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August 8, 2007
FReep 120 - Aug 3, 2007 - Enthusiasm for the Troops
Maybe the traffic was lighter than usual, maybe the FReeprs wanted to scoot out of work early, or maybe we all were just anxious to get to Walter Reed early so as to show our support for the troops.
But it wasn't long after I got there at 6:30 that all four corners were filled with FReepers showing their support for our troops.
And indeed what a magnificent job brave men and women in uniform are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anyone who is not a Democrat or leftard (oh wait those are one and the same) knows that the "surge" (more properly Operation Phantom Thunder) has been making great progress. Ably led by Gen Petraeus and Lt Gen Odierno in Iraq, our troops have been cleaning al Qaeda out of their ratholes like the vermin they are.
While this post is not entirely about the war, I do want to take a moment and make you aware of The Pentagon Channel if you haven't been watching it already. On it the US military broadcasts a variety of shows, some specifically about Iraq and Afghanistan, others a general "Around the Services". Some of the most interesting are the press conferences. Be sure and check out the one held Aug 3 by Pentagon Briefing 03 August 2007"Col John Charlton and July 19 by Iraq Briefing 19 July 2007"Lt Gen Ray Odierno. Transcripts of each press conference can be found here.
Now back to the FReep
The first thing everybody noticed was that VictoryNY wore a - gulp - pink blouse! There was a lot of good-natured ribbing as we gave her a hard time about it. As with other women in the past who have joined us, it just slipped her mind that morning. Here she is inbetween VAFlagWaver and Jimmy Valentine's Brother
The FReepers who came out tonight were Mr & Mrs Red, White and Blue, Chris Hill, Tom the Redhunter, VAFlagWaver, Fraxinus, tgslTakoma, Kristinn, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, BufordP, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Lurker Bill, Maica, Plea Deal, BillF, Albion Wilde, 3DJoy, Cindy-True-Supporter, VictoryNY, George and Ethel, Pasquale, Craig, and LoRo
My apologies if I missed anyone.
As you probably remember from previous AARs (and definately know if you've ever been out with us), VictoryNY is one of the most spirited FReepers there is. Her energy and enthusiasm for supporting the troops is an inspiration to us all. Recently I've noticed that Jimmy Valentine's Brother has taken to "echoing" her cheers for the troops:
VNY: We Love Our Soldiers! JVB: Yes We Do!VNY: Thank Our Brave Soldiers!
JVB: Thaaaaank You!VNY: God Bless America!
JVB: Gooooood Bless!
Rumor is they get together during the week and practice.
No AAR would be complete, though, without a picture of the MOAB
Here's a closeup of Craig, LoRo, and VictoryNY in her pink top!
I am definately noticing an increase in honks and waves from people in their cars and trucks. Even the drivers in the city buses and Greyhound buses wave at us. Maybe it's just that we've been doing this for so long that they know to expect us and "know the drill" when they pass by, but I don't think it's my imagination. Maybe some of it is also just because people think our troops need more support now. Whatever the reasons I notice more support from passers-by.
It's even gotten to the point where I recognize certain cars, some even by the sound of their horns. There are a few people who have installed horns with unique sounds, a few for example that sound like that of a train.
Two newcomers to our groups were Mr & Mrs Red, White, and Blue. Hope to see the both of you again!
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We were also honored by the presence of Chris Hill, National Director of Operations for the Gathering of Eagles. As readers probably know, Gathering of Eagles is partnered with Melanie Morgan's Move America Forward, Protest Warriors, Free Republic, and other groups in holding a Rally on the Mall this coming September 15,. The occasion, of course, is General David Petraeus' September 15th report to Congress.
It is very important that we have a large turnout for this event. The communists of International ANSWER course, will be staging their own anti-war protest that day also.
Chris Hill is on the left, with Jimmy Valentine's Brother on the right.
Here 3DJoy, VAFlagWaver, and Mr Trooprally share a corner
Here is the obligatory photo of the communist sympathizers of Code Pink down the street. Pathetic bunch that they are, they could only muster 7 people all evening!
We had a visitor that evening, a lady soldier who was working at Walter Reed for a month as part of her training in nursing. She's the the left in this photo, speaking with Mrs Trooprally and BillF.
What It's All About
Here's the bus carrying our wounded warriors and their families turning into Walter Reed after an evening out. A huge THANK YOU to the troops for all of the work they do to make this a safer country!
If you can't get to D.C. to join us but would like to do something for the wounded, you can find a wealth of ideas by FReepmailing Albion Wilde, Cindy-True-Supporter, VAFlagwaver, or PleaDeal.
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 Tom the Redhunter's photos for this FReep and more on myPhotobucket site
You can find all of Mrs Trooprally's photos for this Freep on her Photobucket site.
PleaDeal was also kind enough to take photos for this FReep, and you can view all of hers on her Photobucket site.
* Thank you to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps.
* Thank you always to Kristinn and tgslTakoma for all the work they do. Kristinn is president of the DC chapter and our chief organizer, and tgslTakoma hauls the MOAB, flags, most of the signs, and our "picnic table" back and forth every week. Thank you to Mr & Mrs Trooprally because they also transport and store many of our signs and banners.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
* Plea Deal blogs at Sempter Gratis
Posted by Tom at August 8, 2007 8:23 PM
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