The night before I was suppose to speak at William O Darby Junior High School. Joe Armstrong, my Ranger buddy and sponsor said the local Wal-Mart Logistic Distribution Center, heard on the news that I was speaking and wanted me to come out and say a few words for their Veterans Day Ceremony to recognize their veteran employees for their service. It was only one problem I would have to wake up at 4:00 am (0400) to be there by 5:30 am (0530). Without any hesitation I said yes I don’t care if it was 1:00 am (0100) in the morning I want to do it. You hear a lot of jokes about Wal-Mart and unflattering comments. But when veterans are involved I’m out to recognize my fellow service brothers. I told Joe I have no idea what I am going to speak to them about because I never spoke to a group of Logistics employees. We pulled up to the facility walked in and was greeted by the building supervisor say how he really appreciated Joe and I coming out so early in the morning. They presented us with Veteran lapel pins and once I saw the works gathered I lean over to Joe and said I know exactly what I wanted to say. Joe introduced me then it was on. I stared across at the workers and I told them this is America. I was looking in the face of America, the people that represent America in thousands of small towns across this great country. These were not high job paying executives, upper middle class, celebrities, or rich folks. These were blue collar workers, the eight hour workers. When they called the veterans up for recognizance Joe a shook each veteran hand and thank them for their service. What a way to start off the morning in the company of the American workers.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:02:04 +0000