found below. If you have corrections or wish to be placed on or off our ping list contact either TEXOKIE or amom. The ping list tends to be relatively low volume because of our understanding that the real heavy lifting is done in our own individual prayer closets and other worship activities. We use this thread as a place to gather and to communicate and support one another as we pursue our like-minded goals to hold vigil for our troops and those who stand with them, including their families.

We are grateful to God that for those who have been injured or taken back Home, He has dispatched angels to their care.

Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way
Help me remember
Somewhere out there
A man died for me today
--As long as there be war
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?"

Taken from the book, "A Man Called Intrepid" by William Stevenson about William Stephenson, the head of British intelligence services prior to and during WWII. He wrote this at the very beginnings of the Battle of Britain and shared it with Eleanor Roosevelt.

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AND OUR LOVE IS GREAT ENOUGH TO HOLD YOU ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS IN THE LIGHT!

Troops prayer list

Updated as of 28 November 2004

~amom-Jim Robinson founder of FreeRepublic Navy Vet, Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club member, who allows us the use of this cyberspace, his charming wife Shelia, and sons Chris and John and their families.

~Chong-Commander-In-Chief, President Bush, and his family.

~amom- Our leaders, our fallen, our missing and the innocent.

~FrogMom- son-in-law SSG Mike in Baldad, Iraq, husband and father of two adorable children

~FrogMom-Joseph Hudson, and other POWs home safe, released from hospital at Ft Bragg on 23 April.

~EuroFrog-SSGMike ,currently in Balad, Iraq. We extend our prayer for safe return, 180 days are almost up! SSG Kris

~FrogFish-cousin SPC Chad of the 3rd Infantry in Kuwait.

~maranatha-son Mitchell, USAF air refueling wing in Oman

~SAMWolf-Freeper BKWells, and Freeper Radix’s son

~Tarheel-Capt. Eric US Army

~Tiki-Anton Peterson, Steve McKinley, Tim McKinley, Cory Simmons

~prairiebreeze-Marine Corpl. Nick, Navy seaman Brad

~LBGA- son Tyler, special ops, home safe, tired but in good health.

~HiJinx SPC Anna, BlackHawk Crew Chief has come home safe and sound and her husband is due home shortly, and PVT Tom B., cannon crewman. Tom is on his way over now after being here for the birth of his son.

~Mr. Silverback-Corpsman Michael USN discharged, Specialists John Colin Army near DMZ in Korea, Pudgeless and his unit the 333rd Mps of the Ill National Guard. County Board member Hadley returned to Freeport.

~JohnDoe#1-son Sergeant First Class Terry in Kuwait

~h8klintoon-Maj. William Glover, Sgt. Ellis Caudle

~fatima- Adam-spec ops, granddaughter Karen Army in Bagdad, Jim USN USS Constellation, freepers Daughter in law Patty Air Force.

~Shezza-darling husband Scott (Freeper Giles Corey) US Army

~amom-Defender2, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub

~Lando Lincoln-Seth Crawford USAF

~68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-the Men and Women at the Coos Bay Coast Guard Station. Along with active duty Coast Guard FReeper CWO Jackson. ~My back yard-brother’s youngest son Bryce Owen USNavy sailed right after Christmas

~RedWhiteBlue-nephew LCpl. Brian Kaul, USMC in Kuwait

~WLansberry-1st Lt. George Lansberry USAF

~doug from upland-PO2 Josh, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT

~OhioWfan- Son PFC Eric, Army Reserves, activated in Bagdad , son’s unit buddy, Sean. Eric has begun a Bible Study at the Palace Grounds in Baghdad, and has asked us for prayer for him, and for the study.

~Heylady-Son Lt. Gregory Worden, 1ST CAV

~amom-Freeper Mike, WUSAF, Air National Guard

~GatorGirl -Husband “LT Gator”- USNR, Brother in Law-Jason-USNR, Cousin Rich-USNR, Friend Tom-USNR, Friend Alex-USAFR

~amom-Major Sellers, USMC in the ME. Son Dillion and mom Betsy. 4 mo old. ...DADDY'S HOME!!! as of 5/24/03. Mom Sally and Dillon are doing fine.

~buffyt- Son in LawRobby Ellis Boswell USN

~WellsFargo94- CPT Bill, CPT Dan, MAJ John, CPT Tom, SGT Brian, CPT Dave, LTC Jim, Chaplain Dave, COL N, COL L, COL S, General Franks, LTC Pat, Dr. W

~GoRepGo-Husband Willie, Navy Corpsman, Ist MEU somewhere in the sandbox.

~amom-FReeper bkwells (Deployed on USS TARAWA (LHA-1)) from the Canteen.

~ProudArmyWife-Sgt. Roney 4th Infantry Divison (hubby)

~exhausted momma-Nephew, Matt Morgan, Navy

~Severa- husband (FR screen name Hostel), USN Submariner, brother Wes, USAF Little Rock AFB, friend Tosca, USN Corpsman, USNS Comfort, husband's cousin David, US Army, Fort Gordon, GA ~ stand4something- husband Mike AND son Scott, (both Air National Guard) deployed to the Mid-East) ~ JulieRNR21- a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF ~ LKR59-Timmy (Army) in Kuwait, John (Army) in Afghanistan, and Karen (Army) in Saudi Arabia

~Joy Angela-cousin Steve Jr. early 20s with a 6 year old son

~FReeper Proud Legions

~FReeper Hostel, USN Active Duty Submariner

~ OhioWfan -son Eric ~ mystery-ak -husband Mike and their son Jonathan both deployed ~ Gogranny - grandson ~ Inspectorette -son Eric ~ Slip18- nephew is aboard ship - active duty USN ~ anniegetyourgun - nephew Josh ~ Himyar - son Robert ~ homeschool mama- nephew Michael is in the Navy ~ CyberAnt- nephew Jody ~ milagro- son is deployed in the Mid-East ~ BlessedAmerican- nephew David Marine returned to San Diego 7 May 03. ~ Jewels1091 -friends of daughter, Ross (101st airborne), deployed to Mid-East, Chris (Navy) heading for Mid-East, cousin, Phil, serving in the US Navy

~ TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat’s nephew Ben (Marines) Kuwait and his mother Tracy. ~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed, and his family.

~TruthNtegrity-, US Navy - my cousin's son, pilot LTC Andrew deployed, Marine Keith.

UPDATE-Marine Keith. Still in Iraq. His son was hospitalized with a serious leg infection 2 weeks ago, and 10-days in a hospital for an active 8-yr old is tough. He is now recuperating quickly. Pray for his Mom, who is now MOM-DAD to their 3 children, the youngest 16 months. ~ Hoosiermama- Brad who has been deployed, His brother Jeff who has just enlisted. Shanty & Josh (husband & wife just deployed separately), Bill and Bill (both military academy grads), (when you teach, they're all your kids) Brad from Maigrey, Sgt. C. Cole

~notpoliticallycorewrecked- husband soon to be deployed

~notpoliticallycorewrecked- military email buddies ~ Wneighbor -son-in-law Thomas deployed, and his pregnant wife and mother of 3. ~ zlala -brother is deploying to the Mid-East ~ tamikamaria- cousin Annette (Navy) stationed on an aircraft carrier, …best friend’s brother is in the Army, sister is in the Navy ~ Radix -son is HOME!! WELCOME HOME!!! ~ Pippin - niece in the Air Force, nephew in the Army stationed in the Far East ~ WomanofStandard -a dear friend has three sons in the military …..Dustin (Army) - Mid-East-Troy (Air Force) – Italy, Tyler (Army) – just returned from Afghanistan and currently at Ft. Bragg, NC ~ baseball mom - friend’s nephew, Thomas (Navy), just deployed ~ a special Freeper -brother is an Army Chaplain ~ hoosier_RW_conspirator -friend’s son Danny (Army), just deployed ~ ivoteright - hubby (Air Force) has been deployed, he is also b-i-l to I’m ALL Right! ~ kemathen7 -boyfriend, John (AirForce) ~ GretchenEE -son of dear friends, Silas (Army), deployed to Mid-East

~bentfeather- Long Cut, Ms Cut, Mini Cut ~Warriormom -Three CIA agents whose plane crashed and may have been kidnapped in Colombia, dear friend Greg, deployed to Mid-East ~ Freeper Per-Ling active duty in the Navy has a wife and 2-year-old ~ leenie312 son Nicholas is in the Marines ~ rentense-friend's brother, Brian Z. ~ AF_Blue -active-duty AF, and family

~southern grit- coworker and dear friend SFC Sarah Augustine Kuwait

~Antijen-Jason Bontrager USN, Justin Lapp USN, Jack Snowden USN

~Antijen- friend Mark

~Jim O-L Cpl Travis Groce & Wife L Cpl Brandy Groce in Kuwait

~Snippy_about_it- Brian Wells (bkwells)and crew deployed on USS Tarawa, also his family back here at home, FReeper KKING (Tim is a contractor working in Kuwait in support our troops) , 2LT Radix Jr, Army-deployed (son of Freeper Radix), Freeper M1911A1 MSgt of Marines and his wife,freeper M0sby, Freeper Mojo2001's husband Navy-deployed, SPCKarl Gray Army-deployed(son of freeper beallyoucanbe)

~Blue Scourge- Sgt. Daniel Mayzik 3rd Armor Div.

~seams2me-Cody Buhler USN, David Blassingame USMC, Trey US Army, Darby Bishop US Army

68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-Long Cut (USN) and Mrs. Cut, SK1 Thurman (USN) and her sister Trish (USMC)

~Maigrey-cousin C.C.

~Condi2008- Friend J.D.

~tamikamaria- cousin Annette, best friend’s brother and sister

~lizbet-cousin’s son Marc

~jtill- friend P.A. and family

~steams tome-adopted servicemen Trey, David, Cody and Darby and their families.

~CENTVRIO EQVITVM and his loved ones

~Reagan’s Mom’s brother -in-law Dave

~Judith Anne’s friend Deana’s son

~Judith Anne’s daughter-in-law’s two brothers

~AFPhys

~AFPhys’ friend C.M.

~olliemb’s two young patients now serving

~Patsor Mike’s brother Tom and friend Kevin

~Char and Dale’s son Dean came home from Iraq at the end of April! He's fine

~Cindy’s stepson Adam

~Jim and Terri’s son Matt

~Joy’s son Michael

~Kay and Don’s son-in-law Stephan

~Jan’s nephew Michael

~patriciaruth’s cousin Ed

~Marvin and Carolyn’s sons Alan and Andrew

~TigerCap’s coworker Kevin

~JimRob-Two Nephews

~MozartLover-nephew

~G’nad-active duty

~Trish-active duty

~deadhead-cousin

~Armymarinemom-three sons

~WaterDragon-Son-in-law, grandson

~Maigrey-cousin

~ladtx-two sons

~Mama_Bear-nephew

~SKI Thurman-active duty

~David Osborne-active duty

~Boxerblues’-two sons and SGT Erik with the 101st somewhere in the desert. ~the piper-son

~sheeza-husband. Mr. shezza and his unit are coming back from Iraq! They're leaving from Kuwait on Thursday 18 SEP and will arrive in Baltimore (or maybe New Jersey, depending on Isabel) on Saturday morning.

~Diver Dave-niece

~weldgophardline-brother-in-law

~Future Snake Eater-cousin

~Warrior Nurse-active duty

~SpookBrat-nephew

~Consort-2 daughters

~big easy-a friend whose husband is a major(air ranger, delta force) would like our prayers.

~amom-FReeper fc2tomschermuly who says " God willing, we'll all come home safe and sound."

~ladyinred-Eric Ludwick and Scott Ludwick brothers and both deployed. Sons of a lifelong friend. They have a sister, Pamela who is also enlisted Army recently.

~bell-Sgt. Jason Beach, Joshua George USMC , Daniel Bristow USMC

~maranatha-General Franks and Don Rumsfeld,

~NRA2BFree-Major Peter Horn US Special Forces, LCPL Jonathan Marquez USMC, CPL Antonio Martin USMC

~GilesB-namesake Pfc Gyles, stationed in South Korea,

~armymarinemom-Spc. Brad-Army in Kuwait and active duty. Pfc Stuart-Army and Sgt. Graham-USMC.

~BeforeISleep-my son-Marines

~.30Carbine-Jim Ferry, Vermont Army National Guard, Chemical Weapons Defense Specialits/Trainer and his wife and 2 small children.

~AppyPappy-two adopted Marines from the next county who are in Kuwait.

~Lando Lincoln-remembering the gallant UK and Aussie troops who are at our side.

~condi2008-our friends, Jimmy, Brian, Jon, Dustin and their families. ~Chong-Chris Kollhoff, nephew-to-be who is shipping out tonight for Iraq.

~Textide- Please pray for Wes, my cousin, a Marine Captain now home from Kuwait.

~TEXOKIE- Niece, active army nurse still stateside. Niece's hubby, army, deployed to Afghanistan (returned home), Niece's brother-in-law, active army, deployment status unknown at this time

~Dubya-Royal Marine commandos

~twstearman-80+ crew of this itty, bitty ship I'm on. USS Devastator (MCM 6) home ported in Texas, is a mine countermeasures ship (i.e., mine sweeper), been deployed since early January, and we have no idea when we're going home. We all know now it's time to go to work.

~Dutchgirl - Norman Hamm USAFR and his mom and family. Hamms are old AF brat buddies, all grown up.

~BeAllYouCanBe-My son Karl, a National Guard infantryman and part of 293 Infantry Regiment. He is 26 has a wife and 18 month old daughter and lived in San Jose CA before last November when he was called up.

~Peach-my stepson - Steven Seaha, Master Sgt., Air National Guard, Jordan.

~Jaded- Matthew K. in the Navy

~Wild Irish Rogue- my brother,John-Special Forces, Airborne-deployed Mid East.

~Southflanknorthpawsis- my son-in-law, USMC Staff Sergeant, Dan; currrently in Kuwait.

~OhioWfan-Aaron, son of one of my students who is a Marine and has been stationed on the Iraqi border. Andy, the boyfriend of another of my students, involved in Psy Ops.

~weldgophardline-Merle ,in the Air Force Brother in law of weldgophardline. All the troops.

~NYCop-SSgt. Rojas, currently deployed in Kuwait and awaiting Iraqi POW's, he’s a co-worker and friend

~Kinetickitty-Master Seargent Jenkins, SSG John Burton , SPC Paul Dobiesz , SGT Freeman, SFC Lewis, LT Nelson, LT Ortez, SGT Call, SGT Rogers, PVT Potao, SPC Morgan, PVT Surface, Master Seargent Wiley, Lt Col. McNeely, CPT Love, CPT Vaught, SSG Fortney. Most of these soldiers are in various Units with the 4th Infantry Division these are friends of mine and my husband mostly from the Ft. Hood area.

~HiJinx-those who have chosen to take up arms against tyranny, keep them safe, help them to accomplish their objectives, bring them home to their loved ones

~NotJustAnotherPrettyFace-my nephew - paratrooper with the US Army

~glory-nephew Adam, is working patriot missiles in the Army. Hubby's best buddy, Eric, who is in a refueling unit for the Air Force.

~DAVEY CROCKETT-Steve Countryman US Airforce, Josh Ray US Marines, Brad Newman US Navy, Tex (my son buddy) US Navy

~baseballmom - asking for prayers for freeper Mystix, USMC

~Mrs.Liberty-nephew Sgt Charles Mapa, Jr. USAF C17-Crew chief. ~2ndIDVet- J.B. and B.G.

~jwalsh07-1st LT Brian Helsin Iraq, Ist LT Alex D’Amico Marines

~free kitty-close friend Barbara who just went in the Army.

~The Right Stuff- my penpal, Sadie from the USS Boxer.

~sakka- email friend, Rick, Navy USS Constellation and all the others on his ship.

~baseballmom-my brother’s brother-in-law, Chris, USAF, Blackhawk Pilot-Iraq. "Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly,..."

~mountaineer-a friend’s sone, Sgt Andrew J with the 101st Airborne in Iraq, and another friend’s son, Stephen M with the USAF somewhere in the Kuwait area.

~UncleHambone-Jeff M and Steven L of the 3rd Marines.

~Valin-waitress at my favorite greasy spoon’s nephew is over there. Marine Cpl Mark Arnold .

~amom- co worker’s boyfriend Cpl Pablo Gabriel Alarcon USMC Kuwait

~snickers via homeschool mama- Alexis Lankford, HHC 1-63 Armor 173rd Ariborne Brigade, older daughter in Kuwait Heather (Lankford) Ballone 124th Transportation Co, my son Clayton Lankford 2-118th Infantry.

~pollywog- grand-nephew SPC Jonathan Cook from Eagle Idaho in Kuwait (probably in Iraq by now). He will be 21 on April 7th.

~TEXOKIE-SGT Elsa, USA, was on the front lines in Iraq receiving prisoners of war as they surrender now back home as of Aug 28; her brother CPT Mark, USA, at FT Benning, GA; her boyfriend, CPT Nat, USA, 1st Cav at Ft. Hood, TX and her cousin SP Miranda waiting for deployment at Ft. Sill, OK.

~SAMWolf- Karl, BeAllYouCanBe’s son, entered Iraq on Tuesday (25 Mar 03) Infantryman National Guard in support of the 101ST Airborne Division.

~Xenalyte-Daniel Osborne, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1-43rd out of Ft. Riley, Kansas friend of a friend. Danny Oz, special ops, son of a friend and colleague.

~judicial meanz- the men and women of the 29th ID, and the Virginia Guard all over the world.

~dandelion-PFC Valentine Leyva, 3rd Battalion, 1st Division in the Marines. He is a friend of my daughter. And her daughter (OK, Airman) stateside.

~Smocker-my TWO brothers now both safely stateside.

~repubmom-Wendy’s son Chris, a marine on the front lines. A prayer for Wendy too who is home with two daughters and shouldering this by herself.

~TEXOKIE-Matt S. Army

~Hamilton2-Jeffrey Ron Davis and his wife Megan

~Dubya -Mary and Freddy Medellin parents of Cpl. Jesus Martin "Marty" Antonio Medellin Fort Worth's first casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

~beachn4fun-CW2 Dan Alexander stationed in Kuwait and PFC.Kenneth Lewis Marshall USMC

~Phyllis-my “adopted” soldier PFC Edward, Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. Army.

~HiJinx-txradioguy along with his 4 kids.

~LetMyPeopleGo-brother, SSG Michael (Dom), over there in the Army. He has a wife and a son.

~Mosby-husband, MSgt. Daniel Edwards USMC

~boxerblues-son who has been injured in Iraq.

~RobbyS-Son Joel is 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd ACR in Baghdad. ~StarCMC - brother and fellow FReeper, kjfine, to your list. Capt. and commander of the 969th MCT in Iraq traveling his normal location 9-11, thru 9-16. Prayers for his safety in travel and for his safe return to his normal location, and eventually, HOME. KJFine returned safely to his normal location -- no incidents whatsoever!

~TexKat-son SGT. K. Smith in Kuwait

~SnarlinCubBear - Jason U U.S. Army - mechanic, on the Blackhawk helicopters & SnarlinCubBear’s penpal.

~manna- Jay, who is in Bagdad with the Army, husband of someone manna knows.

~RagtimeCowgirl-Gen(s). Myers, Pace, Abizaid, Sanchez - Amb. Bremer, the Iraqi Council members and a couple of 'reporters' in Iraq: SSG. Washington in Tallil - heading up convoys, and "Chief Wiggles" in Baghdad interrogating those who know info that could save lives.

~Explorer89- brother, John, who will is leaving this week to escort convoys along "Ambush Alley"

~DAVEY CROCKETT- Brandon McFadden US Army Military Police 210th.

~fatima- Karen, Jim and David and for those who have gone to God,eternal rest. ~RagtimeCowgirl- CheneyChick who's working with the troops she respects re. recruitment and retention - and will be heading to Iraq in the future. Also

Also, Scott ("war daddy") S., a hero who's returning to Iraq soon as a civilian security consultant.

~Mr.Silverback- John Buford retired Army Lt. Colonel currently away from home training soldiers in peacekeeping and community relations; he has a wealth of knowledge on these matters from Bosnia and Kosovo tours. Also an outstanding community leader.

~Mr. Silverback-PFC David Modes II of Apple Canyon Lake, IL. recuperating at Landstuhl. Adam L. Thomas, 21 of Burbank, IL and Chad Fuller, 23 of Potsdam, NY. KIA, their families. SSgt Richard Gordon, who has just received orders for a 15 month tour in Korea. ~Ragtime Cowgirl-Charles - Freeper boomop1 (21 years AF) - and for his son Michael in Iraq w/ the AR 3rd. BDF

~VHAW-co-worker and friend Mike Brooks, a C-12 pilot going “over there”.

~Tiki-Cathy Mitchell’s husband Tony, Air Force Commander in Afghanistan. Also friend Leota's nephew in Baghdad and a grand nephew who just completed basic training in the Marines.

~Kellie-husband, Phillip Bell Army reservist from 795th Postal from Bethany, MO serving in Balad, Iraq.

~Dlfromthedesert-A Tucson soldier,Sgt. Sean Cataudella killed in Baghdad on Saturday. August 30. He left behind a wife and 3 small children, including an infant he had never seen. His father, Sal Cataudella, is taking the loss of his only son very hard.

~Ragtime Cowgirl, Texokie and amom- “anonymous FReeper FRiend." going into harm's way.

~HighRoadtoChina- nephew Paul Robert Bennett, lance corporal, USMC, in Kuwait now after serving in Iraq.

~Ragtime Cowgirl- John F., Melbourne, Fla...Army, home from Iraq on break.

~Wneighbor- Jacob who is on his way to his own deployment and the new fast friend of Wneighbor’s daughter.

~My back yard- Wneighbor's son-in-law who remains in harm's way. Bless his wife and children and all his loved ones while they wait his return. We call forth blessing and protection for his child aborning in the womb during his deployment. Let this entire extended family be surrounded in your love and our prayers.

~bent feather-Pvt. Gabriel Munoz US Army 10th Mountain Division

~Ragtime Cowgirl-Our non-Freeper Veteran 'wardaddy Scott' arrived at the Baghdad Int'l Airport

~Explorer89-My brother is now in Kuwait, waiting to be sent home!! He was just made a captain

~Ragtime Cowgirl-Over 100,000 Americans working for private firms are now providing security, food service, mail delivery, business and reconstruction help

~Bosco-my cousin, Michael. He's been deployed somewhere this past week. Also pray for his wife, Michelle and their infant (2 mos) daughter, Alexis. Alexis appears to have some sort of genetic liver problem and the doctors are not sure exactly what it is yet. Alexis goes in this coming monday (11/10) for more testing. Ask God to give the doctors wisdom to discern what the problem is with the baby. Ask the Lord to give Michelle strength and faith to deal with her husband's deployment and the baby's health issue.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-doug from upland's co-worker, Nick, to the prayer list? He's a civilian head of a company that makes a lifesaving film to cover glass and prevent it from exploding outward - currently working in Iraq for the CPA, traveling "RPG alley".

~Ragtime Cowgirl-From our 'friend' in Iraq tonight:

One of our guys got blown up in a convoy today. He'll live but that won't make news because he's just a contractor...

Would you please say a prayer for his wounded co-worker, and for our friend tonight ~ for healing, and strength, comfort and clarity - and for protection.

Our 'friend' in Iraq is now making regular convoy trips to Baghdad and back, where ambushes occur too frequently, and solo gringo's grandson is traveling to Germany and then finally home for Christmas for R & R.

~Texokie-Cathy Mitchell ‘s husband,Tony, is an Air Force Commander in Afghanistan. He says "We need Christians to pray, pray, pray." Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

~Anymarinmom-Armymarinmom prayer for her son who is going back to Iraq after an R&R.

~manna-Master Sgt. Kevin Morehead and his family

~Saundra Duffy-PFC Seth Grubb, 82nd Airborne, serving in Iraq. He's the soldier I picked to send a box a month to from the "Adopt-A-Unit" program.

~amom-fatima who’s Karen is there and for some reason is feeling it more, it is hard and I pray with and for all of us united for our loved ones.

~armymarinemom-We recieved no bad news from Brad regarding his travel back into Iraq. Praise God! I need to add both of his brothers to our daily list. Stuart is deployed in Afghanistan and the oldest of the three Graham has recieved orders for transfer to a unit that is going to Iraq next year. This is a big pill for Grahams family to swallow and his wife needs prayers to come to grips that his husband is leaving her and their son for a while. This was sudden and a surprise for the family.

~bentfeather-PFC Gabriel Mumoz 10th Mountain Division, Watertown, NY.

~Ragtime Cowgirl- archy who shares his military wisdom generously ~ to the young (and not so young) ~ instructs recruits, works on ways to save the lives of our troops.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-The Stryker Brigade and their civilian helpers heading into Iraq

~justshutupandtakeit- my older son. He will be heading for boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center on Monday after finishing his undergrad work in college. Arlen will be entering the Nuclear Engineering field in the Navy and will have specialized training down in Charleston, SC.

~ bentfeather-May we also remember PFC Gabriel Mumoz 10th Mountain Division, Watertown, NY.

~GatorGirl- Another friend, Tom,with the Army National Guard and is currently deployed to Afghanistan.

~RagtimeCowgirl- the beloved son of Freeper Debi, Sgt. Emerson Brand, serving with the 4th ID, in Samarra.

~Alamo-Girl- great-nephew Bill in Iraq. His cousin, Katey, is also on her way there and her dad, Kenneth, is already there.

~RagtimeCowgirl-newlywed Cheney Chick as she travels to CA today for additional training before heading to the ME after New Years.

~ASHA-I have a son that returned safely from Iraq, but I continue to pray for the ones still there ~TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat’s nephew Ben (Marines) Kuwait and his mother Tracy. Ben has been home since mid-October, back at Camp LeJeune. He has been told he might be shipped back in June 2004 - part of the sending in more ground troops. ~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed, and his family. John has returned home and retired from the Navy in a marvelous ceremony in Dam Neck, VA on Oct. 3. Please pray for post-retirement employment. ~TruthNtegrity-Ensign Andy, US Navy - my cousin's son,

~mystery-ak and TruthNtegrity- for Sgt. Santos in Walter Reed hospital, recovering from wounds suffered when his Chinook was shot down by a SAM on Nov. 2. Also pray for complete healing so he passes his fitness quals. He wants to remain in the Army and return to Iraq.

~stand waite-MAJ Frank March,USAJAGC headed to Bagdadh on 01/02/04. I may be following him soon-they tell me my name is on the "recall list" of old retired/tired green machine guys from the army.

~TXnMA-#2 "Son" (beloved family friend 'adopted' into the family), Sergeant Christopher ~ an 82nd Airborne NCO currently serving in Iraq ~ "in harm's way (for the third time) and really can use all the prayers we can muster up -- as can his wife...and his son"---a little explanation for '#2 Son's' "in harm's way (for the third time)".

In Desert Storm, Sgt Chris met the Republican Guard (a Land Rover full of officers who decided not to surender) "up close and personal". He and his 82nd ABN unit pushed into Iraq nearly to An Nasiriyah.

After 9-11, he and "his" 82nd ABN "boys" spent a year "chasing the Tali & Al Q" around Afghanistan.

Now (after only four months back home with his family) he's in combat again -- in Iraq.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-Sgt. Christopher's "adopted" brother (101st Airborne ~ retired after 20 years service) and sister (Captain in the Army Medical Service Corps), and parents (father AF Veteran)...still serving

~Ragtime Cowgirl-Extra prayers for the 82nd Airborne now in Iraq providing security for the troop rotation...chosen, again, because they are champions.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-xzins's son. Our Chaplain is 'giving up' his own warrior son who's heading to Iraq, after little notice to prepare friends and loved ones.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-tomakaze to the prayer list. He's a civilian contractor "shipping out" for Iraq tomorrow (1-30-2004)

Ragtime Cowgirl- Freeper Allegra, currently serving God, country and our troops as a volunteer civilian, in busy Balad, a favorite (and usually final) target of our enemies.

~amom- co-workers family- Samesha McNutt is currently stationed in Iraq. Kevin McNutt recently returned stateside after a long tour over in the ME. Both are U.S. Air Force lifers. Kevin has 26 years active so far.

~Ragtime Cowgirl- A Freeper is asking for prayers for his brother's unit... protection for our 4ID troops ~ traveling from Tikrit to Kuwait and finally home after over a year of awesome work in Iraq...including prayer for brother, Tom. ~McGavin999-soldiers of the 3rd ACR who will be on the last convoy out of Iraq (sometime in the next couple of days). And could you please add a special prayer for Chris (He's one of my favorites and he's going to be on the last truck of the last convoy out of Iraq)

~heylady-17000 from the 1st Cavalry at Ft Hood in Texas are being deployed to Iraq. My son (Gregory) left on Wednesday. Please remember all of them in your prayers.

~Texokie & Mudpuppy-Mudpuppy and hubby are working to train young marines. There are several in the B12 family who are actively serving. Their nephew is in Germany getting ready to go back to Iraq, Army PFC Matt B12. Mudpuppy's brother-in-law re-joined the National Guard and is now active Army, Sgt Doug B12. He's trying to go to Iraq. Mudpuppy's sister and her husband are active duty Air Force stationed in VA MSgt Karen Land MSgt Dan L. Mudpuppy's other sister is a police officer in Delaware and puts her life on the line every day, Officer Stefani C. The B-12s also have a dear friend who just shipped out to Kuwait and Iraq, Marine Cpl Matt H.

~marantha-AF son, Mitchell, returned last year from Oman. He married and is having his first baby this month. His little girl will be delivered by c-section on April 26 and he will leave the first part of June for Qatar.

~Happy2BeMe-Please add my son 1Lt Aaron Cater, 1st CAV, 39th BDE to your prayer/ping list.

~amom-JeeperFreeper's number one son, a Marine grunt, 0311(SAW gunner), with the Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 5th Marines, in Fallujah, Iraq.

~Ragtime Cowgirl-Major General James Mattis, the Commanding officer of the 1st MEF in Iraq

~notpoliticallycorewrecked-eagle scout and Marine, Cesear, injured in Iraq and is currently in Germany…lost a kidney…will be transported back to the US.

~patriciaruth- Michael the son of a woman who goes to my church has just been deployed to Iraq, and he needs prayers for his peace of mind.

~Texokie- were Sgt. Elmer C. Krause, 40, of Greensboro, N.C., and Pfc. Keith M. Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio. Unaccounted for since April 9, both are assigned to the Army Reserve's 724th Transportation Company, based in Bartonville, Ill.

~MEG33-General Kimmett, who is looking either ill or exhausted.

~NEPA- nephew Bryan is with the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment which has been extended and entire family.

~Alamo-Girl - LtCol Sharon Jacko is currently in Iraq. (Sept 04)

~mariabush - LT, DAVID ON THE ENTERPRISE

~Ragtime Cowgirl - Chaplain (LTC) R J Gore Jr Group Chaplain 172d Corps Support Group Tough 'Ombres" Khe sahn aconda, Balad, Iraq "Between the paws of the true Aslan."

~ hergus – Jessica, 18 year old great niece who landed in Bahgdad 3 weeks ago, sharp shooter medal while in training, she is a convoy driver, url to her picture the day she shipped out http://hometown.aol.com/hergus/myhomepage/photo.html

~ ican’tbelieveit – Jordan, in Fallujah with the Marines, has been wounded and after a couple of surgeries for injury to his hands, forearms, feet and legs is on his way to a hospital in Germany.

~ TEXOKIE - UPDATE: Texokie's niece has fulfilled her service obligations and has retired her commission. Her husband will be leaving shortly for Iraq after having undergone training for his new rank as Captain in the 82nd Airborne.

~amom – Defender2 come home safe. We miss you and thank you for all you do for our freedom.

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MERCIFUL HEAVENLY FATHER,

We have just had our national day of Thanksgiving. We dedicate our prayers and the blessings of the day to you and to our vigil for the troops according to thy Will. Multiply all our devotions in such a way as to make the sum of our collective efforts greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

Father, we thank you for the recent election results. We thank you for the fact that elections have taken place in Afghanistan and shall shortly be taking place in Iraq. We are grateful for our beloved troops and those who stand with them at home and abroad. We are grateful for all our veterans who have served in the past. We give special rememberance and reverance as we place before you the ones whom you have called to your Heavenly Home early. Father, they have given all. They have laid down their lives for their brothers and we are told there is no greater gift. We are incapable of repaying the debt we have to them, but that makes the gratitude we feel in our hearts no less. Please surround each of these with special messages of our love and appreciation where ever they are in your Universe. Comfort and heal the loved ones they have left behind. We praise you for reading our hearts and granting so many blessings.

Father, we understand that there are so many challenges which are before us. We do not always know or understand what your divine Plan and Will might be, but we do pray that you will show us and guide us and our leaders. We ask that you will grant our re-elected President, George W Bush an extraordinary ability to hear your Word in his heart. Instruct him, and help him to hear and see clearly your Vision for this nation and what you would have him do in the time he has to lead us as President. Let this prayer also be extended to any and all of the people who hold public office. If they bow their heads in prayer, whether they are elected or appointed, and ask in even the briefest prayer or wish for guidance, grant them that extraordinary contact with your garment. Grant them selflessness, strength, courage, illumination, and wisdom. Protect all who decide to take difficult steps to fulfill the mandate and office you give them.

Father, in this hour, we pray for our beloved troops who are stoking the fires of the forge of Liberty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Protect and guide each one individually. We place before you our entire list above which we have been compiling and we petition you to enfold each and every person on that list. If there are other lists compiled elsewhere by prayer groups throughout the nation, we ask that they also be brought before you and ratified by our prayers as well.

Grant all who are in harm's way, all our troops, allies, support personnel, intelligence operatives, and Iraqis learning to protect their own country, special protection and mercy. We ask that you will weave over each of them a special garment composed of our prayers and your love. Place over that enfolding garment a golden chain mail armor of the most invulnerable substance of burnished Power. Let this indeed be the whole armor of God which we are all admonished in your Word to put on daily. Assign legions of angels to perform and assist in miracles of protection, wisdom, comfort, courage, healing, discipline, obedience, service, and mercy.

Grant those who are waiting and holding vigil a special ability to contact your Peace and Hope at all times of worry or stress. Grant them above all greater Faith and a real sure knowledge that you do indeed care about their loved ones and that you are mindful of their missions to serve and shall hold them to your heart in ALL circumstances. Grant all of our troops and those serving away from home sure knowledge and Peace that you have their families in your care as well.

We praise you and thank you for all the miracles and blessings which you have already granted. We praise and thank you for the amazing Victories which have recently been won. Father, we ask that those Victories be sealed and that those who would strip from a free people the gains which have been forged are now stripped of all ability to undo that which you have wrought and which has been ratified by your children with their free will votes and the blood of their soldiers.

Father, in the coming days of the Holy Season, we ask that you will help our people to hallow that holiness even in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Guide each of us daily as we seek to conduct ourselves as your hands and feet. Guide us and give us our daily marching orders. Help us to truly become greater instruments of thy true and abiding Peace.

In the anticipation of the great Communion with thy Spirit during this Season,

Amen

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THE VIETNAM WAR VET