After Action Report From Crawford

So now it's all a part of history. Would that all of you could have been there to take part in this joyous day of celebrating our troops, our president, and our mission. Everyone who was able to attend saw different things, had different experiences, came away with a different idea of what transpired yesterday. That is the nature of how these things work.

My own perspective is that the event was a huge success. The number of people who gave freely of their time, their pocketbooks, their expertise, their muscle power, and their overwhelmning support was truly phenomenal! What a heart-lifting experience to be surrounded by good, all American Americans! What a contrast to those poor people on the left, with their sad faces, their misplaced loyalty, and in some cases, their desire to destroy this, the most successful country the world has ever seen.

My perspective on the day will probably be surprising to some, especially to those who have never been involved in the planning and execution of a large event like this. The truth of the matter is that during the event, you are too busy to see and hear what is going on up on the stage, and around the periphery of the event. There are always details to keep up with, people needing something taken care of IMMEDIATELY, some minor emergency or some request, that keeps you focused on that little subject, instead of what's happening a bit futher afield from your location at the moment. In actuality, in a lot of ways, I wasn't there!

There was never a time to just stop and listen to this speaker or that one---most of them, I didn't hear at all. The one thing I did hear was the lovely singing of our anthem by Mr. Bruce Odems, a career Austin Firefighter, and a veteran of the 1st Gulf War. No one could miss him, as his lovely voice was projected so beautifully out over the crowd. Then, it was time to turn back and take care of other details.

Many thanks to TXBubba for keeping a live thread going--(someday, I will have finished reading all of those 3 thousand plus posts). I was not very helpful as the phone connection was so bad for one thing, and for another, there were so many things happening that I didn't yet know about, so I couldn't tell her about them. And--well, I have to add that some of the things I told her turned out to be not true anyway, so maybe some of that bad phone reception was a good thing--LOL!

There are so many people who did a yeoman's job of making this thing a roaring success. It was incredible--people from all over the country just showed up with wonderful contributions, and went to work right away. I'm going to start a list of the ones I remember off the top of my head, and hope that The Sarce, Gracey, Drewsdad, and all the other freepers there will add to the list.

First of all, of course, is Kristinn. There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe the contribution he made to this endeavor. Those of you who know Kristinn know what I mean--the rest of you will have to take our word for it. Kristinn is Kristinn and is one of FR's finest gifts.

While mentioning Kristinn, I have to interject and mention that 2 of my very good non-freeper friends who happen to live very near Crawford took over the duty of chauffering the non-driving Kristinn around all day every day from Wednesday through yesterday--when they even had to drive him about 100 miles to the DFW airiport, as the shuttle flight from Waco had mechanical problems. I won't mention there full names here for obvious reason, but Rich and Gail, you know who you are, and you have our gratitude!

One of our newer freepers, by the name of FFforFreedom-I think I got that right, but will check it to be sure-just literally connected with me, and got the ball rolling putting members of the Austin Firefighters Union to work, and rounding up supplies for the rally. The list of things they added is a long one, but one of the bigest things they contributed was sheer muscle power, hard work, heart, and sweat. They are the guys who furnished the barbeque and other food (and it was delicious). They hauled their grill and the power system to run it out to the site early in the day, and the smell of grilling sausage and brisket filled the air. They furnished water, ice, generators, fans, the EMS service, and on and on. They even hauled in a discarded old bathtub and iced down a load of watermelons in it! That's pure Texas, folks--LOL! Please give a word of thanks for these fine fellows. As the packing up, cleaning up was underway, FFforFreedom was nowhere to be seen--and then, all of a sudden, I spy him walking across the field, holding up his own IV! Seems he had finally been overcome by the heat and had to be administered to himself by the very EMS that he was responsible for getting onsite! He was on his way back to join his crew in cleaning up and packing up!

There were the two female dynamos from Ft. Benning, GA, who just came out of nowhere--with their 3 story tall flag, their balloons, their yellow ribbons, tents, and on and on. It was these young ladies who paid to rent out the air conditioned Community Center for EMS to have a place to bring in victims of the extreme heat for treatment. These gals were like a whirling dervish--came in, set up, broke it down, and carried it away. The engineering, heavy equipment, and all the details necessary to pull this off were just there--that's all--they just showed up.

The wonderful speakers, who truly spoke from their hearts, the families with loved ones serving in the Middle East, the bikers, the people on horseback, the true Gold Star Families--the people who made all the sacrifices to get to the rally from near and far--all contributed greatly to this wonderful day of patriotism and support for our fighting troops, their Commander In Chief, our mission.

Have no worry about lack of media coverage. (Is anyone really surprised?). Many, many cameras got this rally memorialized on film, and that film will find it's way to Iraq and Afghanistan and our toops will know that there is huge support for them in the U S of A! That was the point--that was our message, and our Service Men and Women will know this!

I will close with one personal incident that occurred at the end of this very long day. Forgive me, but I just feel the need "share" this.

We're finally on the road for home--it's about 8:30 PM or so, and Doctor Raoul is driving. He is an excellent, very safe driver (although he drives a bit slower than I do--LOL!) Anyway, after a while, he tells me that he has sort of hit the wall, and is having trouble keeping his eyes open. So we switch, and I take over the wheel. Raoul is now in the passenger seat, trying to snatch a few ZZZZZZ's, when he stirs, and says, "Is that a siren I hear?" I look out the rear window, and sure enough--I see these flashing blue and white lights, and the siren is growing closer. (Keep in mind, I've been behind the wheel for --oh maybe 5 minutes). Of course, I'm being nabbed--LOL!.

I pulled over , and my "new friend in blue" pulls in behind me. Also, you must know, we were on a back road, not a major highway, and there was very little traffic, and nothing but open road ahead. I didn't want anyone to get the idea that I was endangering anyone--but I was definitely speeding.

So the cop walks up and introduces himself as Officer so and so, from the Hutto TX police dept, and that he clocked me going 76 in a 65 mph zone. I tell him, "Guilty as charged, officer, and it is also my obligation to let you know that I am armed." He asked if I had a License to carry the gun, and I said yes. And then............................

and the message is that there is an erratic driver on the road, with a child in the car. The officer looks at me, and says. "Be on your way, and drive safely!" He hadn't even gotten around to asking for my driver's license! He ran back to his car and took off!

Doctor Raoul, who never opened his mouth during all of this, was wondering if he dreamt the whole episode. I told him no, it happened, and it just goes to show that there is a GOD! End of story--the rest of you take over with your details now, please--I've already been far too long-winded!

Most of us don't know Kristinn, but we know OF Kristinn and know that his accomplishments are many and his dedication to the truth is unparalleled.

And that goes for Dr. Raoul and so many others who can always be found pitching in when it's needed.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this act of PATRIOTISM, we can't thank you enough.

We had many Crawford residents in attendance, and it was my experience that they were very happy and grateful to have us there. Some of their stories about the hardships they have been living with due to Cindy and her crowd are just unbelievable!

And--yes, I think we contributed to the economy of Crawford. Many that I know of made a special effort to spend money in town, and made sure to buy stuff from several bake sales that various school groups were holding yesterday. (It was good food, I might ad!)

Anyone who thinks Hanoi Kerry and Hanoi Jane
aren't behind the anti war crowd
needs to get a clue.

Dallas/Fort Worth Star-Telegram 8-28-05 Jack Douglas Jr.
CRAWFORD TX-
President Bush's supporters poured into Crawford by the thousands Saturday,
for the first time outnumbering war protesters led by Cindy Sheehan,
who began a vigil here three weeks ago,
demanding a personal meeting with the vacationing president
to talk about her son's death in Iraq.

Lame Stream Media : News Flash!

President Bush already met with Cindy Sheehan in June 2004 for 10 minutes.

From The Reporter, Vacaville, CA archive: Bush, Sheehans share moments.

Quit lying!!!!

The MSM can never 'minimize" the power of the actions that you all carried out this weekend in Crawford.

Not so sure about that. I watched the local news here in Michigan in ABC and they showed a short tape which was great but they said the crowd was about 1500 people.

TO All:

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. Here's something I want to share courtesy of LGF and Minnesocold. It's the other part of the picture you DON'T see when Cindy is photographed in quiet contemplation and grief at her son's cross. Think that is a spontaneous 'moment of grief' overcoming the poor mother? Guess again. Check this out:

http://198.65.14.85/Art/NewsArt/cindy05/03mediacrosses.jpg

Sort of makes any notion of her grieving being 'spontaneous' a mockery, doesn't it? Kind of like those pictures of the poor Palestinian women in thier burkhas reaching out plaintively to the camera with thier house keys...but when you take a step back it's staged and there's a horde of photographers telling them...'move this way...that's good', 'no, no...raise you arm...that's better', 'do it this way' or 'that'. Had this rally not happened and our 3,000+ souls arrived to see who was really there and more importantly, who wasn't and that she had such a poor showing, we'd be none the wiser. The MSM had meant to lead us to believe the whole country was there with her demonstrating. The MSM is totally corrupt. I despise those people now and that includes FOX!

Basil, you guys out there, and all the "unknown" folks who just stepped up to help make this rally happen did a fabulous job! Thank you to every one of you!

Your non-Freeper friends (Rich and Gail) took some beautiful photographs, which they very graciously burned onto a CD for Kristinn; I will upload them this evening and try to start linking them soon. Kristinn said that the Mr. and Mrs. were both taking photos during the week; I admire their "eye" for composing a good shot.

As a matter of fact, I've been admiring every Freepers photos that have been posted here on FR. Maybe you Texas Freepers should make a CD compilation of the photos... to send in care packages to our troops.
I'm real good at coming up with more work for other people

;-)

Again, my thanks to everyone who made this rally such a huge sucess. No doubt about it, with or without the MSM - our soldiers will hear about this, and be heartened to know that Cindy Sheehan and her Leftist Fringe Moonbat friends do not speak for all of America.

I love you guys!

basil, great report. Thank you for all you did to help pull this together and show our troops and fellow Americans that there are many, many people who support our troops and our President. Those of us who could not be in Crawford feel an enormous sense pride and gratitude to EVERYONE who was there.
To Kristinn....it's difficult to find the words that fully express how much we appreciate your patriotism and all you do....in D.C. and everywhere else! Thank you.

Have no worry about lack of media coverage. (Is anyone really surprised?). Many, many cameras got this rally memorialized on film,...and our toops will know that there is huge support for them in the U S of A! That was the point--that was our message, and our Service Men and Women will know this!

Absolutely! I have forwarded these reports to all I know in the military, many preparing to leave for Iraq.

You all did a great service for these young heroes. They had no idea anyone disagreed with Sheehan.

Thank you, all!

Thanks to all who made this happen,it is incredibly important.

A quote from Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,Aug. 26, 2005, two days after returning from a 10-day,around-the-world trip to "take the pulse" of the military.

"The most important thing we have as a nation is our will and our resolve," he said. "This military can do anything as long as they have the will and resolve of the American people."

Just wanted to add my thanks to you and all of the other great people who made this happen. I can just imagine how difficult it was to make this all happen and have it come off so well. You and the others will go down in FR history. I hope our troops do hear about this and know that they are sincerely appreciated by all of us.

I also want to thank the people who keep the live thread going. It was so nice to read, I almost felt like I was there. We have some wonderful people here at FR.

Great report Basil!
Im so happy that you reported on all the hard workers.
You all were amazing.

Im sorry to hear or FFforFreedoms heat exhaustion. The Poor Fellow slogged away all day beside that smoker and there wasnt any shade where the smoker was set up.

Im glad all are Ok.

PS I was going to freepmail you to see if you were carrying. I decided to leave mine at home as I didnt wish to make the news over should I be stopped at the rally in proximity to the president.
It was a hard secision for me because its long trips like that one that make me want to stay protected the most.

God Bless you Basil for all you did at the rally. It was seamless for all who attended

The Locals were largely supportive of us though they are weary of the whole scene.

Freepers and pro Bush supporters flooded the local shops with plenty of greenbacks

I only saw one Cindy supporter in downtown Crawford, She looked sad. L0L

Thanks for your report on a job well done by FReepers and other patriots. The Ft. Worth Star-Telagram reported supporters at 3000-4000 and anti-war protestests at 800-1000. As always, you did a bang-up job.

Only the funeral of a family friend yesterday afternoon kept me away.

I was inside the Coffee Station Restaurant twice, once to eat and drink as much as I could, and later to buy a snapple for the road. I sat at a table that was occupied by 5 "flying solo" rally participants, including myself. The personnel at the Coffee Station were warm and professional. They actually unlocked the door for me, they were closing, I think it was 9:30, for me to get my snapple, now that is above and beyond!!! Bill Johnson who owns the "Yellow Rose" and "Camp Qualls" is a Saint!!!

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