Another Silver Eagle Story........

[Bob Wright]

About eight or nine years ago a young boy at my church recited the Books of The Bible to me and thus earned the Silver Eagle Award. I never knew his parents, his grandmother keeping him in church, and that sort of against his will.

He turned thirteen, spiked his hair and dyed it green. And he didn't sit with the rest of the teens, but sat off by himself, looking sullen and bored. I'd talk with him about his hair, his school, his likes and dislikes. Never scolding nor fussing, just talk as among friends.

Then I heard he was in the Army, at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was deployed to Afghanistan I believe. I tried to call him a couple of times, but got no response. Then, a copuple of weeks ago his great-grandfather died, and I heard he was going to be here for the funeral.

As I walked into the funeral home, I spotted him right away. Now he was well groomed, tall and straight with that soldier's bearing. When our eyes met, I went to shake his hand and greet him. He grabbed my hand, and with the other arm hugged me in a manly embrace, said he was glad to see me.

He's scheduled to get out soon, he told me, and as a resident of Tennessee, two years tuition is paid at a State Community college, and his GI bill will pay the rest. He told me he plans on going into law enforcement or security, and already has a job lined up upon his discharge.

I'm kind of proud of some of my recipients.

Bob Wright

 

[6GUNSONLY]

That's great Bob. You never know what fruit an encouraging word will eventually bring forth. "Cast your bread upon the waters, and it will return to you after many days." Eccl. 11:1

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Bob,
Congratulations to both you and the young man!!

The time you took to listen to the young mans views, and then talk about them with him in a nonjudgmental way have paid off.
Sounds like he has grown and matured into a productive young man.

Terry

 

[eveled]

This just came up in a recent conversation. Every kid you come in contact with is a chance to impact the future. Even if is just setting a good example by your actions. You never know the impact you can make.

In your case it must be very rewarding to see the results. God bless.

 

[RoninPA]

Bob,
Congratulations to both you and the young man!!

The time you took to listen to the young mans views, and then talk about them with him in a nonjudgmental way have paid off.
Sounds like he has grown and matured into a productive young man.

Terry

Terry, I think you hit the nail square on the head. Many older people don't talk to younger people (or more importantly LISTEN to) because of misconceptions due to hair, make-up, clothing, etc. Civility has been lost in this country. If both old and young would just listen, non-judgmentally, and discuss what they hear (or think they hear), again non-judgmentally, maybe they would see that there is a common ground. We have to get beyond a we against them mentality.

Sorry but I have to do this: Politics is the same way now, the politicians DO NOT LISTEN, they do not truly listen to their constituents, they do not truly listen to their opponents (there is always a middle ground). In my lowly opinion they only listen to their egos. The founding fathers didn't listen to their egos, they tried to do what was right for the country, not for them (Geez, remember the JFK speech- apropos for todays politicians maybe?).

Bob, if more people did what you do, maybe the country would be in better shape. Right now the (I, me, for me, all about me, give me mine, you owe me, etc.) mentality is going to be our downfall. If more did what you do, maybe we can turn this around.

 

[4kdave]

Ron +10

 

[WendyZXZ]

An excellent story all around!

 

[cpt-t]

Bob Wright: Good for you Bob, and that Young Soldier as well. You have every right to feel some personal pride in how this Young Man turned out. I am proud of You. And I am proud of the Young Man, for the choices He is making with His Life. God Bless You Both.
ken

 

[willk]

10+

 

[Lucky Joe]

Bucket List - Coffee with Bob Wright