The Ball Cap

BMT (RIP) · 10-15-2014, 10:05

Yesterday, I wore my Vietnam Veterans cap when I went to Wal-Mart.

There was nothing in particular that I needed at the world's largest retailer but,
since I retired, trips to Wally World to look at the "Walmartians" are always good for some comic release.

Besides, I always feel pretty normal after seeing some of the people that frequent this establishment.

But, I digress... enough of my psychological fixations.

While standing in line to check out, the guy in front of me, probably in his early thirties, asked, "Are you a Vietnam Vet?"

"No," I replied.
"Then why are you wearing that cap?"

"Because I couldn't find the one from the War of 1812." I thought this was a snappy retort.

"The War of 1812, huh?" the "Walmartian" queried, "When was that?"

God forgive me, but I couldn't pass up such an opportunity. "1936," I answered, as straight-faced as possible.

He pondered my response for a moment and then asked, "Why do they call it the War of 1812 if it was in 1936?"

"It was a Black Operation. No one is supposed to know about it." This was beginning to be way too much fun!

"Dude! Really?" he exclaimed. "How did you get to do something that COOOOL?"

I glanced furtively around me for effect, leaned toward the guy, and in a low voice said. . "I'm not sure. I was the only Caucasian on the mission."

"Dude," he was really getting excited about what he was hearing, "that is seriously awesome!
But, didn't you kind of stand out?"

"Not really. The other guys were all wearing white camouflage."

The moron nodded knowingly.

"Listen man," I said in a very serious tone, "You can't tell anyone about this.
It's still 'top secret' and I shouldn't have said anything."

"Oh yeah?" he gave me that, 'don't threaten me look.' "Like, what's gonna happen if I do?"

With a really hard look I said, "You have a family don't you?
We wouldn't want anything to happen to them, would we?"

The guy gulped, left his basket where it was and fled through the door.
By this time the lady behind me was about to have a heart attack, she was laughing so hard. I just grinned at her.

After checking out and going to the parking lot I saw the Dimwit leaning in a car window talking to a young woman.
Upon catching sight of me he started pointing excitedly in my direction.

Giving him another 'deadly' serious look, I made the 'I see you' gesture.
He turned kind of pale, jumped into the car and sped out of the parking lot in a flurry of dust.

What a great time I had! Tomorrow I'm going back with my Homeland Security cap.
Then the next day I will go to the DMV so I can wear a Border Patrol hat and see how long it takes to empty out the place.

Whoever said retirement is boring just needs the right kind of cap!

BMT

shady.raven13 · 10-15-2014, 10:20

Got to love the people of walmart.... it always does boost one's self esteem.

PSM · 10-15-2014, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMT

Then the next day I will go to the DMV so I can wear a Border Patrol hat and see how long it takes to empty out the place.

BMT

I wear mine to my polling place.

Pat

BlueYing · 10-15-2014, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMT

Yesterday, I wore my Vietnam Veterans cap when I went to Wal-Mart.

There was nothing in particular that I needed at the world's largest retailer but,
since I retired, trips to Wally World to look at the "Walmartians" are always good for some comic release.

Besides, I always feel pretty normal after seeing some of the people that frequent this establishment.

But, I digress... enough of my psychological fixations.

While standing in line to check out, the guy in front of me, probably in his early thirties, asked, "Are you a Vietnam Vet?"

"No," I replied.
"Then why are you wearing that cap?"

"Because I couldn't find the one from the War of 1812." I thought this was a snappy retort.

"The War of 1812, huh?" the "Walmartian" queried, "When was that?"

God forgive me, but I couldn't pass up such an opportunity. "1936," I answered, as straight-faced as possible.

He pondered my response for a moment and then asked, "Why do they call it the War of 1812 if it was in 1936?"

"It was a Black Operation. No one is supposed to know about it." This was beginning to be way too much fun!

"Dude! Really?" he exclaimed. "How did you get to do something that COOOOL?"

I glanced furtively around me for effect, leaned toward the guy, and in a low voice said. . "I'm not sure. I was the only Caucasian on the mission."

"Dude," he was really getting excited about what he was hearing, "that is seriously awesome!
But, didn't you kind of stand out?"

"Not really. The other guys were all wearing white camouflage."

The moron nodded knowingly.

"Listen man," I said in a very serious tone, "You can't tell anyone about this.
It's still 'top secret' and I shouldn't have said anything."

"Oh yeah?" he gave me that, 'don't threaten me look.' "Like, what's gonna happen if I do?"

With a really hard look I said, "You have a family don't you?
We wouldn't want anything to happen to them, would we?"

The guy gulped, left his basket where it was and fled through the door.
By this time the lady behind me was about to have a heart attack, she was laughing so hard. I just grinned at her.

After checking out and going to the parking lot I saw the Dimwit leaning in a car window talking to a young woman.
Upon catching sight of me he started pointing excitedly in my direction.

Giving him another 'deadly' serious look, I made the 'I see you' gesture.
He turned kind of pale, jumped into the car and sped out of the parking lot in a flurry of dust.

What a great time I had! Tomorrow I'm going back with my Homeland Security cap.
Then the next day I will go to the DMV so I can wear a Border Patrol hat and see how long it takes to empty out the place.

Whoever said retirement is boring just needs the right kind of cap!

BMT

I would have paid to see that.

Trappertod · 10-15-2014, 11:36

That's the kind of entertainment money can never buy.

**PRB** · 10-15-2014, 18:55

And yet we are amazed that posers have such willing participants in their drama's.

SF_BHT · 10-15-2014, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadsword2004

I can understand the "Are you a Vietnam Vet?" question as my dad gets that a lot when he wears his cap and such people then thank him for his service, but otherwise, yikes with regards to that guy! I hope that he doesn't vote.

Hell I hope he does not reproduce !!!!!!

Monsoon65 · 10-16-2014, 20:49

In 1986, I'd been in the AF for about three years. My dad gave me a bracelet that had been made out of tail rotor control chain.

I was at the local stop-n-rob and the clerk asked about it. I told him what it was.

"Wow, were you in Vietnam?". In 1986, I was 21.

I could only shake my head. When I told my dad, he said I should have told him I was a drummer boy.