July 28th, 2006
This entry was posted on July 28, 2006 6:20 AM and is filed under the troops.
July 28th, 2006
About two weeks ago I was driving North down Roselle Road in Schaumburg, when I came to a traffic light. As I looked over at the car next to me on my left, I could see the man was wearing a desert camouflage uniform, the same uniform that our band received when we were in Iraq. The soldier's hair was still buzzed on the sides and very short on top. He was trying to find his way by using a map. Was he looking for his parents home who may have moved while he was overseas? Was he visiting a girlfriend or Army buddy or family member? Who knows, but he was right next to me and I wanted to say something.
As the light changed we both pulled away and I felt that I blew it. I had an opportunity to talk to this soldier and I didn't. I wanted to thank him for volunteering to serve his country. I wanted to thank him for spending time in 120+ degree heat so that my family can sleep in peace at night. I wanted to thank him for taking the fight to them and keeping it off the streets of New York and Chicago. I wanted to say so many things but he was gone!
Well, the Good Lord must have been watching because we both caught the same traffic light about a mile up the road. I had a second chance and I wasn't going to blow it this time. As I pulled up along side the Budget rented car, I rolled down my window and honked my horn and signaled to him to roll down his window.
Just like a soldier, he asked me; "Yes Sir, can I help you?" This kid is lost and he want's to know if he can help me! I smiled and simply said, ... "Thank you." That was all that needed to be said. After a second or two, he smiled back and said, "Thank you Sir, it's my pleasure to serve."
That was it, he had a smile and knew his service to his country was appreciated, even if it was just from a big Italian guy from Chicago. I will never blow that opportunity again. If I see a soldier or a Veteran of any of America's wars anywhere, I am gonna thank them. I could feel this kids pride though his big smile and I know he did not serve his country for the money.
Honestly, I was very overwhelmed. I almost cried. These brave Americans are among the finest people in my book.
When we came to the next intersection I moved behind him into the left lane. He continued on, as I honked and waved. He honked back and waved
God bless our great American Troops.
About two weeks ago I was driving North down Roselle Road in Schaumburg, when I came to a traffic light. As I looked over at the car next to me on my left, I could see the man was wearing a desert camouflage uniform, the same uniform that our band received when we were in Iraq. The soldier's hair was still buzzed on the sides and very short on top. He was trying to find his way by using a map. Was he looking for his parents home who may have moved while he was overseas? Was he visiting a girlfriend or Army buddy or family member? Who knows, but he was right next to me and I wanted to say something.
As the light changed we both pulled away and I felt that I blew it. I had an opportunity to talk to this soldier and I didn't. I wanted to thank him for volunteering to serve his country. I wanted to thank him for spending time in 120+ degree heat so that my family can sleep in peace at night. I wanted to thank him for taking the fight to them and keeping it off the streets of New York and Chicago. I wanted to say so many things but he was gone!
Well, the Good Lord must have been watching because we both caught the same traffic light about a mile up the road. I had a second chance and I wasn't going to blow it this time. As I pulled up along side the Budget rented car, I rolled down my window and honked my horn and signaled to him to roll down his window.
Just like a soldier, he asked me; "Yes Sir, can I help you?" This kid is lost and he want's to know if he can help me! I smiled and simply said, ... "Thank you." That was all that needed to be said. After a second or two, he smiled back and said, "Thank you Sir, it's my pleasure to serve."
That was it, he had a smile and knew his service to his country was appreciated, even if it was just from a big Italian guy from Chicago. I will never blow that opportunity again. If I see a soldier or a Veteran of any of America's wars anywhere, I am gonna thank them. I could feel this kids pride though his big smile and I know he did not serve his country for the money.
Honestly, I was very overwhelmed. I almost cried. These brave Americans are among the finest people in my book.
When we came to the next intersection I moved behind him into the left lane. He continued on, as I honked and waved. He honked back and waved
God bless our great American Troops.