Do the American public trust Veterans or fear Veterans?

MSG Anthony DiFondi — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 19:45:04 -0400

Response by SSG Diane R. made Aug 11 at 2017 7:47 PM

SSG Diane R. — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 19:47:22 -0400

It depends on who you ask. I would say a little of both.

Response by CCMSgt Ed Bonfrancesco III made Aug 11 at 2017 8:00 PM

CCMSgt Ed Bonfrancesco III — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:00:33 -0400

Both. Some have much respect. Some just don't understand, and don't want to, and think we are crazy.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 11 at 2017 8:01 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:01:01 -0400

How do I know he/she is a Veteran? If it is a cap or T shirt boasting about his supposed machismo or threatening something I'll pass.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 8:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:09:01 -0400

I don't think most Americans give any thought to veterans as a group in terms of being a member of that group conveying trust or distrust. It's more just an individual thing about whether they trust individuals they know who happen to be veterans.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Aug 11 at 2017 8:21 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:21:40 -0400

A little bit of both.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 8:46 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:46:01 -0400

MSG Anthony DiFondi The folks that confronted me at airports and asked me how many babies had I killed, or told me to repent for my sins, etc., were maggots as far as I am concerned. I have no use for protestors. Many Americans have no feelings either way, but there are many that support veterans. I have always worn a Marine Corps ball cap, because I am proud of my service and my country. For those that do not like my cap, I am not losing any sleep. Like most veterans, I try and live a good life and help my community.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Aug 11 at 2017 9:53 PM

SPC Paul C. — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 21:53:33 -0400

I'm not quite sure. But I try to be that veteran that people trust

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Aug 11 at 2017 10:04 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 22:04:30 -0400

It would be hard to say. Only seven percent of Americans have served in the military. I think there is are pseudo-patriots who talk a lot about the military but have no idea what they are talking about.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 11 at 2017 10:05 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 22:05:12 -0400

They honestly don't know what to do with us. Either we are the object of pity as we are all perceived to be irreconcilably broken, or they feel awkward that they feel compelled to say or do something to acknowledge us but don't know what that is. Then there are those on the left thatbtreat us with outright disdain.

I watched for the first time the program Night Shift last night for the first time. The story lines apparently revolve around the characters and their military pasts, while they work in a D.C. Hospital. The CPM, Cliches per minute, count was through the roof. Yikes. We have to get better at telling our stories.

Response by Dennis Aubuchon made Aug 11 at 2017 10:58 PM

Dennis Aubuchon — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 22:58:08 -0400

From what I can tell the American public not only trust veterans they appreciate their service. I highly support veterans as many individuals do where I work

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Aug 11 at 2017 11:43 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:43:16 -0400

going to be a little flippant here - but it depends on if it is a regressive liberal or the rest of Americans. By regressive I mean the small percentage of the left that is just straight up nuts, who also happen to be the loudest voices. They tend to hurl insults and treat me with disdain, while the rest of America tells me thank you.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Aug 11 at 2017 11:51 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:51:03 -0400

I am a veteran.My wife has helped me through struggles.She gave me some advice one day,she said you sound so mean and your expressions are so scary,she doesn't like it when I order drive through or meet her new friends.So I thought to myself I'm the person who's gonna step in front of the bullet,I'm the person who's gonna rectify a bad situation,I'm the person who's gonna try and stop a bad thing from happening.I been to war and war is hell!So then I thought how selfish of me,how can I change my appearance.I cant.When people look at me they see blood drug through the mud so to speak.When I wear my dress blues they see a warrior and a person they want standing in front of schools,someone that needs to be around when bad things happen.I still have a duty to protect my country,my family,and all of the innocent people around me from a bad situation.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 12 at 2017 12:48 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 12:48:35 -0400

There's many variables to be able to answer that question first is the individual Vet and how they act or react
2nd are we talking about currently or in the past?

And then of course we have where in the country were talking about

Defined those and I could give an opinion

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 12 at 2017 7:10 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:10:20 -0400

It's more of a matter whether the person individually trusts more in the good nature of people or not. There is no rule of thumb. Despite the unpopularity of the "wars" we've been saddled with in recent years, most are happy to ignore the inherent value of Vets as they Tweet, Tinder, or are more concerned with who gets voted off the Chopped Iron Flayed Cupcake War thing. There is no direct connection as there is more intangible things to consider.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Aug 12 at 2017 8:04 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 20:04:13 -0400

The Military is one of the MOST respected elements of our government. We have EARNED both the public's TRUST and RESPECT. Wear it proudly!!!!!!!!

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Aug 13 at 2017 12:34 AM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:34:29 -0400

Trust or Fear? Depends on what part of the country you're talking about. Majority of the country probably trusts--or at least appreciates--veterans. The only segment of the population I've heard say they fear me, and have considered me a potential terrorist, are certain politicians. Like former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.