A short story about my weekend before I reported for duty. I spent it in the mountains with my wife and kids. We had a great time hiking & whatnot. When I was checking in to my room I asked for and got the military rate, never hurts to ask. Later at dinner a man approached me and asked if I was in the service, and I replied that I was. He had been behind me in the registration line and had overheard me ask for the military rate. We spoke for a bit and he asked if he could buy me a beer (I demured) and he thanked me for serving. I told him I was leaving in two days and he offered to get my drunk. Turns out he was in 'Nam for a year back in '66 with the 1st Air Cav. My kids were listening to all of this and were favorably impressed. I think that was the moment they realized what was happening to our family. Well, it turns out Ron had picked up our tab for dinner! I know I bitch and moan a lot on my little room in cyberspace, but something like that just makes your year. Ron, if you ever read this, THANK YOU!