Todays Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

An Unknown Soldier

By Terry son

One day, while changing flights in Chicago, I called my wife to let her

know that I would be home shortly.

As we were talking, I overheard a young soldier on the phone next to me

leaving a message, " Mom, I don't know. They just told me that they won't

change

the ticket without more money...and I don't have it. " He paused for a

moment

before continuing, " Okay, I'll try to stay here by the phone. Please call

back

soon. The number is... "

The soldier hung up, and with a worried look on his face, he stood next

to

the phone bank, nervously waiting for the phone to ring.

I said good-bye to my wife and then turned to the anxious young man.

" How

much do you need, soldier? " I asked.

" Sir, I'm twenty dollars short of getting home. "

I reached into my pocket and took out my wallet. " For giving to our

country, I am honored to give you this twenty dollars. "

A big smile of relief came over him as he took the money and said,

" Thank

you, sir. "

" Now, go home, " I smiled back.

And with that, he shook my hand, grabbed his duffel bag and dashed off

to

the gate and on to his waiting family.

You can't get much more than that for any amount of money.