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Sometime back I spent some time in an eatery at Seattle/Tacoma airport, leisurely consuming my lox+cream cheese bagel and pint of Alaska Amber when 4 MPs arrived to occupy the space next to mine (we were at small tables along a long wall seat). The one nearest me politely greeted me, finishing his sentence with “, sir.”
I smiled and said “I was an E-5 when I got out, so best not call me ‘sir’. You guys coming or going?” They were coming (home from Afghanistan).
We exchanged occasional pleasantries. At one point I offered the opinion that, given a choice between being rejuvenated and sent to Afghanistan, or put in a time machine and doing another tour in Viet-Nam, it would be RVN hands down. They were surprised; they were generally of the opinion that we had the worse deal.
Shortly before I finished the repast and headed to the gate, a random stranger came up to shake their hands and thank them for their service.
This brought back memories: in 1971, in this very airport, traveling home in my Class-A uniform after my release from active duty, I received a significantly less friendly reception.
You win some, you lose some.
I wished them well. They will need it.
I smiled and said “I was an E-5 when I got out, so best not call me ‘sir’. You guys coming or going?” They were coming (home from Afghanistan).
We exchanged occasional pleasantries. At one point I offered the opinion that, given a choice between being rejuvenated and sent to Afghanistan, or put in a time machine and doing another tour in Viet-Nam, it would be RVN hands down. They were surprised; they were generally of the opinion that we had the worse deal.
Shortly before I finished the repast and headed to the gate, a random stranger came up to shake their hands and thank them for their service.
This brought back memories: in 1971, in this very airport, traveling home in my Class-A uniform after my release from active duty, I received a significantly less friendly reception.
You win some, you lose some.
I wished them well. They will need it.
Posted 10 y ago
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Welcome home, Mike. I rem in 1973, going through O'Hare in my dress uniform and going into a bar during the layover. I sat down and before I could order, the bartender poured me a beer and said, "No charge, Sarge.." I couldn't believe it. I was both honored and humbled at the same time. I'd already been laughed at and sneered at by civilians my own age and having this random guy make this gesture made my day. I still get VN era vets send me resumes without their military affiliation, skills, etc.... I get it... and we're making a conscience effort to see that it doesn't happen again.
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SP5 Michael Rathbun
It varied. I was waiting to change buses in Saint Louis when on leave going from Ft Gordon to Kansas City (1968?). Went down the street in the cold rain to the first bar I could find, and bought one beer, which was all I could afford at that moment.
As I was about finished, another beer showed up. I told the bartender that I hadn't ordered that. He just pointed down the bar to a WWII-aged person who grinned and waved. Warmed my heart for sure.
As I was about finished, another beer showed up. I told the bartender that I hadn't ordered that. He just pointed down the bar to a WWII-aged person who grinned and waved. Warmed my heart for sure.
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In uniform at JFK layover coming home for leave from Germany.
Sitting at kiosk style bar having a beer. 40ish Man in clean working style cowboy garb approached with a story about how he needed $3 to call his brother to wire him some money. He'd pay me back when it arrived.
To this day I don't know why I was a soft touch, but inspite of my doubts, I caved and went back to my beer.
About an hour later I was paying for another beer when from behind I hear, "Your money's no good here Sarge." Same fellow slapped money down on the bar for my beer - other hand gave me back my $3. I have utterly forgotten our conversation, but not the subsequent lunch and yet a final beer he bought for me.
I reflect on that event from time to time. Remains kind of a bright spot in my life.
Sitting at kiosk style bar having a beer. 40ish Man in clean working style cowboy garb approached with a story about how he needed $3 to call his brother to wire him some money. He'd pay me back when it arrived.
To this day I don't know why I was a soft touch, but inspite of my doubts, I caved and went back to my beer.
About an hour later I was paying for another beer when from behind I hear, "Your money's no good here Sarge." Same fellow slapped money down on the bar for my beer - other hand gave me back my $3. I have utterly forgotten our conversation, but not the subsequent lunch and yet a final beer he bought for me.
I reflect on that event from time to time. Remains kind of a bright spot in my life.
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