Posted on Jun 5, 2015
PFC Courtney Hilliard
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I know that there are a lot of different stereotypes about veterans, and that most of them are crap, but has any one else run into the situation where someone (always another soldier) says "Wow. You don't look like a veteran." Um. What exactly did you expect a veteran to look like? I mean, I can understand sitting outside waiting on the bus or something I could be a civilian just catching a ride, but this has occurred more than once inside the hospital when I'm there for physical therapy or to see my neurologist. I just always feel like I should say "Nope! I'm just sitting in the waiting room to take advantage of the shitty coffee and bitchy patients!" Is it bc I'm young, or female, or don't look crazy? No, I don't have PTSD. I haven't seen combat of any sort, nor would I ever claim to have seen it, but that doesn't mean I'm not a veteran..... I'm not at the VA just for the fun of it, believe me.

Anyone else run into issues like this in their daily lives?
Posted in these groups: Images Women in the Military
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
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Edited 9 y ago
Honestly, NO.

It might be your good looks. I think it's really just a compliment from the males. "Wow! You are too pretty to have been in the military." That type of thing. Just brush it off. :-)
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1LT William Clardy
1LT William Clardy
9 y
SPC (Join to see), you should consider it a challenge -- one which I am quite sure you'll meet when you turn 39 in a couple of decades.

And about that 39 claim... Miss, do you have a government-issued photo ID which will validate that you're as old as Jack Benny claimed to be?
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SPC Human Resources   Labor/Employee Relations
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
Lsmary2
1LT William Clardy lmao Bless your heart! couple of decades!!!

SGT (Join to see) My life goal for 39 is NOT to look like this lady! ;) hahahaha.
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
Tan mom
There was a real life one!!! SPC (Join to see)
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
I really am 39 1LT William Clardy
And I am not a catfish. LOL This is how I look. Thank God for the Hispanic genes.
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PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
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At least they aren't asking about your spouse being in the military. I used to get that a lot before I lost weight. Now at 46, I have people thinking I'm 36, but I'm okay with that! Thank you for your service Sister!
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1LT William Clardy
1LT William Clardy
9 y
I'm jealous, SPC Americo Garcia! On my 25th birthday, a friend of a friend added a decade when guessing my age.

That cured me of fishing for "How young do I look?" compliments!
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SSG Buddy Kemper
SSG Buddy Kemper
9 y
PV2 (Join to see) I'm almost 46 and they all think I'm 66. Thanks a lot LISA!!!!!
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PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
PV2 (Join to see)
9 y
You don't look a day over 36 SSG Buddy Kemper!
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SSG Buddy Kemper
SSG Buddy Kemper
9 y
BwwwHahahahahahahah!!! I WISH PV2 (Join to see) i feel more like 106. But, you've got a friend for life!!!
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LTC Paul Labrador
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There is archetype of what a "vet" should look like and it's fed directly by Hollywood: PTSD addled, non-functioning vet who was destroyed by war. This is your Rambo archetype.
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PFC Courtney Hilliard
PFC Courtney Hilliard
9 y
Absolutely. It's ridiculous and again, while I expect it from civilians, as they tend towards ignorance in the reality of the military, I didn't expect it from other soldiers.
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