Since this is Gunner's third time in Iraq, he has flown through the Dallas airport numerous times. Every single time he has been treated extremely well by the USO and the other travelers as they rush from place to place to make connections. When Gunner left from here almost two weeks ago, he arrived in Dallas, hungry and ready for lunch.
Knowing he had a bit of time, he just headed over to McDonald's to grab something to eat. He say down and was quietly enjoying his meal when a lady came over and sat near him. She proceeded to tell him that she supported the troops but.......the war was wrong. The idiotic lady went on to tell him how the war was about oil, gas prices weren't coming down, and Bush was an idiot. She didn't stop there and continued to fill Gunner's ears with her political views when all he wanted to do was eat his lunch, think about having just said goodbye to his family, and about what lay ahead.
My quiet husband spoke. He told her why we were there. He explained why he believed in the mission. He talked about his political views. Gunner then told her that he had just said goodbye to his wife and three kids that morning, for another 9 months. He told her how he understood how precious time was, and he wasn't going to waste his time on her. Gunner got up and walked away. She said nothing.
To the lady at DFW....if you support the troops, all you need to do is say thank you. Leave out the but.......
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7 comments:
Absolutely! I may or may not agree with what the airport lady said, (this is not the place for me to say) but it is never, ever appropriate to initiate that conversation with a stranger in uniform.
Last night I bought a new Airman ice cream at a basketball game. She thanked me, but I said, "No, thank you!" She quizzed me because she could not understand why I was doing it. I told her I had no family or friends in the Air Force. I was not in the Air Force. I was just thankful SHE was in the Air Force.
That is how to support the troops, make a small difference every day life and grant them the respect that they know what is going on in the world and can make up their own minds.
Were proud of what Gunner did, I wouldn't have been so diplomatic in my choice of words though.
I'm sorry your husband had to go through that on his way back. When my husband went back this last time he flew thorough Atlanta, as we were on the East Coast. He and I flew through Dallas when we were looking for our new house and were blessed with being treated very well. I would like to thank your husband for what he is doing and for all he has done in the past. I'd also like to thank you for what you are doing at home and for your support of his mission. I know how difficult it is at home with young children, what you face and trying to do while still being employed.
Unfortunately those out there that do not understand the hardships that the military face think that their freedom of speech entitles them to invade on the soldiers that provide them that very right.
God Bless you and your family.
~asw
Idiot woman. Good grief.
Would you mind if I used this as an example later on down the line in a blog of mine? Names would be changed, of course...
And, I'm on Gunner's side so you needn't worry about what I'd say, either.
cjh
I agree, just say thanks you and leave it at that. George is good about ignoring the comments, but every now and then, he feels he must speak up.
HOOOOAAAAH, Gunner!!
I wonder if she was too dense to get the message.....
what an idiot. cant people like that just leave the troops alone. Actually all of us for that matter. I know they fight to protect the right to say anything and everything but does it really mean we haev to hear it!
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