Happy New Year To Those Who Serve

Happy New Year to all of you! The past year and a half has been very prosperous for all of us in that we have renewed many, many old friendships.

I have a little sign taped just above my computer monitor printed in large, bold, deep purple letters.

Happy New Year Quest

As some of you know, especially the ones of you who go on Facebook, my son bought a combination business 4 1/2 years ago. It consists on a night club, restaurant/bar and a liquor store all under one roof. Certainly a drinking persons ideal combo. Now for that same 4 1/2 years I have helped my son out by volunteering Saturday nights working the liquor store. You meet many "interesting" people in that line of work and most of them are quiet, withdrawn, some angry, many sad for one reason or another. Well, it became my goal when I first started to say something pleasant to every person who comes in and to thank every person for doing business with us. It was a slow start with many people looking at me like I was crazy (boy if they only knew the truth, I am way beyond crazy, I am certifiable "Looney Tunes!). Some would half mutter, half whisper something back at me. Some would smile. Some made smart remarks about clerks are to be seen and not heard.

Well, fast forward and take a look at the same people and a lot of new ones, who now immediately upon entering the store will look over at me, wave and shout out a greeting…just like old friends. But this Thursday, before Christmas, I was helping someone and this young man comes in. Early twenties. We began talking. He was extra-clean cut, like recent military. So I asked him if he was in the
service and he told me he just got out a month ago. He was in to get some cold beer because four of his old buddies were home on leave and they were getting together to celebrate. He said they were all assigned to a marine sniper group. He went on to relate to me that when they got on the chopper to go to their target zone in Afghanistan their CO explained to them how deadly this area was. He told them that at least 70% of
them would be killed as soon as they jumped off and their feet hit the ground. It was their miracle day. They landed under heavy fire and took cover near by. After a few weeks had passed and they accomplished their mission, they were extracted and brought back to the main camp. Three and a half weeks in hell and 100% of them came back alive.

Happy New Year Gratitude

At this point in his story I said to him, “Thank you for serving. I deeply appreciate all that you have done for our country and all that you have done for me and my family!” The words had barely left my lips when he extended his hand to shake mine then pulled me in to a brotherly hug. He said, “No one has ever said that to me or any of my friends. It is like no one cares that we put it all on the line around the clock. I’ve had people spit on me in the airport, flip me the finger and call me all sorts of names that hurt deeply. You are the first person who has said that you care. Thank you sir.” His eyes were starting to water up at this point. He paid his bill and shook my hand again. As he turned to leave, he asked me if it would be OK with me if he brought his friends over to meet me when they got in town because they could use a kind word as well. I told him I would feel honored to speak with them. He smiled and left.

I won’t forget that conversation any time soon. It just re-enforces within me the quest to say something pleasant to everyone I have contact with. You never know when your kindness may make a big difference in someone’s life. My outlook on life is simple: When I wake up in the morning the very first thing I do before I even get out of bed is to take my pulse. If I have one, I go and have a really great day. If I don’t have one, I just roll over and go back to sleep. Either way I know I am going to have a really Happy New Year!

It is my love for you who serve and my country that has allowed me to spend so much time with you here on the site. This may be as close as I am ever able to get to you, but at least this way I know you are still kicking. So let me bring this to a close because I can see a couple of you on the back row are starting to nod off to sleep. I am eternally grateful to you folks who serve. I love you even more. I just want to take this time to say thank you! And to wish you a very merry Christmas & a Happy New Year and pray that God will touch each of your lives in 2011 in a very special way.

Allen Harp

aka “Dad” at American Valor with a Happy New Year Military Tribute

Once again, to all of the men and women who are now serving or ever have served in the military, please allow me to with you a very Happy New Year!

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