I Bought A GI A Drink Tonight...And Proud of It!

self | 3/22/2005 | timydnuc

[timydnuc]

I was on my way home from a long day of work that started in the early morning. I was tired and ready to put my feet up and relax. I wanted a bourbon libation to sooth my raviged soul, so I stopped by my local liquor store. A fine establishment to be sure. As I was getting my bourbon I noticed a GI in his utilities/fatigues shopping for wine. I waited till he approached the counter then I approached right behind. As he put his bottles of wine down to pay for them I put my bottle of bourbon down next to his wine. Then I said to the clerk, "I want to take care of this gentleman's bill". The big man in the fatigues told me that I didn't have to do that. I told him that, yes, I did. He offered his big hand and I shook it. He said, "Thank you". I said, "Thank YOU"! I then said, "101st Airbourne..Vietnam". I also said, " I'm more proud of you guys than I can tell you, you are winning this war". He said, "Thank you sir for the wine, and for your service". I said, "Thank you for my freedom".

The clerk taking care of this transaction was standing there all the time.

The soldier and I exchanged a salute, an old time Army salute. Then he walked through the door. The guy behind the counter said, "I got goosebumps". I said, "as well you should". I said to that man, "that man stands between you and slavery, he has taken an oath to protect and defend this nation, and you. He will give his life for you, and our little town, our nation, our freedom. You should get more than goosebumps you should get down on your knees and thank God ,that these men live and fight for you".

I took my bourbon and went home, I poured a three fingered shot over ice and sat down to think about what had happened. And I was proud!

Duty, honor, country. Hard things to concieve, harder things to defend. But men, good men, do it every day, and they die for it and they believe in it.

[Zacs Mom]

My eyes are smarting from tears but ...
I still want to post a thank you for your gracious and thoughtful tribute to that soldier!
I'm sure you made his day! Just reading this has made mine!

and to all the men and women who have and who continue to serve this nation:

[stylin19a]

3 fingers over ice ? why wreck bourbon ? or maybe it's bad bourbon ?

[timydnuc]

Sure, you bet. Send it.

[conservativebabe]

Thank you, I will.

[bray]

Thank you for your Service and letting him know how we all think.

Pray for W and Our Troops

[timydnuc]

Cause it's better cold, and ya drink it fast!

[Echo Talon]

Good job, it always makes me feel good when I do kind things.

[doug from upland]

A great post!

[Mudboy Slim]

"I said, "Thank you for my freedom"."

Timy, you spoke my mind and my heart...we owe these kids sooo much...MUD

[MarineBrat]

Your goosebumps are contagious!

Thanks!

[Diver Dave]

Outstanding!!!

Salute...two

Welcome Home Brother and Thank You!

[stylin19a]

BTW....thanx for sharing that story

[exit82]

We are of similar vintage, and I couldn't agree with you more.

I remember watching Dick Cavett in 1971 when J. Fraud Kerry debated John O'Neill.How nice that 33 years later, John O'Neill got sink to Kerry's Swiftboat one more time.

[exit82]

We are of similar vintage, and I couldn't agree with you more.

I remember watching Dick Cavett in 1971 when J. Fraud Kerry debated John O'Neill.How nice that 33 years later, John O'Neill got sink to Kerry's Swiftboat one more time.

[Graycliff]

Another story.
My wife and i took a plane from Midland TX to Vegas, usually 90% of the people on this flight are Vegas bound. Just as soon as the no seat-belt sign came on, one of the Flight attendants announced over the PA that the 4 Marines in the front of the plane were returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. There were applause through out the plane. I don't know how many drinks were purchased for the 4 young by the passengers of the flight. Every time a passenger passed them while going to the front of the plane to use the facility's, they would take a moment to talk to the Marines. When the flight landed in Vegas, as the passengers were filing by to exit, money in various denominations was given to men as they passed.

Cost this old soldier ( US ARMEY 69-72 ) 200 bucks.

Thank God for Marines and soldiers of this caliber.

And thank God it was on the flight to Vegas and not the return, we took a beating.