Southold American Legion leader seeks good Samaritan who surprised veterans with generous gift

Veteran John Christina was enjoying an ordinary afternoon at the Costco food court in Riverhead last month when he saw a former soldier sitting alone and asked if he could join him.

Mr. Christina, the post historian for Southold’s Griswold-Terry-Glover American Legion Post 803, brought over his slice of pizza and the two men discussed their years in the military over lunch.

Then a woman nearby did something that left Mr. Christina in awe.

“She was sitting behind me, listening to our conversation,” Mr. Christina said of the Oct. 6 encounter. “She tapped me on the shoulder and gave both of us a $50 Costco gift card. She said she had overheard our conversation and wanted to thank us for our service.”

Mr. Christina said the woman lives on Shelter Island, but he was caught so off guard that all he could say was thank you, forgetting to ask her name.

Now, with Veterans Day approaching on Nov. 11, he would like to find her to show his appreciation for her kind gesture.

“It feels good to be recognized for your service, especially when a young person says thank you or someone nods to you,” Mr. Christina said. “This is the America I love.”

Mr. Christina joined the National Guard at 18 years old in 1966. He completed basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Ord, Calif. He became a company clerk and handled paperwork in the office.

His father-in-law served in World War II, and Mr. Christina wanted to make him proud.

The fellow veteran at Costco had served as a Green Beret, Mr. Christina said.

“You sacrifice a lot of your time and your best years,” Mr. Christina said. “Helping somebody and meeting people who served is a common bond we have.”

That connection extends beyond a conversation over lunch. Mr. Christina helps an 85-year-old former Navy pilot who lives alone, taking him shopping and lending a hand.

“When you get to my age, you start giving back,” he continued. “You’ve got the time.”