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WWII Veteran Visits Arby's Every Day for Lunch, So They Gave Him Free Food for Life

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Thanks to a kindhearted team of employees at an Arizona Arby’s restaurant, a World War II veteran has a family and free Arby’s meals for life.

Ninety-seven-year-old Doug frequents the Arby’s in Chandler, Arizona, almost every day. He drives himself, gets out of the car and uses a walker to come inside.

The employees spring into action, opening the door for Doug and helping him settle into his favorite table. He eats the same meal every afternoon: a roast beef sandwich with Swiss cheese and a coke with no ice.

He says his stomach never hurts after eating Arby’s food, one of the few meals his aging body can tolerate.

For over two years, Doug has been coming to Arby’s and says the staff has become like family to him.

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Doug even has everyone’s phone number written down. If he can’t make it to the restaurant on any given day, one of the employees will drive a meal to his house.

On Dec. 11, Daniel Moloney went to Arby’s with his mother-in-law and spotted an aged gentleman sitting down to eat.

As Moloney watched the interaction between Doug and the restaurant staff, he was moved with emotion.

Moloney witnessed the beautiful moment when the manager told Doug they had a gift for him. The employees had all pitched in their and bought Doug $200 dollars worth of Arby’s gift cards.

“We really enjoy you here and we always want you to come back,” the manager said.

The veteran cracked a joke, saying, “I never know if I’ll be here the next day, but thank you so much for this.”

Moloney was so moved by the scene that he snapped a quick photo and told the story on his Facebook page.

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“This is one of those moments that make you happy to be alive,” Moloney wrote.

“There are so many good people in the world,” he wrote. “These employees selflessly put in their own money, so a elderly (sic) man could come in and enjoy dinner on what he never knew could be his last.”

Doug’s story quickly spread, piquing the interest of local media.

Manager Christina Gamage told KSAZ-TV that in light of Doug’s heartwarming story, Arby’s has now decided to give Doug free Arby’s food for life.

Gamage added that a local optometrist stopped by the restaurant, too, offering free eye care to the veteran.

“Please be good with each other,” an inspired Moloney concluded. “Lift one another up and share goodness.”

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A graduate of Grand Canyon University, Kim Davis has been writing for The Western Journal since 2015, focusing on lifestyle stories.
Kim Davis began writing for The Western Journal in 2015. Her primary topics cover family, faith, and women. She has experience as a copy editor for the online publication Thoughtful Women. Kim worked as an arts administrator for The Phoenix Symphony, writing music education curriculum and leading community engagement programs throughout the region. She holds a degree in music education from Grand Canyon University with a minor in eating tacos.
Birthplace
Page, Arizona
Education
Bachelor of Science in Music Education
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Lifestyle & Human Interest




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