I live in a very military town. Between the Air Force and the Navy, there are approximately 60,000 people associated with this area. That doesn’t include the thousands of military folks who have retired here. So, it’s not surprising that I’ve given rides to some of America’s finest.
A few weeks ago, the young people assigned to bases here received their new assignments. Many of them will move to the next step in their education, but the Navy and Air Force also assigned the candidates to their specialties. It felt like the NFL draft.
I picked up four young people in the Navy who had just received their orders. The excitement was palpable. Not only did they discuss their own assignments, but the news about their friends filled their conversations. I was excited for them! Their enthusiasm was contagious. They were on their way to celebrate with their friends.
Later that day, I picked up two young ladies who had just received their assignments. One would be moving to the next step in her education, while the Navy had “drafted” her to her dream job. She got her wings earlier that day. Both riders had long lines of military service in their families.
“My father and my uncle were pilots in the Marines. I always dreamed of following in their footsteps, but I found out early that I wouldn’t qualify.”
“My eyesight is poor, which disqualified me. Then, I found out that I could still receive my wings in a different, but very exciting way.”
“The Navy will be training me to serve on airplanes searching for submarines. The technology has advanced to the point that I will still be flying all over the world, not as a pilot, but in a very important job. I’ve already trained on some of the simulators, and I loved it!”
I know this. She admires her dad and her uncle, and I’m sure they’re beaming!
In contrast, I picked up a lady in her early forties at a shopping center. I drove to the pin she had set, and there was no one there. Then I noticed a lady in my rearview mirror waving her arms and running toward me. She was talking on the phone as she hurried along.
“Why didn’t you see me back there?” she asked. “I was clearly waving my arms at you!” She didn’t wait for an answer.
She returned to her phone call. “I’ve already gave you my information last year! I can’t help it if you people lost it. I don’t want to have to do this all over again!! @$#%^&!!”
“I can’t afford to pay full price for internet, and you people are supposed to offer me a discount using my EBT designation!! I’m not blaming you, but everyone else down there is incompetent! Look again. Don’t hang up on me; it took me forever to get you on the phone this time!”
I could hear the other person on the phone trying to reason with her. She apologized several times and explained that in the absence of her friend producing a receipt, she would try to help her start the process all over again.
I was with this lady for about fifteen profanity-laden minutes. When I dropped her off, she was still blasting the cable company. She left my car without any acknowledgment. Surprisingly, she must have forgotten to tip.
I have the pleasure of being around a lot of retired military folks, as well as those people currently serving. It’s amazing to see the difference in people who have served or expect to serve and those who feel entitled to be served.
I know my preference!
God Bless,
Tommy