Posted on 11/11/2010 11:56:24 AM PST by Bodhi1
I had a Redbox movie I needed to return (Robin Hood, if you're wondering) and I needed to pick up a few things from the grocery store, so I decided to put on my old USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) ballcap and take advantage of the free breakfast for veterans at the local Maryville Hy-Vee Food Store.
When I walked into the store I saw the eating area fuller than I had ever seen it. There were even tables set up outside the seating area for overflow customers.
Before I could make a move towards the cashier, legendary store greeter (and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist), Fred Mares, asked me, "Are you a veteran?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for your service."
"My pleasure."
He slapped my on my shoulder and said, "That's the spirit, brother! Go get some breakfast."
I approached the cashier and she asked if I was a veteran and after I said yes, asked if I wanted coffee or a regular drink. I opted for coffee.
After getting my food, I heard clapping from the seating area. Fred was there, looking for the oldest veteran in the room. He found an 88 year old vet enjoying his food and everyone honored him with their applause.
After sitting down at one of the few empty tables, I said my prayers, thanking God not only for the food I was about to eat, but for the lives of all the great men and women surrounding me and those who were still serving around the world.
Between bites I looked around. At 38, I was the youngest vet in the room. There were so many stories in that room, and I knew that these men and women had seen things worth honoring. They had seen battle in foreign countries. Places like Incheon, Da Nang and Omaha Beach.
Knowing that the bulk of my service involved programming and watching television and complaining when the air conditioning went out for preventive maintenance, I wondered if I even belonged in the same room as some of these folks.
It was, and is, humbling to be part of such an honorable and elite group.
God bless the veterans of the American military, and keep the men and women still serving.
A very good reason to shop at Hy-Vee.
Amen.
Thank you and all the FReeper Vets for your service and sacrifice.
We are truly better for your service. God bless you all.
Without people like this, the others would not be able to perform their service. It's just as important to program as it is to fire a weapon.
Our local high school has a veterans breakfast every Veteran’s Day, along with a program afterward to honor all local veterans, living or deceased. High school students are encouraged to attend (especially with their veteran relatives), and the meal and program is free.
I didn’t attend this morning because it was at the same time as our weekly Kiwanis meeting, and I’m on this month’s breakfast committee. But at least 1/3 of our usual member count was absent; most, I’m sure attending the high school event. It’s a nice thing they do...
Thank you for your service sir!
Someone has to do maintenance.
I called my friend (a Iraq war vet) a little while ago... I always call him on Vetran's Day. I caught him off guard as I always do... and thanked him. He was being taken out to lunch by his girl friend so he had other "things" on his mind... but was happy I took a few minutes out of my day to give him a ring :-)
U.S.A.!
Can’t thank you guys enough for the freedoms we all take advantage of. Home of the free because of the brave.
Proud of my dad!
SSgt Rose
USAF 6988th Security Squadron
Kadena/Yakota AFB Japan
SIGINT - Silent Warriors
RC-130B-II, EC-121M, A-12 (SR-71), RC-135
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