A WWII hero, Mr. Dietsch proved he’s still a hero!
And, Mr. Gray is cut from the same cloth!
These veterans proved that they still ‘have it’.
Mr. John Dietsch (84 years strong) and Mr. Earl Gray (20 years his junior) had just finished counting some $10,000 in donations to their Legion (Oakridge Legion, Branch 73), raised with the Poppy Campaign. A gunman walked in and tried to rob them.
The octogenarian vet – obviously a man who is not afraid to face evil – stood up to him, not even bothering to cower before the would-be-robber’s loaded gun. What a man!
Simply said, the two veterans refused to be robbed. Mr. Dietsch is quoted as saying:
“But nobody was going to get that money we had worked so hard to collect. It’s for the veterans and the widows and the community.”
And that is it, isn’t it? It was not his money: it was money to help the vets and the widows – his community!
To all those collectivists out there, who think that people must never act as individuals, of their own accord, because ‘the group/society/community’ has a monopoly on decision making: see, here! Individuals CAN work for the good of the community without sacrificing their individuality!
Two such individuals – Mr. Dietsch and Mr. Gray – refused to buckle and I, for one, salute them.
Thank you, gentlemen.
For protecting the money which will go to help those who need it and who have earned it.
And, for still being an example and role model to us!
Xanthippa's Chamberpot 
November 16, 2009 at 16:06
Yes. Hats off to John Dietsch!
Hats off to all the old guys who remember what their balls are for!
Dr. Liviu Librescu, who stood up to Seung-Hui Cho at Virginia Tech, was 76. He stood his ground and resolutely took 5 rounds from a 9mm Glock (!) while holding the door closed to give his students time to escape through the windows. Then he died.
Meanwhile, his able-bodied young students ran way, screaming like little girls.
What a pathetic pack of cringing cowards!
Just like they were taught to be.
What are we going to do when the old guys are gone?
It won’t be long now…
November 16, 2009 at 17:26
All we can do is be those role-models as best as we can, should our turn come up.
And – teach OUR children well.
That is all we CAN do – but every little bit helps!
And, we must point out when ‘people do right’! Role models ARE a powerful force: it is our responsibility to raise them to people’s awareness!
February 2, 2012 at 12:17
Thought I would post this about my Uncles death because of the nice comments you made about the story a few years ago. He was quite the guy and will be missed by many.
John Albert Dietsch
DIETSCH, John Albert – Passed peacefully at Toronto East General Hospital after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in his 87th year. Proud Meritorious Life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 73 for 66 years. Beloved husband of Verna (Phipps). Loving father of Dianne (Bill), Gail (Doug), Linda, Robin, and Carol (Terry). Predeceased by son Johnny. Dear brother of Marie, Joan and Helen. Predeceased by brother George and sister Bernice. Dear grandfather of Eddie, Ronda, Kristine, Kyle, Chad and Tyler and great-grandfather of Erin, Emma, Brooklynn and Mia Bella. Friends may call at the SHERRIN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND TRIBUTE CENTRE, 873 Kingston Road (west of Victoria Park), 416-698-2861, on Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a Legion Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service to be held in the chapel on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Pine Hills Cemetery. Reception to follow at RCL Branch 73, 2 Robinson Avenue, Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to RCL Branch 73 Poppy Trust Fund. Online condolences may be made at http://www.sherrinfuneral.ca
Xanthippa says:
Thank you very much!
I am sorry for your loss.
February 4, 2012 at 18:10
John Albert Dietsch was my Step-Dad. Although we didn’t share the same DNA, he was
my Dad in every sense of the word. Daily, he lived his life with integrity, honest and kindness and was the most honourable man I have ever met. It is my privilege to have had him in my life
and I will miss him for eternity.
Carol