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I feel like a lucky man today.

buckshot85

buckshot85

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Aug 18, 2013
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I went to Mills Fleet Farm today to return some jig saw blades. In the return line I got to shake a Vietnam Vets hand for his service.
Then I went to Walmart, which I never do because I hate the store, and I saw an old gentleman wearing a WWII/Korean War Veteran cap. I shook his hand and thanked him and we had a great 5 minute conversation. What a pleasure it was to speak with him and what a kind man he was. He thanked me for my service, but, lets be real, there is no comparison.
These WWII vets are passing away at a record pace and we discussed that. I feel so lucky to have met this gentleman.
 
I feel lucky most days as I work at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and get to enroll new veterans into the system. It is a pleasure to talk to them and hear some of their stories. I am ever thankful that they went before me.
 
disorensen - Thank's for that and what you do in your career
 
It's no thing mojo. I am truly lucky to be a vet helping vets. Hate when the VA gets a bad rap, but like anything or any profession, I know there are bad ones out there. I just try to leave each person I come across feeling good that they chose to use one of the benefits that they earned.
 
It's surprising to me is how few of people commented on the greatness of my moment with this gentlemen or basically the lack of interest in meeting a WWII Vet. I, in no way, am diminishing the magnitude of what Vets of other eras have done. Just aren't many of these men left and it's sad to me. I posted my encounter on 2 other forums. Same result. Wow.
 
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I recently had a similar circumstance. I got the chance to volunteer at the Honor Flight orientation for WWII vets in Orlando. In a nutshell the organization flies WWII vets to DC for a day. Along with that they get an escort. I was amazed at the people that I had the opportunity to meet. I also had the opportunity to meet two Merchant Marines from WWII. The first I have meet in my life. I was very honored to be able to do what ever I could that day, from pushing wheel chairs to being the pogey bait private.
 
oneshotoopsmytoe said:
I recently had a similar circumstance. I got the chance to volunteer at the Honor Flight orientation for WWII vets in Orlando. In a nutshell the organization flies WWII vets to DC for a day. Along with that they get an escort. I was amazed at the people that I had the opportunity to meet. I also had the opportunity to meet two Merchant Marines from WWII. The first I have meet in my life. I was very honored to be able to do what ever I could that day, from pushing wheel chairs to being the pogey bait private.
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Good for you Oneshot. The Honor Flight is well known here as well. Well done and congrats on meeting the Merchant Marines. It's just a great feeling, for me, to speak with these men.
 
This is a great thread. I have the pleasure of having a very close friend of the family who served with the United States Army Air Corps. He is 97 years old, not in great health but still tells great stories. He served over 30 years total and retired from the Navy.
 
Gunner, that is awesome. Ever chat with him about his childhood years? What a stretch from today.
 
I agree this is a great thread lost a friend a few years ago that was a former marine and passed at the age of 88. Loved him dearly and what great stories he told. So don't think your thread didn't go over well cause many of us have had the pleasure of spending time with those who have served before we did and it is always a great experience.
 
Fairing enough. Just think its good to keep the conversation alive. No conversation, memories get lost and not passed down.
 
Plus 1 with Jay on this have several close friends that are still alive and a lot who have passed on in the last 10years or so. The stories they could tell kept you wanting to hear more. Had an uncle who was in WWII wouldn't talk about it at all only thing he would say was there was too much blood shed and he didn't want to remember. He was a Sgt and crossed several bridges in Germany and a couple of beach landings. 2 purple hearts and his men loved him from what we found out later. Spent a lot of time with him as a child and he would spoil all of us kids. The way I think of it is the same as you Buckshot we need to listen and honor these people for their service and help them how ever we can. Life seems to be so busy anymore it's hard to make time but we should make every attempt to visit with them and give our time freely.

Sorry got carried a way knew I would
 
Mike,

Thank you for taking care of the Vets.... it's people like you that make a visit to the VA worthwhile.... KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! Teh people you meet and talk to at times will impact your life in one way, shape or form... it's a great thing to experience. The stories are priceless.... I can sit and listen for hours to stories from WWII and Korea... and Vietnam. When you meet these folks and here stories.... I get chills.....
 
Mike- Just sitting and listening to some of these Vets is fascinating and, they appreciate the opportunity to share these stories!
 
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