Load DataLee PrecisionRotoMetals2MidSouth Shooters Supply
Inline FabricationTitan ReloadingReloading EverythingWideners
Repackbox
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 22

Thread: Knock me down with a feather,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  1. #1
    Moderator


    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Just outside Gun Barrel City, Texas
    Posts
    9,484

    Knock me down with a feather,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    In our little community, we have one traffic light, the next closest one is 5 miles away in one direction, and 10 miles in the other.
    Here, everybody is just hard working, church going,,,,,,,, normal folks.

    Today, I stopped at the local auto parts store, talked to a couple guys outside, left the windows down, went in,
    got my stuff, and talked & visited with a few folks inside, and left.

    Getting back in the truck, with my state issued USMC license plates, and the emblem from my old squadron in the back window--
    There was a envelope inside with a hand written message,
    "Thank you for your service. May your next oil change be on us who appreciate our veterans".

    Inside the envelope was $60 in slightly used US currency.
    I about fell over.

    This is more than generous, more than kind, and totally anonymous. The parking lot was empty when I left.
    I'm more than grateful, but there is so many vets and other folks that deserve this MUCH, MUCH more than myself.

    I can't just spend it, or put it in the "Keep Winger Ed. from starving to death this week" fund.
    The wife & I have decided to double it, and spend it in another way.

    The little local sit down 1950's style café we eat at on occasion always has some older person come in,
    sit down, and dine alone. Most are widows or widowers and their families don't live near by.

    We've decided to use the gift to 'pay it forward'.
    When we're leaving, we'll pay for the ticket of some older person who isn't done yet, and eating alone.
    Last edited by Winger Ed.; 06-27-2019 at 03:21 AM.
    In school: We learn lessons, and are given tests.
    In life: We are given tests, and learn lessons.


    OK People. Enough of this idle chit-chat.
    This ain't your Grandma's sewing circle.
    EVERYONE!
    Back to your oars. The Captain wants to waterski.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Communism running rampant!
    Posts
    4,732
    That just about made me tear up! WOW!

    And I will also Thank you for your service!

    You may have to be conscious of folk’s pride when offering to pay it forward. Some may appreciate companionship as much or more than actually paying for something while some may prefer solitude.

    In any case I think you are really onto something!

    Bravo!

    Three44s
    Quote Originally Posted by Bret4207

    “There is more to this than dumping lead in a hole.”

  3. #3
    Moderator


    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Just outside Gun Barrel City, Texas
    Posts
    9,484
    Quote Originally Posted by Three44s View Post
    And I will also Thank you for your service!
    Thanks bro.
    I've always been grateful and polite when I hear that. But I feel guilty too.
    I did almost 8 years, and all of it was peacetime service.

    I've always felt uneasy being lumped in with men & women that came home all shot up- or worse-
    from places we never even heard of.

    Whenever I hear that, in my mind's eye I see the old picture of 3 Grunts carrying their buddy on a stretcher-
    rifles on their shoulders, coming out of the jungle, while its raining.
    Under the picture, it reads, "All gave some. Some gave all".
    I remind myself that whatever I gave, if anything---- it was real darn minimal.

    Sure, spending 4 years turning wrenches on the Marine One crew was really cool, and was a great place to grow up,
    but it's nothing compared to the level of Service others were called to.
    Last edited by Winger Ed.; 06-27-2019 at 03:51 AM.
    In school: We learn lessons, and are given tests.
    In life: We are given tests, and learn lessons.


    OK People. Enough of this idle chit-chat.
    This ain't your Grandma's sewing circle.
    EVERYONE!
    Back to your oars. The Captain wants to waterski.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,308
    I know how you feel about being a peace time veterans, but we peace time Soldiers kept the ranks full which was a deterrent to those who would take our Countries on. I understand I am entitled to some peace time medals but I will never claim them as medals are for heroes and those who saw active service, In my view anyway. I think the idea you and your wife have decided on is a wonderful idea something we should all consider. My hat is off to you both. Regards Stephen

  5. #5
    Boolit Master


    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    southern MO
    Posts
    2,946
    This post speaks of the way things used to be and should be now. By and large people are caring and good, honest, hard working folks. As a person who is not a veteran, I feel the way about your peace time service as you feel about those who carried their buddies out on a stretcher. I am so grateful for anyone who gave up years of their life to serve our great country. You and others who served in a time of peace could have been called to some far away place if things had been different and would have stood in the gap for freedoms call. Enjoy the oil change because you earned it. I also think your idea of paying it forward is a great one. May we all be encouraged to do so too.
    Mark 5:34 And He said to her (Jesus speaking), "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

    Land Owner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Mims, FL
    Posts
    1,864
    Quote Originally Posted by Winger Ed. View Post
    Thanks bro.
    I've always felt uneasy being lumped in with men & women that came home all shot up- or worse-
    from places we never even heard of.
    I hear you and feel your pain. Some of us were "on the cusp" between war and peace, spanning the end of the "conflict" in Vietnam, what followed, and in what some consider "peacetime" service. Still, each of us took the oath, wrote a blank check for "all" if that became necessary, and did the required jobs at hand in order to keep the machines well oiled and the equipment constantly at the ready. There is no sense of diminished worth in the Honorable performance of our duty.

    In this we are all Brothers, though some have been steeled by combat and we salute them for their extraordinary service - though they shrug it off as just "doing their job"...
    If it was easy, anybody could do it.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master

    Sig556r's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    West of H-Town
    Posts
    1,055
    Thanks you for your service sir! And bless you & your wife for being generous.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
    JBinMN's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Goodhue County, SE Minnesota
    Posts
    3,080
    Cool story! Thanks for sharing it!


    I also suggest ya just keep "Passing it forward", like mentioned if ya want to do so.

    You could even spread it out & buy a "couple", or a "few" of those older folks their meal, or any kind deed like that. To make things even better, if ya can afford it without much issue, add to "the pot" to spread it around.


    Semper Fi !
    2nd Amend./U.S. Const. - "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

    ~~ WWG1WGA ~~

    Restore the Republic!!!

    For the Fudds > "Those who appease a tiger, do so in the hope that the tiger will eat them last." -Winston Churchill.

    President Reagan tells it like it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6MwPgPK7WQ

    Phil Robertson explains the Wall: https://youtu.be/f9d1Wof7S4o

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

    sparky45's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    SE, KS
    Posts
    2,405
    As a Hospital Corpsman (1965~1969) I am proud of your ideals Winger Ed and applaud your since of caring and Patriotism. I served in War Time but wasn't involved in "in country" activities. Oddly as a Navy Corpsman I wasn't even assigned to a Ship, serving the bulk of my time in service on the lovely Island of Guam. I share yours and others feelings of "I could have done more" but realize my job was as important as others who served in battle. Your story really touched me the and the idea of "passing it forward" is a tremendous showing of faith and Patriotism. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master redhawk0's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    North East, USA
    Posts
    1,419
    I too want to thank you for your Service. Even in peace-times it IS still a sacrifice. You gave up time with Family and Friends to serve our great nation and to keep our military strong.

    I love your idea of paying it forward. I'm sure whoever you help will be appreciative of the anonymous assistance.

    God Bless....

    redhawk

    The only stupid question...is the unasked one.
    Not all who wander....are lost.
    "Common Sense" is like a flower. It doesn't grow in everyone's garden.

    If more government is the answer, then it was a really stupid question. - Ronald Reagan

  11. #11
    Vendor Sponsor

    Smoke4320's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Right here ..at least I was a minute ago
    Posts
    5,046
    A wonderful idea. Pass that blessing on to others. My hats off to you
    [SIZE=4][B]Selling Hi Quality Powdercoating Powder

    I carry a Nuke50 because cleaning up the mess is Silly !!

    http://www.bing.com/search?q=nuke50&...7ADE&FORM=QBLH

    I am not crazy my mom had me tested

    Theres a fine line between genius and crazy .. I'm that line
    and depending on the day I might just step over that line !!!

  12. #12
    Boolit Master


    DCP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    The LAST State to allow Conceal Carry -The new 5O
    Posts
    2,710
    Blessing to you and yours
    LOYALTY ABOVE ALL ELSE, EXCEPT HONOR

    "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading." -- Thomas Jefferson

    "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
    Theodore Roosevelt

    NRA
    BENEFACTOR LIFE MEMBER

  13. #13
    Boolit Master trails4u's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Upstate, SC
    Posts
    1,364
    "Still, each of us took the oath, wrote a blank check for "all" if that became necessary, and did the required jobs at hand in order to keep the machines well oiled and the equipment constantly at the ready. There is no sense of diminished worth in the Honorable performance of our duty".

    For me this says it all. Each and every one of you knew full well the possibilities when you signed your name on the line, yet you made that choice anyway. That takes guts, and is patriotism in its highest form. You did the job that was asked of you..... For me, and for most I would assume, that is more than enough!

    God Bless you all, and thank you...each and every one of you, for your service!
    "Do not follow where the path might lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" Ralph Waldo Emerson

  14. #14
    Moderator Emeritus


    MrWolf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NE West Virginia
    Posts
    4,853
    Quote Originally Posted by Three44s View Post
    That just about made me tear up! WOW!

    And I will also Thank you for your service!

    You may have to be conscious of folk’s pride when offering to pay it forward. Some may appreciate companionship as much or more than actually paying for something while some may prefer solitude.

    In any case I think you are really onto something!

    Bravo!

    Three44s
    This especially along with the other posts. God bless

  15. #15
    Boolit Grand Master

    gwpercle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Posts
    9,254
    It's sure uplifting to read about acts of kindness .
    Thanks !
    Gary
    Certified Cajun
    Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
    " Let's Go Brandon !"

  16. #16
    Boolit Grand Master

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    England,Ar
    Posts
    7,687
    Thats a cool story! Thanks for posting it.

    And I also want to thank you for your service. There is no reason to feel uneasy about this. You signed "The Blank Check" without knowing what your fate would be or where it would be at. You went where they sent you and did your job when you got there. For that, my hat is off to you.

    Your post just shows that there are lots of good people in the world.
    Last edited by lightman; 06-28-2019 at 08:58 AM.

  17. #17
    DOR RED BEAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    1 mile from chickahominy river ( swamp) central va
    Posts
    2,162
    I was really touched by your story. I never served so i will always thank those who did. As far as serving in peace time doesn't matter to me you put on the uniform and were willing to go if called. Thats what mattered . Putting on a uniform is protecting this country whether you had to fight or not. In my opinion no one wants to go to war they do it to protect there country. I can tell you that i for one will never forget what all the men and women who have served have done for the country or for me personally. Thank you.

  18. #18
    Boolit Master





    Idaho45guy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Idaho/Washington border
    Posts
    2,655
    What a wonderful gesture. I also live in a small town and despite being surrounded by some truly upstanding Americans, it is hard to remember that there are still more of us than there are of those who hate liberty, morality, and honor.

    I also suffer from the guilt of not having done more. I was in the US Navy for four years. Wanted to join the Marine Corp and become a sniper, like my dad during Vietnam. But he talked me out of it. During Desert Storm I served on a carrier that was in the Gulf and received combat pay. Got out in `92 and wanted to do more, so I joined the Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer. Trained in a combat recon squad along with the Cavalry scouts for a few years.

    Got injured during a training exercise and was forced out. Then Afghanistan erupted and my old unit was sent over and suffered casualties. I felt like a failure for not being there.
    "Luck don't live out here. Wolves don't kill the unlucky deer; they kill the weak ones..." Jeremy Renner in Wind River

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    UTAH!
    Posts
    680
    I thank all of you for your service! I guess I can be called a "Cold Warrior." Congress, in its wisdom decided the Vietnam action started about a year before I was discharged, so technically, I am a Vietnam Vet. I have never felt comfortable using that title, because I didn't earn the right. I even feel a bit funny about buying and wearing one of the caps that say "Vietnam Era Veteran". My respect to all who served there.
    IT IS A FINE AND PLEASANT MADNESS !

  20. #20
    Boolit Master
    LUBEDUDE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    East Texas
    Posts
    2,678
    Great story Ed! Thank you for your service. You are a humble man that did his duty. And that duty was just as important as others. As you know, one defective/broken part can shut down the whole machine.
    TEAM HOLLYWOOD

    NRA- LIFE TSRA-LIFE SASS-LIFE

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check