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.
Thanks for getting the AAR up so promptly!
You’re much faster than that other guy.
Thanks, Marine_Uncle! Same to you!
Great report, as usual. Love the flag documentary!
;)
You little devil!
I still say “ would you rather I have let you fall?”
Happy New Year.
41 degrees tonight! Maybe lower later, since there are frost warnings in some areas nearby.
We are having a small cold spell for a few days. It will make the return to warm days all the sweeter!
But nothing like weldgophardline's FReep in Greeley, Colorado, several weeks ago. "... 9 inches of white stuff at a balmy 12 degrees". Kind of puts D.C. in perspective. At least we get to wave to the troops when they return on the dinner bus.
[Mr] T
True patriot soldiers are amongst us.
Nice report.
We had our coldest night so far this winter. It is only about 50 now, but we are on the way back up!
Next week will be back to almost 80 again. HAHA, oops that’s not nice!
Happy New Year! Great outing as always!
Our December 28th rally in Studio City, CA wasn’t as memorable as that of January 2nd. However, the first rally of 2008 found us believing that God must surely be floating another ark nearby, given the deluge that was occuring. Encouraged by Mac to check if the moonbats had shown up we cruised by (no pun intended, but good pun nonetheless) the intersection. Therefore, given that we don’t run or cede to the opposition, we rallied. Just as we got set, we were joined by our new members Stacey and Sean! Sean’s daughter was visiting and accompanied them for this memorable night! Our headcount showed that the moonbats had us down by only one! Elation for us...not so much for the moonbats! Sean was reveling in the evening despite the deluge! Mac was happy to have another guy especially a former New Yorker to aid in the mission! We trashed signs, but had one of the best rallies ever!!!!
And at least you have warm weather, ibet, rainy sometimes.
I’m still waiting for an AAR. If I remember you’ve been out at Studio City for several years now.
[Mr]T
You’re right that our presence, however small, messes with the moonbats’ mind set...especially on an inclement night!
It obviously doesn’t get as cold as you folks endure, but for us it is cold. Thankfully, this last rain wasn’t cold. There have been times when it has been very cold for me since I usually sit in a chair rather than stand or walk around.
Yes, you’re still waiting for an AAR. Although my post to you was a form of an AAR. Sure wish we would have had pictures last Friday since it was so outstanding, but we don’t have the camera. Perhaps 2008 will be the year. Stay tuned.
There are some good inexpensive cameras being sold now. Hoping also 2008 will be good to you.
How long have you all been out at Studio City?
[Mr] T
Thanks for the good wishes, as always. We need a camera that can withstand the forces of nature, however infrequent. If you see a good deal, please let me know.
We don’t know exactly how long we’ve been there, but figuring that the moonbats have been there five years as of last November, we think that we’re getting close to that same anniversary. We started on Sunday in Woodland Hills five years ago. Then we were alerted to their presence in Studio City and took up the cause. There is the wife of a deployed Marine from our WH rally that does a Friday night rally in La Canada with her kids. The support she has garnered is phenominal. People have joined her because they feel that if she and the kids can do it, then they can. The moonbat numbers are dwindling because of it, and they may quit soon.
Not quick enough in my opinion.
[Mr] T
I agree that they aren’t dwindling fast enough. BTW, did you see the news from GOE? I’d show up just in case the commies are pulling a ruse. They are set to march in LA as usual. Sure wish I could get a major counter going, but then it’s LA.
We are in kind of a holding pattern but the plans and email lists are ready to implement when needed, so there will be no delay.
We know the moonbats will do something around some dates, just waiting for dates and time to be announced by them.
But the moonbat’s delay also means that their crowds will be less. After all, the bus into D.C. most of their people.
Do the L.A. moonbats already have their dates and time set?
[Mr] T
The good bet is that the bats will be in DC as usual. They must really think that patriots can’t deploy on short notice, but like all else, they are of course wrong. Once they pull their permits the word will go out.
I went on the LA ANSWER site yesterday and they were having their first planning meeting last night. Sure wish I had an infiltrator. Anyway, it seems they are up for the usual St. Patrick’s Day march.
BTW, keep an eye out for a horrid movie titled “Stop Loss”. It may come out in March, but it keeps getting pushed back, so who knows. There are a number of us planning on protesting this piece of anti-government/anti-military propaganda.
Thanks.
Eyes Wide SHUT for Stop Loss
[Mr] T
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.