USO Canteen FReeper Style....FReeper FRiday ....GATOR NAVY ......August 23,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

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If you know a Veteran, someone in your family,
friend of the family, neighbor, who served their
country, take a brief moment of your day to thank them.
Thank them for the sacrifice they made
for the better good of their country.

We at Free Republic, and the USO Canteen FReeper Style,
are thankful for every service member
in our military, who has served our great nation.

So, to the men and women who answered the call,
in both times of war and peace, thank you.

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Message from Snow Bunny to all those who visit the Canteen.

This is how I think of the USO Canteen Freeper Style.
It is like a cottage down a road,
a place where a weary veteran can spend the night.

Since it opened, it is magical how so many
Freepers who post here, feel it too.
It has been so dear how the Freepers
kept making it a cottage - a home-type of place
that had a huge living room
for them to visit in and a dance floor, a library, etc.

Many Veterans have written to me,
saying that the Canteen is like home
to them for the first time since they served.

This is your Canteen -
a respite from our busy
and sometimes troubling world.
Make yourself at home.

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The USO Canteen Honors FReepers
who have served, or are now serving their country.

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You may have a loved one who has served in the past.
We at the FReeper USO Canteen would like to honor each and every one.

Thank You GATOR NAVY for Serving our Country

Because 5 of 6 ships I have been on have been amphibious ships,
or "gators".

Also, my job is navigation, or a 'gator.

I am a Chief Petty Officer and just went
over 20 years service this March.

My ships have been :
USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) plankowner
USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198)
USS ST LOUIS (LKA-116)
USS SAN BERNARDINO (LST-1189) decomm crew
USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8)
USS JUNEAU (LPD-10)

I have been stationed in Japan since 1990.
I am currently on shore duty near Tokyo,Japan/

Prior to this tour all my Japan time was in Sasebo, on Kyushu.

I have been happily married for over 9 years to my lovely wife Atsuko.

We have two sons, Takezo, age 7, and Shuzo, age 5.

Here is my son Takezo

Here is my son Shuzo

Although I read FR daily, I don't usually log on unless I want to
reply to a thread. But I will always get back to you (ask Snow Bunny)
sooner or later if you send something my way.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Sam, these pictures of the USS Abraham Lincoln are terrific. Thanks!

[Jen]

Hi there! Any friend of Spookie's is a friend of mine. Welcome to the Canteen. It's nice to meet new people here. Good luck on selling your house and your move to WA.

Jen

[Jen]

WOW! Great photo spread, Linda!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce

[GatorGirl]

Hi Bunny--thanks for all your hard work on yet another teriffic Freeper Friday! You are simply the best!!

It's so good to see Gator Navy--an old Freepmail FRiend! When I saw his name on a post a few months ago, I thought there was a slim chance he might be my husband, having signed up and using part of my own Freep Name! So I emailed him--what a funny message that must have been for Gator Navy--"hi, are you my husband???" --well, I didn't say it quite like that!!!--

Anyway, he graciously responded and told me the origin of his name and part of his story. I was mighty impressed. What a great guy! Thanks GN for sharing your beautiful family with us....it means so much to us to be able to honor you in this way.

A Salute to Chief!
Your FRiend, GG

[Kathy in Alaska]

Proofreading is most definitely our friend! It is amazing what a single letter put in or left out can cause.

[Kathy in Alaska]

OMG, MM7, that is hilarious. ROTFLMAO! LOL!!

[GatorGirl]

Hi All!

Just wanted to say "hello" and let y'all know I'm thinking of ya....I'm joining my friends for a "Mom's Night Out" tonight, so I won't be home until late. I'll try to join you then....

Have a great evening, everyone! Thanks to the Veterans and Troops!

Love, GG

[R. Scott]

There was a time when we had NCO skippers, I was one of the last.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Sassy, you missed the cake we had last night. Spookie and .30Carbine baked. I found you a plate.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Did Cassie share with you, too?

[R. Scott]

Oops – hit the wrong “reply” button.

There was a time when we had NCO skippers, I was one of the last.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, poet!

[bluesagewoman]

No, Cassie didn't share with me this morning. She got her own cup!

[kneezles]

Welcome to the Canteen! We sure would like to see you around here on a regular basis and join us crazies!

[SpookBrat]

"join us crazies!"

Speak for yourself you "poop of the nincom variety".

(Sorry. I heard that on "Dexter's Labratory" and have been dying to say that to someone). LOL

Nincompoop....how do you spell that word? ROFL! I crack myself up! HA!

[SpookBrat]

Hooches and smugs for everyone. I'm gone for the night. I hope I can visit when I get back home. Take care~

Thanks for welcoming Aric2000. He was in Turkey too and we are both "homesick" for the country. Someday.....sigh.....someday, I'll get back there.