June 5, 2007
Walter Reed FReep #111 - June 1, 2007 - Ratcheting Up the Energy
This FReep was marked by a number of soldiers and employees of Walter Reed stopping by to tell us how much they appreciated our Friday evening Rallies.
We've been doing this every Friday for over two years now. I've been with the FReepers since August of 2005, so my own two-year anniversary is coming up soon.
During this time the other FReepers and I have spoken with a few hundred of our wounded warriors and their families. Their response has been overwhelmingly positive. From them and other sources we know that most everyone at the hospital knows what we do every Friday night. They tell us that it lifts their spirits to not only know that the moonbats of Code Pink are being countered, but just that a grateful nation cares.
The reason I bring all of this up is not to massage my own ego, rather simply to let unfamiliar readers know that what we do has a much larger effect than simply getting a few honks and waves from motorists.
BillF wrote an excellent short history of the Walter Reed FReeps in the last AAR, so be sure to check it out if you haven't already. If you are so inclined you can also visit Redhunter, where here and here I've got a history of our FReeps and confrontations with Code Pink.
Moving on to the June 1 FReep;
Honor Role of Attendees (with apologies if I missed anyone)
Tom the Redhunter (your author), Albion Wilde, Fraxinus, tgslTakoma, VAFlagWaver, BillF, Kristinn, PrezUSA222, Kristinn, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Tolerance Sucks Rocks, BufordP, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, Laura from VA, Sensei Ern, Cindy-True-Supporter, Bob, T.J., Bruce, Bill from MD, Bruce & Chris, George & Ethyl, Tennesse Nana, Elisha, Andria, Lauren, Carissa, and Lynnette.
The first order of business is always setting up the MOAB. Here's BufordP getting it all laid out and the poles in place
And here it is, all set up! One nice thing about summer is that with daylight savings time the setting sun does shine right on the MOAB for about an hour. My poor camera can't really capture how nice it does look. tgslTakoma did a fine job in making it. Thank you!
Mr Trooprally, Bob, and Mrs Trooprally held down the corner 90* to the right of where I took the photo of the MOAB.
Shortly after the photo was taken, a car with "Bronze Star" license plates came out of Walter Reed, and stopped by their corner. The driver said "Don't ever stop doing this!"
Don't worry, sir. We'll be out here as long as it is necessary.
Coming over to join me was T.J.. She served 20+ years in the USAF "Nuke 'em Til They Glow" Strategic Air Command. You gotta love her flag!
Not long afterwards a we met a trooper coming back into Walter Reed from the store. He spoke with us and some other FReepers about his military experiences in Iraq. "Thank you for doing this. I see you out here every Friday."
Quick Trip Down the Street
At this point I figured I'd take a short walk down the street to see what the moonbats were up to. Not much, as it turned out. I counted maybe six, five of whom are in this photo
What a pathetic bunch.
In the almost two years we've been doing this, every soldier and/or soldier family member has expressed absolute distain for the Pinkos, many in language that is unrepeatable here. Several have gone over (when they were at the entrance across the street from us) or down to them and tried to tell them that they were not appreciated and to please leave. Others have tried to engage them in discussion.
Almost every single time the result is the same; the Pinkos ignore the soldiers. Although they hold "Support the Troops, Oppose the War" signs, all but a few show no interest in speaking with real troops. Only Bruce and maybe one or two other sattempt to engage them at all.
Of course, this is hardly surprising considering that they're on record as calling our troops terrorists. If you don't believe me watch this video taken of Code Pink leader Gail Murphy and one of her moonbat associates this past May by tgslTakoma at one of our FReeps.
Back to the FReep
Enough of the Pinkos. Here's a relatively new FReeper(at least to me), Tennessee Nana. She was also at the Gathering of Eagles last March 17 in which thousands of patriots countered the communists of International ANSWER. To the left is Tolerance Sucks Rocks.
Ratcheting up the Energy
Sometime midway through the FReep Elisha and her friends, Andrea, Lauren, Carissa and Lynnette showed up to join us. Between them and Laura from VA they let their patriotism be known by leading a series of cheers
We Love our Soldiers!
God Bless America!
Go America!
Got Freedom? Thank a Soldier!
Here are three on this corner by Mr Trooprally
And here are the other two at right, with Bob and T.J.
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
Exhausted by all this enthusiasm, I decided to go back to the MOAB area, where I encountered BillF, Albion Wilde, Cindy-True-Supporter, Ethyl, Bill from MD, and Tennesse Nana..
In the parking lot I met "Will", a medical assistant at Walter Reed who was speaking with several FReepers. He had come by to say thank you. He's been out to see us before, and told us that he's come by periodically for almost two years.
And here we have our intrepid leader, Kristinn, with Jimmy Valentine's Brother standing behind him and tgslTakoma to the left.
There was no bus tonight, so sometime after the Pinkos had left we took down our signs and met in the parking lot to discuss some matters. During all this a soldier from Ft Myers came by to speak with us. He told our group that he was on burial detail and that he appreciated our coming out every week. He said that it meant a lot to him, and that it was disgusting to see war protesters in front of a military hospital.
We assured him that we'd be here for as long is necessary.
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
* This time I took all of the photos for this AAR, so you can blame me for their quality. You can find all of the photos for this FReep on myPhotobucket 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.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
This post can also be viewed on Free Republic
Posted by Tom at 7:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 8, 2007
Walter Reed Freep #107 - May 4, 2007 - The Eye With the Purple Heart
The FReep got off to an early start because about a dozen milbloggers attending the Milblog Conference in Arlington VA came at about 5:30. tgslTakoma was good enough to arrive early so as to provide signs, banners, and flags for the milbloggers.
Unfortunantely they were only able to stay for an hour, so when I arrived at my usual time of 6:30 they had to get back to their conference. No matter, because enough of the "regulars" were on the scene to take over their duties. We appreciate their presence and a huge THANK YOU for starting things off that evening.
Honor roll of attendees:
armymarinemom (Mil), Bill from MD, BillF, *Bob from PA, BufordP, cindy-true-supporter, Fraxinus, George & Ethel from MD, HowardLaw, Jean from MI (Mil), Jimmy Valentine’s brother, JoyjoyfromNJ, Judy from VA (Mil), kristinn, Lauren from VA, maica, Sensei Ern, tgslTakoma, TJ (GOE), Tolerance Sucks Rocks, Tom the Redhunter, trooprally (both Mr. & Mrs.),T.J from Gathering of Eagles, and VaFlagwaver
cindy-true-supporter had a 82nd Airborne Division flag that we and the soldiers inside the hospital signed as a THANK YOU to John Mellencamp, who played a charity concert at Walter Reed this past April 27, see story and pictures at DefenseLink.
Here is Kristinn and an unidentified milblogger taken at about the time I arrived
The MOAB looks particularly good, I think, in the evening sunlight. It is directly across from the main entrance to Walter Reed, and most people who exit the base hospital turn left, so they come right past it. I can tell you from over a year and a half of speaking with troopers and their families that it lifts the spirits of everyone there.
On the opposite corner are gathered your author, Tom the Redhunter, Mr Trooprally, Jimmy Valentine’s brother, and BufordP
Shortly thereafter we set up our famous Burma Shave signs so that motorists would know who was who. Before we had them we noticed that many people would honk for us, and then as they passed by Code Pink would also honk for them. Realizing that that wouldn't do, we realized that we needed some way to differentiate the two groups. Some enterprising FReeper came up with the idea of the Burma Shave signs. They also have the added benefit of annoying the pinkos, who from time to time have tried to sneak up and knock them off the cars. Ever since the last such incident we've kept a sharp eye out and no vandalism has occured. For the record we always put them on our own cars.
Speaking of pinkos, I'll splurge and show two photos of them this time. Usually I figure they don't rate more than one, since our FReeps there have long ceased to be about them. To be sure, part of our presence is to keep them away from the entrance, but we're really about a pro-troops message.
At 7:30 they had a whopping 4 people down there, and their number never rose to 10 the entire evening
Later Mrs Trooprally noticed that they had one of their stupid American flags with the peace symbol in place of the stars. She gave me the camera and I went down there to get a shot of them
If you've evern done any counterprotesting of leftist groups or even seen photos of their protests, sooner or later you notice that they almost never have any American flags with them. The few that they do they disgrace by flying upside down, or jazzing it up in some way like in the photo above. But they just can't fly it straight, as it was meant to. On the other hand, at conservative rallies you'll see lots of American flags, and all of them are flown properly.
But of course we are there because it's a hospital, and as such troops are coming in from the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. They fly them into Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, and from there to Walter Reed. Here's one of the buses coming in from Andrews to Walter Reed.
We also had the return of Lauren, whom we hadn't seen in some time. If you're reading this, ,Lauren,, it was good to see you again!
George & Ethel have become regulars and it was good to see them again last night
During the course of the evening a soldier and his girlfriend (or wife?) stopped by in their car. He had lost his eye in combat, and in place had a glass eye. But the one he had in that night had a little purple heart in place of the iris. Mrs Trooprally tried to take a photo of it but I don't know if you can really see it here.
Lastly, here's what it's all about; greeting the troopers as they come back from their Friday evening dinner
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
* A special Thank You to Mrs Trooprally for taking the photos for this AAR. You can find all of the photos she took for this FReep 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.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
This post can also be viewed on Free Republic
Posted by Tom at 8:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 27, 2007
Code Pink Calls Our Troops Terrorists
At last Friday's FReep in front of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, several members of the odious Code Pink walked up to our group because they were jealous of some press attention we were receiving. A a film crew from French-Canadian TV 3 in Quebec was filming an interview they were doing with Free Republic DC Chapter President Kristinn Taylor when the Pinkos arrived. Pinko Gael Murphy was in the lead.
One of their number called our troops terrorists. Watch the video
Hardly a surpise that they'd say something like that, but it does reveal for the unitiated just who they really are.
Go read the full report with photos on what happened that evening at Free Republic.
See my "The Case Against Code Pink" for more information. Discover the Network also has the goods on them.
Posted by Tom at 10:43 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 10, 2007
Walter Reed Freep #103 - April 6, 2007 - The Easter Bunny from Hell
The moon may have been full last week, but I'm thinking there must have been a delayed effect on the Code Pink moonbats from down the street. "The Easter Bunny from Hell" showed up and did a little dance for our intrepid photographer
Yikes! It doesn't get any scarier than that. Glad we keep the kids away from the moonbats or they'll be scarred for life. Mrs Trooprally appropriately titled the photo "I am a Moron" on her Photobucket site.
Fortunately for the troops the moonbats are relegated to a spot down the street from the main entrance where few can see them. Ever since Janury 2006 Free Republic has occupied all four corners at the main entrance. Troops, their families, and others working at the base going in and out only see us. From having spoken with I suppose hundreds over the past year and a half I can tell you they appreciate the support.
We also get quite a few honks and waves from motorists. Given that we've been doing this for two years, and most people take the same route to and from work, people know they're going to encounter us when driving along Georgia Avenue on Friday nights.
The moonbats get a few honks too, but I have to think that much of this is from people who think they're another group of pro-troops supporters. Code Pink has learned to bring along an American flag (note the singular) which I think is what fools them. Most of the time we put up our "Burma-Shave" signs to educate the public.
At any rate, motorists and passers-by cannot help but to notice our many flags
Nothing singlular here about the American flag!
We also have several flags of our allies; those of the UK, ROK, and Australia fly proudly beside Old Glory.
The weather took a turn for the worse with near-freezing temperatures. Given that it was almost 80 earlier that week it seemed colder than it was. tgslTakoma has got her parka on and hood all the way up
The reports were that a front might move in with wind, and possibly snow, so we decided against putting up the MOAB.
Albion Wilde, however, had a new sign she made that she brought with her. Given the political situation, I thought it very appropriate. Thank you, Albion!
Here's Albion setting up another of her signs
Speaking of the full-moon-it-should-have-been, we had a "debater" try and engage us. He was shouting all sorts of crazy stuff. Fraxinus, TFroatz, and Tolerance Sucks Rocks were chanting "Swim To Cuba" at him but as this guy seemed really nuts we eventally decided to leave him alone.
Here's one more shot of the Easter Bunny from Hell with some of his(?) buddies. Cute peace sign, huh? Usually I don't waste so much time with the moonbats but these photos are just too good
There were only about 8 of them total. What a pathetic showing!
Back to the Patriots
Ok, enough of those fools. Here is myself, Tom the Redhunter, Kristinn, and TFroatz at the main entrance
Across the street were Tolerance Sucks Rocks, the made debater I mentioned earlier, VA FlagWaver, and Fraxinus.. The guy crossing the street at left is just a pedestrian.
What It's All About
Probably because of the Easter holiday, they didn't send a bus of troopers and their families out to a restaurant this time. Our experience is that on holiday weekends families tend to take their sons and daughters out on their own, and so there are not as many around for such a trip. They also have special events on base for holiday weekends.
But as with most nights buses with wounded troopers, sometimes with their families too, come and go from the main entrance. Here's one that came by this evening
Acknowledgements and More
Don't be shy! We'd love to have you with us one evening. Many times people stop by who are in town for business for the weekend, or are on vacation. If you'd like details on location, parking, etc, please send FReepmail to me, Tom the Redhunter, or to PleaDeal; VAFlagwaver; Cindy-True-Supporter; Albion Wilde, Trooprally, or any of the other regular attendees.
* A special Thank You to Mrs Trooprally for taking the photos for this AAR. You can find all of the photos she took for this FReep 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 our chief organizer and gets the permits every week, and tgslTakoma hauls the MOAB, flags, most of the signs, and our "picnic table" back and forth every week.
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
This post can also be seen at Free Republic.
Posted by Tom at 8:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 19, 2007
Walter Reed Freep #100 - March 16, 2007 - 100 Weeks in a Row
Neither snow nor rain nor sleet nor gloom of night, nor all four combined can keep the Freepers from our appointed duty.
A special THANK YOU to everybody who came in from out-of-town to be with us! Many of you I know came from areas far north where the weather was much worse. Many people I spoke with told me that it was snowing that morning in their hometown when they left, and that the driving was tough the whole way down. Many I'm sure were not able to come at all. THANK YOU and we hope to see you again!
This Friday was doubly special because it was the 100th week that Free Republic has been holding rallies outside of Walter Reed! It started as a simple counter to Code Pink by a few intrepid FReepers, and has grown into a weekly pro-troops rally that we would keep doing even if the Pinkos stopped holding their protests entirely.
It started out as rain, turned into sleet, and by 8 it was snowing steadily. It rained during the day, which by evening had turned into a mixture of sleet and snow. Temps dropped from the mid-30s to just below freezing, which is about typical for this time of year for the DC area.
We decided to start an hour early because Code Pink announced that they would start at 6pm instead of their usual 7. Since we didn't want them anywhere near the entrance to the hospital, we wanted to make sure we had people there early.
When I got there at about 6:30 there were already over 20 people there with all four corners well staffed by patriotic volunteers. Here's the sight that greeted me as I drove up. The grainyness of the photo conveys the weather conditions. Thankfully I always carry a poncho in the car for just such situations.
I hoped out and quickly made my way to the "main" corner where we set up shop. There were almost a dozen people on that corner alone and I went around and spoke with each of them. It seemed that almost everybody had come in from out-of-town, the majority from places north. Impressive, given that it was much worse up in New Jersey/Pennsylvania/New York.
As you can see everyone was in their raingear
We quickly got our signs out and went to work! As usual we got a huge response from people in their automobiles. Maybe they were just amazed at our dedication, being out there in the rain and sleet, but it seemed that we got a higher number than usual of honks and waves that night
I counted heads on our side at around 8:00 and came up with about 60 people. Usually we have anywhere from 15-30, the higher number when a group like the GW College Republicans show up. 60 was a very good turnout given that the weather was so bad and that many of our regular folks stayed at home getting our flags and banners ready for Saturday's Gathering of Eagles on the Mall.
After awhile I took out my notebook and tried to record names, but had to stop after just one corner. The rain just about soaked the pages, and cold just about froze my fingers. People also came and went so I'm afraid any list will be incomplete. I thought about just trying to list the regulars but didn't want to slight folks who took the effort to come in from out-of-town. My apologies and I hope no one is offended.
Here are a pair of intrepid FReepers who came in from out of town to join us
This patriot isn't going to let a little bad weather stop her from showing the flag
About the time the sun went down the rain had turned to sleet and we had snow mixing in with the lot. It was wet snow so the flakes were large. You can even see them in this next photo
Sometime during the evening we saw the long-time Pinko we call "Squeeje Man" walk past us to join his gang of traitors. Several of us decided to follow him down and see how many of them there were. We counted about 12, which was kind of surprising. I figured that they'd have more people in town too for the events on Saturday. I guess they just couldn't take the weather, or are just demoralized from being sidelined for so long. Probably both.
Here then is the obligatory shot of the sad bad of Pinkos down the street.
One thing we've noticed is that their leaders are almost never with them. On only a few occasions have Code Pink founders Medea Benjamin and Gael Murphy been spotted, and they rarely seem to stay the entire time. That's one good reason, I am sure, that their numbers have steadily dropped. I guess Medea and Gael figure they're too important.
Kristinn Taylor, on the other hand, is present from beginning to end at almost all of our FReeps. If you want to make something a success you have to lead by example, and I'd certainly say our Walter Reed FReeps have been successful.
Here are some more of our friends from out-of-town
Bad weather didn't stop this FReeper from carrying three flags and a sign
I know this next one is grainy but poor Mrs Trooprally didn't want to use her good camera and for excellent reason. Water damage doesn't do a camera well! It's just as well though because I think the way the photo came out rather conveys the feeling of being in a mixture of sleet and snow after dark
And unless I am very much mistaken this is Jim Robinson, the founder of Free Republic, who came out to join us
Thank you once again for everyone who came out to be with us this evening! In selecting photos I tried to get the folks from out-of-town who aren't usually with us.
And for all the rest of you, we realize that it may not ever be possible for you to join us in person, but that you are here in spirit. We very much appreciate your thoughts and prayers. All I would do is encourage you to seek ways in your community to show your support for our troops. Most of you probably already participate in various programs.
Until next time...
Acknowledgements and More
Don't be shy! We'd love to have you with us one evening. If you'd like details on location, parking, etc, please send FReepmail to me or any of the other DC chapter members. You can also reach me by email at redhunter43@yahoo.com
* A special Thank You to Mrs Trooprally for taking the photos for this AAR. You can find all of the photos she took for this FReep 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 to keep these FReeps happening.
* This post can also be viewed on Free Republic
Posted by Tom at 8:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 9, 2007
Walter Reed FReep #90 January 5 AAR - Down To A Science
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Freepers from the completion of their appointed duties.
The Honor Roll for FReep #90, outside of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC: 3D-Joy, Albion Wilde, Bill from MD, Cindy-true-supporter, Daughter of tgslTakoma, Doctor Raoul, Fraxinus, Gavin, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Just A Nobody, Kieth & Sarah from VA, Kristinn, PleaDeal, TFroatz, Son of tgslTakoma, tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter, and Trooprally [Mr. & Mrs]
Over a year and a half and we've seen just about everything, weather-wise; snow, drenching rain, blistering heat and freezing cold. During the summer months it stays light until 8pm and during the winter it's dark by the time we get there.
Sometimes we can deploy the MOAB and sometimes the weather is so bad that we can't put it up. When it's windy or rainy we bring out the "mini-MOAB". The flags go up regardless of weather, as nothing's going to stop Old Glory. Some of our more inventive FReepers have invented signs that will withstand the rain. All of the "regulars" by this point have learned to keep a sharp eye on the weather reports, and have clothing ready for any contingency.
This past Friday it was somewhat rainly and fairly windy, so we deployed the Mini-MOAB and flags.
We have special bags and/or containers for all of the flags, signs, and MOABs. The flags all get wrapped up in a certain way so as to fit their bags. The pvc pipes that make up the frame for the MOAB are all color-coded for easy assembly. We've even got a special hammer and tool for disassembly, so as not to break any of the fragile pvc joints.
tgslTakoma usually takes all of the components with her, usually with help from Trooprally [Mr. & Mrs] or PleaDeal. Trooprally [Mr. & Mrs] also FReeps the Quakers every Saturday, so the use some of the materials for that operation. Albion Wilde and Bill from MD each have banners that they bring and set up each week.
And, yes, we've got setup and takedown procedures as well. Everyone knows what to do whent they arrive, and what to do once the bus has come by and the rally is over.
In other words, folks, we've got this down to a science.
It would be incorrect, however, for you to get the impression that only the same group of people showed up every Friday.
Sure, we do have a group of "regulars" But even that group changes slightly as time has gone on.
And more to the point, every week people come by to join the FReep, and due to personal circumstances are only able to be with us for one or two Fridays. Sometimes they are FReepers from out-of-town who are in Washington DC or vicinity on a business trip. They stay an extra day just to take part in our Walter Reed rallies. Others come into town specially for the occasion, usually driving but sometimes flying in.
We've been visited by several Republican organizations, from the Young Republicans when a bunch of them were in town for a training conference, to Republican clubs from local colleges and universities such as the GW Republicans.
Washington DC, of course, is full of conservative think-tanks and lobbying organizations, and often interns will hear about us and drop by for a FReep or two.
Occasionally the press show up. This mainly happened when the Pinkos were at the gate, and there was thus more "excitement" by their standards. Now that it's "just" a pro-troops rally, I guess they don't figure we're worth covering. No matter.
And of course we always get Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen and their families, both active duty and retired. Many come out from Walter Reed specifically to talk with us. Others come out to catch a cab or the Metro.
Friday Pics
Dr. Raoul had on a fur hat with the hammer and sickle badge on it. I never did get a change to ask him where he got it, but I think he's got a new nickname now; Dr "Comrade" Raoul.
Here's the good doctor with some other intrepid FReepers. Besides Dr Raoul, we've got Kristinn, 3D-Joy, and TFroatz
Cindy-True-Supporter and Mrs. Trooprally confer on one of our corners.
Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Daughter of tgslTakoma, and Tom the Redhunter hold down the fort at the corner to the main entrance to the hospital.
A Debater Stops By
We didn't get any photos of him, but some pedestrian decided to debate PleaDeal and some others over the war. For once, she said, it was a civil conversation. PleaDeal explains
A nice lefty named Kevin (who looked remarkably like Eddie Murphy) had a spirited and civilized discussion with us about the war. We like guys like Kevin because, dispite his lack of knowledge beyond the MSM, he's not a moonbat and can actually think for himself. We invited him back to talk some more any time he liked.
Oh Yes, the Pinkos
The Code Pink people showed up as ususal too, about 50 yards away from us, or halfway down the street. Because they foolishly selected a spot not at an interestion, but just in the middle of the street, cars tend to drive by them before they are noticed. Here is a representative photo. Are they a sorry looking bunch or what?
Otherwise I'm not going to waste much ink on them as they're just not worth it. If you're not familiar, and want to know who they are, David Horowitz' DiscoverTheNetwork has a great write-up on Code Pink. In addition, if you scroll half-way down this post of mine to "The Case Against Code Pink" you can read about more of their nefarious activities. Last summer they took their anti-American circus to Jordan to try and undermine our war effort in Iraq, my report on that little stunt of theirs is here.
The Troops Arrive!
As regular readers of these AARs know, every Friday wounded troopers from Walter Reed are taken out to dinner at a nice DC restaurant, and some local charities pick up the bill. The bus(s) come back to Walter Reed sometime between 9 and 10:30 PM. Our objective is to be there to greet them. Here is one of the buses from last Friday
Every one of them is a hero.
Lastly
Don't be shy! We'd love to have you FReep with us one evening! If you'd like more details please send me FReepmail and I'd be happy to provide more information.
* A special Thank You to Plea Deal for taking the photos for this AAR. Plea Deal blogs at Semper Gratus
* Thank you to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
Posted by Tom at 7:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 20, 2006
Walter Reed Freep #87: Santa Claus Comes to Town!
We didn't need the chemical hand warmers or multiple layers of cold weather gear that we needed last week, and fortunately my pen didn't freeze like Albion Wilde's did last week, but we did have a special guest: Santa Claus!
Honor Roll of Freepers:tgslTakoma, VAflagwaver, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Kristinn, Cindy-True-Supporter, Doctor Raoul, Fraxinus, Mr. Trooprally, Mrs. Trooprally, TFroatz, Freeping_in_Silence, Citizen SMASH, VAFlagWaver, Just A Nobody,and finally, your writer for this AAR, Tom the Redhunter.
Unfortunately, our regular photographers were not able to show up, so I had to make do with my little HP 407 camera. It works well enough in the day, but night shots aren't so good. The flash isn't very powerful, so you get a dark background with the regular setting. It has a night setting, but this holds the shutter open for so long that any movement results in a blur.
Without further ado, here's Santa (aka tgslTakoma)
Jimmy Valentine's Brother is behind Santa in the photo above.
TFroatz and Fraxinus hold down a corner
Doctor Raoul, Citizen SMASH, and Mrs Trooprally outside one of the corners to the main entrance. . Doctor Raoul is an absolute encyclopaedia when it comes to leftist groups like Code Pink. A fascinating guy to talk to, he's got their number.
Mr Trooprally seemed lonely on the other corner so I went over and joined him for awhile. When the pizza arrived, he and I alternated going over to our "picnic area" for refreshments. We didn't want to leave a corner empty!
Freeping_in_Silence and VAFlagWaver share a hug for the camera. Fraxinus is in the background
And if you care, here is the same old sad group of lefties down the street where noone can see them. After getting all four corners back in January of 2006, they've been relegated to this position. Good riddance!
If you live anywhere near the Washington DC area please consider visiting us one evening! Especially if you have never participated in anything like this before, it will not be something you forget. If you're read many of these AARs, you'll know that the troopers and their families regularly come out and speak with us. Every one I've spoken with appreciates very much what we do.
* Visit BufordP's master list of all Walter Reed Freeps
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
Posted by Tom at 8:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 5, 2006
Freep #85 at Walter Reed - From Summer to Winter All in One Evening
It was another amazing evening outside of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. The faithful Freepers started gathering to show their support for our troops in the early evening, and before long we had all four corners covered.
And once again, the good citizens of Washington DC showed their support by honking and waving from their cars as they drove by on Georgia Avenue. At first I thought that it was my imagination, as we seemed to be getting more support from the passers-by than usual, but as I spoke with other Freepers they got the same impression too. Occasionally we'll get a thumbs-down, or a "bring them home!" shouted at us, but by far most are messages of support. Given what we read in the news, it is encouraging to know that whatever their view of the politics of the matter, the vast majority of Americans support the troops.
Without further ado, here is the list of Freepers who were in attendance: Albion Wilde, Bill from MD, BufordP, Cindy-True-Supporter, Danang68, Fraxinus, George and Ethel, ilovew, Jimmy Valentine's Brother, Just A Nobody, Keith, Kristinn, Mike, PleaDeal, R.T. Delta, Sarah, Sasha, Taco Mamma, TFroatz, tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter, Trooprally, VAFlagWaver
Readers of these AARs (After Action Reports) know that one of our objectives, and the original one, is to keep the communist-sympathizing Code Pink nutjobs away from the entrance of the hospital. Another, of course, is general support of our troops and their mission. But a third, one that I've thought about recently, is to make sure that the horror of having our troops spit on and called '"baby killers" that we went through after Vietnam is never repeated.
In this I believe we have been successful.
Through shame and exposure we have forced Code Pink to put away their "Maimed for a Lie" and "Enlist here to die for Halliburton" posters and replace them with messages such as "Love the Troops - Hate the War".
Now, you and I, dear reader, know full well that the Pinkos couldn't care less about the welfare of our troops. Most are too infected with Bush Derangement Syndrome to think that deeply. But it is a victory, is it not, when we can force them to rid themselves of the obnoxious messages of hate that they displayed in 2005 when they first started their anti-war protests outside of Walter Reed?
Take a look at their latest:
"Vigil" my foot, it's an anti-war protest.
I recall several Freeps last year when the Pinkos would bring out some of their older signs of the "No Blood for Oil" variety. We would hoot and holler at them from across the street, and sure enough, it would be gone the next week, if not that very same night.
Last night the same pathetic 8 or 10 Pinkos showed up, halfway down the street where no one sees them, and no one cares. To be sure, part of our mission is to make sure that never again are they at the entrance of the hospital.
Here are some of them, if you care. You'll notice that someone of them drags a poor wheelchair-bound lady out each night where they prop-up a sign in front of her.
But enough of them. As I said in my last AAR, the Pinkos are, in a way, irrelevant. We're there for the troops.
What Weather
While some of you, especially in the midwest, have been hit with blizzards, we had a warm spell last week, with temperatures reaching into the 70s on Friday. So when we showed up at Walter Reed that evening, most of us were in short sleeves. It was, however, very windy, so we were not able to deploy the MOAB as usual. Here is our "Mini-MOAB" that we deploy in bad weather
As the evening wore on, however, a new front moved in and the temperature dropped precipitously. By 9:00 it was in the low 40s, and when I checked the next morning my overnight thermometer showed freezing temperatures. While we started out dressed for summer, by the time the bus came all of us had our coats, hats, and gloves on.
The upside is that with the wind our flags looked beautiful. I'm at lower left in this photo, and behind me is Jimmy Valentine's Brother. I believe TroopRally is at right facing the other direction.
And, as you'll notice, I was in short sleeves, so the photo must have been taken early in the evening. Here's another of some Freepers later on, when we were bundled up. In the foreground are tgslTakoma and Danang68
Here's another of Taco Mamma who is having a hard time holding on to her flag. Beside her are Fraxinus and Ethel (in blue).
Supporters
In addition to the usual honks and waves from the passers-by that evening, we received visits from other supporters.
The first was "Specialist Dale", a hospital worker. She came out right as we were gathering to say how much she and the troops inside appreciated what we were doing. She pointed up to the hospital and said that soldiers had even requested window rooms so that they could see us.
Not long later a lady who said that she worked for the DOD stopped by to tell us how much she appreciated what we were doing. She said that she was on her way in to pick up a wounded soldier (or Marine, I forget which) to take him to a special dinner at the White House. She said she would make sure and drive him buy us on her way out.
Now if you're a regular reader of these AARs then you know that this sort of thing happens every single time. Over the past year and a half we've heard messages of support from hundreds of troopers and their families.
And once again, anyone who thinks that all these rallies are meaningless exercises in feelgoodism is severely mistaken. Over the past year and a half I've heard from probably over a hundred troopers, their relatives, and WR employees, and I'll tell you that everyone in there knows that we're out there and the vast majority appreciate it.
I'll relate one story to you from a few weeks ago that will illustrate the point. I was standing outside of the main entrance, holding a "Support the Troops" sign as usual. Out come two of our warriors, and although both had long pants on I could tell that each was missing part of a leg and had on a prosthetic.
"Thank you for your support!" each said. "We're going downtown, can you point the way to the subway stop?" As the station is a few blocks off and it's a winding path through the streets to get there, there was no way I was going to let them walk. "Hop in my car and I'll take you" I said, and off we went. On the way they told me that one was Army and the other a Marine. One had been wounded in Fallujah and I forget where the other got hit.
Once again they started in on how much they appreciated what we were doing (and prefaced everything with "sir"). "Guys, thanks" I replied. "But all we're doing is standing on street corners holding signs. It's you who are doing the real work. We do this because we appreciate you." This went on for another minute, and ended as all these conversations do - I got them to agree that we each supported the other.
What an amazing bunch they are. Here were two guys, each with an injury they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, and here they are saying that they appreciate us. They're selfless and patriotic, and we are a fortunate nation indeed to have such men and women.
As usual, some of the troopers from the hospital came out to visit with us. We don't like to post close-up photos of them, so this is the back of the jacket of one of the soldiers:
Pretty cool, we thought.
A few more photos of Freepers having fun while saluting our troops. Here are Fraxinus, George, Kristinn and Ethel
"Lurker Bill" has become something of a one-man institution during these Freeps. Every Friday he arrives like clockwork and takes up his station on what we now call "Bill's Corner". His dedication is truely admireable. tgslTakoma, andBufordP are beside him at left. As you'll also notice, this photo was taken relatively early on, because by 8:30 or so tgslTakoma had on her red down coat and winter hat.
If You Can Make It...
If you live anywhere within driving distance of Washington DC, we'd love to see you for the evening. Many times over the past year Freepers and supporters have taken Friday off work to drive considerable distances to join us for the evening. There are many places to stay in the area, and of course if you want to make a weekend of it there's no better tourist spot than our nation's capital. Just a thought, but again we'd love to see you, and if you have questions send one or more of us a FreepMail.
* A special thank you to PleaDeal for taking all of the photos used in this post. She blogs at Semper Gratus.
This AAR has been cross-posted at Free Republic.
* Reports and photos of all Freeps are kept by BufordP (thank you, buddy!) at his master list of all AARs
Posted by Tom at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
October 24, 2006
Walter Reed Freep #79 - October 20, 2006 - Keeping the Faith
Head on over to FreeRepublic for a full report and photos. The author this week is none other than yours truly
Posted by Tom at 10:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 19, 2006
Walter Reed FReep #95 - The Bus Stops Here
Title something to the effect of "busses stopping in front of us"
Instead of "The Bus Stops Here" I could well have titled this AAR "Freeping on a Glacier". Last week we had a typical Washington DC area winter storm; sleet and snow. During the day it partially melts, and at night freezes rock-hard. This time, after only about one day or partial melting, the temperature stayed below freezing even during the day, unusual for around here. The result was that any driveway or parking lot that didn't get plowed on Wednesday had turned into a glacier by the weekend. Cars that didn't get cleaned off were encased in ice.
The parking lot were we set up our base of operations was like a skating rink.
Honor role of attendees for this week's FReep: tgslTakoma, Tom the Redhunter; VAFlagWaver; Kristinn, Albion Wilde, Mr & Mrs Trooprally, Lurker Bill, Cindy-true-supporter, Just A Nobody, TFroatz, , Fraxinus, Nina0113, Lurker Adam, Olney-Keith, and about 10 students from the George Washington University College Republicans!
Mr Trooprally took shovel and pickaxe in hand to work at clearing the area on the sidewalk where we stand to greet the cars coming out of the base entrance. He also cleared some walkways on the other corners as well. He's looking a bit tired just thinking about it!
Later that evening, TFroatz and Fraxinus used the pickaxe and shovel to clear pathways wide enough for a wheelchair on both sides of the northeast corner.
Mr Trooprally provides a narrative
"[Mrs] T and I arrived at 6PM and pulled into an icy parking lot, wondering who was standing next to the entrance. Upon getting out into the low 20 degree air, we met a cold Lurker Adam. He hasn't been at WR for a while, but he was dressed warmer than in the past. Some greetings and he got into the jeep to warm up while I unloaded the shovel and salt. The driveway up to the parking lot was salted down. Before we could start clearing the corners of ice pack, a call came in from Nina0113. She was at the Metro station, cold and needing a ride. Leaving [Mrs] T and Adam there in the cold (they didn't know how to get to Metro station), I left to get Nina. ...Returning with Nina, I saw [Mrs] T and Adam had a good start on the NE corner. [Mrs] T got into the jeep with Nina while Adam and I proceeded to clear and salt the other four corners. As other FReepers arrived, they helped in enlarging the cleared areas. "
Here are Lurker Adam and Mr Trooprally cleaning the NE corner, the one directly across from the main entrance:
We quickly put up the flags and got our our signs. It was far too windy for the MOAB, but the flip side of that was that the flags look great flying in all that breeze.
Here are tgslTakoma, Kristinn & TFroatz standing on frozen snow while setting out flags
Cindy_True_Supporter and Nina0113 are all bundled up on the NE corner. The first thing you learn about FReeping in cold weather is that you don't dress for the first hour, but for the last! Chemical pack hand warmers are a must
I took up a station by Lurker Bill on the SE corner and we soon started receiving our usual high quota of friendly waves and honks from passing cars. Many are police cars, and one lady officer used the car's loudspeaker to say "Thank you for coming out to support the troops!"
Sometimes cars will stop and speak with us briefly. On this evening one of the cars coming out of the hospital stopped by the NE and spoke with (I believe) Olney-Keith and Albion Wilde, and say "thank you" for being outside in the cold to lift the spirits of those inside. He said he was a Vietnam vet who worked with new troopers who had just arrived from the war zone (which could be Iraq or Afghanistan). He helped them through their issues.
Later that evening, while standing at the NW corner, VAFlagWaver, Mr Trooprally and I met a young soldier who was coming back to the hospital. He said that he appreciated what we were doing, we told him that we appreciated his service, and we shook our hands. He said that he had lost an eye but was still going back to Iraq in a non-combat role. Far from feeling depressed over his redeployment, he seemed proud of his service and that he was going back. What an amazing bunch they are, and how fortunate as a nation we are to have them protecting us.
Here are Lurker Bill(foreground) and I greeting the cars on the SE corner
And here's Olney-Keith holding down the NE corner
Meantime, here are VAFlagWaver(foreground) and I on the opposite corner
The"Young Pubs" Arrive!
At around 9:15 about 10 members of the GW College Republicans arrived to take up stations around the four corners. No matter the cold, they add a burst of energy to the FReep!
And Here is the Obligatory Picture...
...of the sad bunch of Pinkos down the street. They don't fool anyone with their "vigil" sign. It's an anti-war, anti-troops protest plain and simple.
The Buses Arrive - and Stop!
As the buses came up Georgia Avenue this time I noticed something unusual; they were in the right lane. In order to turn into the hospital they should be in the left lane, I thought. Surely they'll move over to the center.
But they didn't. Rather than put on their turning signals they turned on their flashers and stopped right in front of Lurker Bill's corner. At the time I was on the opposite corner with VAFlagWaver.
"Well isn't this interesting", I thought. Something's up.
After the buses stopped and opened their doors I noticed someone getting out of each one and walk up to the FReepers on the corner. Then I saw Mrs Trooprally get onto the big bus.
The troops and their familes just wanted to say "Thank You" to us for greeting them every Friday. The feeling was quite mutual!
Here is the gathering outside the big bus:
And here is Mr Trooprally getting onto the small bus
This is not at all the first time we've heard these sentiments from the troops and their families. We're heard it hundreds of times over the past 18 months. Anyone reading this who thinks that our standing outside doesn't mean anything and that it's all for show doesn't know what they're talking about. Word has spread far and wide about our rallies inside the hospital, and indeed in Iraq as well.
Here's the view from inside the bus:
Cindy-True-Supporter sends this account:
"I had the great opportunity to get on the small bus along with tgsTakoma. It was a trill to be able to express our appreciation of their sacrifice and service. The addition I made to Takoma's very heartfelt expression of love and thanks, was that we reprecent a strong support group across the nation. I wanted them to know that there are tens of thousands of very supportive, true Americans that respect, value and realize the job they've done.They are increditably, amazing, selfless individuals.
Words just can't express what I feel about them."
One more of the scene at the corner. Mr Trooprally is getting on the small bus. Lurker Bill is at left be his sign:
During all this VAFlagwaver, and I decided to stay where we were because sooner or later the buses would pull into the entrance and it would be good if they could see people on all four corners.
In the face of all that our troops do for us in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all around the world, if we can lift their spirits a little by doing what we do ourside Walter Reed it's worth it times a hundred to stand outside for a few hours.
Acknowledgements and More
Don't be shy! We'd love to have you with us one evening! If you'd like more details please send FReepmail to me or any of the other participants.
* A special Thank You to Mrs Trooprally for taking the photos for this AAR. All of her photos for this FReep can be viewed here.
* Thank you also to BufordP for maintaining the BIG LIST of all Walter Reed FReeps
* Tom the Redhunter blogs at The Redhunter
Posted by Tom at 1:30 PM
