Target Store Denies Asking Marines to Leave

Two Marines say they were kicked out of a Target store in Virginia by a shift
manager who they say falsely accused the uniform-wearing pair of recruiting,
according to an area newspaper.

The store's manager denies the account, according to The Virginian-Pilot. Brian Sherman, who manages the Chesapeake South store, says he was not present when the incident allegedly took place but, "They were not asked to leave, in fact they walked around the store and continued to shop."

But 22-year-old Cpl. Carlos Rodriguez says he was talking to a high school friend who works in the store "when this guy comes out of nowhere.
He was the shift manager, or something, and the first thing he started saying was, 'You guys are recruiters, right?' "Rodriguez, who returned from his
second tour in Iraq in October, says the man complained that the Marines were
soliciting employees who were on company time.

"I didn't want to make a scene," Rodriguez told the paper. "We were representing Marines anyway just by wearing the uniform, so I kept my mouth shut."

Neither Rodriquez nor the other Marine work as recruiters, according to a Marine Corps official based in Norfolk. Both were wearing dress forms.

Sherman told the paper that he has not yet spoken to the assistant manager who was on duty at the time, but that no formal complaint has been filed. He also said that Target has a no-solicitation policy, which applies to groups like the Salvation Army.

What is this country coming to? Our service men and women cannot go shopping and talk to an old friend without being accosted by anti-military scum. This was uncalled for and un-American. When will people respect our military? Regardless if you agree with what conflict they are ordered to participate in, they should be respected for the fact that they are willing to stand up for our country and put their life on the line. Because of their volunteerism, others who cannot or will not serve their country do not have to. Be thankful there are such brave men and women out there instead of judge, berate and harass them.

I pray that one day we will live in a society that appreciates its military and the sacrifices they make on our behalves. I hope that day comes soon.