Have you ever paid it forward?

I was at a 7-11 and a lady didn't quite have enough money to purchase some food she was picking up. She had kids in tow and looked stressed. I paid it and told her to pay it forward. She was really appreciative.

There are many who feel it righteous and proper to help out someone who needs it and I have no heartache with someone who is truly in need being helped. However, I often skip / avoid helping someone during the Nov 1 to Jan 15 timeframe because of previous incidents of "being used". Nowdays, I am a bit more pragmatic with my money and I do a bit of quiet research before I do anything for someone. Rather than provide money, I might do something that would help them in other ways that will do more than just get them out of the temporary bind they are in.

It's never wrong to help someone in need.......

As often as possible. I just gave a young E5 a set of AF Mess Dress being my most recent example. All i ever ask is that they pay it forward.

I had just dropped my son off at drama club and a woman approached me asking for money for food. I went to the Dunkin Donuts 2 doors up the street and came back with a gift card for her to get what she wanted.

I've done this several times, one of my most memorable was this spring (May I think) in a restaurant like Chili's, don't remember for sure but a troop in uniform (E-4, E-5, not sure of that ether), his wife and two kids came in right after my small group. I asked the waiter to tell the soldier his bill was paid and bring it to me but asked him not to tell who paid. That did bring a good feeling, especially when the soldier and his family left and the waiter said they asked him to pass on their thanks.

I try to pay it forward as much as possible. When I was driving over the road, I learned that everybody has to help each other out. Many times I bought food, helped fix trucks, lend my cellphone for calls and directions, etc... A few times I was the one needing help.

I stay involved with Boy Scouts to keep "passing the torch" to the next generation.

Several times I have paid it forward at the Bush Intercontinental Airport. I would spot young kids going off I to the service and anonymously I would pay for their lunch. Then I started working in Alaska and I saw many, many service members flying in uniform and I would often buy their meals.

It's a tremendous feeling helping others and being helped. I tried to pay a young marine's lunch anonymously but he found me in the parking lot. One time I asked for a dollars worth of gas at the class 6, an older veteran passed me a $5. Good stuff all the way around.

If anyone wants to pay it forward to our brothers and sisters, JC Penney is asking customers to round up to the next dollar with the money going to military families. I just came from there and rounded up, lets just say beyond just a dollar. If they are doing the same in your areas, you may want to consider it.