Last night, before the big game (go 'Bama) my wife said, "wouldn't it be great if I didn't have to cook tonight?" and pulled out a buy-1-get-1 from Subway. Anything sounds better than spaghetti to me so I said "sure" and went out to pick up our order.

While standing in line, I saw a young man dressed in sand fatigues, boots, and hat who couldn't have been more than 19 or 20 years old, along with his wife, who also looked very young. The name on his tag looked familiar, so I asked him if he was so-and-so's son or relative, etc. He said no and we started talking while waiting. One of our big laughs was when I told him what my monthly salary in the army was in 1971: $98 a month! He then told me that in 30 days he was being deployed to Iraq. For some reason it hit me hard, and through him I saw myself as a young man in fatigues way back when. So I stopped him before he paid the cashier and told him that dinner was on me. He and his wife thanked me and he shook my hand three times! Driving home, I prayed that the Lord would protect him during his deployment and bring him safely home.

So next time you see a soldier, shake his hand and buy him lunch if you can afford it. It hit me hard what a great sacrifice they make, even though at that age they don't realize it (like I didn't!). They are our true heroes. There are a lot of crazies in America, but there are a lot of heroes who don't get the headlines, like these young men. I salute each and every one of them. God Bless Our Troops.

yeah i been doing that for years.
to sailors-airmen- marines and soldiers.
just suprized that it takes a war to open peoples eyes.
I had it done to me when i was in so im returning the favor.
im a military contractor now so I deal with the sailors everyday and usually take em out to lunch or dinner.
or throw back a few at the watering hole.

Very nice story it brought tears to my eyes.This may sound gay as my youngest son would say but it truly did bring a tear to my eye.This was truly nice of you and hope that I may be able to do the same.This is a nice touch to the messed up world we live in today. Thanks for sharing this Casey it made my day.Yes God Bless our Troups....

I do that every chance I get. With Ft. Ripley only 15 miles away, I see soldiers around town alot. If they are near enuf to me, I always walk up and shake their hand. Ive also bought many breakfasts at Perkins when I see soldiers having a nice warm meal. The feeling I get on my way home is well worth the few bucks I just spent.
Good for you Casey, you get an ATTABOY :thumbsup:

I do as well. Tis' better to give and say Thanks than to receive.
Bravo Zulu to all who thank our troops.

It is definately worth it to spend a few bucks to see the smile(s).

I will tell you from a career military guy (now retired) that I have had many meals bought, some anonymous. The feeling that someone cares and knows the sacrifice is truly amazing. It is one of the biggest morale boosters a young troop can get.

Now I do the same. Especially in airports, you can always tell the ones coming from or going to the desert. I always shake their hand and say "thank you" but often times I will pick up the tab.

I remember once in Tuscon I was eating at a really good Mom and Pop diner for breakfast with about 6 other military members. An old guy came up, introduced himself and said that the meals were on him. We ended up getting him to sit with us and have breakfast (he was alone and had recently lost his wife). Turned out he was a decorated Korea/Vietnam vet and had some really great stories. We laughed like crazy. I gave him one of my coins as we were walking out together. He said that he had not smiled or laughed since his wife passed and as I walked with him to his car he teared up a bit (ok, so did I). I will never forget his act of kindness and generousity, even as he was grieving the loss of a loved one.

Thank you for this post. It really brings back fond memories......and mostly, thank you for being compassionate and buying that young soldiers meal. I will tell you from experience he will never forget it.

if we cant take time to thank or do for our military men and women, fighting for us, so we can drive our camaro's around without running over mines in the road ,we are worthless..God bless our military and keep them safe and treat them with respect when they come home too!!

Casey, God Bless you man! And God Bless all our folks in the military, past and present!!!

:beers:

personally, I've never done that. But it does give me an idea. I think I'll get a buzz cut and borrow my neighbor's fatigues and go hang out at my favorite steak house.:D

My new-marine son just finished basic training on 12/19 and was home on leave over the holidays. He and his marine buddies went out numerous times for breakfast or lunch while he was here. I don't think he paid for a meal the entire time. I know it was very touching to him. The times I've been out with him in public in his uniform it's almost like being with a celebrity the number of people that come up and shake his hand. Makes a father proud!