An unusual evening last night

[paramedic70002]

This thread is not tacticool but more surreal.

Last night (Monday) it was raining steadily. I was dispatched by my wife to the food store for dinner provisions. Yay. On the bright side, after hauling around two bickering youngsters for the past two weeks while wifie was on bedrest (diabetic foot sore, internal infection, lotsa antibiotics and the threat of hospitalization and surgery), I received parole and a pass to go out unescorted.

I held three game permits: Dark red kidney beans (to complete the chili), milk and ice cream (to put out the intestinal fire which was sure to come). While I was methodically stalking my prey in the Food Lion at the edge of a three stoplight highway town, I came upon a curious sort of fella. He was in his 20s, of average height, slim with unkempt hair, sporting cargo pants and a nondescript tee, casually darting about in an alert but disorganized fashion, and not in possession of any products.

Having done my share of it myself, my immediate impression was that he was plainclothes security however I have never seen security in this store before. My second impression was that he was a shoplifter. He went one way and I went another.

My second chore upon exiting the food store was to drive to the next parking lot and acquire some pork egg rolls for wifie's peculiar taste buds. As soon as I entered the Chinese restaurant I recognized my friend, sitting at a table with about eight associates. Nothing seemed amiss so I placed my order and sat down to wait. It was then I began to realize that some things seemed a bit odd.

This store is a typical Chinese restaurant. Usually there are only a couple people eating or hanging out; most of their business is take out and there are only a few tables available. My friend's associates all seemed to be carbon copies of him. All slim, average height, similarly appareled. One had on a SEaL Team 6 tee. They were all talking quietly among themselves, however I did hear one of them mention the word 'Sergeant' and some numbers that sounded like an hourly pay rate, it was in the high teens. Two of them received their food while I sat near the register. They both spoke in a polite, clear, firm manner. I also realized at this time that the remaining customers on the other side or the store were all in their 30s, somewhat bulky but not overweight, quiet and similarly dressed. Occasionally I would get a glance as if one or another of one of the groups were checking me out.

I've never been in the military but I have been around a lot of servicemen (almost unavoidable when you go around Hampton Roads) and these guys just exuded military. When I returned to the parking lot I took note of the vehicles. There were not enough cars there to accommodate everyone, and there are no hotels within walking distance. Neither are there any military installations nearby, or anywhere else I can think of that would match these guys, although American K-9 Interdiction, a military contractor, is about seven miles away, quite near my house.

So, what do you guys think? Were these guys soldiers, wannabes, private citizens, etc.?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[wmhawth]

So, what do you guys think? Were these guys soldiers, wannabes, private citizens, etc.?

I haven't the foggiest notion but I appreciate your SA. Good job of observation.

[NC Bullseye]

Blackhawk on the roof?

[Greg Foster]

Interesting. I live in a military town, so what you described wouldn't be unusual here.
Great situational awareness though.

[bladenbullet]

they were parked in the next lot over where you came from and didnt mind just walking over?....they took the bus?...they were looking at you saying "hey have you noticed how this guy keeps looking at everyone like hes writing a book about them?"....

and if this is your description of an unusual evening get a babysitter for the kids and get out more...

[Guantes]

Young cops?

[Free American]

So, what were you doing in Windsor isn't the Franklin Food Lion closer to you? Alot of military types travel through here on therer way out to that base on 460 (I forget the name) where they do alot of their pre-deployment training.

[ppkheat]

"Hey fellas, where are ya'll from?"

[paramedic70002]

No buses in Windsor.

They outnumbered every Deputy and Trooper in the County.

I suppose they could have all parked at Food Lion. Didn't occur to me at the time.

I'm actually closer to Windsor. Think Walters.

Fort Lee, Petersburg?

No, I don't get out much. I have free passes to a Regal theater that have been in my wallet for a year.

[dukalmighty]

They coulda been Navy Beavers,a lot like Navy seals,only they operate in shallow creeks and streams,then again I might have no idea what I'm talking about

[retsupt99]

They coulda been Navy Beavers,a lot like Navy seals,only they operate in shallow creeks and streams,then again I might have no idea what I'm talking about

That's a new one...

[paramedic70002]

I personally resemble a Navy Manatee but officially we never existed.

[INccwchris]

i am the walrus, ku ku kachoo

[Shackleton]

I personally resemble a Navy Manatee but officially we never existed.

+1

[Rock and Glock]

I am sorry. Ya'll need to get out more often. Take your better half. She'd get a laugh. Hope she gets better.