Please pass this on....

Not to say that our regular customers don't mean as much, but our men and women in uniform command a special respect from us. Neither Mike or I have ever been in the military, so I have no way of knowing the sacrifices they make every day just being part of the armed forces. We salute you all!
 
Being in the Army currently, I can speak to the meaning of this video. I don't get a lot of thank you's around the post and the surrounding area but that is too be expected. The local population has become accustomed to us being here. When I travel and I am in uniform I always get people who look and stare.....you can tell they are thinking something. When someone does approach me and offers their hand or a verbal thank you, it is a little awkward. I don't always know what to say....I am not shy by any means and can hold a conversation with a total stranger but it is a little weird....I mean here I am just doing my job and total strangers are coming up and thanking me.....I do appreciate it and it makes me feel good but it is a very odd feeling.

Thanks to all of you that have expressed their thoughts and know that it does not go by unnoticed. Even though soldiers may find this gratitude awkward it is very much appreciated!!!
 
Put it on my facebook page, and asked it be passed on. Thanks for posting that Jeff.
 
Good video brother. Good video.

Here's a little story for you guys and gals.

My bestest homeboy, a man I refer to in all seriousness as my brother, despite our not being blood related, was deployed a few years ago. It was his first time leaving with the Army and he had a couple of days leave before he had to go. He came and hung out with me for that time and when the time was up, I drove him to Hartsfield Airport here in Atlanta to meet up with his unit. When we got there, there was a strange feeling all over the entire airport. A few units were all scheduled to leave at the same time and all of the soldiers were just sitting around in the main area. Some were chit chatting with each other, some sitting with their families just hugging each other and giving reassurance that they would come home safe, and some were there by themselves, just sitting either with their head down, or reading a book. Everyone in there had this strange way about them. I can't explain it. I've been to that airport more times than I can count and I had never and I'm sure will never see anything like it again. Joel and I were just sitting there being quiet, watching everything. I didn't really know what to say, and neither did he. We just sat there, sipping our Redbull.

After being there for what seemed like a few years, we saw a few soldiers, obviously high ranking officers, start walking around and talk to lower ranked soldiers. All of the commanding officers gave a wave to all of their men and all of the soldiers started standing up. All together, they started forming their ranks right there in the main area. It was like watching them get ready to stroll into battle right then and there.

Before they started to move, I heard someone in the crowd, now thousands of people standing all around to witness what was happening, start to clap. Before we knew it, the entire airport, and I mean the ENTIRE AIRPORT, turned into the loudest, most proud clapping, whistling, and cheering I have ever heard. I was there when the Braves won the World Series. The Braves wish they had this applause. Every inch of that airport was thundering and shaking. It was incredible. Those soldiers stood up tall and straight and marched through that airport to their planes, marching on a cloud of pride and support that I doubt anyone was there that day will ever see again. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't standing there, clapping as loud as I could with tears in my eyes like everyone else.

That was easily one of the most moving and incredible experiences I have ever had in my life. I had never seen anything like that. To see that many people and here that much noise in appreciation of what these soldiers were doing, that is some powerful stuff bro. I guarantee you, anyone who witnesses something like that would be brought to tears just like I was. I'm actually welling up quite a bit just writing this and remembering what it was like. It was unbelievable
 
Thanks for posting this Jeff, it's a great way to show our support for those willing to give so much.
 
Dylside said:
Good video brother. Good video.

Here's a little story for you guys and gals.

My bestest homeboy, a man I refer to in all seriousness as my brother, despite our not being blood related, was deployed a few years ago. It was his first time leaving with the Army and he had a couple of days leave before he had to go. He came and hung out with me for that time and when the time was up, I drove him to Hartsfield Airport here in Atlanta to meet up with his unit. When we got there, there was a strange feeling all over the entire airport. A few units were all scheduled to leave at the same time and all of the soldiers were just sitting around in the main area. Some were chit chatting with each other, some sitting with their families just hugging each other and giving reassurance that they would come home safe, and some were there by themselves, just sitting either with their head down, or reading a book. Everyone in there had this strange way about them. I can't explain it. I've been to that airport more times than I can count and I had never and I'm sure will never see anything like it again. Joel and I were just sitting there being quiet, watching everything. I didn't really know what to say, and neither did he. We just sat there, sipping our Redbull.

After being there for what seemed like a few years, we saw a few soldiers, obviously high ranking officers, start walking around and talk to lower ranked soldiers. All of the commanding officers gave a wave to all of their men and all of the soldiers started standing up. All together, they started forming their ranks right there in the main area. It was like watching them get ready to stroll into battle right then and there.

Before they started to move, I heard someone in the crowd, now thousands of people standing all around to witness what was happening, start to clap. Before we knew it, the entire airport, and I mean the ENTIRE AIRPORT, turned into the loudest, most proud clapping, whistling, and cheering I have ever heard. I was there when the Braves won the World Series. The Braves wish they had this applause. Every inch of that airport was thundering and shaking. It was incredible. Those soldiers stood up tall and straight and marched through that airport to their planes, marching on a cloud of pride and support that I doubt anyone was there that day will ever see again. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't standing there, clapping as loud as I could with tears in my eyes like everyone else.

That was easily one of the most moving and incredible experiences I have ever had in my life. I had never seen anything like that. To see that many people and here that much noise in appreciation of what these soldiers were doing, that is some powerful stuff bro. I guarantee you, anyone who witnesses something like that would be brought to tears just like I was. I'm actually welling up quite a bit just writing this and remembering what it was like. It was unbelievable
Click to expand...

When I used to fly quite a bit, Hartsfield Airport use to have a "Town Crier" lead the troops through each of the main areas, announcing to all that the troops were coming through telling all who they were and were their unit was from. The received standing ovations ever time. It really made a person proud.
 
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