Posted on 10/03/2015 6:59:59 PM PDT by Vision Thing
MUSCLE SHOALS, AL (WAFF) -
A simple act of kindness has sparked a chain reaction for a North Alabama World War II veteran.
Strangers are buying the veteran lunch, as a way to say thank you.
Like clockwork, 93-year-old Mr. Gilbert goes to Subway for lunch, usually alone, but Wednesday his son is visiting from out of state.
Everyday it's the same turkey sandwich and conversation with those around him.
Sharing his contagious smile and a courageous past.
"I turned 20-years-old, 60 days later I'm in the Army and I went to the South Pacific,” said Gilbert.
Mr. Gilbert as he’s affectionately called, served our country through the end of World War II, ultimately returning to Alabama.
"I got married and started the baby boom generation, I have two boomers," said Gilbert.
Several months ago someone decided to pay for Mr Gilbert's lunch.
Sparking a chain reaction from strangers as a thank you for his service.
"It means a lot to me and I appreciate it, in fact I have been asking these fellas to tell me who's doing this because I want to thank them."
Restaurant employees say it's incredible to witness the kindness of others for a man they've come to know and love.
"It proves that people care about other people, it proves that customers realize and notice other customers and what they do and what they've done for us in the past,” said Sander Tverberg, GM Jim Underwood’s stores,
“It's really great that this customer has done this for Mr. Gilbert and our employees enjoy Mr. Gilbert coming in and the conversations they have with him."
"I've got a good thing going on I'm eating for free," said Gilbert.
There's even been a Facebook page that's been started, called 'Buy Mr. Gilbert’s Lunch' with details on how you can join in.
Nice to read a “smiley” story for a change. And a good, healthy sandwich, too. No greasy burger w/fries. God bless ya, Mr. Gilbert.
Yes, I smiled when I saw this story flying by on my twitter feed.
His simple diet may have something to do with his longevity, although his great attitude may be the real reason.
He is living a blessed life.
Nice story. Thank you, Mr. Gilbert.
Yes indeed, and I thank all the other "Mr. Gilberts". I would buy any one of them lunch any time. I have, but only two times since vets are hard to identify. It's always gratifying for me, but it's more for them, I hope.
FMCDH(BITS)
.
.
The only person who may not be able to enjoy his daily
“foot long” is Jarred, the former spokesperson for SubWAY.
The only person who may not be able to enjoy his daily
“foot long” is Jarred, the former spokesperson for SubWAY.
The only person who may not be able to enjoy his daily
“foot long” is Jarred, the former spokesperson for SubWAY.
It’d be a hoot if Mr. Gilbert replaced Jared.
Instead of the theme of weight loss, it will be living a long healthy happy life.
Good for you. I haven’t had the opportunity.
A Korean War vet bought a bunch of us drinks in the Honolulu airport bar on our way back to “The World”.
God bless Mr. Gilbert, and God bless whoever is buying his meals.
When I am on a commercial aircraft, if there is a person in uniform near me, I tell the stewardess that their drinks are free and I take care of the bill. It is just a small gesture for what they have done for me and everyone else in this great nation.
When they come into my wife’s shop they get a discount automatically. If they are not in uniform and have a short haircut, my wife always asks if they are military or retired military. She wants them to have the discount. They have earned it!
Yes, it seems like the gifts are mostly anonymous, and Mr. Gilbert wants to know who is giving these gifts to him.
Someone needs to show him the Facebook page that is referenced at the end of the article. It should show Mr. Gilbert not only who started the whole trend, but who is currently contributing to him.
I’m guessing the list of contributors are not just local people.
A couple of years ago I met a nice older gentleman in Subway on Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals Alabama. He had on a WWII Veteran hat so I introduced myself and thanked him for his service. We spoke for a couple of minutes and with tears in his eyes told me how bad those days had been. He didn't go in to detail, and I didn't ask. I told him I wanted to buy his lunch and gave him a ten dollar bill. He told me I didn't have to do that, and I said that I wanted to and laid the bill on the table. I said good bye and walked away. I didn't work in that area for several months but when I was back there again I saw him again, at the same time, sitting at the same table. I asked the cashier if he came in every day and I was told he does, and gets the same meal everyday. A turkey sandwich, and a drink. The next day I made sure to beat him there and paid for his lunch, and left before he got there and told them that I didn't want him to know who was buying his lunch. I've been buying his lunch a couple of days at a time since whenever I'm in the area. A few times I had stayed to see his reaction, sitting in a corner and seeing his smile, and asking who was doing this made my day. I've been working in the area again, and was planning on buying his lunch tomorrow for a couple of days because tomorrow will be the last day I'll be over there and I don't want him to put it together that I am the one buying his lunch. Today as I'm sitting there eating he comes in and when he gets to the cashier I heard him tell Mr. Gilbert that his lunch was covered by the lady in front of him. I looked up and she was just walking out, and had a big smile on her face. So I spoke to the folks at Subway and asked them if I started this page would they be willing to keep up with gift cards for Mr. Gilbert, they were excited about it. They told me he is 93 and has been coming there since they opened and would love to do it.
So here is what I want to do, if you are in the area and would like to take part then please go in to Subway on Woodward Avenue and tell them that you would like to buy a gift card for Mr. Gilbert. Everyone on the day shift knows him, I'm not sure about night shift. I will let them know this has started tomorrow, 9-25-15 so that they can let all the employees know. I would love to get enough support to buy his lunch for a year.
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