Army Veteran Ernest Walker (Photo: Facebook)
November 16, 2016
Written by Lorra B.
Earnest Walker, 47, and his service dog, Barack, arrived at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Cedar Hill to claim his free Veterans Day meal and what happened next is inexcusable.
According to Walker, a Chili’s customer claimed he was not ‘a real soldier’ because he was wearing his hat indoors. After being questioned Walker provided ID as well as his discharge papers.
Walker’s waiter allegedly indicated that he had been in Germany and that blacks were not allowed service there. It just so happens that Walker is a black man.
The manager of Chili’s then came to the table and told Walker that his dog was not a service dog, reported Dallas News.
Not sure exactly what was going down, Walker decided to turn his cellphone camera on.
At this point a waitress had boxed up Walker’s left-overs but the manager grabs the to-go-box and walks away from Walker saying, “You have a great day.”
What transpired Walker plastered all over Facebook. Walker wrote, “Barack had his red service vest on, and his certified service tags. I was sitting for 35 minutes prior with Barack beforehand. At this point I was grossly offended, embarrassed dehumanized and started recording.”
Watch what goes down:
The National Archives and Records Administration verifies that Walker served proudly in the Army from 1986 to 1988. He was stationed in Hawaii, 25th infantry Division.
The Mayor of Cedar Hill, Rob Franke stated:
“My concern for the veteran is paramount, but we must also consider the manager and how he can become a better person and perhaps do better the next time he is put in a difficult situation. People do best and learn the most from experience. To learn requires patience and grace, neither of which can occur in the heat of emotion, demonstration, and anger.”
Walker’s attorney, Kim Cole, stated that Chili’s called and apologized to Walker. The manager was put on leave and would not comment on the incident.
Written by Lorra B.
The Silent Soldier 