We were passed by a car doing 80 mph in a 70 mph zone. My trainee was on the lights before I could discuss it with him so I let him complete the stop. This one is cocky and doesn't like the idea of a reserve F.T.O.
When we walked up to the car he was disappointed to find an elderly gentleman and his Mrs. to be the only occupants. I asked the man to step out so we could hear and be heard in a safe location when his jacket flapped in the breeze I was able to see the miniature version of the Medal of Honor suspended on a ribbon around his neck. My first reaction was to come to attention and salute . My trainee was a bit puzzled until I asked the gentleman to turn around. My trainee also saluted and we both shook the man's hand. My trainee is a Marine and is recently back from Afghanistan, He's been struggling with his return to civilian life. He's been in a much better frame of mind since our encounter. The gentleman did not receive a citation. He did however recieve directions to the V.F.W. post and an escort to same.
He also recieved our heartfelt thanks. We were invited to hear his talk by the other Vet's but were unable to remain. I would like to have heard his speech.
We lose more and more of our WWII and Korea vets every day.
I always observe the spirit of Memorial Day, But it was really nice to be able to say thanks to a man of his caliber . I would love post a link to his medal citation but there are severe penaltys for breaking privacy rules.
When we walked up to the car he was disappointed to find an elderly gentleman and his Mrs. to be the only occupants. I asked the man to step out so we could hear and be heard in a safe location when his jacket flapped in the breeze I was able to see the miniature version of the Medal of Honor suspended on a ribbon around his neck. My first reaction was to come to attention and salute . My trainee was a bit puzzled until I asked the gentleman to turn around. My trainee also saluted and we both shook the man's hand. My trainee is a Marine and is recently back from Afghanistan, He's been struggling with his return to civilian life. He's been in a much better frame of mind since our encounter. The gentleman did not receive a citation. He did however recieve directions to the V.F.W. post and an escort to same.
He also recieved our heartfelt thanks. We were invited to hear his talk by the other Vet's but were unable to remain. I would like to have heard his speech.
We lose more and more of our WWII and Korea vets every day.
I always observe the spirit of Memorial Day, But it was really nice to be able to say thanks to a man of his caliber . I would love post a link to his medal citation but there are severe penaltys for breaking privacy rules.
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