CONTEXT

When we post or text things, sometimes the true meaning / intent, gets lost in the translation.  Last night, attended a small gathering of CVMA folks to celebrate our Chapter's 12th anniversary.  As we got close to leaving several folks paid their tabs .... then it was my turn.   I posted this on Social Media: "Dinner tonight... group of 15.  About half have closed their tab when the waitress makes it to me... " do you have military discount?" I asked. You’re military (?) she responded.  " Ummmm yes...we all are hence the logo and patches on our backs. " Tells me she didn't give any one else the discount.   "Just make sure  my tab gets it" I said with a smirk. Assuming the rest did... Funny shit"  Few comments/responses followed , ranging from I should have picked up to the tab to how we deserved it.   

Now ... what I meant by it all was two fold.  First and foremost ... I was just busting chops of those that had already paid hoping when they read it they'd be thinking "WTF? I didn't get it!"  And I assumed those that paid after me got their discount.    The second part of that post was I was making a lil dig towards servers that aren't aware of their surroundings.   I'd bet if twenty active duty Vets came in and sat down full combat gear, 1/2 the servers wouldn't offer them a military discount (assuming the place offered it).  Even worse a tiny percentage would answer "oh.. you're military?" if someone asked for it.  I based that on my past experiences.  I've was at BJ's Brewery back in Oct of 2020 when we were down at South Padre Island and the CVMA had the place packed.  Over 90% of the customers were CVMA, all wearing either soft colors or our Cuts.  On the back of everyone's clothing/vests/cuts it's says Combat Vets.   Many have their military rank on their cuts.  You get the visual.  When I checked out , looked  at my bill and jokingly asked "no military discount?"   The answer I got was " oh I'm sorry .. are you military?".  I stood up, slowly did a 360s circle and they quickly responded with "oh .. I didn't realize!".   Now ...  how the fuck do you not connect the dots the place is loaded with ex military?????  You can't fix Stupid

Now... I don't think we "DESERVE" that discount.  That's not the point!  Though I do feel if you offer it to your clientele, one should have a brain and provide it .. at least ask and verify if they are.    My mom was pretty sick about 12 or so years ago and I was in Jonesboro AR and headed to a local buffett (Bonanza?) to grab some grub.  When I was paying my bill as I reached into my wallet for my CC, the cashier says to me "you don't want your military discount?" when she spotted my military ID Card.  I sheepishly replied "I never ask.. just doesn't feel right"    Her response changed my attitude moving forward ... "Why Not ?  You EARNED it!"   Now .. not sure I agree 100% with that response.. but ...  you know what ...  I do ask now.  And if they say no I usually ask ... " Senior Discount?" ... sometimes , they say yes!  If they say no .. I might jokingly say ... AAA?  AARP ?  All in fun.

All this because... I had to poke the bear last night :)

Note .. this wasn't a dig on servers specifially in any way shape or form.  Same thing happens at fast food joints.  Stores.  Most any place that has a cashier for a product or service.  And often on the wall behind them .. says "Military Discount.  Senior Discount"  ... you get the point.