Reading Bosshog's post about putting a punk in his place reminded

[driver8]

me of something that happened to me.

When I was in the navy and just out of bootcamp, a friend of mine and I headed into Chicago for dinner and lots and lots of beers. We hit Rush Street for awhile, but somehow ended up in this "drinking man's bar" -- like a local watering hole.

Anyhow, we sit down at the bar and order a couple of beers. The bartender brings us our drinks and as we went to pay him he said, "Sorry guys...your money is no good here." We asked him why and he said, "You guys are in the Navy...well, there are a whole lot of vets that drink here. Your drinks are taken care of for the night."

We were kind of in shock but as we looked around, about 10 guys lifted their drinks up and said, "Cheers, guys."

I will never forget that night -- it was incredible that people would do that for us. Lately I've been wondering if that still happens? I know if I see a couple of military guys in a bar, I will buy them a drink. It's not much, but it is amazing how much a small gesture like that means to someone in the military.

So, the next time you are out and see some members of our military...if you can, send a drink over to them. I guarantee you will make their day.

[Catch22Dem]

1. I like the way you operate

Very classy

[driver8]

4. thank you, Catch22Dem...that means a lot.

[proud patriot]

2. A local Chiropractic office has a Huge sign out in front

It states "Active military treated free"

that's here in the SF bay area

[Texifornia]

3. I was returning from a long trip

overseas and my ground transportation from LAX was FUBARed so I was able to secure one of those shuttle vans along with a few other people. We're heading to O.C. dropping passengers along the way until there's just a young Marine and me. He is obviously nervous and I gently start a conversation with him. Turns out he was returning from leave to Camp Pendelton and his buddy was not there to pick him up at the airport as promised. He grabbed whichever shuttle would take him farthest south because after some waiting he was in danger of being AWOL.

I talked to the driver, who informed me he could not leave Orange County (Pendelton is in San Diego County). The poor Marine (perhaps 18 or 19) didn't have enough money on him to get to my house, let alone Pendelton. When the driver arrived at my house I had a little discussion with him and overcame his resistance with $50 and some stern words to "get this Marine back to his base right away!".

I hope the kid made it...and survived his Seargent's wraith!

[leesa]

5. Well, OK, but many people serve their country in many different ways,

where are their beers?

[driver8]

8. leesa, you are right...many people do serve their country...

maybe you can come up with an idea as to how we can support them.

I am speaking from experience -- from being in the military and how it felt when people thanked you. It is not very often that our military members are thanked...believe me, things are tough in the military right now.

I can't solve all of the world's problems with my post...but it is a little something that anyone can do. If you don't feel comfortable doing it -- don't. I didn't know I was going to have to defend myself for trying to do something decent for someone who deserves it.

[havocmom]

6. My mom used to make me crazy when she worked at the Navy Exchange

on Terminal Island. Whenever she saw a kid in uniform trying to hitch a ride into Long Beach or Orange County, she would always stop and pick him up. Worried me sick that someday she would get hurt.

She would just smile and say they were just kids needing a friend and she hoped my brother ran into old ladies like her in Norfolk.

She always bought a round at the E-club on election days too. She didn't drink herself, but she knew who to thank for the fact that she got to vote earlier in the day.

Miss that old woman sometimes ;)

[DanCa]

7. To All Military DU ER's

First I would like to thank all of you who served this country of ours. I try to do my part by thanking people who wear the military insignia hats and so forth. The older military people really seem taken aback when someone thanks them. I also try, when I can afford them, give a few bucks for a few phone cards to the uso. I wish I could do more but ssdi goes only so far.

[Catch22Dem]

9. You're welcome...

So many others on DU have done SO much more than me though. We have many Vietnam vets who have really seen more than anyone should ever have to see. I absolutely cherish those DUers. They know who they are. I served my 8 years in peacetime, and I'm thankful for that.

Your phone card idea is great.