Posted on May 7, 2015
WO1 Intelligence Officer (S2)
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Welcome home  camp patrick henry  va
Does any one else get welcomed home by people who just see them in uniform? Does it bother you?

I understand civilians are looking for a way to thank Service Members for their service, kind of like when they salute us. It used to bother me more before I had deployed anywhere. It's starting to again as I have been "home" for a year.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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The day that I get annoyed over civilians/veterans/children sharing niceties with me for my Service whether "Thank you for your service", "Welcome home", or anything of that ilk, is the day I need to hang up my stripes for good. They are the reason that we do this.

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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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9 y
Amen sister!
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
>1 y
I certainly agree with that !
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SFC Charles S.
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Why would or should it annoy anyone? The civilians are saying it to honor you. Granted they may be mistaken or not being totally observant or even thinking beyond seeing the uniform... only an ingrate would take offense.

At least they are saying something nice to you. Think of all of the vietnam veterans who were spit on and called every name under the sun when they returned. I would rethink your values if this annoys or offends you in any way shape or form.

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SFC Charles S.
SFC Charles S.
9 y
:) CDR (Join to see) Sir, It made my day that you would even care to say that. Thank you. Sorry, I messed with my settings and they are not correct yet... that would be one of the side problems.
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CDR Director, U.S. Navy Police
CDR (Join to see)
9 y
SFC Charles S., no worries. What you wrote meant a lot. Sometimes it's difficult for me to even comprehend some of these questions. Does it annoy you to have someone show gratitude? Really???

I always appreciate of others when they recognize my service, as should we all. As you mentioned, those returning from Vietnam got a much different welcome.
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SFC Charles S.
SFC Charles S.
9 y
CDR (Join to see) yes, exactly... the other posts are like the one "When they say thank you for your service" many people on there it bothers them. I don't get it. I can understand soldiers not feeling worthy of that level of gratitude but Don't be annoyed or hate the people for wanting to give you a prop.
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CDR Director, U.S. Navy Police
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Exactly!
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MSgt Security Business Analyst
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Civilians do not understand.
Personally, when I meet a Vietnam Veteran I thank them and welcome them home. That was not something they recieved when they did come home.
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SFC Charles S.
SFC Charles S.
9 y
MSgt (Join to see) You are correct, they don't know but the do want to try to thank us. I commend you for doing that with Vietnam Veterans... I try to do the same. I work with 173rd Vietnam Veterans and they totally got snubbed when they returned. They are also some of the first ones that are in line to greet current returning solders from Iraq and Afghanistan. They soon will be our greatest generation, when the last WWII veterans die off.
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