Posted on 01/01/2008 12:00:30 PM PST by Tom the Redhunter
Due to weather we have not been able to deploy our MOAB now for several weeks, I think. Winter tends to bring either wind or some sort of precipiation, and neither make large banners practical. As it was, this evening it sprinkled early on, started in heavier by 7:30, and by 8pm was coming down pretty good. Temps were in the upper 40s though so with a bit of rain gear we were all quite comfortable.
After having done this for well over two years most of us have dressing for the weather down to a science. Newcomers are advised to bring a bit more than they think they'll need because it's best to have brought something that you didn't end up needing than standing and shivering for two or three hours! Checking Weather.com is a must.
Despite the rain, though, spirits were high among the patriots who were there! So without further ado, here is the Honor Roll of Attendees:
Tom the Redhunter, JoyJoy from NJ, Chief, Fraximus, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, TravisMcGee, Maica, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, Lurker Bill, Plea Deal, Albion Wilde, Steve, Ron G. Kirby, Bob Morrell, George (of George and Ethel), Concrete Bob, Cindy-True-Supporter, Satin_Patriot...and I think a few more that I may not have gotten recorded. My apologies if you were there but not mentioned!
Here's JoyJoy from NJ, well protected from the rain and with large, clear sign for all to see!
Mrs Trooprally took photos for this After Action Report (AAR). Knowing that rain was on its way, she took most of the photos before it started. However, wanting to catch everyone, several are from later in the evening when it was coming down pretty good. Thank you, Mrs Trooprally!
As is my custom, I get out my notebook 7ish and record who is here, and take notes on any special events or anything else that strikes my interest or that we might want to put in the AAR. I put my notebook away once the rain got serious, but as is usual people continued to arrive. People tend to drift in throughout the evening. As it was impossible to hold open a notebook in the driving rain, Mrs Trooprally was kind enough to get her umbrella and hold it while I went around and gathered additional names and information. As it was though I fear that I missed some people so again my apologies if you were left out.
Due to distance, Maica and her family can't always join us. We're very happy when she can make it!
Mrs Trooprally and I spoke at some length with newbie Lurker Steve. He was thrilled to be there and wants to join us from now on at the Walter Reed and Olney FReeps. Thank you, Steve, and we look forward to seeing you again!
Concrete Bob is holding a USMC flag and Certificate that it flew over Camp Ramadi, which is in the Anbar Province of Iraq.
This soldier with Cindy-True-Supporter is an Intern at Walter Reed and came out to see what we were about. He was obviously happy with what he found!
Satin_Patriot and Chief provided musical entertainment by us with a seemingly unending repertoire of songs. A few weeks ago Satin_Patriot and friend Nellie sang for Cindy-True-Supporter and myself as we stuck it out waiting for the troop bus after everyone else had left. Quite a talented bunch, they are.
And the obligatory photo of the Pinkos down the street
There was no bus tonight because of the holiday weekend. Most of the troops were out with their families. No matter, because all thoughout the evening we waved at soldiers, their families, and WR employees as they came and left the base. And as always we got plenty of honks and waves in return. They all know to expect us every Friday night, and we're not going to let them down.
Please also FReepmail them or any of us if you would like to join us at Walter Reed and would like additional information about parking, directions, what to bring, etc.
Come join us every Friday night between the hours of 6:30pm to approx 9:30pm.
Directions to our Walter Reed freep location from the Takoma metro station
* You can find all of Mrs. Trooprally's photos for this Freep on her Photobucket site.
* Thank you to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps.
* Thank you to Mr & Mrs Trooprally and everyone else who transports and stores our MOAB and our many signs and banners.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
* Plea Deal blogs at Sempter Gratis
Ping DC Chapter!
Ping DC Chapter!
Thanks Tom, for the timely AAR. We “heartland” bound do so look forward to these reports and pictures. We are insanely jealous even as we admire the steadfastness of those who do get to be there. Keep up the good work. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Good job all.
My goodness—this must be a record for the fastest an AAR has been posted! My raincoat was not quite as waterproof as I had thought, so was glad I had the big umbrella in the trunk. My thanks to all the stalwart DC chapter for being out there every week!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Awesome FReep and love the pictures. You are amazing to get out there every Friday when there seems to always be rain. You are true patriots that are happy and cheery. The other side definitely pales in comparison. Great job to you all!
Hey - pretty soon spring, omly about 4 or 5 months.
The story behind the Marine flag (CB - Correct me if needed), is that ConcreteBob used it in the Troop Support Rally of Sept., 05, and lost it. A YEAR later, a Protest Warrior in the New England states heard that CB was looking for it and sent it back.
When our son was visiting from Camp Lejuene, CB was apparently impressed with him and gave it to him. This was also the flag that CB regularly put up at Walter Reed.
BELOW: U.S. flag above USMC flag at WR's main gate.
When our son was deployed to Ramadi, he flew it over Junction City on 9/11. We were honored to return the Marine Flag to an very appreciative ConcreteBob.
FYI, our son also gave [Mrs] T and I a U.S. flag and certificate. Our son got one for himself, but his had gold tassels all around. I'm jealous.
TOM - Thanks for the AAR.
[Mr] T
BTTT
Thanks Tom, for the report and the speedy posting!
Thanks for the story of the flag.
It is nice to have such a keepsake. I want to come and see ( am I allowed to touch?) the flag and to see all of you.
Wed morning bump
Ping to this week's Walter Reed AAR by Tom the Redhunter!
FReepmail me to be added to / deleted from this once-weekly ping list.
BTTT
Thanks to the DC FReepers and Walter Reed FReepers who represent us all so well!
God bless you and our fine military!
See you when you get here, like when the weather gets warmer.
[Mr] T
Happy New Year. And may you and yours have a healthy content year.
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