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My son, the diplomat.
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Leaving the airport, going back to the Academy (KP). Arrives in New York, and waiting on his baggage to arrive. Even the USNA mids were surprised to see a Navy uniform getting on the jet to JFK.
A little old lady... (now, don't be offended. I DID have to get clarification-- since MOST teenagers would put their parents in that category as well)... Anyway,
I real little old lady (all gray hair, a bit frail) at his destination was wrestling her bag off the luggage carousel.. The bag probably weighted about as much as she did.
My son offers to help, and fetches the bag for her, and gets it all set up. She gratefully thanked him, looking carefully at his uniform...
"Thank you young man... Did you fly the airplane?"
"No 'mam. Just happy to help".
"Well, thank you for serving in the Army".
(Pauses just a fraction of a second... Is cover is in place, with the fouled anchor?--check, is emblem on front w/golden eagles?--check, are shoulderboards still present with propellers?--check)
"'Mam, we're proud of all those who choose to serve"
-- WOW. nicely stated! (He just HAS to take after his Mom for that!)
So, the nice little old lady walked away feeling good about thanking our servicemen... and my son walked away knowing that there are a lot of people like his dad who need to get their eyeglasses prescription checked.
And although many parents are confused, he is absolutely locked on there at KP looking towards active duty service.
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