MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Cindy Sanford recently shared an encounter she had with a local veteran that left a profound impact on her. She hopes her story will inspire others to recognize the small yet meaningful ways we can show appreciation to those who have served.
“I really hope this brings awareness to the simple ways each of us can make a difference to someone who did so much for us. It didn’t cost anything, took maybe 15 minutes of my shopping time, and left me with a new sense of gratitude and understanding of what it might have been like for this veteran. I hope that Veterans Day can be celebrated every day, with a simple gift of, ‘I care, I’m listening, and I appreciate you and your service.'”
Cindy shared her experience:
“I was at the grocery store and wandered down another aisle when I noticed an older gentleman, slightly hunched over, picking out items for his cart. He was alone and wearing a baseball cap that read Vietnam Veteran. I pushed my cart down the aisle and paused for a moment to say, ‘Thank you for your service, sir.’
He looked up at me, his eyes meeting mine with an expression of disbelief. ‘I was in Vietnam,’ he said, almost as if I should reconsider my gratitude given where he had served.
‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘I appreciate your service, the time you spent away from your family, knowing they must have worried about you every day, wondering if you’d come home. That must have been incredibly difficult.’
He immediately began to share more. ‘I flew back into San Francisco at midnight,’ he recounted, ‘and was told to change into civilian clothes because they didn’t want me associated with the military. But where was I supposed to get civilian clothes at midnight? I ended up hiding in San Francisco for a long time.’
I asked him if he knew, before returning, about the harsh and cold reception that awaited him. He said he had no idea. Think about that. I’ll say it again—think about that. He went on to share that it took him 10 years after serving to find himself again.
He never broke eye contact with me, this humble man, as he quietly listened to words he likely hadn’t heard often enough. I spoke slowly, with a genuine smile, as though he were at a ceremony receiving a medal: ‘I appreciate you, your sacrifices, your courage, and the sacrifices of your family members who also served. You deserve acceptance and honor for everything you did for our country.’
He said thank you. My husband joined us and also expressed his gratitude. After we finished our shopping, I regretted not offering to pay for his groceries—I had been so caught up in the moment, reflecting on the conversation.
But next time, I will.
I am beyond humbled and grateful to have had the opportunity to thank this hero personally. So, anytime you see a hero of the armed forces, take a moment to look them in the eyes and thank them. It’s a gift that costs nothing, never runs out, but is not given nearly enough.”
This touching story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact a simple gesture can have on someone who gave so much. Thank you to all veterans for your service.
Please note that original text has been edited for clarity. Thank you so much for sharing, Cindy!
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Author: News Desk
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