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 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 when 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.