Wood New England's web site went "live" seven years ago this month - August 2001. It was a different world that month. Many of my fellow Americans took for granted their freedoms and way of life, as did I. We flew the American flag on the poles outside our front doors, but somehow, until a few weeks later - 9/11/01 - the meaning behind it was taken for granted, as well.
When the United States went into Afghanistan and then into Iraq, patriotism was high, and the men and women fighting for us went without question. That was when Wood New England first listed the USO link on its home page, encouraging individuals to support our troops through contributions. Through the ensuing years and political turmoil over those conflicts, we have kept the link on our site, and will continue to do so. I don't know how many people actually click on that link, nor do I know how many contributions have been made as a result of it, but I hope we do, in some small way, help that worthy organization.
|
Which brings me to the topic of this month's blog. Wood New England is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, home of Westover Air Reserve Base. Lots of enlisted men and women pass through our city, and many are based here. It's not unusual to see these men and women in our local restaurants, shopping malls, and grocery stores, while wearing their camouflage uniforms. Yesterday I was grocery shopping, a dreaded weekly duty. There are so many other things I would rather be doing!! As I rounded the last corner and headed toward the cashier, I saw a soldier dressed in his camouflage uniform standing at the Dunkin' Donuts counter. All at once it occurred me that my unhappiness at having to grocery shop was darned petty, and my sacrifice of time was nothing compared to what this soldier was sacrificing to wear that uniform. Without thinking, I walked up to the counter, stood beside him, and told the cashier, "Whatever he's buying, I'm paying for." It could have been six dozen doughuts and a box of coffee for all I knew, but I wanted to honor him in a tangible way for serving our country. I smiled up at him and he looked back at me as if to say, "What the...?" I just smiled and then saw the realization come over his face as he briefly glanced down at his uniform then back at me. He smiled and said, "Thank you." I simply said, "It's an honor." As it turns out, all he was buying was a bagel with cream cheese. I laughed and asked if he didn't want a latte or something else. He asked for a water, and the entire tab was $2.08. I found myself wishing it was more because, at that moment, I wanted to give him more. As it turned out, though, it was enough. The small, impromptu gesture let him know that someone appreciated him and his service to our country. As he left, we shook hands and he thanked me. I thanked him, too.
The next time you see one of our enlisted men or women in one of your local establishments - restaurant, gas station, grocery store, or local doughnut shop - I encourage you to do what I did. Or just smile and say, "Thanks." Let them know you support and appreciate them. They really deserve it.
|
