Traveling Soldier
I decided last night to don my ACU for wear during my flight to D.C. this afternoon, since the primary reason for travel revolved around connecting with Veterans at the Department of Labor. Plus, I hadn’t actually traveled in uniform for years and I really missed it.
Let me preface with the fact I volunteered for duty in the U.S. Army in the late 80’s and I’ve never expected anything extra from my service, coming from a long line of men who have proudly served their country. That being said I stood in front of my everyday barista at Starbucks, in Indianapolis, with my mouth hanging open and hand full of exact change waiting to pay for my order. Why was my mouth agape? Because she said, “I don’t charge military, have a great day!“… Really? I thanked her with a big smile and walked over to the comfy chair I always occupy when silently waiting for my Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte to be called out.
While waiting a gentleman politely struck up a conversation, “What rank are you? I was in the Navy and the rank structure is nothing like the Army’s“. Luckily it was a busy day and my order took a little longer than usual because I had a quick, yet great, conversation about his four year stint in the Navy. What an incredible start to my day…
I then visited the office before I shoved off to the airport and the staff, who has never seen me in uniform, were pleasantly surprised and had several questions about my duds. Velcro? When did the Army switch to velcro?
Throughout the day I was greeted regularly by people passing, waving and several reached out to shake my hand with a “Thank you for your service“. One gentleman, of his own accord, directed me from the Metro Yellow Line to the Red Line on the way to Union Station, while another addressed me as Sergeant First Class and showed me his war wound from a 7.62 he caught in the calf during his time in Iraq.
All of this attention was not due to a sole uniform, but overall pride for the great work of our armed services.
I didn’t write this post to merely record my short uniformed travel, rather to thank everyone who smiles, nods, waves, speaks to, strikes up conversations, shares stories, and appreciates the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Your support truly fills the soul.
THANK YOU!
