Small Kindnesses, Great Appreciation

By Lt Col P

Am now back up on the net after a busy week and a drill weekend.

Speaking of which, here's a story I have to relate, and if any of those involved are reading, well, all I can say is thank you.

This past friday four of us Marine reservists were having lunch in West Palm Beach, Florida, in preparation for an afternoon training meeting. The place was full, we were absorbed with our own matters. We took no notice of anyone around us.

We asked the waitress for the check and she took her time coming back. While she was gone, the table next to us got up and left. The waitress came back a few minutes later and said, "The people at that table paid your check."

What?? They're gone! We can't say thanks!

"I know," she said, "they didn't want me to tell you until they had left. They didn't want to make a big deal out of it."

I'm ashamed to say that we took so little notice of them. Were they three or four? All ladies? No, I think there was one guy. Honestly, I can't say for sure.

So, whover you are, know that four humbled Marines would like to say thanks.

April 16, 2007 02:36 PM Supporting the Troops

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Comments

hey Sir....

it was me!

Don't worry, you can pay me back when I'm in DC next month :)

John · April 16, 2007 05:31 PM

Done that more than once for wet behind the ears e-nothings transferring through DFW or some other such airport... Worth the $20 or so just to see the smiles.

Jetman · April 16, 2007 08:37 PM

I've had a similar experience. My wife and I were having an anniversiary dinner at a nice restaurant. I was running late from drill and had to meet her there without going home to change first. Same story: asked for the check, but the waiter told us the folks at the next table who had just left took care of it. And it's very common for folks to come up and thank me when they see me in uniform.

I started reading the old Officer's Club blog before I even knew it was written by Keydets, and I've been a regular reader of OPFOR since. Keep up the good work!

Bill

Bill R. (VMI '88) · April 17, 2007 12:47 PM

thanks Bill!

Any and all VMI men are welcome.

Well, everyone is welcome.

But VMI men in particular.

John · April 17, 2007 01:34 PM

My ex was an Army MP (yes, everyone in the Rotation, past and present is military) years ago. One day I took his seven year old daughter out for the day (it's all very friendly) and we ended up at McDonald's. There were three young men in uniform at the next table. They were arguing about apple pies. They wanted them, but they were weighing it against doing well in PT. I sent Keira up to get 3 pies and bring them over to their table. She gave them the bag and said thank you. They thanked her with big smiles. When we left she asked why we did that. I told her that her Daddy used to wear the uniform and took care of us, just like those boys are doing now. She liked that answer.

Maggie · April 17, 2007 07:16 PM