ONE MAN’S RENEWED HOPE IN AMERICAN CHILDREN

This past Sunday I took a day-long motorcycle trip up to and around Mt. Lemmon, just outside of Tucson. On the way back, I stopped at Wendy’s in Benson, Arizona to get a burger and a coke.

I am a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and a member of the American Legion Riders (AZ Post 24) and Patriot Guard Riders. When I traveled Sunday, I wore my leather vest, which includes the usual patches, including one remembering the POW/MIAs. As I ate my burger a small girl, possibly 8 years old or so, was standing at the cashier’s counter with a woman who appeared to be her mother. The little girl kept staring at me and squinting as if to see me more clearly. Then she pointed at me, and conversed with her mother. Again, she squinted and stared at me. As I got up to leave, I heard her mother say, “Go ahead, tell him.” She approached me directly and what she said nearly floored me! She said, “Sir, thank you for your service.”

Needless to say, my eyes become teary and I couldn’t believe that there are still parents who teach their children the patriotism, manners and gratitude that we were taught. As I tried to control myself, she said, “My Daddy is in the Army.” Struggling more, I asked her, “…and where is your Daddy?” By this time, the mother was at the child’s side and she replied, “He’s in Iraq.” The child then asked, “What’s POW/MIA?” Without going into further detail, given her father’s current deployment, I thought it best to simply tell her what the letters meant.

I was really off balance at that point. Here we had a small, lovely child, who is suffering the absence of her Daddy who is fighting for her and me in a very dangerous place, and she took the time to thank me, a stranger, for MY service. I could do no more but to thank her and swiftly go outside, fearing I would make a scene.

After recomposing myself, I returned inside and asked the child what her father’s name is. She said his name is Jason. I asked when he would be back, and mom offered that he would be home in December. I thanked both, told them that Jason would be in my prayers and that when he comes home, and if they requested, Patriot Guard Riders would be honored to stand by as she and her Daddy are reunited. It is a mission I will not miss for anything!

Those of us who love this country always honor our fighting men and women who are ever-willing to fight and die for us. Sometimes, though, I think we carelessly forget about the mothers and fathers and children whose love and sacrifice make our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines so willing to stand for us. It is something I will never again forget . Thank God we can still learn lessons from the children. My hope in the children of this country has been renewed.

And to that lovely young girl and her mother, Godspeed to Jason and God bless you all. I and all who read this will keep him and you in our prayers. Also, please know that, thanks to you, I and many others will stop more frequently to remember all of the other children, spouses, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and significant others who patiently wait for their heroes to come home. They are our heroes too!

Jason, you and your wife should be very proud of your little girl…and we are very proud of you. Come home safe, Jason. All of the rest, too! Godspeed to all of you!

IN GOD WE TRUST.