A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....04-29-03....Dear Mom and Dad...

LadTX; Billie | LadTX

[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.   I can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. 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 can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn'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, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

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

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

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

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

      

GROUP 9A: 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.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: 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.

                     

Welcome Home, Brian!

Dear Mom and Dad.... (Letters from LadTx' son just prior to his return home)

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I hope everyone can endure a little self-indulgence here rather than my usual essay. Most are aware Mrs ladtx and I have two sons in the Persian Gulf area, one now with the 101st in Baghdad and the other in an undisclosed location with the B-1B’s. We have learned our oldest, Brian, an Air Force Captain will be on his way home next week. Needless to say we are all excited about his return with that prospect being dampened by our other son, Jeff, remaining in the area for a good while yet. What follows are Brian's last 4 emails to us after learning he is coming home. As a way of explanation, of course M&D are Mom and Dad, Mike is our youngest, who is in his final season of college baseball. Just thought I would share these with our FR "family". They haven’t been edited so there may be a few typos and grammatical errors. I think they give a good sense as to the feelings and emotions of our service men and women as some prepare to return home.
~ Ladtx

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M&D Monday 1000 14 April

Things are good here. They have started slowing down a bit. Hopefully we will be getting out of here soon. The 90 day point is here and I'm ready to go. I did get an email from Jeff and emailed him back. So we do have contact. He seems to be doing good. Tell Mike I said hi and keep up the good work. Tell him I said he better make the playoffs so I have a chance to see him play. Also, tell him I flew a flag on my jet on the first night of the war ( we dropped 23 wpns) and I want to give it to his team and the university. I will bring it with me when I return. How are you guys doing? Whats the plan on the house? Is Mike going to be there much longer? Mom, are you going to look for a job soon? How are the two of you doing health wise? Thanks for the continued support and all the emails, keep them coming. It is windy as hell today(30-50kts) and dust everywhere. You can hardly keep you eyes open. Anyway, you guys take care and I will email again soon.
Love
Brian

PS - Mom---HAPPY BIRTHDAY- I SENT YOU A CARD IN THE MAIL ABOUT 7 DAYS AGO, I HOPE YOU GET IT. WE WILL CELEBRATE WHEN I GET BACK. SENIOR CITIZEN RIGHT?

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M&D 1845 16 Apr Wed

I guess you guys have talked to Kristal and know that I am scheduled to come next week. I think by Thurs. I didn't want to tell any of you, but our commander decided to let the wives group know the plan. I just don't want hopes up, its almost a sure thing(80% chance I would guess). I told Kristal to keep the fanfare to a minimum or really nothing at all. I just want to go home and slip quietly back into my life. Its been a tough time, and I just want to relax. I think I've changed, I don't know how, but I can feel it. I'm praying that Jeff will be home soon. At least by the time the new Baby is born. I really would like him there. I actually got 2 letters today, 1 from each of by brothers. It was nice. I sure miss them. And of course, you guys. I really am trying not to get too excited. I am determined to see Mike play. I think the plan will be for me to settle in with the family for about 4-5 days and then pack it up and drive home. Tell Mike again too make sure to whip some butt and make the playoffs so I can watch. Tell him I said "roll out of bed and hit double." He will know what I mean. Dad, will you check into the Rangers home game dates for around Apr 28 through May 15. I am thinking we need to go to a game with Leila and my unborn Baby.
Love
B

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M&D

Happy Easter! Well, I spent my Easter morning on the flight line working a couple aircraft as engine running ground spares. Just ate Easter breakfast with a couple of buds. I think I will get some sleep now and then maybe get to a church service, but I am exhausted. I can't wait to get home. I have seen some of the homecomings on fox news. I kind of want things quiet myself. How did Mike do in the 3 game series on Thurs and Fri? Is his team in contention for the playoffs? I hope so. Well, you guys have a good day and I will talk to you in a couple days.
Love
Brian

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M&D 1400 Monday 21 April

Quick line to let you know that my rotator out of here is going to happen on Wed. Get to Baltimore on Thurs and stay the night and then off to Rapid to see my girls and baby. I can't believe the time is finally here. We will be home after a few days with the family of course. I hope Mike makes the playoffs..... I wish Jeff was coming home also. I almost feel guilty for coming home without him. If I could I would definitely go get that boy and bring him with me. We will all be anxiously awaiting his return. Can he receive packages where he is stationed now? Anyway, I better go start packing and stuff.
Love
Brian

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SCOUTS OUT!

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Ladtx flew UH-1's in Vietnam, OH-58's in Germany, and the CH-47 Chinook in Korea and Texas. He served 20 years in the United States Army. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4). Click on the calvery horses above to read more about him, and his family.

Brian got home last Friday. Don't you know Leila was excited to see her Daddy! We hope to have some photos of the homecoming, taken at the airport, to post on the thread today! ~ Billie

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Our Heavenly Father, by the time this is published, one son of this family will have been safely returned to his home and loved ones. We are grateful for this, and to know Your hand is still upon the other son who is away, and the one soon to leave the nest.

You have established upon earth the concept of Family; indeed giving us the Precious Gift of Your own Son, that He might take upon Himself all our sins, and we thus might be able to dwell with You. You established marriage as the foundation of a family, and often bless the husband and wife with children, entrusting to them the responsibility of guiding them until they are able to stand on their own.

We are privileged to see in this lovely family a lifetime of the parents serving You; bringing up their three sons according to Your precepts; and simply loving them, that they might stand tall in Your eyes.

Father, we appreciate their example to our Free Republic Family, and for the wonderful love You have shown them, knowing You will continue to be with Brian and Jeff and Mike no matter where they might be.

Watch over all our men and women - sons and daughters - around the world, Lord, and let us bring them safely 'home' as well. We pray for the day when every Child on earth will know You. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

Thank you, LadyX, for the beautiful prayer.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 04-28-03 On Discovery of the FReeper Archives

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]

Good Morning! It's a beautiful day!

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[Billie]

I missed TWO important Anniversaries on Sunday. Two of our favorite people both joined FR on April 27, 1998!

Happy FIFTH Anniversary, LadyX!

Happy FIFTH Anniversary, Ladtx!

[mountaineer]

good morning, everyone. It's good to hear that some of our soldiers are coming home. Prayers for those who continue to serve in harm's way overseas.

[Billie]

Good morning, Aeronaut. I need some coffee now - want some?

[Aeronaut]

I need some coffee now - want some?

OOOOoooh yeah!

[ladtx]

Well done Billie. That's a beautiful prayer LadyX, it brought a tear to an old troopers eye. We just learned yesterday that Jeff has moved from Baghdad to Mosul now. He says they are like a bunch of nomads living out of their HUMVEES.

[Billie]

Morning, mountaineer - it surely is good to know. We feel like Brian is one of the family, but all our men and women are family, and we hope it won't be long before they can return as well.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Tuesday !

68 degrees as I post this, headin' for around 83 today, with Thunderboomers possible . . .

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Billie]

:) Think maybe I should offer some to The Thin Man (and put something in it so he won't notice I had to SOS the Admin Moderator AGAIN - same old problem! I copied the url for yesterday's thread from the same one I've copied before - too many slashes in that url addy, and the link won't work) :)

[FreeTheHostages]

[Billie]

Thanks, L - you're here early this morning. Hope you got some pictures from the airport we can post.

Hope Jeff can be moving from Mosul to Texas soon. :)

[Billie]

Morning, Meekie - some M & M's for later on - I feel a chocolate attack coming. :)

[FreeTheHostages]

{{ladtx}} Thanks to you and your wife and your family for sharing your sons with us for our -- and my -- protection. Especially living as I do in DC, it really was for my protection. God Bless these special sons, they honor our nation.

[ladtx]

Work is little slow this morning so I'm able to peek in here pretty often. I'm trying to get some pictures from our daughter-in-law, she sent one yesterday but somehow it didn't come though in the email. I'll post them as soon as I can, don't know if it will be today though, I've got my fingers crossed.

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Billie. I hope you have a very pleasant and happy Tuesday.

[ohioWfan]

Thanks for the continued prayers, mountaineer.

We got our first phone call last night from Eric, and one of the things he shared was that he had to point a loaded M16 out his vehicle's window at hostile Iraqis outside.......one of whom threw a rock through the window next to him.

It's still not safe there......even for maintenance guys in water supply units.

More info later.......

[GailA]

Good Morning FRiends

Coffee's on

[dansangel]

What a wonderful thread today's is! I am so happy for you, (((((((ladtx))))))) that Brian is home with his family. I pray that you will be telling us that Jeff is home soon, as well.

{{{{{{{{{Billie}}}}}}}}}} - excellent presentation, as always! I love the parchment background you selected for the letters. Beautiful!

(((((((LadyX))))))))) - what a moving prayer. You surely know how to talk to our Father. Hoping you are feeling better and stronger every day!