Wow, that is really neat, what a privilege too. And he only asked you cause he noticed your pin? That is neat, because of your gift from a veteran he is opening up a door for you like the one you had just mentioned. That guy must have some amazing stories!
Not long ago I was at a local fast food place here in MN with my daughter one morning for breakfast, I noticed a WWII veteran came in and sat down by himself. We were getting ready to leave and I wanted to thank him but his waitress was there with his food and my little girl was getting antsy so I never said anything and we headed out. I really regret I didn't, I got to read his hat and it said he was a Bataan Death March Survivor. Those who don't know in 1942 the Japanese marched 76,000 POWs 80 miles through the jungle, thousands died on the way, and when the survivors got to the prison camps, many more were tortured and died there. Knowing this guy survived all that and been through such a horrific ordeal is sure something, and knowing that I didn't shake his hand and thank him puts a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye, I really regret it. I visit the same restaurant in hopes that he will be there again so I can thank him properly. Thanks for letting me share this and thank you to all our Veterans.