How do you feel about a civilian paying for your meal?

While I agree with you sir. I must point out, that, while yes its the right thing to do, (letting someone pay for you) because that's how they feel they can honor vets or pay tribute. They also need to understand how it affects some service members. Whether it be making them feel inadequate, putting them on the spot, or just down right making them uncomfortable. While, like I said, you should let them pay, if even to bring joy to their day for helping. The public also needs to understand the "stigma" some vets feel comes attached with the gesture, and not to get offended when their generous offer is politely turned down.

It's awkward not just because of the generousity, but because you're out with your SO and they don't know WHY you are out. So they could be intruding on a divorce/marital problem just as much as anniversary dinner or simply a quick night out. We all have our own reasons for serving and it's rarely because we felt the need for complete patriotism or selfless service.

although we cant control what people do, I get a little annoyed when people approach and offer to pay. I completely understand the desire to honor a service member, but just go to the waitress and pay it if that is what you want to do. Shouldn't be seeking acknowledgement for the act. Thats when it gets weird.

I too have "payed it forward" for service members in uniform... Being a veteran myself, it was my way of showing my appreciation for the sacrifices made by a new generation of service men and women in a time of turmoil, unrest and hostility towards our service members. As a member working in public safety I am always gracious when people choose to show their gratitude towards members of law enforcement, fire and EMS by paying for drinks or meals. Of course there is the ethical side of the argument however, It is not often that people show gratitude, mostly they show their hind end parts but there are still good people out there in society. So my suggestion is to simply smile and say thank you while exercising a smudge of humility.

I pay it forward for other vets

I've done this several times in the past few years. I always pay the waitress directly. I don't want the service member to know it was me and possibly create an awkward situation. I do this for the police too.

Agree with CMSgt Nolan. Keep in mind, some may be vets themselves who remember how they were treated (badly) during the Vietnam era.

Col Phil Yasuhara - Aint' that the truth!

If this had happened to me, I would have felt awkward, but I hope that I would have accepted the meal. SFC Mark Merino, you are on target with us needing "more random acts of kindness in the world.'

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" - To borrow from SSG Warren Swan :

*Drop the mic. Walk away.*

Well said, Mark! I also see this act as a way for those who are unable to serve as a way of saying thanks. And sometimes the ability to say thank you, is as important to that civilian as is to the soldier they are saying it to.

I totally agree. When someone offers to pay for your meal they have a reason. In this case, it appears to be an honest reason with nothing for them to gain from their kindness.