Charles, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time.
Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late.
But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss called him into the office for a talk. "Charles, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes sir, I know, and I am working on it."
"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear.”
“Yes sir, I understand your concern and I’ll try harder.”
Seeming puzzled, the manager went on to comment, “It's odd though you're coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning so late and so often?"
The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled. He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin,
"They usually saluted and said: "Good morning General, can I get your coffee sir?"
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17 comments:
That is sad rather than funny.
Sue - It's just a general trying to keep busy because he doesn't know how to be retired. Wait... that is sad.
It is sad isn't it?
I know a lot of Generals & Admirals, all retired from the military now (although Lloyd Austin still leads the military as SECDEF) and they all are still working, but none at Walmart. Most are sitting on Boards and making huge money. No need to be sad, they are all doing very well and rightfully so.
Most retired generals do just fine. It's the retired colonels and senior NCOs who have trouble. When I retired from the AF, I used to have lunch every day with my wife at the Credit Union where she worked while I was job hunting. I saw dozens of old, retired military guys who would come in to the CU every day, stand in line to see a teller, and withdraw $20 just so they'd have something to do or someone to talk to. They had had no lives outside the military, and didn't know what to do with themselves. Statistically, a lot of retired career military people die within six months of retirement. It's sad.
Wouldn't he be getting a pension from the Army?
Simmons - You wouldn't be one of those guys, would you?
Bill - I should have run this joke by you before I posted it.
Shaw - A General would be getting a great pension. The joke is he's just working at Walmart to have something to do to keep himself busy.
I should retitle this "Sad joke Sunday".
I thought it was funny! A man of high standing having to get used to following a rule that he previously had no need to follow. And his boss not realizing his former position. But then, I root for the people who are late anyway, because, alas, I am one of them.
Yes people wait for generals and admirals so they can show up and be wrong. Sorry I'm feeling a little Afghanistan today. Why did we take the tent pole down before the people left? Oh well people have a very short memory. They've already forgotten how Trump didn't say one word after selling them out to the ferocious Turks, and giving our bases in Yemen to the Russians.
"Save one Kurd" not say one word sorry I didn't edit first
Jenny - I have to work at being late. And I'm sure there are plenty of retired executives that want to just be out and not have to decide anything.
Cloudia - Imagine the money we've given to the 'other side' over the years in hardware left behind. Let alone the technological knowledge built into the hardware.
I agree with jenny_o ...the part about the joke being funny. I get stressed if I'm late for anything.
Kathy - I'll stress out about being late for doctor appointments which we've had a lot of recently. Claudia on the other hand will be sitting there and say, "We've got a whole minute yet."
I think it's funny. It could be sad if it were true. It is just a joke though. I see it as a comeuppance to the manager who should have known his people better.
No Mike, I just went to school with a lot of future Generals. I got out of the Army as a Captain and then went to work for the Navy for another 30 years and met a lot of Admirals. I was surprised by Bill's comments because I know a lot of retired Colonels and Senior NCOs too, but never any who were not doing well financially or died shortly after retirement. I learn something everyday.
Simmons - My Army career(?) was in the reserves for 6 years. So I never knew anyone much above sargent.
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