I happened to be driving by the Park Ridge East Hospital when I saw a man walking in the street using a rolater (walker) with considerable difficulty. Ten or 15 cars in front of me drove around him, so I pulled over into the next...
Read MoreI happened to be driving by the Park Ridge East Hospital when I saw a man walking in the street using a rolater (walker) with considerable difficulty. Ten or 15 cars in front of me drove around him, so I pulled over into the next street and offered him a ride. He happily accepted, as he was obviously limping and there was no sidewalk for him to walk on. He gave me directions and told me that he had fought in the Vietnam war, though he was lucky enough to have never been shot or even injured during the war. While showing off one of his guns to a nephew, there had been some miscommunication and he had accidentally show himself in the leg. He told me repeatedly how grateful he was for the ride.
But then the story took a turn I did not expect.
As I turned in to the Budgetel where this veteran was living, we were immediately approached by a security officer, wearing a bulletproof vest with his left hand repeatedly patting his gun. Unbeknownst to me, the gate in which I had entered was the "exit gate," although there was no sign or marking labeling it as such AND it was wide open. This "security officer" repeatedly informed me that since I had entered that gate, that I was trespassing and that police would be called if I didn't show identification. Since he had yet to remove his hand from his firearm and I was unarmed, I told the Vet that I thanked him for his service and I would deal with the "officer." The Vet apologized profusely. I handed over my driver's license and the "officer" stomped away. After seeing the man to his room, I headed toward the main office. I was met half-way by the "officer," who threw my license back at me, then turned and rushed away without saying a single word.
In all of my 45 years, I have never seen an "officer" treat anyone with such absolute disdain and indignity. I would recommend that anyone with the means to do so stay as far away from this motel as possible. The disregard of the Veteran staying there as well as my multiple apologies did nothing to assuage him and I would be genuinely concerned for anyone else entering the property. It is my opinion that the "officer's" insistence on showing off his firearm and utter disregard for the words of well-meaning tenants and those who were just trying to do a kindness make him a danger to anyone who may come in contact with him.
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