We Support and Salute our Troops and Veterans
Many people remember our soldiers and veterans on specially designated holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day (for those who died in military service), etc. And, we’re grateful that it’s becoming more common to hear about someone thanking a veteran for his or her service.
But, for some of us who have loved ones either on active duty in the military or veterans, it somehow doesn’t seem like enough.
Here are a few ideas of something you can do the next time you see a veteran or someone who is in uniform – and I was reminded of this idea when I was at a gas station in Pennsylvania a few months ago.
While gassing up the car, I saw a young soldier in uniform gassing up his vehicle. He was traveling with a convoy – I think it may have been part of a local National Guard. Anyway, I went in to the gas station to use the rest room, and noticed him shopping for some chips and sodas. I’d guess he had maybe 3 or 4 bags of chips and a few sodas.
I went up to the cashier and quietly said, “I want to buy that soldier’s food.” So just as the soldier got up to the counter, the cashier rung it up and then looked at me – and I slipped into place and stuck my credit card into the machine.
The look on the soldier’s face gave me a smile that lasted the rest of the day. Not only was he surprised (and also thankful), but I personally RECEIVED something – the great feeling that can only come from GIVING.
Anyway, the soldier also had a smile on his face, and after I finished my own business in the store, as I began driving away, a whole bunch of the guys who were traveling with the soldier honked their horns and waved and said thank you to me – and I just said, “Thank YOU!”
What a great day.
Do you see a veteran in line at the grocery store? Why not let him or her go in front of you? Or, if you have the funds, why not pay their bill? THAT’S something I really look forward to being able to do once I have enough money. My husband and I pretty much talk about doing stuff like this for others as soon as our own ship comes in. It’s some of the most fun we have. Giving.
Anyway, I wanted to share this with you because I felt like it might help give you some ideas of small things that you can do to support those who are either past or present service members.
And if you are currently in the military, or are a veteran, thank you for your service. You are appreciated.