Free Republic

A top Iraqi official visited wounded American troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to thank them for their part in ending Saddam Hussein’s rule in his country. “We have come … to express our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these great warriors, soldiers, in freeing the Iraqi people and in helping us in Iraq recover from tyranny and dictatorship,” Jawad Karim al-Bolani, Iraq’s minister of the interior, said through a translator to a handful of journalists in the lobby of the medical center. “We also want to express our gratitude to the...

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2008 – Wounded warriors and the PGA tour kicked off their Independence Day celebration a couple of days early with food and festivities yesterday at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus here. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, right, and Dan Nevins, Tour community outreach manager, welcome wounded warriors and their families to the “Birdies for the Brave” barbecue July 2, 2008, at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C. Defense Dept. photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available....

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2008 – The cast of the Lifetime cable network drama “Army Wives” graced the red carpet at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to help kick off the July Fourth week and salute servicemembers’ often-forgotten spouses. Actress Sally Pressman talks with one of her youngest fans, Mark Crate, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington D.C., on July 1, 2008. Pressman, who plays Roxy LeBlanc on Lifetime cable network's hit program "Army Wives," was in Washington for a red-carpet screening of an upcoming episode, part of a celebration of the July Fourth holiday and...

BETHESDA, Md., April 3, 2008 – Two Marines who were injured in Iraq praised the medical care they’ve received at the National Naval Medical Center here during interviews yesterday in conjunction with a grand re-opening ceremony for their newly renovated outpatient quarters. Wounded Iraq combat veterans Marine Cpl. Daniel B. Nicholson, left, and Marine Lance Cpl. Michael S. Stilson attend a reopening ceremony for newly renovated Mercy Hall, an outpatient quarters for injured troops on the National Naval Medical Center campus in Bethesda, Md., April 2, 2008. Both Marines praised the quality of medical care provided at Bethesda. Defense...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 2, 2008 – Less than six months ago, Army Pfc. Michael Dinkel had his leg destroyed by a roadside bomb while he was deployed to Afghanistan with the Fort Riley, Kan.-based 70th Engineer Battalion. Today, still a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dinkel is shimmying down the slopes of Snowmass Mountain, refusing to let a disability stand in the way of a good time -- or a full, productive life. Less than six months after losing a leg to an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, Army Pfc. Michael Dinkel is on the slopes...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 2, 2008 – Seventy-four-year-old Bob Eiden stood on a snow bank overlooking Snowmass Mountain yesterday, mentally preparing himself for his first experience on skis, 16 months after having his right leg amputated. Bob Eiden, a 74-year-old Korean War veteran, isn’t going to let an amputated leg, failing eyesight and failing hearing keep him from showing newly wounded combat veterans there’s still life after a disability. Eiden donned skis for the first time during the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

Pinups for Vets Supporting the Troops: Part 1 By Daniel Muniz Gina Elise wanted to show her appreciation to the people who has served their country in our armed forces and especially to our troops deployed overseas and to all of our injured vets in VA hospitals. So she decided to create the "Pin-Ups For Vets" project which consists of calendars and posters featuring herself as the model for all of the photographs. Gina Elise chose the pin-up art that was popular back in the forties as the central theme of all her modeling. Since the pin-up girls of that...

Would anyone like a free dinner at Golden Corral? Well, there is an easy way if you are an American military veteran. Golden Corral just announced this year’s Military Appreciation Monday will be November 12, 2007, from 5 to 9 pm. For the past 6 years, Golden Corral has been honoring the US Military with a free “thank you” dinner and beverage at any Golden Corral restaurant on Military Appreciation Monday (first Monday after Veteran’s Day), to honor any person who has ever served in the United States Military. In the past the only requirement to receive the free meal...

Holiday Cards to Wounded and Recovering Soldiers Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any...

This morning President Bush received a briefing from Donna Shalala and Bob Dole, co-chairs of the Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Also present at the briefing were Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and outgoing Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson. (Transcript) The president then jogged around the South Lawn of the White House with Sgt. Neil Duncan and Specialist Max Ramsey, both of whom lost their legs in Afghanistan and Iraq. Afterwards, President Bush thanked both men: “I appreciate you guys being here. It means a lot to me.” (Transcript) First Lady Laura Bush spoke at the National...

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SILVER STAR FAMILIES OF AMERICA My Friends My name is Steve Newton and I am the President of the Silver Star Families of America. The Silver Star Families of American was born to recognize, remember and assist the wounded of our armed forces from all wars. We honor and remember our wounded primarily by the presentation of Silver Star Banners, certificates and letters to our Wounded or their families. The tradition of the Silver Star for the Wounded dates back to 1917 when people used to sew over a Blue Star with Silver...

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (May 11, 2007) -- Sunshine peeked through the trees just after 6:30 a.m. on Monday while hundreds of golfers gathered at Cottonwood Golf Club to raise money for active duty Marines wounded or injured in the line of duty. Though it’s too early to tell how much was raised, last year’s Wounded Marines Benefit Golf Tournament brought in about $40,000, according to Cherri Barnswell, director, San Diego Armed Services YMCA. Daryl Idler, co-owner of the club, donated the course for the day’s event. "It’s unprecedented that you get a free golf course," said Barnswell....

<p>Washington, DC, April 27, 2007-- It was a small crowd tonight despite the wonderful weather. The weather readers predicted thundershowers which precluded putting up the MOAB (Mother Of All Banners), but the rain stayed away until after we had put away the banners and flags and called it a night. Tonight's list of FReepers & FRiends in attendance (If I missed anyone - please let me know!): BillF, Bill from MD*, Cindy-True-Supporter, Fraxinus, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Kristinn, Laura Bush, PleaDeal, PrezUSA222, R.T. Delta, tgslTakoma, TJ from GoE, Tolerance Sucks Rocks, and VAFlagWaver.</p>

BETTER LUCK NEXT TYRANT: Facing Off Saddam Fan Club at Walter Reed While Awaiting Execution -- Week 89Washington, DC, December 29, 2006-- Usually we don't bother any more with the anti-American prophets of Doom down the street from the gates of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Since we chased them off the gates, we focus on cheering the troops and ignore them unless they challenge us. But this night, carrying Kristinn's "Good Riddance Saddam" sign, several FReepers ventured down the street, frankly, to share our relief that a murdering despot was on the way out, within hours. President GW (aka...

Country music superstar Toby Keith greets Capt. Scott Leifker, a wounded warrior recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, during a private pre-concert "meet and greet" at the AT&T Center in San Antonio Nov. 19. Leifker was one of 500 Soldiers who received tickets to the free concert for 14,000 Texas Ford truck owners. Photo by Cheryl Harrison More Images SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Army News Service, Nov. 21, 2006) - Country music superstar Toby Keith rocked the stage, and a few Soldiers' world, at a private concert Sunday for 14,000 Texas Ford truck owners and about 500 servicemembers at the...

On Left, Lt. Dawn Halfaker CAMP PENDLETON ---- A sweaty morning of football lifted spirits and raised money Saturday for wounded troops and children of service members killed in Iraq. The All-Star Buddy Bowl drew 225 men and women players ---- two of them amputees. Two years ago, Army Lt. Dawn Halfaker lost her right arm during a late-night patrol near Baghdad when a rocket-propelled grenade landed inside the armored vehicle in which she was riding. She's now medically retired from the Army as a captain. On Saturday, before Halfaker's team ---- the Hell's Belles ---- took to the...

Wet & soggy Honor Roll included: Ernesto, Lurker Bill, BillF, (CJ) chcknhawk, Cindy_True-Supporter (CTS), Fraxinus (Frax), Freeping-in Silence, Lurkers George & Ethel and their son Trevor (11 year veteran of the 4th ID, including Iraq, we think), kristinn, TFroatz, tgslTakoma, and trooprally (Mr. & Mrs.). We heard a lot about Trevor and it was a pleasure to finally meet him. (This Honor Roll list includes only those who were on the corners in the rain). CJ spent 15 minutes with the pinkos. CJ's web site, soldiersperspective, can be viewed here, but as of Sunday AM, he has not posted an...

Tonight we crushed the Pinkos in numbers: 38 to 7 1/2!Other than that, nothing really happened. (Somebody please step in and refute that statement!)The weather was phenomenal for D.C. in August (low 80's with low humidity!) which probably helped to bring out extra FReepers. We couldn't quite understand what kept the commie Pinkos away...Attendance was extremely high this week, but it can always be better! The following FReepers and FRiends came out to celebrate tonight:Just A Nobody, 2ndClassCitizen, 3D-Joy, Just A Nobody, Albion Wilde, Bill * from MD, BillF, Blueblade (also a member of Protest Warriors), BufordP, Just A Nobody,...

Diana Irey Visits Walter Reed Hospital By: O. P. Ditch, Col USAF (ret) Vets4Irey.com We met her at a McDonalds near the Hospital - what a down to earth Lady. Can you imagine the "cut & runner" doing that? Well, it was a brief introduction, I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting her to that point. But I was most impressed with her genuineness, pleasant personality and intelligence. She is very easy to talk to and she was very interested in our ideas for helping with her campaign. So don't be shy with your recommendations, she's a good listener....

For any Freepers out there who can sew and would like to help a wounded soldier. Thank you for your interest in Sew Much Comfort. American military personnel are serving our country in a variety of dangerous situations and locations. As a result of discharging their duties, a number of them are seriously wounded or injured. Modern medical technology is having great success saving the lives of these hero's; however, medicine doesn't address some of their basic needs, such as clothing that will accommodate medical devices and situations - braces, fixators, casts, prosthetics and burns. Many of the wounded troops...

Honor Roll for Friday, June 23, 2006: Albion Wilde, Amanda* from MD, Ashley* from VA, Bill* from MD, BillF, Cindy-true-supporter, Dan* (veteran), daughterofTGSL, Debbie* from VA, Greg (WR), Gretchen15, Jimmy Valentine’s brother, Just A Nobody, kristinn, Landry Fan, Megan* from VA, PleaDeal, Sensei Ern, SonofTGSL, staytrue, tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter, trooprally [Mr. & Mrs.]The after-action report fell to me this week so you don't get any fancy graphics or photos. The weather was threatening heavy thunderstorms throughout our stay last Friday, but the Lord was merciful and kept the storms at bay. They approached us from the south and west,...

Hello all, This past Friday night I was privileged to visit Fran O'Brien's steakhouse in the Capitol Hilton, Washington, DC. Every Friday night, Hal Koster, the restaurant manager and Vietnam Vet, invites our wounded soldiers convalescing at nearby Walter Reed Army Center to a free steak dinner and drinks. It was supposedly a "slow" night for our heroes as many were on a ski trip in Colorado. But I walked into an absolutely packed room of wounded soldiers and their families enjoying a minor but well-deserved recognition for their service to our country. I've also discovered since then that the...

Last Friday was the fourth week that Freepers, Protest Warriors, friends, lurkers and other supporters of our troops had all four corners of the main entrance at Walter Reed, on which we were able to display our signs, flags and banners of support for the Wounded Warriors healing inside the hospital. BillF's computers have all suffered major malfunctions in the past two weeks, and he is unable to post his usual fabulous report again this week. Albion Wilde is working on a TOP SECRET project for this Friday, so she is also unable to post her usual fabulous report. So,...

Washington, December 2, 2005—With a powerful wind chill factor placing temperatures just a few degrees above zero in a dark night of December, once again Free Republic squared off against the failure-prone Code Pink "vigil" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. And again, FReepers outnumbered the wacko Pinkos almost three-to-one. Since March 2005, ever since a conglomeration of DC radical leftists under the Code Pink banner decided to protest the Bush Administration outside Walter Reed every Friday night, Free Republic's DC Chapter has faced them off across the street. There's something so obnoxious, so distasteful, so just plain mean about...