Met a Hero

[W.B.]

The other day I met a Hero. A distinguished older man was shopping in the store and was recieving assistance so he could get out and someone to look over him; as age has required him. He had three medals pinned to his vest. I asked him what they were for and he and his assistant told me; one for his service in WWII Pacific and he was a former Iwo Jima combatant, the other a Purple Heart earned 3x's over and finally another medal for recommitting to service after battle injury. I had to thank the man for his service and also tell him for me he is a hero.

Sadly, I rarely meet former servicemen as most do not make proclamations of their service and never (this was my first encounter hopefully not the last) knowingly meet distinguished men or women who have served.

To those who have served THANK YOU!

 

[Psojka RP,601]

Wow. Love people like that. thanks for sharing man!

 

[SergeantStogie]

Knowing what those guys went through is knowing a whole unique breed of hero. The combat those guys saw was above and beyond. It wasn't until I saw action myself that I realized the Veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam were the real veterans. They will always have my complete admiration and respect.

 

[dpricenator]

I know it's just TV, but the HBO series The Pacific will put some perspective on what happened over there.

 

[danthebugman]

I saw a guy in Hardee's the other day that was wearing a WWII hat with some pins and what not. Chatted with him a bit while waiting on my order and he was getting coffee. Mostly about the weather and what not. Definitely a different generation and from what I can tell about the people in generations after...quite a few are lacking compared to these guys.

Dan

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Warren, again thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[mcroom]

Thanks for sharing brother. Thank you to all our heroes again. It is disheartening to see how some are and have been treated. I hope to never get short with a service person who has encountered the enemy. God bless America.

 

[ciggy]

Your thoughtfull words to that veteran were special indeed. I am a proud veteran but I believe thoes that actually were/are involved in combat should be held in higher reguard. We all offered ourselves to the servive of our country and the risk involved because of what we believe in and hold sacred. I belong to the American Legion and see our combat vetrans all the time (old and young). It is an honor to be among them and an honor to have served.

 

[Jfire]

Indeed a true hero W! Thanks for the post and the reminder!

 

[BesstR]

When I was in the Marines. We had this E-9 (Top) that was not the most fit Marine. Then one day we had an inspection in Alphas. The Top was in front of the formation. The CO came in front of him and saluted. We was like shit the Top did not salute first. Until he turned and faced us. He was wearing the Medal of Honor. I was like what the hell a true hero. We just thought he was a screwed up Marine. After that day we had great respect for him. For the ones that was not in the military even the President salutes a Medal of Honor recipient.

 

[hdroadglide]

there is a reason they were called the greatest generation.

 

[BesstR]

there is a reason they were called the greatest generation.

Very true I meet them all the time at the Vet Center and the VFW.

 

[smelvis]

Years ago I was meeting my sister at a Sharis in Oregon, kinda like a upscale Denny's, It was veterans day and the old guy selling poppies at the door was leaving I started talking to him. Turned out he was a fighter pilot in one of the big ones and the nicest guy you could meet acted 20 and had to be close to 90.

I talked him into having a cup of coffee and just listened, Damn that was a great day I will never forget, my sister showed up and I tried to get him to join us for lunch he couldn't had to go to his next location. I shook his hand and Thanked him and I swear he beamed and his chest stuck out a little farther.

I have met a few guy's like this over the years and feel like you, I met a hero that day too!!