Posted on Jun 24, 2015
SSG Izzy Abbass
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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?
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Responses: 40
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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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!
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Sgt Richard Buckner I don't mind at all - my better half works there as well. It's only 5 miles drive and a few minutes. It is what it is and I'm thankful!
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Good Copy!
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LTC Barry Hull
LTC Barry Hull
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Not really, but it is the very least a citizen can do.  To do less, would be to do nothing.  
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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Too many times when I hear this I suspect a very disingenuous person or one who has no clue what Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans went through. They cannot appreciate the hurt inflicted by liberal morons.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
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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!
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
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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
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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SGT (Join to see) right after thanking them, I ask for my military discount ;) kidding aside, I saw a guy asking for military discount in a sunglasses clearance sale where prices were below $5, kind of embarrassing.
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
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LMAO!! That is funny because I do the exact same thing! LOL Love it! SGT(P) (Join to see)
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
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I love the shocked look when they say they don't offer one and I ask "Why do you hate Veterans?" I can say it with a pretty straight face and then I say I'm just joking. I'm sure someone hates it but most of the time I do get a laugh.
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1px xxx
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I work in a medical clinic and every vet I have contact with I thank......we cannot be to grateful for the freedoms that we have because of their sacrifices.
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Anyone Else Tired of Hearing "Thank You for Your Service'?
1SG Michael Blount
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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.
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
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Well said
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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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
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
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Sorry to hear that brother.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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I didn't mind, I wasn't asking for nothing, it was the person that was serving me trying to make me a favor, basically the no was for him and not for me.
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AN Nikki Culpepper
AN Nikki Culpepper
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both of my children thank every soldier or veteran they meet. They have been raised with the understanding that all of the freedom they enjoy is a gift from God protected by all of our soldiers and sailors. 
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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AN Nikki Culpepper one of my best experiences while serving was, in the last Honor Flight, we were going out from the WWII Memorial, uniformed, and there was a line of kids thanking us for our service. I would say the oldest was like 11 years old, it was something really nice.
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SSG(P) D. Wright Downs
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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"
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LCDR Judge Advocate General's Corps Officer
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10 y
I agree that it is meaningful that it comes from another veteran. In the midst of a job search, I had the interviewees say "Thank you for your service" and later say that they decided to do with someone with more experience.

So, yes, I agree that it is much better than the horrific treatment than our comrades received returning from Vietnam, but it is so overused and without any meaning unless it is followed up by meaningful action (like a job offer).
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SMSgt Pavements and Construction Equipment (DirtBoyz)
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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.
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
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Great Experience and thanks for sharing this.
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Capt Mark Strobl
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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.
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
>1 y
I like that "I did it for you"
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SPC Shannon Lovell/Blanchard
SPC Shannon Lovell/Blanchard
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I always say "It was my pleasure, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."
True statement.
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SrA Edward Vong
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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.
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SSG Izzy Abbass
SSG Izzy Abbass
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True - too many don't
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SFC Stephen King
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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.
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