USO Canteen FReeper Style....Monday Mail Call.... July 1,2002

Coteblanche and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

Our troops need our support and encouragement. They are away from home, some for the first time, and usually lonely or discouraged. It is important for us to reach out and help them in the same way we would want someone to reach out to our loved ones if and when they are in the same position.

They answered their call and we are answering theirs offering them the USO Canteen FReeper Style each day and thanking them for serving.

This is IN Coming Mail from some of those serving now.

We at the USO Canteen FReeper Style, a running thread at Free Republic, are proud to support our Military. The mail comes in from contacting some of our Military Bases, Marine Corps Leagues , and friends and family of those serving now. Also from responses at the wonderful P.O.Box that 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub has made so easily available to each of us here at Free Republic.

They are writing to those that frequent the FReeper USO Canteen to thank you for your support.

ALL the mail posted on Monday Mail Call is Recent Mail from the prior week.

Dear Snow Bunny,
Thanks for writing back so fast. I’m glad you liked my suggestion to tell about the Founder of Free Republic for one of your FReeper Friday Veterans.
I knew a man that envisioned such an undertaking would have been interesting to read about. My favorite subject in school was history and books on biographies are also my favorite. So FReeper Friday along with LindaSOG’s history information , then Aomagrat’s pictures of ships and their history are some of my favorite things at the Canteen.
Jim Robinson had a great idea when he added the USO Canteen FReeper Style to his online site. It was like a house that just needed a kitchen or a family room to finish it off to perfection.
Thanks for understanding about why I lurk and not post. Being a FReeper since 2000 and never posting I suppose sounds strange to most people. I listen to a lot of talk radio and I suppose lurking at FR is like ‘ reading’ talk radio. I am a part of it but not on the show if you get what I am saying.
Snow Bunny the Canteen is better then ever as I told you in my other email of why I think so. I am going to say this so you can post it on Monday Mail call. You might even say it is my first indirectly made post at FR since I joined.

I served two tours in Vietnam and the USO was and still is a place to have fun for our servicemen and women. You and all the FReepers that come to the Canteen each and everyday make it a happening place. One that the REAL USO would be proud of. Never apologize for your fun, nor for your giving us fun out here (the lurkers), we veterans and to our troops. Trust me on this Snow Bunny, it is what the USO was created for and about. You and the others are doing exactly the right thing. You make me feel like I am in that cyber Cottage you have envisioned for everyone to come to each day.

It is a place, a thread too but sure as H&#@ is a place , of warmth and such love . Every thread you do Snow Bunny, either on your own or with the help of one of the Canteeners is like opening a door , walking into a room and spending an afternoon there. A marvel in many ways!

FReepers are the best Patriots , oh they may argue in some threads, like brothers that just have to fight. But all in all they are the cream of the crop of Americans. IMHO

After I read the threads at FR I head over to the Canteen during my dinner. I read the entire thread leisurely and then spend wonderful evenings with all of you lurking in a chair in one of your pleasant rooms you have in your little Canteen Cottage.

Thank you ALL, everyone of you that makes the Canteen happen and Snow Bunny is right. She knows, she can set the table but it is all of you that come and make it come alive each day.

Thank you Jim Robinson for Free Republic and for agreeing with me about Politics and how we should work to get our country back. Also thanks for the USO Canteen FReeper Style, it is the first time since Nam that I feel like I am home. Sure glad it was at FR that I came home!

Lurking FReeper addicted to FR and the Canteen
God bless you all!

Totally cool or what ! So this is the Free Republic version of the USO ? Man you guys have taken a concept and made it the best!

Thanks Snow Bunny ! You are some hostess and you FReepers are all true American Patriots ! Can you imagine if Osama and his merry NOT men could see what FR is and then show him the Canteen too? If he hated America before he would reel about FR and the Canteen. LMAO
Maybe punish him that way first what do you think ?

I am with the National Guard here and your thread about the National Guard was excellent. Thanks so much.

ALL of you , keep up the great work ! Thank you Jim Robinson for ALL of FR and for the Canteen you’re a genius!

Tim
National Guard

Dear Snow Bunny and AntiJen ( formerly AFVetGal) ,
A booming thank you for the Canteen and for the Military Bands tribute!

I was in my highschool band and then 911 . That week I went right out and enlisted. There was no way I could just go on to college this year. My parents understood so that was a load off my mind. Support means everything , but all of you know that. Canteeners know how important it is to support the military like no one else.

My Dad is a FReeper and told me about the USO Canteen FReeper Style. He just said I might like to check it out. Well, I am here to tell you I not only checked it out but as often as I can I am a regular watcher of it.

Thank you for the music and the fun all of you provide . Jen those were great bands and the work you did to bring them to us was appreciated.

Have a FReeper Fantastic Day as you would say Snow Bunny.

Love you all,
Martin G.
US Army

Hi Snow Bunny
This is for everyone and Victoria Delsoul. I was born in New York and lived there till I was 14. My Dad was transferred with his company and we moved to Indiana. Now could you have known that two of the Liberty Saturdays you have done both places I have lived.

My heart will always be in New York and you sure did me proud. The pictures and music were awesome.

Thank you for the Saturday Liberty’s, I need it a lot here. In fact each day I wish I could get to see the Canteen. Sometimes I go back to the Front Page of FR and find the other threads I have missed and read those too. I don’t get online often so when I do I enjoy it to the max.

I saw the Yatch Man letter, we stick together Yatch Man.Who knows that might become a nickname for you. You have a good sense of humor.I admire you for the P.O.Box and your being in the Coast Guard Aux after serving in the Navy.

Thank you for your support, and the trip back home to NY.

Roger Q.
US Navy

Snow Bunny,
Please tell everyone at the Canteen thank you for having the
82nd Airborne Division as the topic of the day.

You all did a beautiful job with it. I would like to take the time
right now too , to thank you all, Your support means a
tremendous amount to all of us.

God bless you all
B.

Hi Snow Bunny,
I am a lurker at FR, yes there are those of us that lurk daily. What Jim Robinson
And you have done with FReeper USO Canteen is amazing.

THANK YOU BOTH !

I have two sons serving right now. My two oldest, one in the Marines and
the other in the Air Force. I have all the worries any father would and your
Canteen is a home to me to lesson the pain of missing them and the worry for
their safety. You and all the Canteeners do a remarkable job, not just a few days
a week but every day. Not just in one post but in each entire thread.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart from a concerned father that served and
loves his country and his sons.
Keep up the good work and God bless you all.

Frank V.

Snow Bunny- I see how all of you and your care and open hearts
Welcome everyone. How folks come there and share almost like you
are all sitting across a table from each other. Severa I feel like I know
you and your family and that makes me feel good . SAMWolf thank you>br> for showing pictures of our marvelous , powerful military.

My son is with the Marines and has been gone for months now. He said he
cannot tell me where he is deployed but that he will be safe. Sons are like
that don’t you know.

I want to thank you for your prayers, contagious humor, your touching posts
that bring tears to these sad eyes of mine. You all brighten my days more then
I can say .

Melinda

Snow Bunny
You sure have hit on something with the USO Canteen FReeper Style.

I am writing to you from the VA hospital. My daughter is going to type
this up for me. I am missing my right arm and wouldn’t you know that
had my good typing hand.

I want you all to know something. You all make a difference in my life.
When I came here ( to the VA) I was feeling lower then low. I have several>br> things wrong with me, but that is a different matter. It is just how it is and I
would not change serving my country for anything.

Each time I get out of here and get back home. First I turn on the TV , get a
Coke then head straight over to Free Republic. After I read the threads that
get my blood pressure boiling and I thank God for FR. Without Free Republic
I would be more worried about America then I was for those 8 years.

My dessert, my lifeline to hope is when I then go to the Freeper USO
Canteen to feel better. You all know how to make me laugh and relax .
You don’t know me but I know each of you, I know you love America .
You know the cost of Freedom and it shows in each of you.

I am just a veteran, an average man, but I would give every limb and live with
any aliments to keep America alive and well. When the terrorists attacked I had
dreams of enlisting again and getting those that did this to my country. Then I woke
and knew it was only a dream but a damn happy one for me.

You take me back to my days of visiting the USO and it sure feels good.

God be with you all and your families. You can take it to the bank that our men
serving now will do a fine job.

Thank God for Jim Robinson and people like all of you.
Bobby H.
Desert Storm Veteran

Hi everyone,
Thank you for your support and the time you spend for us.

Those photographs of ValerieUSA knock me out. Is she a famous photographer?
Could you tell her I think she should be if she isn’t already.

I guess you already know the way it is for some of us. We can’t spend much time
on computers so we make it count. Now don’t go feeling sorry for me , these are
just the facts ok. I have 5 sisters, yes , count em, 5. Some younger and some older
then me. At Thanksgiving it is like a Convention at our house. And Christmas, well
forget about it. The older ones are all married , have rug rats ( I do love em ) and then
my folks have dogs , cats, fish, birds. It is a zoo I tell you !

Me, I am in the Navy and one proud guy to be able to serve my country. Married ? Don’t
go there , maybe some day but right now it is not the life I want. OH I have been in love
one time, she was the best looking girl in my town. Then she decided to marry the local
Sheriff’s son. Guess she liked the flashing lights on his car.

One of my sisters works for a political thing I rather or better now get into here. She wrote
me about Jim Robinson’s Free Republic. She told me about the Fresno Rally’s and the
USO Canteen FReeper Style. She wasn’t sure if I could get to it or not, but she sent me the
Web address just in case.

Well look at me, I am addicted to the place. It loads fast, ( my time is short enough), it is easy to read and I sure have seen some interesting things there. Great name too Freepers…. Freep Freep

Depending on the time I have I make sure I get the Canteen in my blood for the day. It is my drug
of choice. My beer that refreshes and the cool smooth taste that lasts till the next time.

MeeknMing helps me out with the links he/she puts at the Canteen. I think Meek is a he but I don’t
want to offend. Tell Mr_Magoo,( great jokes) Tomkow 6 ( that guy hears voices, he is like me LOL )tell him the
Burka smells unless he washes it . ROTFL. Kneezles, I think you are certifiable like they say I am. LOL
SAMWolf I really like those Themeless Thursdays. You are off the wall , it makes me
feel comfortable.

Victoria, antijen , and Aquamarine the music and Canteen “ Hits” of the day are something I look
forward to. The other day I had the sound blasting and didn’t came across great.

I better go now, the voices in MY head tell me it is time to go do what I am here for. Thank you for being there for all of us. Your enthusiasm and support is how I wish those that Fresno rally’s against would understand. But I am fighting for them too even if they don’t want me to.

God bless you Snow Bunny, I am in love with you.
‘Spider’ ( I am very thin and over tall )
Jim
US Navy

As you know our friendly neighbor Canada is fighting along side us in the War against the Terrorists.
July 1st is a special day for Canada.Thank you Coteblanche for this beautiful Tribute.......

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Canada Day ~ July 1, 2002.

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Remember the Somme on Canada Day

Every July 1, Canadians celebrate what they have. But many Newfoundlanders remember what they lost on that day: 733 of 801 men in the 1st Newfoundland Regiment were killed or wounded fighting the Germans at Beaumont-Hamel, France, on July 1, 1916, in the Battle of the Somme.

It was at Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, that the Newfoundland Regiment fought its first engagement in France - and its costliest of the whole war. The Regiment was one of four battalions of the 29th Division's 88th Brigade.

Promptly at 7:20 a.m. on July 1, a huge mine under the enemy's front trenches opposite the 29th Division's left flank was fired ten minutes before the beginning of the barrage on the German First Position and the start of the infantry's advance. Almost immediately, the assaulting battalions of the 87th Brigade were in serious trouble. The barrage moved forward on an inflexible, pre-arranged schedule. German riflemen and machine-gunners, protected from the shelling by the steep banks of the "Y Ravine", emerged from their deep dugouts and shelters. The lines of advancing troops were lifted from the enemy's front trenches as the Germans directed a withering fire. At the same time, a number of German heavy guns, which had escaped the British counter-battery fire, began shelling the 29th Division's positions catching the follow-up companies as they climbed out of their trenches into the open. As the 87th Brigade's attack melted away, the 88th Brigade was ordered to move forward and to attack the enemy's front line.

From their starting position in the British support trench known as St. John's Road, the Newfoundlanders had to cross some 230 metres of fire-swept ground before they reached even their own front line. As they made their way through zigzag lanes previously cut in the British wire, casualties came with increasing frequency. Those of the leading companies who finally emerged into No Man's Land could look down an incline to see for the first time the barrier of the German wire more than 550 metres away. It was a wonder that any man could remain unhit more than a minute in the inferno of fire that swept across the exposed slopes. Nevertheless, holding the parade-ground formations prescribed for assaulting infantry by the General Staff as best they could, the thinning ranks plodded steadily forward. Halfway down the slope an isolated tree marked an area where the enemy's shrapnel was particularly deadly. Called "The Danger Tree", its twisted skeleton has been preserved and still stands at the spot where many a gallant Newfoundlander fell on that tragic July day.

In less than a half-hour, it was all over. The Commanding Officer, who from a support trench had watched the destruction of his Regiment, reported to Brigade Headquarters that the attack had failed. Afterwards the Divisional Commander was to write of the Newfoundland effort: "It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour, and its assault failed of success because dead men can advance no further."

The casualties sustained on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme totalled 57,470, of which 19,240 were fatal. No unit suffered heavier losses than the Newfoundland Regiment, which had gone into action 801 strong. When the roll call of the unwounded was taken next day, only 68 answered their names. The final figures that revealed the virtual annihilation of the Battalion gave a grim count of 255 killed or dead of wounds, 386 wounded, and 91 missing. Every officer who went forward in the Newfoundland attack was either killed or wounded.

Click on photo for the Snowbird's page.

Kandahar, Afghanistan 25 June, 2002 Cpl Aaron Bygrove, a pioneer with Combat Support Coy applys water to the base of a monument being errected in front of the Kandahar Airport Terminal in memory of all coalition soldiers who have died in Afghanistan since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operatiion Apollo. Photo by: Cpl Lou Penney, 3 PPCLI Battle Group Photographer.

AP2002-E018-21a 20 June 2002 HMCS Ottawa, Operation APOLLO Master Seaman Rob Brabant, guides a belt of 20 mm Tungsten ammunition as it is fed into HMCS Ottawa's close in weapon system (CIWS), while on patrol in the Arabian Gulf region, in support of Operation APOLLO. Operation APOLLO is Canada's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism. Photo: Cpl Charles Barber,

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Just a personal note to all American military personnel who might be reading this - Canadians recognize what the American troops are doing to make this world a safer place. We know the sacrifices you are making to protect Canadian as well as American freedoms. We thank you with all of our hearts.

[Snow Bunny]

Tribute To HEROES

Tribute to Vietnam Veterans....Please click on picture

The great intangible of America's wars beyond logistics, beyond strategy, beyond wonder weapons and Generals, is the spiritual force of its fighting men and women - and that is the force that the USO so serves.

Free Republic....Click for Donations

Thank you from all those that frequent the FReeper Canteen to Jim Robinson, Founder of FRee Republic and Navy Veteran.

[Snow Bunny]

[Snow Bunny]

On behalf of TF Rakkasan and myself let me thank you for your letter, your kind thoughts and most important you support. Your desire to send care packages to the soldiers of TF Rakkasan is wonderful in itself. We are lucky here because we have had the support of you great Americans every since we got here. As for the packages we will be deploying home soon after 7 months and I am afraid your packages would get lost in the system somewhere, but please know your letter and thoughts are more important to us than a package and for that we can't thank you enough!
Sincerely,
R. Herman
TASK FORCE RAKKASAN

SGM R A Herman
TF Rakkasan
HHC 3Bde
APO AE 09355

The receptionist at SAMWolf’s office has a Marine friend of hers that could use some morale building.
He's at Camp LeJeune right now waiting for a training deployment to a ship.
He's 29 has 2 daughters under age 3 and is missing his family.
SAMWolf told her he would pass the Marines’ name and address onto the Canteen.

His current snail mail address is:
Cpl Berger, Charles W.
II MEF MARFOR UNITAS
RECON DET
Bldg 10, Wing 3
PSC 20164
Camp LeJeune, NC 28542-0164
His email is:
charlesberger@hotmail.com

The USS George Washington carrier battle group left NAS Norfolk today for their 6 month .The USS George Washington has about 7,500 sailors and Marines with the carrier and its battle group left to head overseas and likely into combat. The Navy will not disclose the ships's destination.
Prayers for ALL our Troops

The USS McCampbell will be commissioned in August.
USS McCampbell (DDG 85)
FPO AP 96672-1275

[Snow Bunny]

Welcome to the FReeper USO Canteen. Thank you , each of you for your support of our troops and coming here to thank our Veterans. Your support of those serving and their families here at FR is so special. Thank you.

[Snow Bunny]

[SAMWolf]

[SAMWolf]

A member of the Canadian Army based at the Kandahar Air Base watches the movements of fellow soldiers riding in an armored personnel carrier as they head off of the main road leading into Kandahar, Afghanistan, and onto a desert road Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Three-year-old Abdul Wali watches as Canadian army soldiers based at the Kandahar Air Base wait on the side of the main road leading into Kandahar, Afghanistan during the beginning of an undisclosed mission Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Two young Afghan boys run past an armored personnel carrier as members of the Canadian army based at the Kandahar Air Base head off of the main road leading into Kandahar, Afghanistan and onto a desert road Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

[SAMWolf]

Maj. Eric Sweeney from Bossier City, La., with the 92nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Ga., holds his Bible and prays during Protestant church services at the Kandahar Air base outside Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Staff Sgt. Nancy Liberty, right, from Montgomery, Ala., with the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division, sings with a choir during Protestant church services at the Kandahar Air base outside Kandahar, Afghanistan, Sunday, June 30, 2002. Singing with Liberty is Sgt. 1st Class Calvin E. Davis from New York City. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Pfc. Jerome Iese, from American Samoa, with the 129th Postal Company at Fort Bragg, N.C., prays while holding the muzzle of his M-16 rifle during Protestant church services at the Kandahar Air base outside Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Under camouflage netting Army Chaplin Capt. Paul Madej, left, with the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division, bestows a special blessing to Sgt. 1st Class David Gonzalez with the 82nd Airborn Division from the Bronx, N.Y., during Catholic service at the Kandahar Air base outside Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

With his M-16 rifle next to him, Specialist Cesar Donis from Phoenix, Ariz., with the 249th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, N.C., pauses during Catholic church services at the Kandahar Air base outside Kandahar, Afghanistan, Sunday, June 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

[Iowa Granny]

G'morning Snow. I just love Mail Call. Great to hear from the lurkers.

The coffee is fresh and hot (just like I was in 1962).

I guess you should never post when you're on meds!

Sausage gravy and biscuits, oj & coffee are on tap in the Canteen kitchen. Enjoy.

[SAMWolf]

Morning IG!

[Pippin]

"I Pledge allegiance to the flag, Of the United States Of America, And to the republic for wich it stands, One nation UNDER GOD, Indivisable, With liberty and justice FOR ALL."

Good Morning,Snow! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Good Morning everyone! May you have a blessed day. May God bless you all.

God bless our troops both active and veterans

God bless President Bush

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Let's Roll!!!

[JohnHuang2]

Good morning everyone =^)

[JohnHuang2]

[SAMWolf]

[exnavy]

Great pics, thanks Sam.

[SAMWolf]

Your Welcome.

[Pippin]

Good Morning, Cote!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

[Pippin]

Good Morning, John! =^)

[Pippin]

Good Morning, Sam!

[Pippin]

Good Morning, IG! What a yummy breakfast! Thank you!Hope you have a great day!