Ever been called a "hero" directly to your face?
I was at Wal-mart (not my favorite place) just getting a few things and was in line waiting to checkout. I'm standing there, minding my own business, haven't shaved for 3 days, still have a very short haircut but am wearing a black and white, very well worn, Springfield XD hat (pure coincidence) and this older gentleman says to me from behind, "excuse me sir". I turn to look at him half expecting him to ask to jump line and there is this 9 or 10 year old girl standing next to him. I look at him and then look at her and she sheepishly looks at me and says, "sir, you're my hero". In a flash I'm wondering where the hell this is coming from and then remember I'm wearing my red, USCG Law Enforcement instructor polo shirt. I look at her and say "thank you" and the older gentleman (grandfather I assume) shakes my hand and thanks me and gets back into his place in line.
How do you react to something like that? I felt so unworthy...I'm no hero just because I did 4 years in the Coast Guard. What better compliment can you receive here on Earth from a complete stranger?
Last edited by Jamesb74; 06-12-2012 at 10:34 PM.
Welcome to Tennessee, the patron state of shootin' stuff.
I'd edit your title. From Her to Hero.
Good for you. I honestly never know how to respond when people thank me for my service and I get uncomfortable and feel like a jack hole when I just stand their confused. and that was just a thanks. Yours was hero.
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Last edited by sfsmedic; 06-12-2012 at 07:04 PM.
Cashiers here in South Carolina often address customers as Sir or Ma'am. Every now and then one of them trips up and use the wrong address ... usually followed by a quick, profuse, apology.I know, I know, it was a typo ... couldn't resist. You guys and gals that have served ARE my and my family's heroes ... thank you.
NRA Life Member
Ok, before I look any "stupider", anyone know how to edit a title?
Welcome to Tennessee, the patron state of shootin' stuff.
I think a moderator has to do it.Originally Posted by LocoGringo
NRA Life Member
I have and it's very humbling
USAF Ret.
Pistol,Rifle,Sniper Team
Combat/Flight medic- 88-94, Flight Nurse 94-08, Chief Nurse / CCATT 05-08, Marksmanship Team 00-08
Tours -Desert storm 2, Somalia 1, Bosnia 3, Afghan. 2, Iraq 1
Coming Home
Coming back from overseas in 1970 the reception was not warm except for my family. No one spoke of my service. I hope we never do this again. The soldiers do not make the politcal decisions that get us involved in conflicts. They serve and are comitted to our values as a country. I personally take the time to thanks every service member I meet, at the range, in airports, on the street or the supermaket for thier service. Please allow me to thank you as well for your service to all of us and our country.
Stingray
I am always embarrassed by it, I feel it was what I was supposed to do. My great grandfather, grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, brother and I all served. I do remember coming home from Vietnam in my uniform and being spit on by a young man in the airport. I guess times have changed, perhaps after he had his dental work done he now calls us hero's in Walmart.
Last edited by bshaw52; 06-12-2012 at 07:57 PM.
Dulce bellum inexperts (War is delightful to those with no experience of it)
I consider religion like my penis, I don't whip it out in public nor try to stuff it down my child's throat.
And you Vietnam veterans deserved (and deserve, present tense) much better. My dad is a Vietnam vet as well. Thanks to you.
Welcome to Tennessee, the patron state of shootin' stuff.
Agreed.
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