Good people

From staff reports
Published: August 1, 2008

I would like to let the people of Eden know just what kind of people they have working and living in their community. This past Sunday my wife and I had the opportunity of visiting the new Tractor Supply Co. on Van Buren Road. We arrived about 5:15 and, after meandering through the store, ended up buying a few pet items for our dogs.
Our problems started when we arrived at our pickup to find the right rear tire flat from what appeared to be a piece of safety glass. I immediately called the company providing our roadside service. As fate would have it, they couldn’t find anyone to change the tire but did locate someone who would tow it to wherever we wished. This was totally unacceptable, and I asked them to keep trying to contact someone who would respond to change the tire. After waiting an hour they called me back and gave me a two-hour wait time.
During the time we were waiting, I have to tell you that numerous people stopped and asked if they could help us, to which I replied I thought we were being taken care of and thanked them for asking.
About 5:45, a young lady came out of the store and convinced me to let her send someone out with an air compressor to see if we could make it home with air in the tire. Two gentlemen came out with the compressor but, unfortunately, the leak was too bad to hold the air. These two gentlemen then proceeded to change the tire for me. I might add that the store closed at 6. At about 6:40 we were on our way home.
I am a retired Air Force master sergeant and have “VietNam Veteran” plates on my truck with the “handicapped” insignia on it. One of the fellows who changed the tire for me proceeded to thank me for serving my country. You will never know how much that meant to me, and I will never forget any of you. I have no idea what their names are, but these people will be in my prayers ‘til the day I die. Thank you, thank you, thank you all so very much.
Tim and Diana Burden
Ridgeway, Va.