For the last 14 years, a local orchard has recognized Vets, offering a variety of apples, vegetables, a lot of thank yous' and hand shaking and a half gallon of apple cider on the way out. I've known the family for many years, worked for them picking apples as a kid and their grandfather was a notable area trap shot in the 1950s. About 5 years ago I started helping by passing out food and carrying the weighty bag to the car for those who were elderly and/or who had a recognizable disability. The last few years nearly 2,500 Veterans come through the line. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, officers, enlisted, men and women of all rates and job descriptions. And then there were those who signified their special service as a combat Vet. I tipped my cap to every one I met. The first stop after a few hand shakes and a thank you for serving our country, is sign-in were you are then handed a copy of the military bible. At the next table each Veteran was handed a small jar of honey, then a bag of home-made chocolate chip cookies. A choice of several varieties of bagged apples was next. Everything from Granny Smith, Stayman Winesap, Golden Delicious, Enterprise and Fuji. I can't recall the other kinds. Vets also received a bag of sweet and regular potatoes and a bag containing cauliflower and squash. Veterans in line. After storing their items in their vehicle, they were treated to a hot dog and drink and a trailer of Vets offered free funnel cake. Many of the Veterans searched for our eye contact. It was if they needed that to jump into conversation. They just wanted to talk about a piece of their service time and I could see the need in their eyes. Each year I meet some wonderful fellow Vets from all branches and some young active duty men and women too. Some were WW2 Vets, some served in the Korean War, Viet Nam, Desert Storm and many other conflicts. Some wore hats identifying they as a recipient of the Purple Heart award. Some offered little or no discussion except a thank you for the family of givers. A couple offered their blessing for the food gift saying they were not sure if they would eat today until they were told of the Orchard honoring Veterans. Some of the most notable Vets were those in their 90s and one gentleman was 100 years old. I'm a proud Veteran myself. I have a few stories of my own, but they seem far less significant when I listen to those with the need to talk about their experiences. I guess I'm not as tough as I once thought I was. Some of those stories brought me to tears and I can't count the number of Vets and their wives I witnessed with tears of gratefulness on their cheek. You simply cannot measure how thankful they truly were. I sure hope I helped or gave some peace to a few of those Veterans that needed to tell someone their story. I appreciated them sharing them with a fellow Vet but a stranger just the same. I was exhausted at the end of each day's work but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Involvement like this affair seems to make a better person out of you. I'm more grateful today than ever and Good Lord Willing, I'll be there to help with next year's 3-day honor event. The end of the final day and the sign goes back into storage until next year. HB
You are a special person HB. Thank you for your service to our country, countrymen, and us Trap Shooters.
I am a Combat Vet 2/1 USMC Vietnam 65-66. I must admit I have an issue with giving handouts to Vets for any reason, other than the GI Bill. I believe we are all citizen solders and when duty calls and one happens to fall into that group that must defend the Country at that time in history, it falls upon that group to do the job. I never expected anything from my service. Although, I did use the GI bill to go to college. And frankly I don't care for someone wearing their "Veteran" status on their shirtsleeve or hat to get a freebee or "Atta-A-Boy." Just my opinion.
Bama, I must admit that I don't have an issue with private individuals or private and government organizations helping our veterans. I would much rather have government at all levels, spend my tax dollars on veterans rather than the illegals in our country. The GI bill has been water downed since you served. I actually like to see veterans wearing their hats as it often gives me the opportunity to thank them for their service, which usually leads to them proudly telling me where and when they served. Most veterans are not looking for a handout, but many need a helping hand. I applaud HB and others who do what they do to help veterans, as their way of showing their gratitude to our veterans for their service. Where in Alabama do you make your home? I spent three years at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Four months attending advanced flight training and graduation from rotary wing flight school in 1969. After I returned from overseas, I was a Huey instructor pilot back at Ft. Rucker for three years. Our daughter was born in the base hospital. I really enjoyed my three years in Alabama. I loved the pine trees, the bass fishing at Walter F. George reservoir (Lake Eufula) and most all the people. Bama, as one veteran to another, I thank you for your service. May God bless you and your family forever. Garry, United States Army 1967-1973.
Thank you, I live near the beach. You have the wrong idea of what I was trying to get across. I don' care if anyone offers freebees. And I do wear a Marine Viet Vet hat on occasion, and do apricate a thank you when offered. However, I don't go out of my way to ask for a thank you or get a freebee just because I did what every America may be asked to do as a result of being a citizen of the USA. However, I'm am glad to see things have changed with respect to the way Vets are treated today, as compared to when I came back from Vietnam. We weren't treated well at the time. Like Vietnam was our fault. Oh Well, I've had my say.
Thank you for your explanation, BAMA. I was a bit dazed by your reply and regret misunderstanding what you were trying to get across. I honestly got the impression you were in opposition to the event, seeing it as Vets begging for a handout. I didn't see it that way at all. I actually saw a few who only came to put money in the jars for different Veteran causes, leaving without accepting a thing. You served during some tough times for military people. I assumed you were a Vietnam Vet and I could not understand your comments about Veterans now getting some long-overdue recognition. My service was 1968-1972 so I'm painfully aware of how our military, especially the treatment of those who served in Vietnam. The orchard owner is a Christian, only trying to give something back. Prior to recognizing Veterans, he held a similar event recognizing Firefighters and EMT's. Most of the volunteers for both events were from the same church. Most of the Veterans did not have a hat or coat identifying their military service. Identification was not required. It was conducted on the honor system. Some Vets actually forgot to say thank you while others expressed their thanks prior to knowing what they were receiving in line. As I said, some Vets and/or their wives were reduced to tears before receiving my handshake. Just to know that someone cared enough to stage an appreciation event was hard for them to believe but they were truly grateful. I also wear hats on occasion, that identify the two ships I served on. My hat started a lot of good conversation with other Vets who recognized the ship's name or said they served aboard the same type of vessel. After 46 years, I finally found another Sailor who was aboard a guided missile cruiser and had a missile return toward his ship after launch. The same type of missile too. Those Veterans wearing something identifying their service, I believe, did so out of pride and scamming for free hand outs was the farthest thing from their minds. A tip of my cap to you BAMA for your service to our great country. HistoryBuff
I understood completely what Bama was saying, there are many who keep on milking after the cow dried up ... I have a Buddy who eats more on Veterans Day than any other day of the year because he gets the meals for free, this guy abuses the system to a fault and when I told him so he thought it was a joke ... God Bless all of the Vets for their service ... WPT ... (YAC) ...
