Do civilians really understand veterans or are they really sincere?

Sincere Probably, Understand or comprehend, I don't comprehend some of what I've been through so I doubt they do. It really is hard to put anthing into perspective unless you've done it yourself. I understand Torandos, I've done it, I Understand Volcanoes, I've been been there. IRA and Libyans conspiring to blow my ass up. They Tried. Their Hearts are in the Right Place and they know what they have seen in Movies and TV.

I beleive some are sincere and others put on a facade.. I had served as a National Military Service Officer/Chairman(Military Assistance Program, Operation Uplink(free call program), & Unmet Needs, VFW programs help vets. ... That is where the VFW's National Military Services (NMS) comes in. NMS consists of three main programs that exist to provide assistance for veterans and military personnel: the Military Assistance Program (MAP), VFW Operation UplinkTMand Unmet Needs.Aug 6, 2013
National Military Services Provides for Veterans - VFW. and I met a lot of great people, most family members of those serving and these were the most sincere..
They talked the talk and walked the walk.
Others were hot air..

Just be a silent professional and don't stress about itl. Don't expect anyone to understand what you actually do. We didn't sign the dotted line with the expectation that someone would "get" who we really are or what we actually do. I didn't sign up to receive thank yous and free food/booze. I signed up because serving this nation in the military is a privilege and honor. Again, just try and not worry about it. That's my two cents anyway.

I think it's sad we're questioning a person who has not served thank you(s) or their act of kindness. Why must everything be picked apart? Just smile and keep it trucking.

LT Rosa, I don't give a rat's a$$ if a civilian understands me or not. I don't sacrifice time with my family, risk my life in foreign countries, work a lot of holidays and weekends so some dirt bag civilian can understand me.

Fk them, I don't need their understanding. If I wanted someone to understand me, I'd go to Behavioral Health.

Is this a rant? Maybe so Sir. But I spent 14 years in the civilian world between Desert Shield/Storm and my current enlistment (2006). They didn't want to understand me then. Why are they concerned with understanding me now.

I've had mixed responses on how much actual understanding and sincerity people actually have for vets. The town I call home is very big on veterans but is located in a very liberal state. Most are very sincere but occasionally I'll get the "I support the troops but this is why I don't support their actions of going to war" people. For those I graciously listen to their opinion and thank them for their support and drive on with my day. As my old 1Sg would say remain profession and courteous and be the example of a proper soldier.

I think it is leaps and bounds better then telling and spitting in your face. I just simply reply with thank you for your support. I would rather have the thank you than f*** you. That's just my two cents.

I can say that I had a good experience this morning. After I went to my gym I changed into my ACU's to go to work. I live a bit away from post so they don't see many soldiers in uniform. I stopped at a CVS to get a milk for my cereal. The cashier told me "thanks for your service and it is on me." She paid for my milk. I was humbled. I really appreciated it. That is what I am talking about. It was only a dollar in thirty cents but that meant more to me than a hollowed thanks for serving.

This cynical mindset bothers me quite a bit and I'll tell you why we should accept this show of support graciously:

1. Of course non-veterans cannot "fully understand" what it means to serve and why should they? They haven't served, for whatever reason or another, and that's OK. We serve so that they don't have to. We have no idea if they lost their father/mother/sister/brother/child/cousin/best friend. They might fully understand and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice even if they haven't worn a ruck sack or boots.

2. As Servicemembers, we should NEVER take public support for granted or question the "sincerity" of a civilian who goes out of their way to humbly thank us for our service. It's easy for us to thank an old Vietnam veteran for serving when we ourselves wear the uniform--it's almost like patting ourselves on the back at the same time. It's something different for someone to congratulate a someone else for something they have not accomplished themselves, and their thanks should not ever be thrown away or blown off.

I don't think they fully understand us, but I do believe that most of them are sincere. Unless you have been where we have been, seen what we have seen, and done what we have done there is no way possible for them to understand us. But looking at it from our side our culture is as difficult for them to understand as the Asian culture is for most of us who have never been there for an extended period of time. In order for them to understand us we need to open up to them and show them the beauty of our community.