Woman On Bus Refuses To Give Up Seat For 97-Year-Old Veteran

A woman in Albuquerque, New Mexico refused to temporarily move from her seat on a bus simply to allow an elderly veteran to safely maneuver his wheelchair into a designated spot. 

The woman was defiant to both the disabled veteran and the bus driver, screaming that the spot was her space.

“Young lady, I’m a combat veteran of three wars. Three wars! I’m going to be 97 next month and you are trying to hinder me.”

The unidentified woman held her ground as she went on about her space and her “rights” to stand and not move.

Eventually, the driver told the unruly woman to get off the bus, but not before she decides to throw a few punches at a fellow passenger. The entire shocking incident was caught on video.

One passenger noted that there appears to be a pattern of people acting unruly on the bus and starting trouble.

You can watch this unfortunate scene unfold on an Albuquerque bus here: 

Related: Veterans United Celebrates Veterans Day By Giving 11 Homes To 11 Deserving Service Members

Helping Our Veterans

It is common courtesy to offer your seat to a disabled person, right? From the time we are children, we are all taught to respect and help those in need.

In my opinion, that goes double for those who sacrificed defending this country. 

Frankly, I don’t need to hear that someone is a veteran to stand up and do the right thing. It should be second nature to do the bare minimum for someone who has given so much to us. 

I don’t know if this was a case of mental illness or entitlement, but based on the woman’s behavior I fear that she is unwell.

A Society In Recovery

While her behavior seems inexcusable at face value, you never know what someone is going through. Context is key to understanding how a situation like this happens. 

Unfortunately, still today mentally ill people are pushed to the margins of society. Some have burned every bridge in their life due to their condition and wind up on the street.

Our governments pour millions into the situation, but yet the situation never seems to improve.

And don’t get me started on our standard of care for America’s veterans.

The entire country is on edge. We are still recovering from the trauma of a 2-year lockdown. Some people are angry and just looking for a fight. 

This appears to be a symptom of a more significant problem in the Land of Enchantment.

New Mexico experienced the highest rise of homelessness in the United States. But the problem is nationwide.

Here in Los Angeles, tents cover underpasses and parks. And the city is paralyzed into inaction. Radical activists have encouraged people to live on the streets, and any attempt to clean those areas up is met with swift condemnation. 

If we are going to treat our veterans, homeless, and mentally ill citizens with respect and dignity, we need to learn respect and dignity. 

Values once held sacred by this nation have gone by the wayside. It saddens me. 

How is your city dealing with the mental health crisis? Have you seen outbursts like this directed towards yourself or veterans? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Related: Gary Sinise Honors Oldest WWII Veteran After He Dies At 112 “An American Hero”