The Bull is pleased to report that America’s Hero, MA1 Anthony LaFrenier, USN has returned from service in the Sandbox and is safely in the States. He called last night. We wished each other a Happy Father’s Day, and I put him on the line with little Sarah. She is nearly beside herself that he is out of harm’s way. Even though she would never admit it, Lady Beth relaxed noticably at the news as well. It will still be a couple of weeks before he is again here in Mobile, AL, but for now State-side is enough.
Prayers answered.
Now I feel I can tell you that Tony and Franklin the Turtle were stationed at the Theater Field Detention Facility, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Good job, men. Welcome Home!
Who is Franklin the Turtle?
He was mentioned a couple of times before on this blog. Most recently in this post. As promised, here is a better explaination. Franklin is a two inch green plastic turtle that accompanied the then “MA2″ Anthony LaFrenier, (grats again on the promotion to 1st Class), on his mission to the Middle East. At first Franklin was simply an anchor to Tony’s kids, whom he loves dearly. Tony was so sincere and dedicated in documenting the ‘Travels of Franklin’ that his Unit soon adopted the wee turtle as their official mascot. Everyone wanted thier picture made with Franklin. They made him part of every celebration and holiday from Mardi Gras to Christmas. Heck, even Charlie Daniels and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders had pics made with the little beast. Such an effective mascot was this plastic herp, that he was decorated, (along with Tony for his service), with both the “Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal” and the “Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Device“. Finally, on 16 June 2006, the following email arrived from Kuwait concerning our little travelling turtle…
(Click on the pics for a larger view)
LZIL: file not found:
/home/omar/public_html/wp-content/franklinfrocked001sm.jpgWe had a “Make-up” ceremony last night for those who were out on mission during our one Wednesday. After the awards were handed out, Me and Franklin were called “attention to orders”. The XO, LCDR Beatty, then read (to my surprise) a frocking order appointing Franklin to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and designating him with the rate UM3 (Unit Mascot 3rd class). The appointment carries no pay or entitlements, but the CO, Commander Johnson, presented Franklin with a proper cover with rank and name.
I have to get the pictures of the actual ceremony yet-but I figured that all would want to know.
LZIL: file not found:
/home/omar/public_html/wp-content/franklinfrocked002sm.jpg
Tony
Way to go, Franklin! This is excellent, IMHO. Just another nail in the coffin of that horseshyte story that all the troops are demoralized. Eat that you bunch o’ Liberal Loonies!
Everyone hopes that all of our Warriors will soon be home with their families as Tony will soon be home with his children. We miss them. We pray for those in harm’s way. We mourn for those lost in the Cause. This is, however, a Global War on Terrorism. This is unlike any conflict Americans have ever seen before. Perhaps the nearest thing to it is the Revolutionary War. Many people acknowledge only the glossed over history they picked up in Middle School, but that was in many cases a terrorist-type conflict. In every colony there were cells of Tories (Loyalist to the Crown) causing as much death and destruction to the Cause as possible. English soldiers often used terrorist methods against civilians in order to demoralize the American troops and undermine support for the war, especially here in the South. It did not work then, and it must not be allowed to work now. Even back then there were those that said the cause of Freedom was not worth the price in blood. They were wrong then, they are wrong now. We must continue to take the fight to the terrorist.
We must continue to root them out where ever on the planet they are hiding and continue to show them no mercy.
It is no mere accident that America has remained free from attacks on our home soil since 9/11. It is a direct result of those brave men and women in uniform, hunting down the rabid beasts and destroying the evil regimes that give aid and comfort to terrorist, willing to give all in a Just Cause. Welcome home those returning and continue to pray for those still in combat and those on their way. Support them in every way.
Above all else, no matter what your faith, pray for Victory.
Bull, out.
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