Thank you for your service

Duane Hammond, a U.S. Army veteran who is battling cancer and a painful, gimpy knee, appreciates the little things in life more and more these days.

So when someone paid for his breakfast Thursday, it brought a sparkle to his eyes.

“I was surprised,” he said Friday during a visit to The Press. “It was sure nice. I just want to thank him.”

Hammond served two years active duty 1961-63, and 25 years reserve duty. The Hayden man is proud of his military service and appreciates it when people notice his brown cap that states, “U.S. Army Retired” in bright yellow lettering.

In a community known for honoring its veterans, Hammond and his wife, Carolyn, went to Nosworthy’s on Government Way for breakfast Thursday. Duane feasted on his favorite, the Kitchen Sink omelette, without cheese.

Four men seated at the table next to them soon left, but not without one of them quietly taking care of Hammond’s tab.

“The waitress came over and said one of the four gentlemen there paid for our meals,” he said.

Hammond was delighted and honored.

He said they eat at Nosworthy’s several times a week and he usually goes home with extras.

“There’s enough there for two or three meals for me,” Hammond said.

It’s not the first time he has been recognized for his love of country.

Just a few months ago, he was in the Hayden Super 1 Foods waiting in the checkout line in his wheelchair. The woman in line behind him said to the clerk, “I’m paying for his groceries.”

A surprised Hammond thanked her, and she thanked him for his service.

“She gave me a kiss right on the lips,” he said with a smile.