Showing Gratitude

[TheFrugalTech]

I was at Speedway this morning in line at the register behind 2 soldiers from the armory just down the street who were there getting coffee. The soldier who was going to pay went through all his pockets and apologized to the clerk, saying he thought he had cash on him. The other didn't have anything on him since the one told him he was buying. I gladly paid for their 2 coffees. They both thanked me and went on their way. Out of the 4 or 5 other people behind me, only one even acknowledged what I did instead of acting like the 2 soldiers were holding up their day. He was an older gentleman about 3 people back who reached out and shook my hand as I was leaving and just smiled. I'm guessing he was a veteran.

Several troops will be home for a short period during the holidays. If you get a chance to do something even as minor as buying them a cup of coffee, allowing them in front of you in line at the store, or even picking up their tab if you see them out to dinner with their family if you can afford to, then do it. Show your gratitude for what they do for us.

[haywardguy929]

Well done Sir!!

[Schming]

Graceful gesture on Your part

Great Suggestion at this "Time of Giving", although anytime for these Young Men & Women that Serve is adequate.

Thanxs

[xs11jack]

Bless you my good man. You are a true patriot because of what you did and most of all because of what is in your heart.
Ole Jack

[old_skool]

Being a Veteran myself, I thank you.

[Cuda 69]

we need more people in this world like you.I also am a vet,so thank you for your kindness.You sir,are a true American.

[jetmechmarty]

A large part of my job involves moving troops, including bringing them home from war zones. The crowds greeting them have grown smaller and smaller. Bangor, ME remains an exception. The charter flights often stop there for fuel. No matter what time, day or night, a crowd of people come out to greet them. It's something to witness!

[jwhughes3]

I was greeted in Bangor at 3:30 am returning from deployment back in '05 by at least 25 folks. They opened the bar for us to get a couple of beers...a very nice welcome home.

John

[TheFrugalTech]

I know pretty much all the workers at that Speedway store since it is my usual carryout stop for things, mostly in the mornings. For those who don't have them in your area, they have a "rewards" program and also sell gift cards for use just at their stores. I'm thinking about checking with the managers there and seeing if I can buy a gift card and have them use it to cover coffee for any service members who stop in. That's usually all I see them get when I see them there. I will ask that they keep all receipts just to be sure the workers aren't taking advantage of it. Maybe have the soldiers sign them or just write a thank you on them.
If anyone wants to help with that, PM me. With the armory being just up the street, I'm sure they will go through a lot of coffee real quick. I just don't think those fighting for our freedoms get the recognition they deserve.
I have to admit that it's strange when you see 6-8 Humvees there at one time lined up for fueling.

[ViperRon]

Job well done

That was a great thing to do. Its nice that a citizen will help. The soldiers have a very dificult time comming. So many are comming home to a different world than what they expected. They have been where they were employed and had a way to support their family. Now they will have to fight just to get the benifits they are due.
Most may not understand but the military support system has been systematically stripped. Not only will they be alone in all they do to seek benifits they will most likely be denied and definately delayed in every direction they turn.

Thank you I have done the same.