This weekend I certainly got my exercise. I knocked on 100 doors. I talked to 37 people. I gave out Commit to Vote cards.
But, I think the most good I did was a conversation that wasn't supposed to happen.
You never know when opportunity will knock. (Please forgive the pun)
I was standing on the corner going through my walk list. If you've used the OFA walk list,it's separated by even/odd house numbers. So I was checking to see if I had any odd numbers across the street. A couple outside raking leaves asked if I need help. Told them " No I'm just out encouraging people to vote for the President."
For the life of me I don't know why they thought I could answer their question.
After telling me that they were leaning towards the president, and teasing the gentleman about his Dallas Cowboy shirt, (this is Steeler Country)they told me about their son.
"Our son is retired from the Army. He's really having trouble getting his medical care."
"I'm retired, 21 years. He shouldn't have any problems. If he is retired he has Tricare."
"He's not retired like you. He went to Iraq and then got out and went to work for a contractor."
Not retired like me?
"Was he medically retired?"
"I'm not sure. But his lawyers say..."
"Has he contacted the service officer for his local veterans group? Does he know about IAVA?"
"He's so messed up mentally I don't think he can do it himself. We're bringing him home next week"
I then told them who the local VFW Service Officer is. She then told me that she is a lifetime VFW auxilliary member. I encouraged her to contact the service officer. I gave them the phone number to the American Legion.
I gave them my phone number, so I could give them the VA number they need to call. I told them to check the IAVA website.
I have my disagreements with both the American Legion and the VFW. But I know how valuable a good service officer can be.
I gave them everything I could think of, standing there in the street, to help their son. And I'm hoping my fellow Kossacks get help me fill in anything that I missed
And then- "Well, now the President has my vote."