I am still trying to get caught up writing my blog…I am several days behind now…It’s been tough to stay indoors writing my blog when it is so nice outside.
Cole is a member of the United States Marine Corps (a big thank you to Cole for his service to our country!). He has made two tours to Iraq and is looking forward to an opportunity to go to Afghanistan in January of 2011. I notice that his left hand is injured and he said that he injured it while driving a military vehicle in Iraq.
When I meet men and women who have been on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan I like to ask them what their impressions of our efforts are. So, I asked him about Iraq. “We have done our job” Cole says. “The government is in place. The Iraqi army is good. The police are in place.”
I was surprised by two things that Cole told me. One was that the Iraqi people don’t want us to leave. I hope that is representative of us doing a good job there. The other was that the Iraqi people go crazy for the military issued sun glasses they wear. They wear Oakley brand if you are curious.
Cole says he will give the $10 to someone else. He is not sure to who…but he agreed to let us know.
And then something happened that has never happened before. A man came up to me and gave me $10. Keith had been nearby and heard what I was doing. I thanked him but said that it wasn’t necessary, that I had made this commitment and was prepared to part with the $3,650. He insisted saying that he was really inspired by what I was doing. I accepted it.
Thank you Keith! That was beautiful and sincere and greatly appreciated! I hope the act of giving made you feel as good as I feel every day when I give away my $10!
I have given Keith’s $10 away…stay tuned to Day 86 to find out what happened to it!
Year of Giving 
I love this story! What a fabulous gesture by Keith and you!
What a great story! I think it’s best when you start to see the ripple effect of the act of giving occur right before your eyes =)
Your post about Cole was very interesting. Its nice to hear from someone in the Marine Corps that thinks we are helping the people of Iraq. It makes me feel better to know the people there appreciate our country helping them.
If anyone else who reads this wants to know a good way to pay back or service men and women I know of one great way. I met a guy through a friend that was in the military a while back. He had been battling cancer in his stomach. He spent a lot of time in the hospital and said how boring it is to sit there week after week while receiving chemo. I had a few boxes of cd’s and dvd’s that I either have on my computer or dont watch anymore. I gave them to my new friend to take to the hospital. Now they have some new music and movies to help pass the time!