Walmart Employee Gets Fired For Saving Woman From Assault, Customers Have Best Response
A brave Walmart employee who battled three men while defending a woman was fired, sparking outrage.
Foul play
It was 2:30 a.m. in Hartland Town, Michigan and Kristopher Oswald was in his car on break from shelf-stocking duty at Walmart.
That's when he noticed a man grabbing a woman in the parking lot, per CBS.
"It was a tiny little blonde girl who got out and tried to force this person off of her vehicle, and she's screaming and he jumped off the car, grabbed her by the arms...and forced her against the car"
- Kristopher Oswald
When Oswald approached the woman and asked if she needed help, the man punched him in the face several times and threatened to kill him.
Although Oswald finally managed to get on top of the man, two of his friends jumped him from behind.
Livingston County sheriff's deputies arrived moments later to break up the fight. Fortunately, the woman was not seriously injured.
Meanwhile, the suspects (and the victim's ex-boyfriend, Dylan Tierney) were arrested and charged with drunk driving, malicious destruction of property and domestic violence.
Shown the door
The next day, store management called Oswald into the office to deliver some shocking news: He was fired.
In a prepared statement, Walmart spokeswoman Ashlee Hardee cited "policies in place to protect associates and customers from getting involved in dangerous situations" as the reason for Oswald's dismissal.
"We had to make a tough decision, one that we don't take lightly, and he's no longer with the company."
Oswald was blindsided.
"The last thing I expected was to not have a job"
- Kristopher Oswald
Outrage ensues
As Oswald's story made the news, an angry audience wrote in protest.
"Perhaps it does not matter to Wal-Mart but they will never see me in one of their stores again," wrote one.
Another said if anything, Oswald deserved a promotion.
"You don't find many individuals who will risk their own well-being for others these days. Mr. Oswald should be commended and rewarded for his heroic actions"
- Outraged CBS reader
"I would hope that people would come to my aid in an emergency," another wrote.
"I would make it a point to patronize a store whose employees would help me. Shame on Walmart! Another reason not to shop there!"
Apparently Walmart got the message.
In a statement, Walmart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said that "Sometimes we have to take a step back and look at the situation from another perspective," and have offered Oswald his job back.
However, he declined due to fear of retaliation from management.
Never compromise your morals
Despite the traumatic assault and his abrupt firing, Oswald vows that he won't change who he is as a person.
"I'm always going to act the right way and do the right thing even after all of this," he says.
Sadly, doing the right thing can carry a heavy cost. Sometimes it means losing your job, sometimes risking your life for a loved one.
However, Kristopher Oswald's story shows that there isn't a price too steep for doing the right thing.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.