Posted on 09/01/2009 9:19:58 PM PDT by Tuscaloosa Goldfinch
I was buying a diet Dr. Pepper in the Birmingham airport snack bar when he walked in behind me. Wearing desert camouflage and carrying a backpack, he appeared to be in his early 20's. He chose a soda and got in line behind me. I pulled out some cash and told the clerk, "Let me get his, also," nodding at the young man behind me. I know someone who does these things much more gracefully than I. He's seen more than one soldier eating a meal with his family and he's quietly picked up the tab, exiting before they have a clue. He doesn't want to be thanked and he doesn't want them embarrassed, as I didn't want to embarrass this young serviceman. He looked embarrassed all the same.
bzactly.
demand anonymity. pay the tab. leave.
I guess I should have specified that this is an excerpt from a longer article.
as a vet myself I make it a point to do it when i can.. repaying the kindness that was given to me more times then I could count...
I dont always have the option of buying them a meal or even a snack but in my travels, anytime I see a member of our military in uniform, I will go out of my way to go up to them, shake their hand and thank them for their service.
Thanks -
I was waiting for a flight at a Seattle terminal, having a meal at the bar, I was wearing class B’s, with sergeant stripes. I was returning from Vietnam.
When I went to the cash register, I was told my bill was taken care of. I turned around and faced the men at the tables and the bar and lifted my right hand as a gesture of thanks.
To this day I always remember the kindness shown to me.
From an old crusty vet, Thank you for doing just what you did, He may have been embarrassed, but he appreciated it..Whenever I see a Soldier, I make it a point to shake their hand, say thanks and ask them if the need anything.
Thank you for the article.
My ancestors came from Alabama. It is heart warming to see that there is some of the Southern Kindness still present.
My Ancestors were in Sherman’s March and burned out of the area around Weedowee. Got really bad during Reconstruction. They had to leave then, and went GTT. Gone to Texas.
We have been here ever since.
Some of the land my father and uncle farm has been in the family for over 110 years.
We have talked about going back to Alabama to try to do some geneology research at the capital.
My mother has a really good friend from that area of Alabama.
The thanks goes to you, my friend.
Thanks and your welcome, Do it again if I had or have too..
I came back after 18 months in Nam.
I WISH that I had come home to someone like You.
The coke and snack machines had been turned around 360 degrees and on the back of them were signs that said ... “Baby Killers”
My dry uniform had become soaked with all of the spit that everyone had “offered me” for my service to my country.
I’m sorry but from that day .. until this day .. I have always been an angry man.
I went into the army under the “Buddy ACT”.
If you and your friend signed up for service .. “After” you received your draft notice .. The both of you could serve together.
I WISH that I and Gary had never signed those papers.
Six months later, Gary and I were sitting in a paddy.
Gary’s gone
Nuff said
Thanks! Some of us to appreciate even now. I will thank Gary when I see him.
God bless you FRiend. Thank you for your service. Those of us serving today hold you in the highest regard.
I know it’s easier said then done; but I hope that, one day, you can let go of that anger. It hurts you and causes no injury to your enemies.
Actually, that soldier was on his way out. If you read the rest of the article, you will see that as a mother, I saw my son in that young man, because my son is also in the military.
A sincere thank you to you and Gary for your service and sacrifice.
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