Dearest Cableguy, You have NO idea how timely this story is with the happenings in my life today. Nothing really to do with Kerry, but the Vietnam Vets, our military - you name it.
I have to share this story with you all. I am at work now, at the Driving Range my family runs. We have had a guy here for about a week doing some odds and ends - hired by another friend we deal with. He is an older man - so I thought - and a VERY hard worker. He always says 'yes ma'am', and has been so polite to everyone.
Today, he came in for a moment (he very rarely takes a break), and somehow we started talking about 'stuff'. I offered him a cup of coffee (even though it is sitting out and is free for the taking, he will not - unless invited), and the conversation turned to kids these days, how parents don't do their jobs, teens are unsupervised - and I began to tell him about my son Josh, who wants to be an Army Ranger. He smiled and said, "That's what I was."
We began to talk about Freepers, the economy, the war. Hearing the point of view from a Vietnam Veteran is perhaps the most moving thing you can experience.
He talked about his faith in God. He told me he did his first tour, came home - and watched the squad he commanded come off the airplane. First, the 'walking' ones, then the wounded, then the body bags. He did not have anyone meeting him at the airport. He said he caught a taxi, and went straight to the nearest recruiting office, and signed up for his second tour. He wanted to make sure the next plane ride had more 'walking', than the last.
By the time he was finished with his story, we were both in tears. I thanked him - from the bottom of my heart for what he had fought for, and what he had gone through.
As he walked outside he said, the only thing that makes him angry is that he was fighting for the protesters too - those who blamed them and called them names. With tears he said - "that was my job, I was fighting for their freedom too. They just do not understand."
I just wanted to share this story with you all. It is one thing to listen to these guys talk on T.V., or read articles - but when you are face to face and can feel their pain - it sickens me that ANYBODY who claims to be an American - could be as hateful to the military as they are.
But, as he said, they have rights, too, even though we don't like what they have to say. I just pray WE continue to strengthen, and can make a difference in this world. Just like my friend. JK
Kimberly, you should have been at the Kerry Lied Rally in Washington,D.C. on Sept 12. You would have heard a lot of moving stories from heros that lived through that hell.
Great story. You should try to get his story aired on radio. Send some email of his story. Hannity would probably love it.
Thank you for sharing this great story and continue to get it out.
Thanks for posting your experience with him. Many could echo.
And many here were there firsthand, and could tell their experiences and some have. Many supporters know and love all of them and have for years and years.
Thanks again, Just Kimberly.