Shopper Pays for Marine's Engagement Ring

AP ^ | Dec 23, 2005

[presidio9]

A Marine who's planning to marry a Texan got an early Christmas present: A fellow shopper picked up the tab for a $3,000 diamond engagement ring after the two struck up a conversation in a jewelry store.

The 54-year-old Dallas woman who paid for the 1-carat, princess cut diamond ring wants to remain anonymous, Helzberg Diamonds spokeswoman Stacey McBride told The Associated Press on Friday.

The woman's father was in the military, her brother was a Marine who died in Vietnam and her nephew just got back from Iraq, McBride said.

Marine James Lynaugh, 28, of Patuxent River, Md., was shopping Thursday at the Helzberg Diamonds store at a mall in Tyler.

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Lynaugh and the anonymous shopper discussed their mutual military connections. Lynaugh opened a store credit account to buy the ring, then left with it.

After the other shopper paid for her items, she inquired whether Lynaugh's credit charge could be reversed. She didn't even ask about the cost of the ring, McBride said.

"So we were able to reverse that charge, and she paid in full with a check," McBride said.

A representative of the North Kansas City., Mo, company later contacted Lynaugh with the good news.

"He did say that he broke the news to his fiancee" that someone else paid for the ring, McBride said.

Lynaugh's fiancee is from Athens, about 40 miles southwest of Tyler in East Texas. The Marine also has family in Huntsville.

He did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press on Friday afternoon.

[winner3000]

Thank you for sharing that story and for your generosity. These people do risk their lives for us and they sure are underpaid for the risks they take.

[Arrowhead1952]

That it is. I teared up reading this and thought the Canteen folks might enjoy it as well.

[Tactical]

Ya know, I love reading these types of stories, and wish others would post more of them!

Really nice gesture and show of support for these kids. God bless you and them all!

[shezza]

Ping!

[HairOfTheDog]

Hey - that's pretty cool :~D

Hope she says yes :~D

[Soaring Feather]

Wonderful story.


Merry Christmas to you.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

Don't! Bless you for doing that.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks for the ping Arrowhead. :) This is truly such a wonderful person to do such a grand gesture and for no accolades.
God Bless this Marine. May this be a blessing on his marriage.

[Churchillspirit]

WOW!

No wonder you are so proud of your son. What a great thing for him to do.

God bless him and all your family.

Merry Christmas!

[Churchillspirit]

This was a wonderful, inspiring thread until you posted that picture of slick with socks.

Shame on you, pres.....

Merry Christmas!

[Churchillspirit]

I send books and jigsaw puzzles to our local VA hospital.

I asked what sort of things the patients would like and was told - blankets. I guess the hospital issue are not the most cheerful, so each year I try to pick out a few colorful ones.

Merry Christmas!

[Churchillspirit]

I always give serving - and retired - military a discount in my store.

Never had a negative response.

Merry Christmas

[albee]

"As I left, I picked up their dinner check (which was not small) ... without saying a word. It felt really good."

A wonderful gesture from an undoubtedly wonderful person!

I salute you.

[La Enchiladita]

Thanks for the ping, Arrowhead.
My tissues are handy, I'm going to read it now!

[La Enchiladita]

Merry Christmas, Hildy!

[La Enchiladita]

Thank you for posting this.
Merry Christmas, presidio9.

[La Enchiladita]

My thanks to your son; may angels have charge over him.
God bless your family and "Merry Christmas!"

[La Enchiladita]

Merry Christmas, Brad's Gramma!

[bray]

Great Story!

Merry Jesus' Birthday to our Marines et al.

[La Enchiladita]

My thanks to your husband for his service to our country.
I live a peaceful, free and prosperous life because of him.
God bless your family and "Merry Christmas!"