Pretty cool event at my work: honouring a vet

[ghettodub]

I thought this was pretty cool, so I figured I would share it with some of you.

My director at work served was a Marine and served in Vietnam, and was wounded at Monkey Mountain.

He recently made the decision to retire at work, so we had a retirement ceremony the other night. My VP, who is also a Marine and combat veteran, put everything together for the ceremony.

At the end of the night, he was presented with gifts and awards. When it came time for my VPs gift, he gave my director a really sweet engraved KA-BAR knife, which choked my boss up a bit.

After the knife, my VP gave my director his personal NCO sword, which he carried at funerals, weddings, services, and more. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house for this moment, and you could really tell it moved my boss. Giving him his NCO sword was such an incredible honor, and really a cool thing.

I'll always remember that I think, because of how serious of a deal that was, and such a sign of mutual respect for each other.

Just wanted to share. Sorry about my crappy story telling, but I'm tired today, heh.

[OneGuy67]

Great story!

[BigBear]

Awesome.

[StagLefty]

Good deal

[ghettodub]

Here's one of the picts. Turned out cool

[Elhuero]

very cool

[Troublco]

Those are the sort of things that mean most to exactly who got them. Outstanding!

[theGinsue]

Trouble is right on with his comment. The exchange between those two reached both of them at levels most who haven't been part of the brotherhood can never understand.

I'm glad to hear that you understood the significance of the event.

While in a Jose Muldoons (Tex-Mex) Restaurant last week, there was a loud slightly older gentleman sitting at the table next to my wife and I. He ws with family but barely stopped talking long enough to take a breath or bite the entire time I was there. I happened to noice that he was wearing a "Vietnam Veteran" ballcap. As I stood up to leave, I paused long enough to catch his attention and I said to him as I pointed to his cap: "I just wanted to tell you thank you very much for your service and sacrifice". Because of the look on his face and the fact that I didn't hear another word out of him as I walked out the door, I don't think he's heard a "thank you" for a long time.

Most vets just want to know that folks understand the sacrifices made for them and that their efforts are appreciated.

My point is that the understanding and appreciation necessary for that VP to give up his NCO sword to the Vietnam Veteran and fellow Devil Dog probably meant more to your boss than anything else he's experienced for many years.