I got a $4 Veterans discount at the car wash.

[trof]

We're getting ready to trade a car and it needed spiffing up before the dealer looked at it.

Pulled in to the full service car wash and turned it over to the attendant.
Went inside to pay.

The guy in front of me at the cashier's counter was showing an ID to the lady. Something about being a veteran.

When I got to the counter I said, with a grin, "Free car washes for veterans today?"
"Not free, but vets get a four dollar discount."
"Gee, I just don't happen to have my DD Form whatever-it-is Honorable Discharge with me today."

The guy asked me if I had a retired military ID.
"Nope."
"You belong to the American Legion? VFW? DAV? Got a membership card?"
"Nope."

Then I said to the cashier, "All I did was keep Alabama safe from a Cuban invasion for seven years. 106th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Birmingham Alabama Air National Guard. It was a photo recon outfit. Our motto was We Killum With Fillum."
She laughed.

Guard troops of my generation got ZERO veteran's benefits.
For me, it was enough that I kept a whole skin (and thank you VERY much, Alabama) when guys were getting killed and maimed, physically and psychologically, in Viet Nam .


I gave her a credit card, signed the bill without really looking at it, and walked outside.
While I was waiting for them to finish wiping down the car and polishing the mirrors (This was a FULL service car wash.) I looked at the receipt.
Damn.
She gave me the four dollar discount.

I walked back inside.
"Hey, thanks."
"No problem you talk the talk AND you walk the walk."
Sweet lady.
I put 3 bucks in the tip jar.
At least I got a buck off.
;-)

[trof]

1. I finally realize I am no match for 180.

He and I corresponded a lot and he sent me an autographed copy of his book. We talked about writing. What made a good story.
We agreed that the best ones come from 'true life', real experiences.

We were peers, of an age, although he had a few years on me.
I guess his stories were more poignant, or folksy, or earthy, or something.

He was beloved here, and rightfully so.
When he left us, I guess I thought I'd now be the resident geezer storyteller.
Not so.

Not everyone can be a 180.
Not by a long shot.

But my tales are from real life as I have experienced it.
Maybe the storyteller doesn't have the same talent.
And maybe the stories don't relate to the audience.
But I'll keep telling them
Because I like to.
You guys are stuck.
;-)

[Robb]

2. Hell, I just walked in

Looks good from here, chief.

Besides, someone's gotta say thanks. :hi:

[texas1928]

3. YOU WASHED YOUR CAR WITH THIS DROUGHT!!!!

MY GOD!!!!


HOW COULD YOU!!!!


:P