Best story of the year!

Star 100.7 Radio Station was doing one of their "is
anyone listening who" type bits that morning. The first
one was, "Ever have a celebrity pull the 'do you know who
I am' routine?"

A lady called in and said that when she was visiting her
cattle rancher Uncle in Billings, Montana a few years ago,
they went to dinner at a restaurant that does not take
reservations. The wait was about 45 minutes. Lots of
other rancher types and their spouses were already
waiting. In comes Ted Turner and Jane Fonda. They want
a table. The hostess says they'll have to wait about 45
minutes. Jane Fonda asks if she knows who she is? "Yes,
but you'll still have to wait 45 minutes."

Then Jane says, "Is the manager in?"

The manager comes out, "May I help you?" "Do you know
who I am?", ask both Jane and Ted. "Yes, but these
folks have all been waiting already and I can't put you in
ahead of them."

Then Ted asks to speak to the owner. The owner comes
out. Jane again asks, "Do you know who I am?"

The owner says "Yes, I do.... Do you know who I am? I
am the owner of this restaurant and a Vietnam Veteran.
Not only will you not get a table ahead of all of my
friends and neighbors here, but you also will not be eating
in my restaurant tonight or any other night. Good bye."

Only in America! What a great country!

Now let's take a look at a celebrity who represents
the opposite side of the coin. A true lady with much
compassion and respect for others!!!!

Ann Margaret and Her Gentlemen!

Viet Nam 1966

This is a story about a Viet Nam vet and Ann Margaret
as told by the vet's wife.

*****************************

Richard, my husband, never really talked a lot about his
time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a
sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black
and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann
Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one
of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann Margaret was
doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted
to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so
he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30
signing. When I got there after work, the line went all
the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot and
disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her
appearance, bookstore employees announced that she
would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be
permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the
photo and let her know how much those shows meant to
lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out
looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was
soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took
out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from
the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I
understand. I just wanted her to see it." She took one
look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she
said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I
most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men
did for their country and I always have time
for 'my
gentlemen.'"

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and
planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do
about the bravery of the young men she met over the
years, how much she admired them, and how much she
appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes
among those close enough to hear. She then posed for
pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if
he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke
down in tears. "That's the first time anyone ever thanked
me for my time in the Army," he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little
straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to
have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her
graciousness and how much that small act of kindness
meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say "Thank you" to every person
I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom
does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who
have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so..
Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how
important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service
people make.

With global circulation ... this may even reach Jane Fonda!

***************************************************

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