Posted on 12/21/2006 11:20:25 PM PST by RedCell
I was traveling home from business in OH (flying from CVG) and I had a couple of hours before my delayed flight was to depart so I decided to grab some dinner. I was out in Concourse C so there weren't many eating establishments to choose from but I decided on a place called Moe's (the reuben sounded good).
The restaurant wasn't too crowded but the hostess sat me right next to a soldier. If you've been in an airport restaurant, you know how close the tables are and this was as if we were sitting at the same one. I felt a little weird as I thought he might feel I was crowding him. But then I took it as an opportunity to have dinner with one of our finest.
I broke the ice by asking about his choice of beer and we carried on from there. He just graduated from boot and was on holiday "exodus" (I think he called it) on his way to see his family in Pittsburgh. Since I spent almost a year out there on business, we shared a lot of the things to do there. The football game was about to start so we talked Steelers.
He told me he hasn't seen any TV for about 10 weeks and was looking forward to getting caught up. I asked about his brothers and sisters and what he was looking forward to most during his two week leave.
He then told me he was off to Ft. Sam next but I didn't press on much further than that. He was an extremely polite young man and I really enjoyed his company. I had made arrangements with our server that I would pick up his bill. It was the least I could do, I felt.
About half way through dinner, a woman and her 5 or 6 y.o. daugter came up to the soldier with a "card" the daughter had made on a piece of paper with some crayons. It said "Merry Christmas" on the front with a well-appionted tree. On the inside, it simply said "Thank You!"
I got a huge lump in my throat as the moment was very touching. The soldier wasn't quite sure what to say other than "Thank you". I could tell he was really taken aback (in a good way).
5 minutes after that, a gentleman came up to "our" table and asked if he could pick up the soldier's check. I had to tell him it was already covered but the man beamed anyway and shook the solider's hand. Again, the soldier was a bit taken aback and thanked me repeatedly for the offer. I told him it was I that needed to thank him. So he shook my hand and gave me a bewildered smile.
We continued to chat for another 10 minutes or so and, again, he tried to thank me as we were finishing our meal. Then he went to leave the tip and I told him his money was no good here. Again, a repeated thank you from him. We said good bye and wished eachother a Merry Christmas and a wish for eachother's safety.
The soldier's manners were amazing and he was proud of what he's accomplished so far. A very fine young man to share a beer, some food and stories of family with. I come away a better person for having been able to spend time with one of our finest.
Thank you for that story it was great! I was in Arlington Heights, Illinois at my Aunt and Uncle's house after finishing boot camp. My Uncle and I had gone to the store for some beer (I was still in uniform because I didn't have time to change). We were picking up the beer and this gentlemen about 45 at the time came up to me and said that he demanded that he purchase the beer for me. I told him that it was unnecessary (my Uncle was picking up the tab.lol). But he insisted because he was so thankful for my service. I will NEVER forget the kindness of this person. It really made me very happy. After 19 years in the Navy, there have been so many nice people. The thing to take away from this is that you would be amazed at how much it means to people and that they remember!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
There is no way to convey to you the extent of our gratitude. There just really are no words. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Flew from ORD to PHL and back this week. Lots of military at ORD and there was a small group standing and waiting. I went to them and wished them all "MErry Christmas" and THANK YOU for all you do for USA!
They all replied in unison, "Merry Christmas to you SIR! and THANK YOU for supporting us..."
It's amazing, they called me SIR! God Bless 'em all!
We thank God for men and women like you daily. We hardly ever get the chance to express our appreciation personally. This country remains a great country, but only because of the grace of God and the people who serve. You remain in our hearts and in our prayers.God bless and keep all of you.
I thanked two of our military heroes in the mall this week and they responded with a polite, "Thank you." One added, "We do it for you."
It brought a lump to my throat.
One of America's greatest assets is her patriots.
My son is one of them. I am so proud.
You, sir, are just fine with your words...which means you are simply amazing with your aid bag and 9mm!
You serve today as a member of a proud all-volunteer force alongside men and women who truly are the cream of the crop. Don't ever let anyone try to convince you otherwise. I served for 20 years, and am extremely proud of the new crop of soldiers who've taken over for us old-timers.
For too long, our profession was only honored among ourselves. We've taken it upon ourselves to make sure your generation knows how much we appreciate and honor your sacrifices on the behalf of your country and your families.
Thank you.
As well you should be. Being a military parent isn't always the easiest thing in this ol' world. If you ever need someone to talk to, there are lots of us here ready and willing to 'listen'.
A bump for a great sharing,,,,,
RB<><
Thank you RedCell! It's a lot of fun to surprise these guys, isn't it? I hope more people follow your lead! Rock On!!
Thank you. He is stateside now and I rest easier when he is. He chose the military as his career and has 18 years in. He is a great soldier and loves his job.
Thanks, RedCell! You stood in for a lot of us!
Isn't it amazing how wonderful this generation of young people are stepping up to the plate.
A few years ago I would not have believed that we would witness this bravery from what I thought was the spoiled generation.
I pray every day for them and, hoping all true Americans are doing the same for Americas greatest heroes.
All our troops, past and present, are a very special breed of people. I can't say enough about them.....they are simply the best!
Merry Christmas to you, Buck! :)
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