World War II Veteran Gets Unexpected Respect from Outback Steakhouse

It’s always amazing to see stories of our veterans and grateful Americans. In this particular story both come together.

A 92-year-old World War II veteran Robert Niemen was just wanting to have a meal with his son and a couple of other people for his birthday at Outback Steakhouse. However, what he experienced was an incredible display of respect and honor for a man that provided an incredible service for his country in time of need.

Bob Niemen, the son of the World War II veteran, wrote to Opposing Views about what happened at the Sebring, Florida Outback Steakhouse.

“I did 27 years on the Police Dept. and people never cease to amaze me in bad & good ways,” Nieman wrote in a message to Opposing Views. “My Dad is my hero & this was I think more of a happy moment for me than him, seeing someone appreciate him in this way actually brought a [sic] tears to my eyes.”

So, what happened that touched him so much?

When the bill came, which totaled $58.59, it was paid in full and some anonymous patrons wrote, “Thank you for your service!!” signing it, “Very Grateful Americans.”

Bob Nieman recounted the story to Opposing Views:

“I wheeled my dad in & sat him down as I usually do,” Nieman explained. “I noticed this 1 couple across from us watching [and] 10 minutes later they were gone. Thinking no more about it we started offing our food with the waiter as we were doing so he said to all of us, ‘Don’t Worry about the bill it’s already been taken [care] of because of this man service to our country.’ My dad was at the time wearing his Lexington Hat like he always does started beaming from ear to ear. My mom asked who did this & the waiter said, ‘Don’t worry they already left but they wanted to make sure you all were taken care of.’ Me being the ex-cop I am had to know and pressed him some more. ‘It wasn’t the couple sitting at that table?’ I asked, ‘the couple I noticed earlier?’ He told me yes, it was…how did I know? ‘Just a good guess, I said.’”

The son honored his father by informing people that his father is one of the last remaining plank owners (first crew of the ship) of the USS Lexington CV 16.

“He served there most of WWII and was taken off by a medical ship in 1944 when he was the only surviving member of his gun crew that was not killed by a Kamikaze that hit his gun turret,” Nieman said of his father. “My dad attends the Lexington Reunion of all ship members & their family’s that ever served every year.”

Indeed, whoever provided this kind gesture to one that provided so much in the service of his country should be applauded, as should Mr. Nieman.

Robert Nieman, a grateful nation salutes you as well Sir!