Search the Community

I am currently a DS of Dept 27, electrical, in a Mesa, AZ Home Depot. Yesterday afternoon, I answered a call from the service desk to help a customer. Inside garden is next to my dept. The service desk DH mistakingly called me instead of a Dept 28 associate. When I went over to the BBQ grill aisle, there was a very elderly couple looking at a smaller Weber gas grill. Upon greeting them and asking what I could do to help, they stated that they would like to purchase the grill but wondered if they had to take the display or if we had others. The husband when young might have been 5'8". He is very frail and stooped over maybe reaching 5'2" The wife maybe could claim 4'8". I discussed with them the features of the grill and this is the one they wanted. They were somewhat besides themselves because they owned a smaller car and had no way to bring the grill home. I assured them both I would make sure they got their grill. I found a boxed unit and had it taken to tool rental to be assembled. I will be loading it up in my truck this afternoon and taking it to the home. I am also throwing in a new, filled propane tank. Now the point of this post. During conversation, the wife asked if they could use a military discount. I replied yes and asked about branch of service and time served fully knowing I was in the presence of a WWII veteran. The gentleman looked up at me and replied with a big smile U.S. Navy. That was the extent of his reply. His wife looking at him with pride added that he was a crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona and was on the ship 7Dec41. The husband looked at me again with tears forming and running down his cheeks. He was a mechanics mate and somehow got above deck and off the ship. Only one of his fellow mates is still alive besides himself. I broke company protocol giving this very humble man a big hug thanking him for being part of the greatest generation this country has produced. At this point, I had tears running down my cheeks just as I do now. This small statured man is not a braggart but a giant who went on to serve his country for the rest of the conflict when he could have gone home to the warmth of his family and safety. In my eyes this soft spoken hero is 7' tall. I am so lucky to have taken that miss directed call yesterday. I, also a veteran who saw combat, have a new hero to look up to. All in all, I would say one of the best days I have had at work in a very, very long time. God Bless all that have served this great country during it's time of need sacrificing all that was dear to them EXCEPT for the love they had for their homeland. We are sincerely blessed to have men and women with such fortitude and backbone answer the call to duty. Respectfully, Chas B. Wolfson I delivered the grill the following afternoon. I set the grill up on the back patio, installed the propane tank and showed the couple proper lighting and use. The old sailor thanked me and asked if I had a few extra minutes. He went inside the home and returned with a small box. Inside were packets containing old photos. Little B&W ones with the scalloped edges as if cut using plinking sheers. He proceeded to show me some of his memories. These were a chronicle of his service to his country. From the day he left home to start his training to about six or seven weeks before 7DEC41 and then of the rest of his tours during the entirety of the conflict. It was like taking a step back in time to say the least. He very clearly described each photo to me and remembered each and every name of the individuals frozen in time. In the bottom of the box was a smaller metal box which contained all of his service medals and paperwork. Very moving to say the least. I will be going back for some more visits. Regards, Chas B.