"Sack Lunches"

[Guest Valkyrie]

(I did not write this - I found it online and researched the validity of it - and found that it came from a magazine and is most likely a true story)

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base.

We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lu nch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.

She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base.. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,

Wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America'

For an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor

, and there are way too many people

In this country who no longer understand it.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/lunch.asp

Edited November 11, 2008 by Valkyrie

[Smith]

Absolutely great story. The only sad part is that your act of kindness stands out. It should have been a routine accurance, but sadly it is not. Admittedly I don't always think of these things at the moment, but I am reminded once again to be thankful for what i have and those who help me keep it. Thank you.

[ShaunM]

Absolutely great story. The only sad part is that your act of kindness stands out. It should have been a routine accurance, but sadly it is not. Admittedly I don't always think of these things at the moment, but I am reminded once again to be thankful for what i have and those who help me keep it. Thank you.

Definately agreed. We need more people like you. One act of random kindness goes along way.

[PackinMama]

Great story Val! Just shows you how one small act of kindness can go such a long way.

[saintsfanbrian]

Remember, pay it forward. Do not reward some one for what they did, help them to become what they can. Thanking a soldier, airman, marine, seaman for their service is a great and honorable thing. Remembering them when they are gone is a great service to do them but appreciating them prior to their act and showing them the respect that is deserving of the uniform is awesome.

We shall not let this war turn in to something that happened 30+ years ago. All of the Cindy Sheehan's of the world cannot do that.

Thank you for your service and your acts of kindness to the soldiers who ever and where ever you are.

P.S. - Val - I know you didn't write it but it is a great find.