I was standing in line at Wal-Mart yesterday wearing an old USO (United Service Organizations) tee I had gone for a run in. I got the shirt after helping fill care packages at a USO event with my boss on Capitol Hill a few years back.
A man standing in front of me suddenly asked if I worked for the USO. I told him no and casually explained that a group of friends and I had helped at one of their events.
He told me he was a soldier that had been stationed in Afghanistan in '05. As the soldiers were heading out, a line of USO workers handed each of them a care package. He said it made all the difference and he really appreciated it.
He then stuck out his hand and said, "Thank you."
He said thank you to ME.
I shook his hand - and my head - and said, "No, thank YOU."
Right then, it was his turn in line and with a question for the pharmacist they were off looking for what he needed in the aisles.
I picked up my prescription and as I turned we caught each other's eye. I smiled and waved and took for the door.
Then I remembered the back of the shirt says in very large letters, "DO STUFF FOR OUR TROOPS".
I'm glad he saw that. Reminding people about our troops is one of the very reasons I love wearing that tee.
Moments like the one in line are all the other reasons...
It's pretty great that he saw the shirt and thanked you for your help, too. They do so much to keep us safe and sound, and this confirms that the organizations that send help really make a difference. Great moment!
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