Chas B. Wolfson, SASS #11104 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thanks for sharing this. I am having trouble reading it because the monitor is blurred. God bless those men and women that answered the call. The country was a different place in those hard times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 And now I have tears running down my cheeks. Make sure and thank him for his service from me, and thank you for honoring him as you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Balz, SASS#46599 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Well Done Chas, God Bless our Greatest Generation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 God bless him and his wife and God bless you, Chas. You have made my day, much as he made yours. You done very good, son! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Bravo Chas! This story gave me goose bumps. Thank you for going "above and beyond" to help a war hero. Regards, Allie Mo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Good on ya, Charles That frail old sailor went through hell on the first day and was lucky to survive when so many of his shipmates didn't. I have a ball cap from the memorial that a work friend gave me that I'm very proud of Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickB Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 This just proves that we are fortunate to have giants walking among us, regardless how old they are or how tall they are. That man is a hero in my eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Gatlin, SASS 10274L Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 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 Awesome - and hope they enjoy their new grill this weekend while reflecting on his fellow sailors who perished (reckon he does everyday!) ~ Indeed may God bless them all...as long as we, as a nation, remember that we are a nation under God. Good work sir! ~ and thank you for your service as well. GG ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calico Mary Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 One of my uncles lost a good friend on that ship, and I still get tears in my eyes when I remember seeing his name on the Memorial....just like there's tears in my eyes now. Good thing I waited for lunch break on this one.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jittery Jim Jonah, SASS #64913L Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Hey there pard, good ta see ya here! Your story is no small surprise to me 'cuz you are that kind of guy.... What I find espcially heartwarming is what YOU did, using your own funds to be sure he was well cared for.... Home Depot needs more people like you, stay safe my friend, and thank you for serving as well. Happy Memorial Day to all our veteran's and those servind now... JJJ-D 9th MP Co. :ph34r: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stubborn Dutchman, SASS # 61363 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Dad burn monitor is all blurry now. Thank you for your service, and for sharing. Dutchman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Checotah Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 You did good for this sailor. Did you get his name? All USS Arizona survivors are listed and can be looked up on the web. My personal hero has his name on the list of survivors Lawrence,Thomas H. s1C(Seaman First Class). He is my father. Gone since 1966 Died as WO4 with 26 years in the Navy. Arizona Survivors are very scarce only about 265 to start with. Dustin Checotah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I ain't got the words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thanks for sharing and caring Chas. I wouldn't expect anything less since I know you personally. Take care pard, see ya on the trail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 This just proves that we are fortunate to have giants walking among us, regardless how old they are or how tall they are. That man is a hero in my eyes. Too few left. Too few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JzaNWO6gufA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apache Hawk 60642 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 DAMN ! Big ole lump in my throat now ! My the Creator richly bless you Sir . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Thank you for sharing. I don't think I can say anything more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfgang, SASS #53480 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Thanks for posting. I worked in the shipyard in San Diego some ( many ) years back. The man who was foreman of the rigging crews on second shift had been on one of the ships that was sunk at Pearl Harbor that day in December 1941. ( I don't know which ship.) He was locked in the brig that morning . . . . . . . and was released just in time to survive. I never did inquire which ship it had been that he was on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bristol Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 Chas, Great thing to do for one of our bravest. I did an oral report on that attack for history class many years ago. Will never forget it. I don't remember any other report given that day getting the attention of the class more. Must be very rewarding to have actually met someone who lived through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G #1840 Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 My FIL is traveling to D.C. soon to be honored for service during that war. My wife was asked to write a letter for him to read there. I will do that too. He was at Omaha Beach and Battle of the Bulge, as a forward artillery observer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Sun Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 You're a good man Chas. The chances of ever meeting anyone who was at Pearl that day are slim. The chances of meeting someone who survived the Arizona are MUCH slimmer. The story of the chance meeting with him brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing the story. Sun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 That was very kind of you, Chase. Bless you and blessings to that veteran and his family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chas B. Wolfson, SASS #11104 Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Back up with post script added. Chas B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 More goose bumps! Bravo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 That is really something, Chas.! By all means, do go back and then pass the info on. Something like this is very rare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 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. Wow! He gave you a treasure beyond price. Isn't it nice when being a decent person is rewarded that way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 I agree with Buck. Record as much of that history that you can so the Greatest Generation won't be forgotten by following generations!! Bravo to you. That's quite a friendship you've made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Dammit, Chas! I made till 1:30 this afternoon without tearin' up, now you've gone and spoiled it. (I probably wouldn't have made it much longer. - going to the cemetery shortly to visit with a buddy who didn't make it back.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackwater 53393 Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Thanks, Chas.! I lost an uncle at Iwo Jima. His ship took a bomb to the magazine and he was below deck. Father served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific and another uncle served in the Army and survived Normandy and a tour of Europe. This was truly the Greatest Generation!! I thank you for your service and please thank him for his!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rancocas Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Chas The great story you posted reminded me of a recent segment on Sunday morning I think you will agree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6IWDq9FU6A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladin Gun For Hire Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Chas, That's a fine post pard. May I say that's the POWER of the H/D (employee). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Thank you, Chas, and my screen was hard to read too. I worked for a time at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. Their happiest time of year was Halloween. The saddest, Christmas ... because family never came to see them. By all means, do go back and visit with that giant again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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