Heros deserve free rides.

#FreeBusForHeros

I remember hearing a story about a retired bus driver who told a story where wood pay out of his own pocket for every time a soldier and a ride his bus and there was never found out because he always put dollars from his own wallet in with the payments of that day. The driver said something along the lines of:

"Sure, it got pricey sometimes. But they where Fighting for all of us. They already have to deal with the thought of them never returning home so why should they have to deal with the extra burden of having to take money out of their own pocket? Soldiers deserve better."

For many years I wanted to take up arms and join the military despite my parent's wishs. But a lieutenant (who will remain Anonymous) pulled me aside and asked me to take a written test.

When my school day ended I immediately went to the auditorium and gave the captain my sheet. Basically told me in a respectful manner that while he appreciated that I was willing to sign up I would not be accepted because of my various health complications. While I was physically fit and conditioned enough, other things would have made me liability and for the safety of others people like me must be denied.

I understood and wished him the best... but it didn't exactly change the fact and I felt like garbage for a couple of years even after graduation. Countless men from from the past couple of generations of my family I followed in the footsteps of the previous and became soldiers I wanted to have a sense of purpose and do the same. So much so that I kept it's off away from my parents. But looking back it was meant to be and there's no arguing that.

But sometimes when I look in the mirror after a rough night sleep I just think: "What am I doing with my life?" Depression anxiety insomnia...it all sucks. >~<

Anyway, I really enjoy your military pieces quite a bit and I can't wait to see more!

Where I work, we see soldiers come through every so often--there's some sort of reserve center nearby I think. It's amazing to see other customers offer to buy their meals, and on occasion other coworkers and I have done so ourselves. Sorta regretted* that once though because they ended up ordering one of the more expensive things, and money was tight at the time because I was paying off my car, but then I thought about it... these guys sign up and spend years in the service to protect my dumb ass and serve this country, am I really gonna worry about what adds up to a measly two hour's pay compared to the sacrifices they make?

*"Regret" in the sense of when you offer to buy lunch for a friend and they get something a bit more expensive than you would have liked, and it's a very mild inconvenience at worst but you're still out that 20 bucks, lol.

I know I portray my soldiers as a more goofy lot sometimes, but one of my friends over on DA is a Vietnam vet and seems to think I do this well--which is oddly reassuring but also a bit intimidating since, like you, I was never able to join the military myself, and in part doing this sort of art seems kinda like I'm pretending to know about things I don't and pretending to understand things I never can. But, I suppose light-hearted depictions of the day-to-day moments in military life, presented through silly cartoon animals, isn't hurting anybody.

I agree wholeheartedly about how you feel when it comes to art based around the military and I believe the fact that you're showing the more casual light-hearted side in terms of silliness shows that more relatable realistic side of things because it's not always, of course.

Anyone that would ever give you a hard time over what you draw probably is just having a bad day or something.

( I'm not saying that's what your friend did but let's just say I've known a couple people that sometimes want the fact that they were a soldier asked if it's some sort of title where there past that of a mere mortal human being )

I think that sort of attitude that some former soldiers have is very toxic and damaging two words the military as a whole. Because they're made to Serve and Protect but yet you sometimes have those few that make everyone look bad because they're being a pretentious POS.

Like if they were drafted and forced against their will to join then I could definitely understand why a person would be sour and angry pretty much for the rest of their life which is understandable is it right? No, but it's understandable.

But for the people who fully decided themselves to sign up and become a soldier and then come back and have that sort of attitude about themselves? Absolutely disgraceful and a spit in the face to those who take their job seriously and for those who have fallen.

And don't worry I understood what you meant by "regret".

That was very kind of you to do that for them and I applaud you.

Don't get me wrong, I like delving into the more action-based stuff too, but at the end of the day, soldiers are people too.

I had to reread this--I thought you thought Leo was offended by my cartoon dog soldiers or something. He's been pretty supportive, even given me some ideas for the kinds of shenanigans the guys might get into on base between exercises and so on.
Then I realized... you're describing the exact sort of bitter and hateful person that one of the regulars at work is! He's the only vet I've ever encountered that is so mean, hateful, self-righteous and entitled--and I just think that's who he is as a person, more than anything else. The less said about him, the better.

Still, I think it's pretty cool that people will offer to buy food for the soldiers, or chip in for their meals at least--and it sounds like it's pretty commonplace now, which is awesome. Also, I figured I should clarify "regret" for the benefit of others who might find this page, this comment section, and decide to take offense to the wording I used, though.

Yeah, you're right, I worded that poorly, my fault. I'm not always the best at explaining things.


Yeah it's good to know your friend is very supportive but there are definitely those who aren't when it comes to basically anything military-themed ranging from video games books movies, Etc.

And it's those people that make all soldiers look like the stereotypical meat ads that are portrayed in media when they are nothing like that real life.

But yeah it's really nice 2 hear people like you that are very kind supportive and generous towards soldiers that is something I can deeply respect and get on board with 100%.

It's just a shame that A co-worker app where your friend works happens to fit that exact description but at least he can serve as an example as how not that act when serving your country.

My Opa (Grandpa in German) served in the US military against the N*zi army. But he was always a very modest and laid-back individual and never had his experience has hardened him for the worse. He was a REAL tough guy but as gentle, kind and caring as a loving relative. Was the one to make me feel proud of ethnicity and really inspired me to walk the path of a soldier until...well I was denied before even get the opportunity to sign up or anything...

Your friend sounds like a great guy! ^_^