Cashier Defended A Military Mom At Walmart — What Security Cameras Revealed Silenced Critics
QH Incredible Stories
[{'start': '28.466', 'end': '31.600', 'text': "Ryan Keller's shift at Walmart Register No. 7"}, {'start': '31.600', 'end': '33.500', 'text': 'had been uneventful so far'}, {'start': '33.733', 'end': '35.900', 'text': 'at 19 the lanky college freshman'}, {'start': '35.900', 'end': '38.066', 'text': 'with perpetually tousled brown hair'}, {'start': '38.100', 'end': '40.266', 'text': 'had mastered the art of scanning groceries'}, {'start': '40.266', 'end': '41.400', 'text': 'while simultaneously'}, {'start': '41.400', 'end': '43.700', 'text': 'planning his economics homework in his head'}, {'start': '44.100', 'end': '46.100', 'text': 'located just 3 miles from Fort Bragg'}, {'start': '46.100', 'end': '48.866', 'text': 'North Carolina this Walmart served a steady'}, {'start': '48.866', 'end': '50.400', 'text': 'stream of military families'}, {'start': '50.566', 'end': '53.266', 'text': 'local residents and the occasional tourist'}, {'start': '53.766', 'end': '56.766', 'text': 'Ryan had taken the part time job six months ago'}, {'start': '56.800', 'end': '58.466', 'text': 'saving every dollar possible'}, {'start': '58.466', 'end': '61.300', 'text': "to supplement his scholarship for next year's tuition"}, {'start': '61.566', 'end': '63.666', 'text': 'Tuesday afternoons were typically slow'}, {'start': '63.866', 'end': '65.866', 'text': "that's why Ryan noticed her immediately"}, {'start': '66.100', 'end': '68.400', 'text': 'a young woman maybe mid 20s'}, {'start': '68.466', 'end': '69.400', 'text': 'with tired eyes'}, {'start': '69.400', 'end': '71.766', 'text': 'and a sleeping toddler balanced on her hip'}, {'start': '71.900', 'end': '73.700', 'text': 'her clothes were clean but worn'}, {'start': '73.700', 'end': '75.000', 'text': 'her movements efficient'}, {'start': '75.000', 'end': '77.366', 'text': 'as she selected exactly three items'}, {'start': '77.533', 'end': '79.233', 'text': "a box of children's milk"}, {'start': '79.266', 'end': '82.766', 'text': 'a small package of diapers and pediatric cough medicine'}, {'start': '83.100', 'end': '85.033', 'text': "when she reached Ryan's register"}, {'start': '85.166', 'end': '86.766', 'text': 'she set the items down carefully'}, {'start': '86.766', 'end': '88.666', 'text': 'trying not to wake the boy who now clung'}, {'start': '88.666', 'end': '92.200', 'text': 'to her neck his small face buried against her shoulder'}, {'start': '92.566', 'end': '94.333', 'text': 'hi there Ryan smiled'}, {'start': '94.333', 'end': '97.000', 'text': 'scanning the items is he feeling better'}, {'start': '97.466', 'end': '99.033', 'text': 'he nodded toward the child'}, {'start': '99.300', 'end': '101.566', 'text': 'getting there she answered softly'}, {'start': '101.800', 'end': '104.700', 'text': "just a cold but he's having trouble sleeping"}, {'start': '105.266', 'end': '106.500', 'text': 'the register displayed'}, {'start': '106.500', 'end': '108.900', 'text': 'twenty four dollars and eighty seven cents'}, {'start': '109.133', 'end': '110.466', 'text': 'she reached into her pocket'}, {'start': '110.466', 'end': '112.033', 'text': 'and pulled out crumpled bills'}, {'start': '112.200', 'end': '113.633', 'text': 'counting them methodically'}, {'start': '113.866', 'end': '115.966', 'text': 'Ryan could see her mental calculation'}, {'start': '116.100', 'end': '118.033', 'text': 'she was short by about $8'}, {'start': '118.200', 'end': '120.033', 'text': 'her face fell as she realized'}, {'start': '120.366', 'end': '122.466', 'text': "I'm sorry she whispered"}, {'start': '122.600', 'end': '124.200', 'text': "I'll have to put back the"}, {'start': '124.466', 'end': '127.500', 'text': 'a heavy sigh erupted from the customer behind her'}, {'start': '127.600', 'end': '130.266', 'text': 'a middle aged woman with an overflowing cart'}, {'start': '130.266', 'end': '133.466', 'text': "in impatient expression if you can't afford it"}, {'start': '133.466', 'end': '134.700', 'text': "don't hold up the line"}, {'start': '134.700', 'end': '137.166', 'text': 'she muttered loud enough for everyone to hear'}, {'start': '137.466', 'end': '139.433', 'text': "the young mother's cheeks flushed"}, {'start': '139.533', 'end': '142.000', 'text': "the toddler sensing his mother's discomfort"}, {'start': '142.000', 'end': '144.800', 'text': 'began to whimper Ryan kept his voice calm'}, {'start': '145.100', 'end': '147.833', 'text': "ma'am you can leave one item if you'd like or um"}, {'start': '148.066', 'end': '151.000', 'text': 'he lowered his voice I can cover the difference'}, {'start': '151.266', 'end': '153.200', 'text': 'she shook her head firmly no'}, {'start': '153.200', 'end': '155.900', 'text': "that's very kind but I can't accept"}, {'start': '156.566', 'end': '158.566', 'text': 'Ryan had already made his decision'}, {'start': '158.766', 'end': '161.466', 'text': 'he swiped his debit card through the employee terminal'}, {'start': '161.466', 'end': '164.266', 'text': 'covering the entire purchase without drawing attention'}, {'start': '164.533', 'end': '167.233', 'text': 'it would mean skipping lunch for the rest of the week'}, {'start': '167.266', 'end': '169.400', 'text': "but something about the woman's dignity"}, {'start': '169.400', 'end': '170.766', 'text': 'in the face of embarrassment'}, {'start': '170.766', 'end': '173.400', 'text': 'struck him deeply as he handed her the receipt'}, {'start': '173.400', 'end': '176.033', 'text': 'the impatient customer from the next line shouted'}, {'start': '176.033', 'end': '178.033', 'text': 'are you using your own money'}, {'start': '178.500', 'end': '181.600', 'text': "this isn't a relief station management should know"}, {'start': '181.600', 'end': '182.800', 'text': "you're playing favorites"}, {'start': '183.366', 'end': '185.466', 'text': 'the young mother grabbed her purchases'}, {'start': '185.466', 'end': '187.700', 'text': 'and practically ran toward the exit'}, {'start': '187.800', 'end': '190.066', 'text': 'her son now fully awake and crying'}, {'start': '190.533', 'end': '191.800', 'text': "you shouldn't have done that"}, {'start': '191.800', 'end': '195.466', 'text': 'warned Melissa the cashier at the next register Mrs'}, {'start': '195.466', 'end': '197.866', 'text': 'Peterson is friends with regional management'}, {'start': '197.933', 'end': '200.666', 'text': "she'll make trouble Ryan shrugged"}, {'start': '200.866', 'end': '202.300', 'text': 'saying nothing as he called'}, {'start': '202.300', 'end': '204.166', 'text': 'next customer please'}, {'start': '204.400', 'end': '206.366', 'text': "some battles weren't worth fighting"}, {'start': '206.500', 'end': '208.600', 'text': 'but some people were worth defending'}, {'start': '208.766', 'end': '210.833', 'text': 'even if they never asked for help'}, {'start': '211.000', 'end': '212.133', 'text': 'by the end of his shift'}, {'start': '212.133', 'end': '215.366', 'text': 'Ryan had almost forgotten the incident almost'}, {'start': '215.400', 'end': '217.966', 'text': 'Keller my office please'}, {'start': '218.466', 'end': '220.400', 'text': 'store manager Dave Simmons was waiting'}, {'start': '220.400', 'end': '223.400', 'text': 'by the time clock his expression unreadable'}, {'start': '223.700', 'end': '226.000', 'text': 'Ryan followed him past the employee break room'}, {'start': '226.000', 'end': '228.466', 'text': 'to the small cluttered office at the back of the store'}, {'start': '228.566', 'end': '231.233', 'text': 'the complaint form was already open on Simmons computer'}, {'start': '231.500', 'end': '233.866', 'text': 'Mrs Peterson says you were rude to her'}, {'start': '233.866', 'end': '236.600', 'text': 'and showed preferential treatment to another customer'}, {'start': '236.900', 'end': '239.033', 'text': 'Simon sighed rubbing his forehead'}, {'start': '239.166', 'end': '241.866', 'text': "she's demanding we take disciplinary action"}, {'start': '242.100', 'end': '243.500', 'text': "I wasn't rude Sir"}, {'start': '243.500', 'end': '244.500', 'text': 'Ryan replied'}, {'start': '244.566', 'end': '246.866', 'text': 'I just helped someone who was short on cash'}, {'start': '247.100', 'end': '249.900', 'text': 'using your own money Simmons frowned'}, {'start': '250.300', 'end': '253.366', 'text': 'Ryan we have protocols for declined transactions'}, {'start': '253.500', 'end': '256.266', 'text': "you can't make emotional decisions at the register"}, {'start': '256.600', 'end': '259.233', 'text': 'the woman had a sick kid sir'}, {'start': '259.333', 'end': '262.466', 'text': "she needed medicine that's not your call to make"}, {'start': '262.566', 'end': '265.033', 'text': 'Simmons responded typing notes into the system'}, {'start': '265.166', 'end': '266.866', 'text': 'I understand you meant well'}, {'start': '266.900', 'end': '268.766', 'text': "but we're placing a note in your file"}, {'start': '268.933', 'end': '271.100', 'text': 'no more personal payments for customers'}, {'start': '271.300', 'end': '273.200', 'text': 'it creates liability issues'}, {'start': '273.600', 'end': '276.166', 'text': 'Ryan nodded knowing further explanation would'}, {'start': '276.166', 'end': '278.933', 'text': 'only make things worse as he left the office'}, {'start': '278.933', 'end': '279.966', 'text': 'his phone vibrated'}, {'start': '279.966', 'end': '282.033', 'text': 'with a group text from fellow cashiers'}, {'start': '282.400', 'end': '284.833', 'text': "Walmart's Robin Hood Strikes again"}, {'start': '284.866', 'end': '286.766', 'text': 'better watch your back hero boy'}, {'start': '287.400', 'end': '289.533', 'text': 'by evening someone had posted'}, {'start': '289.533', 'end': '291.900', 'text': 'security footage on a local Facebook group'}, {'start': '292.066', 'end': '294.333', 'text': "the grainy video showed Ryan's transaction"}, {'start': '294.333', 'end': '296.700', 'text': 'with the young mother in his discreet payment'}, {'start': '296.866', 'end': '298.800', 'text': "but did not capture the woman's face"}, {'start': '298.800', 'end': '301.000', 'text': 'clearly the caption read'}, {'start': '301.133', 'end': '303.700', 'text': 'modern day hero or naive fool'}, {'start': '304.366', 'end': '307.400', 'text': "cashier pays for mysterious woman's purchases"}, {'start': '307.666', 'end': '309.466', 'text': 'Rush Walmart rescue team'}, {'start': '310.066', 'end': '312.166', 'text': 'the comments section quickly divided'}, {'start': '312.166', 'end': '314.433', 'text': "he's being played by professional beggars"}, {'start': '314.666', 'end': '316.666', 'text': 'they target young guys like him'}, {'start': '316.933', 'end': '319.200', 'text': 'she was embarrassed not faking it'}, {'start': '319.200', 'end': '322.433', 'text': 'leave the kid alone at least someone has a conscience'}, {'start': '322.800', 'end': '324.400', 'text': 'if he wants to waste his money'}, {'start': '324.400', 'end': '325.566', 'text': "that's his business"}, {'start': '325.866', 'end': '328.366', 'text': "never spend your money on people who don't work hard"}, {'start': '328.366', 'end': '331.400', 'text': 'enough to have their own Ryan closed the app'}, {'start': '331.400', 'end': '332.766', 'text': 'frustration building'}, {'start': '332.866', 'end': '334.900', 'text': "he hadn't done it for attention or praise"}, {'start': '335.166', 'end': '337.300', 'text': "he certainly hadn't expected criticism"}, {'start': '337.466', 'end': '340.400', 'text': "he'd simply seen another human being in momentary need"}, {'start': '341.266', 'end': '343.533', 'text': 'the next morning Ryan arrived for his shift'}, {'start': '343.533', 'end': '346.766', 'text': 'to find his fellow employees giving him curious looks'}, {'start': '347.100', 'end': '348.866', 'text': 'some offered thumbs up signals'}, {'start': '348.933', 'end': '351.233', 'text': 'while others rolled their eyes dramatically'}, {'start': '351.666', 'end': '354.400', 'text': "you're trending on Fayetteville Community Watch"}, {'start': '354.400', 'end': '355.433', 'text': 'said Melissa'}, {'start': '355.533', 'end': '357.666', 'text': 'better check your locker before you start'}, {'start': '357.733', 'end': '361.133', 'text': 'someone left something in his employee locker'}, {'start': '361.133', 'end': '363.900', 'text': 'Ryan found a small envelope with no name'}, {'start': '364.300', 'end': '367.000', 'text': 'inside was a military identification card'}, {'start': '367.200', 'end': '371.666', 'text': 'US Army active duty sergeant 1st Class K Walsh'}, {'start': '371.866', 'end': '373.966', 'text': 'a handwritten note accompanied it'}, {'start': '374.000', 'end': '376.100', 'text': "thank you for standing up when I couldn't"}, {'start': '376.166', 'end': '377.366', 'text': "I'm a soldier"}, {'start': '377.366', 'end': '381.166', 'text': 'but that day I was just a struggling single mother'}, {'start': '381.666', 'end': '385.066', 'text': 'Ryan stared at the ID pieces falling into place'}, {'start': '385.266', 'end': '387.033', 'text': "the woman's efficient movements"}, {'start': '387.166', 'end': '388.633', 'text': 'her quiet dignity'}, {'start': '388.700', 'end': '391.566', 'text': "the way she'd refused to accept his help initially"}, {'start': '391.966', 'end': '394.266', 'text': 'he slipped the card and note into his pocket'}, {'start': '394.466', 'end': '395.533', 'text': 'suddenly understanding'}, {'start': '395.533', 'end': '397.266', 'text': "he'd witnessed something more complicated"}, {'start': '397.266', 'end': '399.033', 'text': 'than a simple shortage of cash'}, {'start': '399.366', 'end': '401.066', 'text': "he'd seen a proud service member"}, {'start': '401.066', 'end': '402.866', 'text': 'facing a moment of vulnerability'}, {'start': '403.133', 'end': '405.633', 'text': 'and his trivial act had somehow mattered'}, {'start': '405.900', 'end': '407.466', 'text': 'when he shared the note with Melissa'}, {'start': '407.466', 'end': '409.933', 'text': 'she whispered you should tell management'}, {'start': '409.933', 'end': '411.200', 'text': 'this changes everything'}, {'start': '411.733', 'end': '415.166', 'text': "Ryan shook his head she didn't leave this for publicity"}, {'start': '415.200', 'end': '417.566', 'text': 'it was just between us but'}, {'start': '417.566', 'end': '420.333', 'text': 'as social media commentary about the Walmart hero'}, {'start': '420.333', 'end': '423.066', 'text': 'cashier grew increasingly divisive'}, {'start': '423.333', 'end': '425.833', 'text': 'Ryan wondered if his silence was the right choice'}, {'start': '426.066', 'end': '428.000', 'text': 'half the commenters called him naive'}, {'start': '428.000', 'end': '430.100', 'text': 'or attention seeking the other half'}, {'start': '430.100', 'end': '431.766', 'text': 'praised him as an example of kindness'}, {'start': '431.766', 'end': '435.300', 'text': 'in a callous world neither narrative felt right'}, {'start': '435.300', 'end': '437.633', 'text': "he hadn't done anything extraordinary"}, {'start': '437.800', 'end': '438.900', 'text': 'just an ordinary'}, {'start': '438.900', 'end': '442.066', 'text': "decent thing that shouldn't have been remarkable at all"}, {'start': '442.500', 'end': '444.333', 'text': "if you've ever been misunderstood"}, {'start': '444.333', 'end': '445.666', 'text': 'when doing the right thing'}, {'start': '445.733', 'end': '450.700', 'text': 'type worth because true value always comes at a price'}, {'start': '451.066', 'end': '453.933', 'text': "two days later the store's atmosphere suddenly shifted"}, {'start': '453.933', 'end': '455.700', 'text': "during Ryan's afternoon shift"}, {'start': '456.100', 'end': '458.966', 'text': 'several managers huddled near the customer service desk'}, {'start': '459.000', 'end': '461.300', 'text': 'periodically glancing in his direction'}, {'start': '461.866', 'end': '463.966', 'text': 'during his break Simmons approached'}, {'start': '464.000', 'end': '466.366', 'text': 'looking uncharacteristically nervous'}, {'start': '466.466', 'end': '469.633', 'text': 'Ryan did you help a military service member recently'}, {'start': '469.933', 'end': '471.400', 'text': 'a woman with a child'}, {'start': '472.000', 'end': '473.700', 'text': "I can't discuss customers"}, {'start': '473.700', 'end': '475.966', 'text': 'sir Ryan replied carefully'}, {'start': '476.066', 'end': '477.100', 'text': 'you said that yourself'}, {'start': '478.133', 'end': '480.166', 'text': 'Simmons handed him a printed email'}, {'start': '480.566', 'end': '481.866', 'text': 'The Department of defense'}, {'start': '481.866', 'end': '483.500', 'text': 'contacted corporate headquarters'}, {'start': '483.500', 'end': '484.300', 'text': 'this morning'}, {'start': '484.500', 'end': '487.533', 'text': 'they want to recognize an associate at this location'}, {'start': '487.533', 'end': '489.433', 'text': 'for and I quote'}, {'start': '489.533', 'end': '493.033', 'text': 'exemplary civilian support of military personnel'}, {'start': '493.100', 'end': '496.400', 'text': 'in a time of need Ryan skimmed the email'}, {'start': '496.466', 'end': '498.700', 'text': 'which requested permission for a small ceremony'}, {'start': '498.700', 'end': '502.200', 'text': 'the following day this has to be some kind of joke'}, {'start': '502.366', 'end': '504.566', 'text': 'Simmons muttered military brass'}, {'start': '504.566', 'end': '507.633', 'text': "doesn't show up at Walmart for a 25 dollar purchase"}, {'start': '508.066', 'end': '509.300', 'text': "it wasn't about the money"}, {'start': '509.300', 'end': '511.366', 'text': 'Sir Ryan said quietly'}, {'start': '511.800', 'end': '513.366', 'text': 'what was it about then'}, {'start': '513.766', 'end': '516.133', 'text': 'Ryan considered how to explain something he'}, {'start': '516.133', 'end': '517.800', 'text': 'himself was still processing'}, {'start': '518.066', 'end': '520.833', 'text': 'I think it was about dignity'}, {'start': '521.500', 'end': '524.366', 'text': 'the next morning precisely at 9:00am'}, {'start': '524.366', 'end': '527.033', 'text': 'a military Humvee pulled into the parking lot'}, {'start': '527.066', 'end': '529.800', 'text': 'followed by two standard issue army vehicles'}, {'start': '530.000', 'end': '532.633', 'text': 'customers and employees gathered at the Windows'}, {'start': '532.766', 'end': '535.733', 'text': 'phones already recording through the main entrance'}, {'start': '535.733', 'end': '538.800', 'text': 'walked a female officer in full dress uniform'}, {'start': '538.866', 'end': '540.766', 'text': 'accompanied by three servicemen'}, {'start': '540.966', 'end': '543.033', 'text': 'behind them came a familiar face'}, {'start': '543.166', 'end': '545.200', 'text': "the young mother from Ryan's register"}, {'start': '545.200', 'end': '546.466', 'text': 'now transformed'}, {'start': '547.000', 'end': '548.800', 'text': 'sergeant 1st Class Caitlin Walsh'}, {'start': '548.800', 'end': '551.433', 'text': 'wore her formal uniform adorned with service ribbons'}, {'start': '551.733', 'end': '553.766', 'text': 'including the distinctive Purple Heart'}, {'start': '553.900', 'end': '556.566', 'text': 'her son dressed in a tiny matching uniform'}, {'start': '556.666', 'end': '558.366', 'text': 'still clung to her side'}, {'start': '558.400', 'end': '561.900', 'text': 'but now with curiosity rather than fear in his eyes'}, {'start': '562.600', 'end': '563.766', 'text': 'store activity halted'}, {'start': '563.766', 'end': '565.933', 'text': 'as the group approached the customer service area'}, {'start': '565.933', 'end': '567.466', 'text': 'where management had gathered'}, {'start': '567.733', 'end': '569.600', 'text': 'Ryan called from his register'}, {'start': '569.700', 'end': '572.033', 'text': 'stood awkwardly in his blue Walmart vest'}, {'start': '572.400', 'end': '573.800', 'text': 'Sergeant Walsh stepped forward'}, {'start': '573.800', 'end': '575.233', 'text': 'her posture impeccable'}, {'start': '575.400', 'end': '577.966', 'text': "I've faced enemy fire in Afghanistan"}, {'start': '578.066', 'end': '580.433', 'text': "I've helped evacuate villages under threat"}, {'start': '580.566', 'end': '583.200', 'text': 'but last week I was just a mother'}, {'start': '583.200', 'end': '585.300', 'text': "who couldn't afford medicine for my son"}, {'start': '585.500', 'end': '587.900', 'text': 'her voice carried through the now silent store'}, {'start': '588.166', 'end': '589.466', 'text': 'three months ago'}, {'start': '589.466', 'end': '591.866', 'text': 'my husband was killed in action overseas'}, {'start': '592.200', 'end': '595.066', 'text': "I'm on temporary leave to arrange his affairs"}, {'start': '595.066', 'end': '596.500', 'text': 'and care for our son'}, {'start': '596.500', 'end': '599.166', 'text': "who's been sick with recurring respiratory infections"}, {'start': '599.166', 'end': '602.466', 'text': 'since I returned she looked directly at Ryan'}, {'start': '603.066', 'end': '605.266', 'text': 'when my card was declined that day'}, {'start': '605.266', 'end': '607.000', 'text': "it wasn't just about money"}, {'start': '607.100', 'end': '608.366', 'text': 'it was the final straw'}, {'start': '608.366', 'end': '611.066', 'text': "in a month where I'd lost everything that mattered"}, {'start': '611.066', 'end': '612.333', 'text': 'I was a combat medic'}, {'start': '612.333', 'end': '615.233', 'text': "who couldn't even provide basic care for my own child"}, {'start': '615.400', 'end': '617.400', 'text': 'the commanding officer stepped forward'}, {'start': '617.533', 'end': '620.300', 'text': 'introducing himself as colonel James Barrett'}, {'start': '620.600', 'end': '623.766', 'text': "what this young man did wasn't just pay for some items"}, {'start': '623.900', 'end': '625.766', 'text': 'he provided dignity to a soldier'}, {'start': '625.766', 'end': '629.200', 'text': 'when she needed it most without knowing who she was'}, {'start': '629.200', 'end': '631.800', 'text': 'without expecting recognition or reward'}, {'start': '632.533', 'end': '633.100', 'text': 'Colonel Barrett'}, {'start': '633.100', 'end': '634.966', 'text': 'presented a formal letter of commendation'}, {'start': '634.966', 'end': '637.866', 'text': 'from the unit along with a civilian Service medal'}, {'start': '637.866', 'end': '640.066', 'text': 'rarely given to nonmilitary personnel'}, {'start': '640.266', 'end': '641.600', 'text': 'the army recognizes'}, {'start': '641.600', 'end': '644.666', 'text': 'those who exemplify the values we aspire to uphold'}, {'start': '644.933', 'end': '647.466', 'text': "courage isn't always about battlefield heroics"}, {'start': '647.766', 'end': '650.766', 'text': "sometimes it's about small acts of human decency"}, {'start': '650.766', 'end': '652.166', 'text': 'when no one is watching'}, {'start': '652.700', 'end': '654.066', 'text': 'smartphones throughout the store'}, {'start': '654.066', 'end': '656.566', 'text': 'captured sergeant Walsh saluting Ryan'}, {'start': '656.666', 'end': '659.366', 'text': 'who awkwardly returned the gesture as best he could'}, {'start': '659.533', 'end': '660.466', 'text': 'by evening'}, {'start': '660.566', 'end': '663.466', 'text': 'the security footage had been reposted with new context'}, {'start': '663.666', 'end': '665.566', 'text': 'paired with images of the ceremony'}, {'start': '665.566', 'end': '667.233', 'text': 'and Sergeant Walsh in uniform'}, {'start': '667.666', 'end': '668.166', 'text': 'the video'}, {'start': '668.166', 'end': '672.166', 'text': 'accumulated over 12 million views in just 48 hours'}, {'start': '672.300', 'end': '673.366', 'text': 'comment sections'}, {'start': '673.366', 'end': '675.533', 'text': 'that had been battle grounds of criticism'}, {'start': '675.533', 'end': '678.600', 'text': 'transformed overnight I was wrong'}, {'start': '678.666', 'end': '681.566', 'text': 'I apologize for what I said about this young man'}, {'start': '682.200', 'end': '684.433', 'text': 'this is what America should be about'}, {'start': '684.566', 'end': '688.066', 'text': 'people helping each other without judgment Mrs'}, {'start': '688.066', 'end': '691.066', 'text': 'Peterson whose complaint had started it all'}, {'start': '691.100', 'end': '693.100', 'text': 'deleted her social media accounts'}, {'start': '693.100', 'end': '695.433', 'text': 'after receiving thousands of negative comments'}, {'start': '695.933', 'end': '698.766', 'text': 'later that week Ryan received an anonymous message'}, {'start': '698.966', 'end': '702.100', 'text': "I'm the one who recorded and posted the original clip"}, {'start': '702.133', 'end': '705.200', 'text': 'I was trying to mock you I was completely wrong'}, {'start': '705.266', 'end': '706.300', 'text': "I'm sorry"}, {'start': '706.966', 'end': '708.866', 'text': 'Colonel Barrett had left Ryan with his card'}, {'start': '708.866', 'end': '711.966', 'text': 'offering a recommendation for Officer Candidate School'}, {'start': '711.966', 'end': '714.466', 'text': 'should Ryan ever consider military service'}, {'start': '714.666', 'end': '716.666', 'text': "but that wasn't what stayed with Ryan"}, {'start': '716.733', 'end': '718.866', 'text': "it was Sergeant Walsh's parting words"}, {'start': '719.100', 'end': '722.366', 'text': 'you reminded me that humanity exists in small moments'}, {'start': '722.500', 'end': '724.433', 'text': "my son and I won't forget that"}, {'start': '724.733', 'end': '725.533', 'text': 'if you believe'}, {'start': '725.533', 'end': '729.266', 'text': "courage doesn't only come in uniform type respect"}, {'start': '729.966', 'end': '732.066', 'text': 'Ryan declined multiple interview requests'}, {'start': '732.066', 'end': '735.466', 'text': 'from local news stations Fame had never been his goal'}, {'start': '735.533', 'end': '738.300', 'text': 'and the attention made him profoundly uncomfortable'}, {'start': '738.533', 'end': '739.466', 'text': 'he did however'}, {'start': '739.466', 'end': '741.333', 'text': 'accept an invitation to speak to Mrs'}, {'start': '741.333', 'end': '743.400', 'text': "Hernandez's third grade class"}, {'start': '743.400', 'end': '744.600', 'text': 'at Fayetteville Elementary'}, {'start': '744.600', 'end': '746.900', 'text': 'for their Community Heroes project'}, {'start': '747.366', 'end': '750.400', 'text': 'sitting in a chair much too small for his lanky frame'}, {'start': '750.533', 'end': '752.600', 'text': 'surrounded by wide eyed eight year olds'}, {'start': '752.800', 'end': '754.500', 'text': 'Ryan found himself more nervous'}, {'start': '754.500', 'end': '756.300', 'text': 'than during the military ceremony'}, {'start': '756.333', 'end': '758.233', 'text': 'did you know she was a soldier'}, {'start': '758.466', 'end': '760.166', 'text': 'asked a boy with a crew cut'}, {'start': '760.566', 'end': '762.900', 'text': "Ryan shook his head I didn't"}, {'start': '762.900', 'end': '765.466', 'text': 'know anything about her except that she was a mom'}, {'start': '765.466', 'end': '767.100', 'text': 'trying to take care of her child'}, {'start': '767.700', 'end': '770.833', 'text': 'were you scared to help her when other people were mad'}, {'start': '771.133', 'end': '772.766', 'text': 'asked a girl in the front row'}, {'start': '773.166', 'end': '775.466', 'text': 'Ryan considered the question carefully'}, {'start': '775.666', 'end': '779.266', 'text': 'not scared just sad that it was needed at all'}, {'start': '779.666', 'end': '781.366', 'text': 'no one should feel ashamed for taking'}, {'start': '781.366', 'end': '782.500', 'text': 'care of their family'}, {'start': '783.333', 'end': '785.500', 'text': 'the following week Walmart corporate'}, {'start': '785.500', 'end': '788.033', 'text': 'sent representatives to meet with the store management'}, {'start': '788.266', 'end': '790.733', 'text': 'the result was a new company wide initiative'}, {'start': '790.733', 'end': '792.266', 'text': "called Ryan's Code"}, {'start': '792.500', 'end': '794.566', 'text': 'a discretionary fund at each register'}, {'start': '794.566', 'end': '797.433', 'text': 'for cashiers to use in genuine hardship cases'}, {'start': '797.566', 'end': '801.366', 'text': 'no questions asked the policy change made national news'}, {'start': '801.366', 'end': '802.366', 'text': 'with other retailers'}, {'start': '802.366', 'end': '804.633', 'text': 'soon implementing similar programs'}, {'start': '805.200', 'end': '807.266', 'text': 'Sergeant Walsh returned to active duty'}, {'start': '807.266', 'end': '809.033', 'text': 'after her bereavement leave ended'}, {'start': '809.266', 'end': '812.300', 'text': 'before deploying she sent Ryan a handwritten letter'}, {'start': '812.466', 'end': '814.866', 'text': 'we soldiers are trained to respond under fire'}, {'start': '815.100', 'end': '817.666', 'text': 'but everyday kindness in civilian life'}, {'start': '817.733', 'end': '820.500', 'text': "that's what I Learned from a 19 year old cashier"}, {'start': '820.900', 'end': '824.000', 'text': 'my son now says he wants to be just like Mr Ryan'}, {'start': '824.000', 'end': '827.100', 'text': "when he grows up I told him that's a fine ambition"}, {'start': '827.800', 'end': '830.200', 'text': 'Ryan kept the letter in his economics textbook'}, {'start': '830.200', 'end': '833.500', 'text': 'as a bookmark no medal or public recognition'}, {'start': '833.500', 'end': '835.500', 'text': 'had meant as much as those simple words'}, {'start': '835.666', 'end': '837.133', 'text': 'when asked by his professors'}, {'start': '837.133', 'end': '837.800', 'text': 'what had changed'}, {'start': '837.800', 'end': '840.633', 'text': 'his career aspirations from finance to public service'}, {'start': '840.966', 'end': '844.000', 'text': 'Ryan never mentioned the viral video or the ceremony'}, {'start': '844.100', 'end': '845.266', 'text': 'he simply said'}, {'start': '845.266', 'end': '848.400', 'text': 'I Learned that the most important transactions we make'}, {'start': '848.400', 'end': '850.200', 'text': 'have nothing to do with money'}, {'start': '851.000', 'end': '852.066', 'text': 'six months later'}, {'start': '852.066', 'end': '855.466', 'text': 'Ryan still worked the same register three days a week'}, {'start': '855.700', 'end': '859.200', 'text': 'now wearing a small American flag pin on his blue vest'}, {'start': '859.400', 'end': '860.733', 'text': 'a gift from a soldier'}, {'start': '860.733', 'end': '863.966', 'text': 'who had reminded him that courage takes many forms'}, {'start': '864.066', 'end': '865.500', 'text': 'not everyone in uniform'}, {'start': '865.500', 'end': '867.033', 'text': 'receives the respect they deserve'}, {'start': '867.200', 'end': '869.066', 'text': 'and not everyone without a uniform'}, {'start': '869.066', 'end': '870.800', 'text': 'lacks the courage to stand tall'}, {'start': '871.366', 'end': '873.233', 'text': "Ryan didn't overthink his actions"}, {'start': '873.466', 'end': '875.566', 'text': 'he simply did what was right in the moment'}, {'start': '876.066', 'end': '876.800', 'text': 'sometimes'}, {'start': '876.800', 'end': '879.833', 'text': "what silences a community isn't shame or regret"}, {'start': '880.100', 'end': '883.266', 'text': 'but kindness so pure it needs no explanation'}, {'start': '883.466', 'end': '884.400', 'text': 'the bravest acts'}, {'start': '884.400', 'end': '886.566', 'text': 'often happen at the smallest crossroads'}, {'start': '886.800', 'end': '889.833', 'text': 'a register a line of impatient customers'}, {'start': '890.000', 'end': '890.533', 'text': 'and the choice'}, {'start': '890.533', 'end': '892.833', 'text': 'to see the human being behind the struggle'}, {'start': '892.966', 'end': '895.200', 'text': 'subscribe to Q H Incredible Stories'}, {'start': '895.400', 'end': '896.533', 'text': 'where honor is restored'}, {'start': '896.533', 'end': '899.366', 'text': 'through the smallest acts of decency we almost miss'}, {'start': '0.000', 'end': '2.533', 'text': "If you can't afford it, don't shop here."}, {'start': '2.533', 'end': '3.833', 'text': "We're not a charity!"}, {'start': '4.066', 'end': '6.200', 'text': 'a bitter voice echoed through Walmart'}, {'start': '6.333', 'end': '7.933', 'text': 'the young mother bowed her head'}, {'start': '7.933', 'end': '10.200', 'text': 'her toddler clutching her collar tightly'}, {'start': '10.400', 'end': '11.700', 'text': 'the cashier paused'}, {'start': '11.700', 'end': '14.633', 'text': 'reset the price and pulled out his own wallet'}, {'start': '14.800', 'end': '16.400', 'text': 'cameras captured everything'}, {'start': '16.700', 'end': '19.566', 'text': "but what silenced critics wasn't just money"}, {'start': '19.666', 'end': '21.066', 'text': 'who was this woman'}, {'start': '21.166', 'end': '24.200', 'text': 'and why did this small gesture become a symbol of honor?'}]