Posted on 07/30/2005 5:55:46 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Family gives special farewell to Marine headed to Iraq written by: Andrew Resnik 9NEWS Reporter Created: 7/28/2005 10:13 PM MDT - Updated: 7/28/2005 10:36 PM MDT
MORRISON - Mark Hickethier knew he was going to have to dig deep for this celebration dinner. "We were out to kill the fatted calf," he said, talking about his big plans.
His chosen destination -- The Fort -- a funky, fancy restaurant in Morrison that serves "fine food and drink from the early West." It's a special occasion place, and it comes with a price tag.
But no expense was too much for his only son, who's about to ship off to Iraq for his first tour of duty. Matt Hickethier has almost completed training, and has this week to say farewell to his family for about a year.
The young Marine decided to wear his dress blues to the fancy restaurant. His mother and sister wore their finest dresses.
"We were treated like kings and queens," says Lora Hickethier, Matt's mother.
They ordered champagne, and watched from the deck as a server took a tomahawk to the bottle to open it in ceremonial fashion. They loaded up on quirky appetizers, like rattlesnake, quail eggs, and buffalo tongue.
"We didn't hold back, we ordered dessert even though we were stuffed," said Lora Hickethier.
Perhaps it was the dress blues; maybe it was the general revelry and good vibes emanating from the Hickethier table. The truth may never be revealed, but the Hickethiers had certainly drawn attention. A couple at a neighboring table summoned Jason Barba, their server, and made a most unusual request.
"He gave me his credit card and requested I keep the tab open," said Barba. "'Anything that they order is on me.'"
(Excerpt) Read more at 9news.com ...
How Wonderful! There really is a God and there really are patriotic Americans who know how important the service of our Militery really is.
May God keep him safe in Iraq.
RamS
They are all America's best -- every one of them.
When I was in the Navy, it was impossible to pay for a drink in some cities.
Scarchin, after the first Gulf war I was in the Philadlphia airport and there were 3 grunts sitting at the bar. I gave the barkeep a 50 and told her to keep them fed and well lubed until it was gone....
great story....this is the second one I've read on Freep today which made me feel really good...the other one is sadder but just as inspiring:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1453735/posts
The media needs to report more stories like this. I don't think this story will find its way to a newspaper in a blue state or a blue state TV state.
Thanks for the ping.
Awesome story!
Thanks for posting it.
Way cool! Anything for our finest. I salute this mystery person!!!
And .. may GOD abundantly bless the man who was willing to pay the bill.
I worked a couple of years as an EMT back in the ancient days when people bleedin' all over ya was only a laundry problem.
I pick up tabs for military folk whenever I have the opportunity to do so. (Also for police officers.)
This is occasionally in restaurants but more frequently in fast food places and convenience stores.
It really makes their day to know that someone appreciates them.
While not nearly on this scope, we had a player in our Little League (18 years old) who shipped out in late July. His mother signed him up and paid his fees so he could play his last year.
Another Little League family came along and must have heard us talking about her son's deployment because they told me to send her check back, they would proudly pay the fee for an American soldier (and keep it anonymous).
I did as requested and got a heart wrenching thank you note from soldier's mom . . . .it was a lovely thing to witness.
This will stay in the Marine's thoughts, and will be a good memory when things get rough. God Bless him and keep him safe........and God Bless those who see the whole picture and stand by the Warriors..........
BTTT
Wow. Godspeed.
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