Neighborly compassion, gratitude makes Nevada special

Dear Editor:

On my way home from work at Crowder College, I stopped at the convenience store on the corner of West Highland and North Ash to fuel up my car. After fueling, I went inside to pick up a snack for the road. As I stood at the back of the line at the counter, an older gentleman was having difficulty getting his debit or credit card to go through. He offered his driver's license and his veteran's card to the clerk to help with the verification request, but it was of no avail. The card just didn't seem to want to cooperate.

Behind the gentleman having the trouble was another younger gentleman waiting patiently. The younger gentleman spoke up and asked the older gentleman, "So you are a veteran?" The older gentleman replied, "Yes sir" with an air of respect and pride. The younger gentleman then told the clerk, "Please just ring his up with mine and I will get it." Turning to the older gentleman, he said, "It is the least I can do for you after everything you have done for us. Let's get this man on the road."

As the clerk rang up the two totals together, the convenience store fell silent and for just a brief moment, it seemed everyone there understood the sacrifice and dedication of our veterans, as well as the honor they deserve from each of us every day we live in a country free of tyranny and terror.

As I drove home that evening, it occurred to me that this is why I love small town America and love working in Nevada. Nevada loves its veterans and knows how to treat them.

Thank You,

Russ Souza

Academic Coordinator

Crowder College - Nevada