The soldier is in the process of paying for his order, but he has a change of heart upon hearing two boys, who are visibly shivering, express their hunger.
An Army Lieutenant Colonel’s Act of Compassion Goes Viral
It’s a common sentiment that military personnel, those whose job it is to protect our national interests, represent the highest level of patriotism. They willingly risk their lives for their country, garnering profound respect and gratitude from civilians. However, for many in the military, like Army Lt. Col. Robert Risdon, core values of humility and compassion hold equally high importance, often displayed not on the battlefield, but in everyday life.
This poignant story begins at a local Taco Bell outlet in Fort Benning, Georgia.
A Chance Encounter at Taco Bell
Presently stationed at Fort Benning and a father of two, Lt. Col. Risdon was feeling peckish one day and decided to grab a bite at the nearby Taco Bell. Having placed his order and received his food, he was settling down to enjoy his meal when he was approached by two young boys.
The boys, aged 9 and 13, were selling homemade desserts as part of a fundraising initiative for their local church. But as they offered their goods to Lt. Col. Risdon, he noticed that their clothes were wet and cold, suggesting they came from an underprivileged background.
An Act of Compassion
Trusting his instincts, Lt. Col. Risdon chose to step in. He asked the boys if they had eaten dinner and whether they were hungry. Upon discovering that they indeed were, he performed an act of kindness that embodies the very essence of humanity. He invited the boys to join him for a meal, giving them free rein to choose anything they wanted from the menu.
Meanwhile, Jason Gibson, a fellow diner, observed the touching scene and captured the incident on camera. Touched by the kind gesture, Jason shared the video on Facebook, praising Lt. Col. Risdon’s humility and compassion and urging others to spread the word about the extraordinary soldier and human being.
The Impact of a Kind Act
The video quickly went viral, catching the attention of media outlets nationwide. Lt. Col. Risdon expressed his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the humbling experience.
However, he emphasized that acts of compassion like his are performed by countless individuals every day.
“I feel a sense of embarrassment and humility from the praise, and I don’t necessarily seek it,” Lt. Col. Risdon shared with The Huffington Post.
“I firmly believe that we reside in the finest country globally, with remarkable individuals, and acts of kindness occur each day.”
The video of this heartfelt act of kindness is a must-watch, offering a glimpse into the genuine humility of this soldier.
Lt. Col. Risdon’s spontaneous act of kindness showcases the best of human nature. He is a shining example of the positivity that resides in our nation. Please share if you agree that his actions should be recognized and celebrated!
