Warbird Information Exchange

This is kinda weird with that "How to thank a vet" thread. But I met someone today and it was both wonderful and emossional.

Anyway, I work at a retail store and I was outside working when I saw this old man walking slowly up to me out of the blue. I smiled and said hi. He asked me how much I got paid for my job. We chatted for awhile and he mentioned how hard it was for him to find a job after he got out of the service. (Now most people probably would have shrugged him off and went about their thing. But I gave him all my attention I could give).
So a few moments later I asked him if he was in the service. He said yes five years in Europe! I told him how I was a history buff, loved warbirds, and was a student pilot and he then added that he was in the airforce and flew on B-17's! Instantly I was aww struck naturally and I paid close attention to what he had to say. After he told me a few stories I was getting alittle emossion(I did not show it). I looked him firmly in the eyes, shook his hand, and thanked him very much for his service. We chatted alittle more but the guy said he had to go so I thanked him again and I said 'keep em flying'. He said you do the same 'son' and he left. So that guy made my day. After that I had to stop and think and wonder why he picked me to talk to out of everybody around us. So right now I am feeling very humble and thankful to have met this man. I am going to be really sad when they are gone. It just hits home when you meet someone like that. Remember them! And remember when a vet picks you out of the croud and talks to you....stop and listen!

Thanks guys for listening. Hope I did the right thing.

-Nathan

Yes, you did the right thing, Nathan! I'll bet you made that Vet's day, too. I would imagine, that other than reunions and airshows, most people don't recognize or appreciate his service out on the streets. He probably thought how weird it was for some "snot-nosed teenager" (no offense to you, Nathan!) was appreciative of his service.

Nice story!

That's a great story Nathan, I'm happy that you were able to have an experience like that. It left you with a really great feeling didn't it? Of the veterans that I've met I feel so privledged to have them talk to me.

And of course, I shake their hand, look them right in the eye and say thank you.

I really do not look forward to the day that we no longer have WWII veterans. Every single one I have met have been real gentlemen.

I will miss them.

- David

working at the air museum, and going to the airshows has given me the chance to spend some great times with these veterans. They are great to talk to. It is a very amazing time to hear their stories.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

When we were having lunch before the Tex Hill Memorial last year an old man in the next booth heard me talking to Rod Lewis about the P-38 and said he didn't know there were any flying. I explained about them and asked him if he flew them. He was not a pilot, but he kept a few flying for the fly boys. As we were leaving I stopped to shake his hand and say thank you for his service. It was really neat that in return he thanked me for our effort in keeping them flying. Really a great chance encounter.