Our Troops
 

So last night I leave the hotel and go across the street to buy a pack of smokes.

I enter the convenience store and there are 2 very bewildered troops standing there.

They were looking to buy a six of beer but we happened to be in a dry county.

I told them to come back over to the hotel with me and the first round was on me.

They spent about 4 hours there and not one penny of their own money.

They had more rounds backed up then they could finish in two nights.

Pretty much everyone in the bar wanted to buy them a round.

All night people came by, patted them on the shoulder and said "Thanks for doing what you do" Some of them disagreed with why they were there but everyone treated them with respect and admiration.

When I was ready to head up to my room they both looked at me and said "thanks, we had originally just wanted some beer and were going to go back to our room and play cards. This was a great night for us."

John is 23, has been in the service for 5 years, 3 have been spent in Iraq, he is going back for the 4th time. Corey is on his 3rd trip back, he's also a new dad.

I hope they can keep there heads down and come back home safe and sound.

Two outstanding young men. God watch over them.

That's an excellent thing you did.

Thank You.

Stomachmonkey, you are one outstanding fellow. :)

+1

You could have left out this line;

and not left me wondering about your motivation in telling this story. Thanks again for being a stand up guy with those soldiers.

Hmm, this gives me an idea...








Kidding! Kidding! :D

No motivation other than sharing a story about two young men that I met and how people treated them.

I was proud of them and proud of my fellow Americans.

I edited my original post in a way that I hope sounds less partisan and keeps the focus on them.

My intention was not to start a political thread.

We have plenty of them already.

Hey FOG, we were at the Westin next door to DFW.

Perfect. And thanks.

Sweet dude, I was not trying to start any trouble, just pointing out a bit of a partisan bent in the original post.

As much as people compare this deal to Vietnam, has anyone heard of any negative receptions that folks in the Armed Forces have suffered on returning?

Thanks again for the support you gave these young gentleman in a strange(and dry)land. I have heard a lot of stories like this, spontaneous applause, free drinks, dinners etc.

That's being really persnickity, Tobra. Not your finest moment.

Stomachmonkey and the other bar patrons see it like I do. Whether our politicians are behaving admirably or not, our soldiers earn our respect and gratitude.

When you meet someone in person, things change. In business, a face to face meeting is always more powerful than a phone call or email.

I think when the other people in the bar met these soldiers, they didn't see an American war, a political debate, or any of that. They saw two of their brothers, in a bar, attempting to relax before going back into a frickin WAR, where people are actively trying to kill them. I think that most Americans actually get this. Thank god for that.

Thanks for a story about people being good for once.

Yes, I have heard the stories too. America is not that sick.

Stomachmonkey.....where does that quote come from. I can almost see the facial expression. "I want my two dollars."

Stomachmonkey,

Stationed at NAS JRB on the West side of Ft. Worth and live further West. I know what you mean about the dry counties, I failed to investigate where I bought my house. I just mail order Scotch and buy beer on base.

Tobra,

Only issues have been through SFO a couple of times. Nothing major just basic rudeness and snide remarks. The rest were very good, vice an issue with Customs deciding to exceed her authority at JFK.

S/F, FOG

Excellent story. Here's hoping they all get home safe and sound. And SOON.

Better off Dead with John Cusack.

one of my all time favorite movies.

The paper boy pops up several times trying to "collect".

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"Sorry Johnny, I don't have a dime."

"Didn't ask for a dime, two dollars"

:D<small></small>