Colin got his first "Thank you" & handshake the morning he was reporting to his ship in Boston. We went out for breakfast, he was in his uniform ready to report aboard. As we walked into this marvelous little greasy spoon diner a gentleman was walking out, he stopped Colin and asked him "Are you CG son?" When Coli said yes, he put his hand out and said "Thank you for your service." Colin just looked at me and I had tears in my eyes. He just shook the man's hand and said "You're welcome and thank you" When we sat down Colin said he had no idea what to say. I told him he did just fine. I think I may have been more proud at that moment then at graduation... that was amazing to see.

that is a habit I have had for many years, and Justin has seen me do it a thousand times,  However when it was him being thanked,  a

Whole different feeling, I am so glad he NOW understands how a simple gesture can make a service man feel.     I beleive he understood

even from an early age, but again when its YOU its totally different.   I am sure Colin will remember that man for the rest of his life.   good for

him!!!!     good for you.   

I have been going back and forth between Texas and Wisconsin like people go to the grocery store, in other words a lot of time in O'Hare Airport. Chicago is the boot camp for the Navy. I was way early for one of my flights back to Texas so I was sitting at the gate area, working on my laptop. Three very sharply dressed young Navy recruits were going to be on the same flight. They were at the counter with their orders getting everything ready to go. Well one more had walked up by himself a few minutes later. He checked in, sat down. It was abuot 10 minutes before boarding they called a name to the podium. This one sailor scooped up his bag, his manilla envelope ready to present orders because they only call you to the podium if there is a problem, right?? Well the ticket agent extended a hand and said to this young sailor "I'm sorry we missed you originally, thank you for your service, can I have your ticket?" The young man handed him the ticket... they bumped him to first class, no charge and said he would be getting a complimentary meal on the flight. They did this out of respect for all military members when flying in uniform whenever they can.

Well hell, the tears started again for me. I'm a pretty tough chickie... I see something like that and the water works just start. My boyfriend was in the Army from 1978 to 1982. Want to guess how he was treated when he was in uniform at the start of his time??? Thank God the attitude has changed.

I was commissioned in 1977. I know exactly how military members were treated then and, frankly, the rest of you don't really want to know. I, too, am very glad that has changed.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU ON THIS FORUM FOR THE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT!

Graduation for Victor 183 was great, it was a whirlwind trip for us from California to Cape May and back but well worth it. Our son is home for a week, very excited and will be leaving for his first duty station in Texas this coming weekend.

Thanks again!

Totally awseome!

I wish him all of the best!

it was that bad attitude towards the military that caused my grandfather to talk me out of enlisting. my husband has told me of his experiences as well.......not great.

last time i flew (in june), out of norfolk, va there was quite a few military on the flight. the pilot before he went to the cockpit walked the plane and shook each and every one of their hands and thanked them for their service. when he introduced himself over the loudspeaker he asked all the passengers for a round of applause for the military on board to thank them. i found it very touching and got a bit choked up myself. that was until the lady next to me opened her mouth. blubbering liberal talking about all of their hang-ups with the war.....blah, blah, blah!!! cheesed me off. i finally looked at her and said....."my daughter is in that military you are disrespecting" her doing her job affords you the right to speak your opinion freely. however, please keep it to yourself as i do not want to hear it.

i cannot believe this thread is still active!!!! it has got to be some sort of record.
and yes......
i am BACK!!!

Wish him the best from us Concerned Dad.. Tell him to watch out for the nutrias, and to say "Hello!" to New Orleans for me.

Gears,

Will do, he stood his first radio watch Wednesday, found an apartment (5 mins from the base) and all the fast food spots on the island! busy start. He said he has received a warm welcome.