Stopped in at Hendel's Market on the way home to meet Beth for an evening nightcap. A trio of singers were playing some excellent music, 2 men and a woman. One of the men served all of us in Iraq on two occassions. We were speaking to him after they were wrapping up and he was talking about how he loves the USO and what they have done for him. He spoke of coming home after a tour of duty in Iraq and arriving in Bangor Maine at the far end of the terminal at 3 a.m. He said it was lonely and quite until they arrived near the main USO area and over 100 people were waiting there in line to shake his and the other soldiers hands. He said it made a profound impact on him. Arrived later the next day in California where people were polite and applauded them as they walked through the terminal. He said all he could think about was our Vietnam Vets and what they went through when they arrived back home, many told to arrive in civilian clothes so they would not be disrespected. This chance meeting plus seeing the Calvalryman in our club tonight walking in with his full dress uniform and hat on gave me chills.
Thanks again to all of our members who served and your family members and thanks to my relations and friends who served for us. We are forever indebted to you!
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