I was in a hurry so I went to the local McDonalds for lunch today. The line was fairly long. There was a Marine E-6 in line ahead of me. As he placed his order, I moved ahead in line and shoved my credit card in the reader.

He was a little surprised and said "you don't have to do that". I said I know, but I wanted to. We talked a little about his duty as a recruiter. I thanked him for his service and went back to my place in line.

I was surprised about how good that little act of kindness felt.

quote:

Originally posted by dgshooter:

I was surprised about how good that little act of kindness felt.

You selfish SOB...



In all seriousness, though this soldier was probably a little embarrassed by your kind and respectful act, I'm sure he immeasurably appreciated it nonetheless...

You are a good man. Thanks for doing that!

Thanks for making his day and yours.

well thanks for him from me

Indeed!

I spent $500 one night at a Sizzler, offering to buy dinner for a young man, obviously an active duty Marine. He said thanks, but there are 24 of us.

Well, in for penny, in for a pound! I said fine, they're all on me.

You never met two dozen more polite, respectful, well groomed, squared away young men in your life. It turns out they were a class of drill instructor school students, all second tour Marine vets. They were very grateful, each came to me, shook my hand, expressed gratitude. I'll never forget it.

I used to buy gift certificates for local restaurants and send them to a local CO, the Nimitz for example, with request to distribute them to deserving members of the crew who had earned an "attaboy" in his judgment.

When I was on active duty in the '60's, we weren't treated like that, so it seemed to me to be a Real Good Idea[tm], good for morale.

Never paid their bills at an eating place, but have had most of Nate's special forces team here at the house for dinner a couple of times.

Never met a more gentle, respectful group of guys!! And they really appreciated the home cooked meals.

Tried to buy the meal for 4 soldiers at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago but the cashier said it was already paid for and that I was the third person to try. Made me proud of my fellow man.

Good on you dgshooter.

I did this once. It felt good but not as good as reading all the above. I've seen it done for police as well .

quote:

Originally posted by JWF:
Tried to buy the meal for 4 soldiers at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago but the cashier said it was already paid for and that I was the third person to try. Made me proud of my fellow man.

Good on you dgshooter.

thats awesome!

Outstanding!

Good move, sir. I have done it a few times anonymously at sit-down restaurants for military and law enforcement. It is always a pleasure.

Very kind sir, and a great gesture. I served right after Nam, and was generally treated very poorly by most. I'm so thankful that has changed.

quote:

Originally posted by gw3971:

quote:

Originally posted by JWF:
Tried to buy the meal for 4 soldiers at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago but the cashier said it was already paid for and that I was the third person to try. Made me proud of my fellow man.

Good on you dgshooter.

thats awesome!

That. Right there.
/applause for the OP too.

I've done it a couple times. Last time was last year when we had the bad floods here in Louisiana. I was in McDonald's and a young MP came in behind me I told the cashier to give him whatever he wanted. She said not to worry he would eat free anyway.

Wife and I do this frequently. Service members and LEO's. They are always grateful especially when we tell them we appreciate their service. Always gives us a good feeling.

I paid the tab for a couple of local cops at a coffee place and when they thanked me I just told them no need but later when you see me doing serious stupid shit in my car please look away....thankfully they laughed