Farewell dinner

Peenie Wallie blogged On Tuesday night, July 26th, 2005, a proud father offered to take his son out for a special dinner. Mark Hickethier's son, Matt, had joined the Marines, and this would be one of their last meals together before he shipped out to Iraq, for a tour of duty expected to last one year. They decided to go to The Fort in Morrison, Colorado, which is about two miles from my house, as the crow flies. It's one of the nicest, most expensive restaurants in the Denver area. It's where President Bill Clinton ate when he visited. The son, Matt Hickethier, decided to wear his Dress Blues. His mother, sister, and father all dressed for the occasion. They spared no expense on their meal, ordering whatever they desired, regardless of the price, including champagne, appetizers, and dessert. But when it came time to pay the bill, they had a surprise coming. The gentleman that had been sitting at the table next to them during their meal had picked up their tab. And left. The anonymous stranger had picked up on what was going on, and picked up their tab. He'd left his credit card tab open to cover anything they wanted, and then discreetly left the restaurant, stipulating that The Fort not reveal his identity.

Michelle Malkin, Hugh Hewitt, and others have picked up on this story, so his server may be pretty slow, but check him out when you get a chance.

Ken Pierce commented It has been a very long time since any serviceman eating in the same restaurant as I has had to pay for his own meal. (But of course I eat at WAY cheaper restaurants than the Fort.) I can tell you from experience what happens if you don't pay for the check anonymously. The soldiers come to your table. They thank you profusely. Then they insist on paying their own check. Then you say, "Look, it's the least we can do for you guys." And they look you eye, and with utter sincerity tell you, "Sir, it's an honor to serve." So you can't let them know who you are or else they'll refuse your money.

Barbara Skolaut commented "So you can't let them know who you are or else they'll refuse your money." Even for drinks, Ken. You should have seen the fight we had last summer trying to pay for 2 AF guys we'd been drinking with all evening. They kept throwing money into the pot and we kept throwing it back at them. They finally gave up when they saw how outnumbered they were. Great guys, great evening. More than worth what we each paid. They'll never pay for a drink or meal when any of us are around. Our nation is truly blessed to have such defenders as these.

PC commented Great story! My son (82nd Airborne) has experienced similar things. Did I mention that I happen to have a picture of him