Grit,
From one old Oklahoma Marine to another, Fine Job you and your crew are doing at Sgt Grit. Keep it up.
I just wanted to share a story that just happened tonight at a local Mexican Restaurant in Batlett, TN where I live. I served our beloved Corps for 7 years from 70-77, I was a 6133, T58-GE-10 engine mechanic and a 6034 SOAP Technician. Working on CH-46D's E's. Deployed to WestPac with USS Okinawa LPH-3 in 1972. I have always been very proud of my time served and I always wear a cover that I think came from your company that stated I was a USMC VietNam Vet. A lot of people see the hat, old Marines, young Marines, Doggies, Sailors, and the Zoomies in the Air Force. So I get the normal greeting, a friendly nod a special look between men who have been in and from civilians that are finally thanking my era of men and women for our service during that time, now about 40 years have past but at least the public is thinking of the servicemen again.
On this particular night, my wife and I had decided to go out to eat some very good Mexican Style food. We went into the restaurant and as we were eating our chips and dip before the plates arrived, a family group came in and sat down behind me at the next table. The food arrived and I took my cover off to say grace to God for our food. We were eating and my wife said that the family behind me was getting up and she had smiled at them but they just went on up to the front of the restaurant to pay their bill, one of the family members had the look of a young Marine but did not look at us. So we continued eating and when it came time for the check, the waiter brought a piece of paper with some writing on it. The waiter asked me if I knew what that meant. I just started tearing up. My wife asked what was on the slip of paper and asked about our check. The waiter explained that the family sitting behind us had paid for our meal. My wife was just awed that someone would do that for us. Oh the slip of paper? It stated very short and simply " Enjoy your meal, SEMPER FI".
To the family that did that deed out of kindness, we thank you. God Bless You from an old Marine and his lovely wife. That simple act was so unselfishly given you shall truly be blessed.
Ron Cook
Sgt USMC 70-77