IPG Showed up At Sturgis...

I have a story from Sturgis that I've gone back and forth about sharing because I don't want anyone to think I am trying to get a pat on the back or comments on how nice I am. I want to tell it because I want people to realize that a small act of kindness and acknowledgement can go a long way.

Dan and I were wandering through all of the vendors in Sturgis to try to find a better deal on a shirt that Dan wanted to get. As we entered one of the vendor tents I spotted a gentleman standing off to the side, seeming like he'd love to be anywhere but there. As I observed him more I noticed that on his vest were patches that read Vietnam Veteran, etc. It appeared that maybe he was working there. He didn't talk to anyone unless they asked him a question and he just had this sad look about him. We had worked our way over to this table that was near where he was standing. I got this feeling in my heart that I wanted to say something to him. I walked over to him and took his hand in mine. I looked directly into his eyes and he gave me this very startled look like, what the hell lady! I said to him...Sir, thank you very much for the service that you gave to our country. I appreciate all you sacrificed. He looked back at me and said...Wow, you are welcome. I squeezed his hand ever so lightly and walked away.

As Dan paid for the shirt he wanted, I observed this man again. He went from lurking to the side of the tent, to walking up to people and talking to them in a matter of a couple minutes. And the best part about it, he had a smile on his face.

The point of my story is that if you feel something in your heart do it, say it. The feeling that you have could uplift someones spirit and help them through the day. I guess I'm all about supporting our real heroes. The ones that put their lives on the line for our freedom. As D-Day has said a couple times...maybe I should change my name to Iowa Patriot Girl. I just have such a love and respect for our military that every chance I get I tell them how much I do appreciate them. I think my whole thing is, lift up those that are real heroes, they need to know what they are doing or did is that important!