I sometimes work as a consultant to break the boredom of being retired. Monday I had occasion to go to DFW airport to pick up the CEO of a major aircraft instrument manufacturer. While there I saw about a company of soldiers obviously waiting to emplane for overseas. By their shoulder patches I gathered most of them were veterans of Iraq and headed back for more.
Then I noticed, off to the side,three soldiers standing alone and talking. They had 10th Mountain division patches on both their shoulders, That unit is in Afghanastan I think. I walked over and there was a very young Staff Sgt. and two Specialist. As they gave me a curious look I siad, "I want to thank you men for your services to the nation and we appreciate what you are doing." I siad I was a nam vet and wanted them to know the nation was behind them. They beamed and said "you led the way for us sir." I asked the Sgt, "are these your men?' he replied "yes sir, these two belong to me". I had a Gator coin in my pocket and said "I'm sorry I only have this one coin on me";and I gave the Sgt. the coin and said, "This is for you then, Take care of your men. "They thanked me and I walked on as they were looking at the coin,then at me and back at the coin, no doubt wondering.
Bob K, you did a great thing, having those coins made. They have traveled farther,and done more,I'm sure,than you ever imagined.
Snappy Salute
BT