Anyone Else Tired of Hearing "Thank You for Your Service'?

SSG Izzy Abbass — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:35:50 -0400

I've heard this many times and now I'm at the point where it seems like it's being said because it's the right thing to say. I feel like its lost meaning and some of it is due to a trait we all share as Vets - we were a team and getting personal recognition is not the most comfortable. Also, this is something our Vietnam Vets never heard which I know people are trying to make up for. Personally, I say "Welcome Home" to them. Curious to hear what you all think. What would you like to hear and should I acknowledge this as something that allows those who didn't serve a chance to say something positive?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:37 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:37:51 -0400

I'm not tired yet, since I've been in for less than year an a half. However, you can tell those that say it sincerely and those that say it just for say something. SSG Izzy Abbass

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 24 at 2015 2:47 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:47:18 -0400

I'm not really tired of hearing it. Boosts my ego.

In all honesty though, it's great that some SM and veterans gain recognition.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:48:59 -0400

I'd rather them say "Thank You" than not. I always thank a veteran if I see one out and about. I don't tell them about my service... It should be considered a Privilege. SSG Izzy Abbass

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:52 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:52:22 -0400

I don't mind hearing it. Only thing that bothers me is that when people say it, they don't quite realize how little I've actually done for this country. I've been in for two years, and so far I've simply been a mechanic in Texas and more recently I've just sat at a desk with very little to do. No, I'm not tired of hearing it, but I really wish I had something to be thanked for other than the honors I perform for fallen veterans.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 24 at 2015 2:52 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:52:39 -0400

SSG Izzy Abbass I'll start by saying, "Thank you for your Service!" Its important to me to let you know that I appreciate the sacrifice you have made to serve this country. As veterans let's keep that positive spin on what we do every day and let's not forget to tell each other a big "thank you" for serving. I'm not tired of it and I'm definitely looking forward to saying it again today when I go out to the MRX at Camp Pendleton!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 24 at 2015 2:53 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:53:57 -0400

Here's my response: "I did it for you. I appreciated the opportunity. You're welcome. And 'thank you,' as well."

Be gracious. People are striving to be nice... to both you and ALL your fellow service-members. Minimally, acknowledge it.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:15 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:15:04 -0400

I find it a bit awkward when I hear it, but that may just be because I don't feel I've earned the "thank you" yet. I do appreciate the time they took out of their day to thank me though. If they had thanked someone who really did deserve it, or someone who really needed to hear it, then the little bit of awkwardness I fell when they say it, and the little bit of guilt I feel for recognizing it, even though I haven't done much yet, is all worth the little bit of a boost for the person who needed to hear it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 24 at 2015 3:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:18:55 -0400

Well SSG Izzy Abbass, I appreciate it when someone who knows me says thank you for you service. Those I served with know I served while most people don't.
Since I have been growing ponytails and donating them to Locks of Love to make wigs for cancer patients many people don't think of me as a veteran.
I do stand at attention when the US National Anthem plays and salute when the flag passes by or somebody else salutes me. I even return proper salutes when somebody isn't serious and remind people whenever it seems appropriate that saluting is a sign of mutual respect of subordinate initiating the salute and the superior who returns it.
One thing I always notice is how senior leaders especially the President of the USA returns a salute or ignores it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:24 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:24:03 -0400

I do not get tired of people saying "Thank you for your service."
Personally, welcome home is annoying, more so before I ever deployed, and now as I have been home for over a year. But I always appreciated the gesture.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 24 at 2015 3:31 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:31:55 -0400

SSG Izzy Abbass - I'll take it for as long as somebody thanks me. You can always pass that forward, you know - to a vet who didn't get such a warm welcome home as we've enjoyed.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:43 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:43:48 -0400

Funny you asked this today. I just flew from Boston to DC in uniform because I had a meeting once I landed. I was pulled out of the long bag drop line and taken to the front and felt the entire time like the agent was being genuine. I then went to Arlington National Cemetery between meetings in DC...I am now in dozens of photos taken with kids and my hand is worn from all the handshakes! Many didn't say anything...and that's fine...but the ones that did definitely didn't do so out of obligation. I am humbled when I am thanked but never "tired" of it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 24 at 2015 3:47 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:47:14 -0400

Not in the least.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:53:50 -0400

Like many have said, it's better than what they could be saying. Just the other day I was in the grocery store with my Fiance and had a young gentleman who worked there come up to me, grabbed my hand to shake it and thanked me for my service. First time in a long time someone actually shook my hand rather than just saying it as I passed by. Felt pretty good to have someone come out of their way to shake my hand and thank me. My reply to him was "Thank you for your support."

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jun 24 at 2015 5:42 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:42:59 -0400

I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran who Served two tours in Nam. I came back to the World to cold shoulders and was treated like a Criminal. I was spit on and I was called all types of names including "Baby Killer." It took over 40 years before anyone ever welcomed me home or ever told me, "Thanks for your Service." If someone says "Thank you for your Service" be grateful and thankful that that person took the time to recognize you and your service to this great Country!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 5:57 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:57:48 -0400

BLUF: The day I get sick of hearing that is the day that I hang it up forever. The day that anyone gets annoyed for being thanked for your selflessness, is the day that you should consider hanging it up forever. That person has lost their way in boots.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 24 at 2015 6:05 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:05:44 -0400

Well, I feel like it is an old and jaded saying; however, I still feel like it's an honor and a pleasure- so I say so.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jun 24 at 2015 6:10 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:10:16 -0400

Why would I tire of something that is " the right thing to say?"

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Jun 24 at 2015 6:27 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:27:38 -0400

I think it depends on the tone, I have been takes many time by other service members or poeple honestly showing gratitude. But sometimes it is said in a smug manner from a person who just makes your skin crawl. I was in Baltimore and I walked to every cop I saw ( only 2) and thanked them. I hope they knew it is heart felt gratitude.

Response by SrA Shannon Tatkenhorst made Jun 24 at 2015 6:39 PM

SrA Shannon Tatkenhorst — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:39:30 -0400

nope. have not heard it enough yet.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 24 at 2015 7:58 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 19:58:46 -0400

It may be the 100th time I hear it form someone. I know to them it is the first time they said it to me.

And thank you to whoever paid my breakfast bill at the Anchorage Airport.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 8:47 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:47:04 -0400

Not especially. I do get tired of it in some capacity. I only served my four years and got out. Yes, I might be trying to get the education to return with a commission, but the fact is I don't feel I have anything to be thanked for. I signed the contract just as everyone else did. That's about it. On the on the other hand it's acceptable to me because I've realized that it's just a polite thing to say. People are not neccessarily thanking you for your service all the time. As a civilian EMT I say it to my patients when I know they're military because it makes them feel better. Sometimes it even goes farther and works as a placebo - so many of them get caught up telling stories that their pain or problem temporarily goes away because they're so distracted. So I see it as a polite and respectful thing to say much more than anything else - so I'm not terribly bothered by it.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 25 at 2015 2:37 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 02:37:13 -0400

I used to, but now I live somewhere that truly does appreciate its veteran population.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 2:59 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 02:59:40 -0400

I always say "no, thank you for all you do for the troops." That way they know if they really do or not.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 8:57 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:57:24 -0400

I can relate with you. In this age of entitlement I don't feel that I did anything to warrant being thanked over others who serve such as Police and Fire Fighters, and I can't say I've ever seen them thanked. I smile and accept the kind words, because of course it's better than being cursed and spit at... but I'd be perfectly content if they simply treated me with respect as a human being.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 25 at 2015 9:21 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 09:21:45 -0400

I am not tired of it and I always acknowledge the fact that someone is expressing their gratitude. In today's society it is nice for a person to show they care. I am in a long history people who chose to be Military I take pride in this everyday. So to all who have and are currently serving I want to thank you for preserving my freedom.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 25 at 2015 11:59 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 11:59:37 -0400

It bothered me for a while... I've never thought I did anything special, just did my job and was in the right place at the right time. Then a few years ago I had a "light-bulb moment", and thought of all the guys that gave so much more than me and were forgotten.

So now I respond with "Thank you for your support" as an ambassador on behalf of THEM.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Jun 25 at 2015 8:12 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 20:12:25 -0400

I am tired of hearing "Thank you for your service." Generally, it comes from people who don't know what "Service" involved. The person never had a drill sgt put his foot on their head to get a perfect push-up--among other things. That person didn't know what it was like to be a terrorist target with no ammo. There are many other things the person did not know. It is such an off the cuff saying with out any meaning. If another veteran says it, i will take it. We are brothers and sisters. i tell the others, the ones of my generation who are VN vets and the ones who are the current veterans, "WELCOME HOME"

Response by SGT Edward Wells made Jun 26 at 2015 1:49 AM

SGT Edward Wells — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:49:39 -0400

It's better than what the Vietnam veterans heard, the sound of spit coming their way, calling them rapist and baby killers, all kinds of stuff, pretty sure they would have loved to hear, "thank you for your service" and wouldn't have whined about it. Selfless service, it's not about us, just a thought.

Response by PO1 Tracy Rainey made Jun 27 at 2015 8:56 AM

PO1 Tracy Rainey — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 08:56:20 -0400

The first time I heard thank you for your service, I had been retired for 5 years(2009). It took me by surprise and I struggled for a come back remark. Sense then I have heard it a lot and makes me feel good inside. If I see a fellow service person in public I will pass on that same phrase. In truth I joined the navy when I was 22 for job security. I already had made up my mind to make the navy my career. Lets face it there are not that many jobs that pay to send you to other country that make you really appreciate what we have in this country. Sorry I got off topic.

Response by PO3 Douglas Alexander made Jun 28 at 2015 6:17 PM

PO3 Douglas Alexander — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:17:21 -0400

As a viet nam era vet I can say that saying thank you for your service is the right to say for their service not because it's PC

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 28 at 2015 6:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:30:47 -0400

I am a proponent they say Thank You as it is the tenuous relationship we have with the American public, and it is significantly better than the alternative.

Response by PO2 Craig Morrow made Jul 2 at 2015 7:27 PM

PO2 Craig Morrow — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 19:27:09 -0400

I also welcome home our Viet Nam vets, as well as WWII, and Korea. I am a member of the Patriot Guard. We are called upon to provide a motorcycle escort and flag/honor lines for military funerals. I see the true gratefulness in the eyes of those who thank me for my service. My Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Brothers and Sisters and the Patriot Guard family actually feel that we are honored to stand in respect for our fallen comrades, and those who pass away after discharge. HOOYAH, and thank you all for your service.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 10:53 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:53:34 -0400

I appreciate people not spitting on me like they did to some of my fore fathers but honestly I would much rather they do something to really show respect for veterans like call their politicians and fight for our jobs, benefits, VA rights. Talk is cheap. It is to easy to say thank you and send cookies. It is appreciated but there are much more meaningful ways to actually make a difference in soldiers and veterans lives.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:17:08 -0400

SSGT Izzy Abbass I do agree with you in the fact that it makes you feel awkward. I think tho that it is one of the few things that the civilian population can do or say to express their gratitude for our service. When I have someone come up to me and say it. My go to response is that it is my privilege and honor to serve when so many who wish to can't do so. Due to being disqualified for any number of reasons. As for what I say to others if it is a vet who appears to have served before my time I thank them for putting the stepping stones down for which we can build upon to build a better future. If it is someone who is still serving I tell them that it's an honor to serve with them and I appreciate the sacrifices they make to carry the torch. I don't word it the same way every time. I try to personalize it with every encounter I have.

Response by SSG James James made Jul 15 at 2015 11:09 PM

SSG James James — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 23:09:12 -0400

When they thank you for your service thank them for their support

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 1:54 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 13:54:25 -0500

No, because they are also paying my paycheck, so they can say whatever they want.

Response by Abraham Berkovitz made Sep 29 at 2018 7:11 AM

Abraham Berkovitz — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 07:11:29 -0400

I don't say it because honestly, I'm not thankful for their service. Most of the newer vets did it for self-serving reasons and they weren't fighting any wars that were trying to protect this country.

Instead, they were fighting wars that were sold to the American people with a lie and a smile.

I'd rather tell them "sorry that you were forced to go kill people for nothing." Or, "sorry that the corporations running our government needed to make more money and decided to use you as fodder for their purposes."

I have no ill-will towards any military members but I don't believe that what they've done has helped the American people in any way.

Response by CPO James Johnson made Oct 4 at 2019 1:34 PM

CPO James Johnson — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 13:34:01 -0400

As a Vietnam Veteran who WAS spit on, cursed, called a baby killer AND worse, I am never tired of hearing this! Everytime I hear it, I tear up and another part of my heart is healed.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Jan 8 at 2020 2:43 AM

LTC Lee Bouchard — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 02:43:21 -0500

Very good question. No one said to me anything of the kind for almost 35 years. The first time someone said those words to me I almost got mad remembering what many of us came home to from V.N. Those words are too little and too late to have any meaning to me personally even today. I don't hear the sincerity intended. Just another "Good Morning" style greeting.

However, when those words do resonate is when they come from another vet. regardless of their branch of service or years served. What really makes a difference is when we shake hands and hug one another. Only then do I feel welcomed home.

Maybe shake hands more and just say Thank you. The service part will be understood.

Response by SGT Kenny Young made May 4 at 2020 2:46 AM

SGT Kenny Young — Mon, 04 May 2020 02:46:38 -0400

Welcome home is always the correct greeting for Vietnam veterans

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 14 at 2020 12:21 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:21:36 -0400

According to a poll commissioned by the Cohen Veterans Network, 49% of veterans don't actually like to be thanked.

Me, it is a hollow greeting, such as, how are you? Nobody really cares.