My wife and I frequent a busy local diner in the heart of our local business area. Lunch yesterday turned patriotic, heartbeat-quick.

At the cash register near our table was a soldier of some sort, in an immaculate set of camouflage, his trousers tucked (bloused?) inside his boots, which are not inspection-shined but utilitarian-presentable. His hair is military but not bald like a Marine's. He is by all standards professional and squared-away.

It's a sharp but unfamiliar uniform. I was Navy and couldn't tell you what a BDU was much less a K-bar. I still can't figure out Army ranks or bugle calls. This very sharp unfamiliar uniform was probably the new Army get-ups, maybe. Or a test-drive for the Chair Force, they like blue.

He left the cash register area and brushed past us on his way out. The waitress stepped up. "He just bought your lunch."

I managed to get out the door and caught up with him outside. Talk about a surprise.

He's the local Navy recruiter, and after the Pentagon saying recruiters can't wear their uniforms, he continues to do so anyway --- and he's now had so many free lunches that he now just pays it forward.

That's the guy I wanted to salute, enlisted man or not. Instead, I went back inside and bought a gift certificate from that restaurant. I can take a hint from the younger generation....

Pretty damn cool.

Great story, quiller.

When we go to restaurants..... if there is a uniformed military person having a meal.... my husband always pays the tab.

As a Navy vet himself, he understands the need to show appreciation to these guys.

I go into town twice a week Mondays and Fridays, when in town I always have lunch.  I always pays the tab for uniformed military people having lunch.   

I have been pleasantly surprised that after the shooting I have not been able to do so.  As other have beat me to it, I hope these good people keep it up.   

Quote from: walkstall on July 29, 2015, 08:04:50 AM
I go into town twice a week Mondays and Fridays, when in town I always have lunch.  I always pays the tab for uniformed military people having lunch.   

I have been pleasantly surprised that after the shooting I have not been able to do so.  As other have beat me to it, I hope these good people keep it up.

Yes, I think it is a wonderful trend.

Who says that Americans have lost their integrity and character??

This is a fine example of American exceptionalism!