PolkaBabe

Thank You so much for posting this story. With hearing so much sad stuff this is a story that should be made known to America. I had to finish reading this before I left for work. It was worth the extra time it took otherwise. In fact, have printed it out to take to work for others to read. Again THANK YOU

katsewnsew

I cannot believe that nobody stopped sooner for this Hero! Thank you so much for your post. I am passing this on to friends and families. What is this world coming to? TV spends more time on Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan than they do on our "finest men and women" who sacrifice their very being for our safety back home, and this is how they are treated? Thank you so much, soldier, for your great sacrifice! I pray every night for our military people and thank them, too, when I see them. I am an Army Mom and so very proud of my son and all military everywhere! God bless you for helping him. I need to stop, or I will be taking up the whole post!

LUANNH

Dito to what everyone has already said. Can't see to type thur the tears. Thanks forthe great story and ending.

pollym44

"Be careful how you entertain strangers, you might turn away an angel un-awear." GOD bless you sir!!! :thumbup:

Lv2sew2011

Oh geesh, I've got tears running down my face too! What a Sad and Happy story, sure hurts to know that someone would treat this soldier so badly, what an awesome family you have, I know that you filled this man heart with joy, with your help. And I would like to thank you for being so kind to our Military...God Bless you and your family!!!

dridener

Hello all, my Name is Doug Ridener, and i am the writer of this story. A friend ran across this posting of the email and told me about it. i had to see for myself and i have to say THANK YOU for all the response. it was not my intent to have this spread everywhere when i wrote it to a few friends, who forwarded it to a few friends, who forwarded it to a few friends and so on and so on. as of today March 22, 2011, I have received 238 replies to the “soldiers story” email, all good (except one, it was rather sad actually from a very pessimistic man who was convinced I was trying to get money).
I don’t know for sure how many phone calls , I will guess about 25-30 from all over the country and a couple from soldiers in FOB’s “forward operating bases” (one in Afghanistan, one in Iraq) just to say “thank you”.
I have cried with several Vietnam Vets this past week who called, I heard many stories of them coming home to be spit on or have feces’ and urine thrown at them. My heart goes out to those guys.
Last week the email was printed in a Kansas newspaper (small local paper) and last night it was read on “AMERICAN HOME RADIO” A Conservative talk show for WBOB - AM 600 a radio station in Jacksonville, FL., this morning i got a call from a local preacher who has a radio show in Alabama and he asked if i would be on the show? i have declined, for no other reason than i don't want this to be about me. because its not, its about our military not me. read it on the air if you want, that will be fine.
I am just not comfortable with the attention.

I am honored with your thanks and kind words.
sincerly, Doug Ridener

Aunt Bea

Thank you Doug for being a true human being. Just wish there were more in this world. You hit the nail on the head when you said there is a special place in hell for those who mistreat our wonderful soldiers.

cherrio

I am so glad God put you there on that road at that time. I only wish all our soldiers knew the kindness you showed that day.

dgrindey

What a wonderful day you had with the soldier. Yes, we owe them for protecting us, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every time we see someone in uniform, we thank them and some are very surprised that we do. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

nwm50

Im from jax, fla and wished i'd heard that story on the radio! But regardless, am glad that u stopped for him and give him the peace of mind knowing he could talk to you & being given attention of the fact that he was appreciated for his service to the country & not to be ashamed....good golly, had me bawling !! Remembering how my mom used to asked us to invite our military friends over for lunch every Sun after church and my dad just loved to talk country/fishing/hunting with them & he made the most respected friends with them too, they all looked up to him...a few of them parents called my parents & thanked them for making them feel at home away from home.This was back in 1969-1972 before i married. AGAIN, thanks for making that soldier feel good again...