Grocery Store Worker Steps up to Help a Veteran in Need by Paying His Bill

Briar Poirier, a Market Basket employee, went the extra mile for an elderly veteran as he stepped in to help pay his grocery bill after the man lacked cash. Those who know Poirier were not surprised.

According to his Facebook page, Brian Poirier is a man who loves video games, music, and compassion. Recently, he was able to show everyone how true he is to his word.

Poirier, a Market Basket grocery employee in Oxford, Massachusetts, had always been the guy who brightened people’s day.

According to one customer, Renee Falcioni, “He asks me about my day, he lightens my mood, he jokes with me a little bit. Makes my day 100% better.”

After one shopping trip at Market Basket, Falcioni witnessed the kindness of Poirier’s heart as he helped an elderly man pay for his groceries.

The customer, who happened to be a veteran, had used up his $25 store gift card but was still short $3 on his total bill.

It was then that Poirier stepped in, reached for his wallet, and paid for the remaining balance without hesitation. He said:

“The gentleman had a couple [of] basic necessities and looked like he was a little down on his luck. And the man fought for our country, fought for our freedoms [...] It’s the least I could do for him.”

According to Falcioni, the veteran shook Poirier’s hand and had a massive smile on his face like someone made his day -- which Poirier probably did.

After the witness shared the story online, people who knew Poirier were not surprised by his act of kindness, given that he had done the same in the past.

Roy Fred Blackburn, a veteran who served in the Navy, was in hospice but wanted to have pizza with his wife for Veterans Day.

“My parents taught me that hard work, perseverance, and just being kind to others can help accomplish a lot in the world,” Poirier said in an interview.

There are about 18 million US veterans that have returned to their civilian life. Although their job was honorable and served the country, switching back to normal can be a struggle.

Still, there are many ways to show appreciation to veterans. A group of middle school students recently paid tribute to a veteran eating at a pizza joint by singing the national anthem.

Roy Fred Blackburn, a veteran who served in the Navy, was in hospice but wanted to have pizza with his wife for Veterans Day. When the students began singing, Blackburn stood up and took his hat off.

The sweet gesture moved those in the restaurant and had many in tears. Sadly, three months after, Blackburn passed away at 82 years old.

Nevertheless, the act of kindness and respect towards him impacted his last few months on earth. Showing compassion towards veterans is nothing new among kids. Recently, a little girl made the news for raising money for homeless veterans in their community.