Do you feel like you are owed something for your service?

SSG Richard Reilly — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:55:22 -0400

It was more noticeable while deployed however, do you know those Soldiers that believe they are owed something because they are serving?

Example: I use to joke that my first deployment was sponsored by Wiley X and Tobey Keith. Because of all the free Wiley X stuff Soldiers got. And that Damn red white and blue song.

But it goes beyond deployment, I've seen Soldiers get mad at restaurants and businesses because they didn't have a military discount. Or because they wouldn't send them a free car. Don't get me wrong I complained once about not getting military discount because I was retired and not active but that's illogical to me. But I didn't feel like I was entitled to a discount I just argued that if you have it for active you should have it for retiree's.

But are you owed something for your service or is your service something you do for your country and is truly voluntary? I felt as I was leading up to getting out that Soldiers had this sense of entitlement that they were owed something because they serve. Do you see that or feel that?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 12:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:00:13 -0400

upset for not getting a free car? FTLOG.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Aug 20 at 2015 12:06 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:06:15 -0400

I don't feel like I'm owed anything. Sure, I ask about discounts and such, but usually if I'm at a restaurant trying to find a good special (Applebee's 2 for $20) or I will ask hotels if they are offering discounts or specials fir that week, but I don't get bent out of shape if there's no military discount offered. Usually, I'll take advantage of the Veterans Day specials, but that's the extent of it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 12:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:10:37 -0400

Sure VA healthcare

But seriously, no, I decided on my own to join to better my life not so strangers would give me discounts.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 20 at 2015 12:11 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:11:00 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHPWjaSCXTw

Shirley Temple sings "The World Owes Me a Living"

Six Degrees of Shirley Temple http://sixdegreesofshirley.blogspot.com/ Shirley Temple sings her version of "The World Owes Me a Living" from the 1934 movie '...

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 20 at 2015 12:20 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:20:05 -0400

I'm only owed what I put in on. Nothing more. With that I mean if I worked for it, put into the system to get it back, then that I expect to be given to me. My retirement, healthcare, those I expect in full. Anything else is a bonus to be taken with a "thank you". No one owes me sh*t. I think it's a "new generational" thing. Not all of them, but quite a few. As far as serving goes, I did because I wanted to. I did it because all the males in the family served, so it was something I expected to do when I grew up. This is my home.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 12:43 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:43:16 -0400

I agree and I've voiced that opinion repeatedly, which isn't a terribly popular move around these parts. People need to get over themselves.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 20 at 2015 12:57 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:57:01 -0400

I got what I was owed by the government in my pay check every month. The GI Bill benefits were welcome, but not expected. For me service was a privilege.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 20 at 2015 1:10 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:10:20 -0400

It's true Sir - there are a few that have this attitude - and when I see it - I correct it. This entitlement mentality is weakening our culture more and more everyday. We need more people to step up and make the corrections by educating those who feel they are entitled to something they are not - specifically something they did not earn. If you earned it, fine - I'll help you get it, but you are NOT entitled to anything you did not earn.

Response by SCPO James Williams made Aug 20 at 2015 1:45 PM

SCPO James Williams — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:45:18 -0400

I retired in 1999 with 28 years service and started receiving my promised free healthcare for life. Now I find that at age 65 I have to pay for Medicare or lose my Tri-Care. This is not fair. It is not what I signed up for in 1971.

Response by SCPO James Williams made Aug 20 at 2015 2:15 PM

SCPO James Williams — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:15:52 -0400

I live in W. Va. and have free Tricare Remote. In 1971 retirees living close to Hospitals or Clinics could get free care and medicine. Now nothing is free.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 20 at 2015 2:18 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:18:51 -0400

NO i dont feel owed a thing. I heard one guy who told me he got pissed at at Mcdonalds because they only did discounts on Monday. So his reply was well i will only protect this country on monday then. To Bad there are service member's and veterans who feel they are entitled to free stuff or discounts. It does not help our cause out because people look at us like we are charity cases.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:19 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:19:16 -0400

I volunteered with nothing but selfless thoughts. Yeah, discounts and having the occasional meal paid for you are great, but no one owes that to me for my decision to sign that line. I will serve an entire twenty years and not ask for a single thing for my service.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Aug 20 at 2015 2:25 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:25:22 -0400

I think military people are owed some respect but not "things" like discounts... we volunteered to do what we did, no one made us do it. Though noticing SSG Swan's post, healthcare and that kind of thing, we should get without issue.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 20 at 2015 3:27 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:27:57 -0400

SSG Richard Reilly I have to say that I only feel entitled to those benefits that I've earned and nothing else. When I talk about benefits I mean my retirement pension, healthcare, VA Benefits, etc. The things that I've earned for serving my country. As far as discounts and special previledges that doesn't really matter to me. I don't feel entitled. Hope that makes sense. I'm very grateful to have been able to serve my country!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 20 at 2015 4:04 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:04:35 -0400

I am only owed/entitled to the things I have earned such as my retirement pay (when I get there), base access, health care coverage..... As to stores/businesses, that is something that THEY offer. I will sometimes ask if they have military discount. If the answer is yes, I will accept it. If the answer is no, I was already prepared to spend the money anyway.... their answer does nothing to change my mind about the purchase that I am about to make (as much as anything, I was checking to see if I would have any extra beer money!!)

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 20 at 2015 4:29 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:29:21 -0400

If I am offered a discount I take it but I never ask. Same goes for senior citizens discounts. I don't feel that anybody owes me anything.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Aug 20 at 2015 4:34 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:34:17 -0400

I'm a firm believer that I am not owed anything, but there are great expectations placed upon me.

Service to this country is an honor and a privilege.

I expect, from myself, the very best. I expect that I am the best Soldier I can be to serve my country. I expect that I am the best Officer and leader for the Soldiers that I serve with and alongside.

And I expect the same from those service members and Soldiers around me.

I demand that the expectation be met and exceeded.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 20 at 2015 4:40 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:40:20 -0400

Nope - however it was nice to get 25% off tuition and books for my MBA.

Response by CPT Maria Burns made Aug 20 at 2015 4:57 PM

CPT Maria Burns — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:57:08 -0400

I've never felt I was entitled to a military discount, nor have I met anyone who felt that way. Seriously, I had tax free hazardous duty pay, a chance to do things that were interesting, a roof over my head and a steady pay check. Any discounts or other special favors are gravy on those mashed potatoes.

Response by SGT Dan Finnegan made Aug 20 at 2015 4:59 PM

SGT Dan Finnegan — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:59:48 -0400

I would like to say a loud and clear YES. We are all owed something for our service. While it cannot be measured in monetary value, it is far more important. Those who have not served owe it to veterans and active/guard/reserve to be upstanding and responsible citizens. To uphold our culture, values, and laws and not to act like a bunch of goddamned prepubescent fuck sticks. The responsible citizen is a rare breed these days. At least under the age of 50. Sadly, some of those who served go right along with all the shitty asshatery that is currently plaguing the populace after separating (sometimes even during their service). After watching the rather quick decline into our present state of irresponsible, lazy, and general shittiness in which citizens now find themselves as a whole, I feel we are reaching a dangerous point as a country. Why should people like us (active/veteran) continue to serve our country or communities, while heading to a point very soon, when the citizens who occupy this country are no longer worth protecting? Fewer and fewer citizens give an actual single grain of a fuck about their freedoms and futures, so why should we? So what are we owed exactly? Responsible citizens who give a shit about our country as a whole, and not just themselves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 7:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:23:41 -0400

I am owed only my paycheck and my benefits due to my family. That is not to say that I do not ask if someone offers a Military Discount, but if not then I simply move out. You know the biggest disappointment to me was when I was injured in Iraq and my command did not put in the paperwork for the PH. It is not that I want to wear the ribbon or tout the fact that I have one, but the fact remains that I still suffer the effects of the TBI and they did not even take that time to make it happen.
This being said, if you look at that issue and you look at the question of does someone else owe me anything, I would have to say no. If someone gets upset about not getting something, then they need to re-evaluate their meaning in the military. We do what we do, because we WANT to. We are ALL volunteers, we are the protectors of America and as such, they do not have to pay us, or give us favors in order to garner that. People who feel otherwise should be ashamed.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 7:30 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:30:04 -0400

As a retired military person I am owed the things that were promised as retirement benefits.

I do appreciate it when offered a discount. But, I neither demand nor expect one.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 7:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:31:46 -0400

Owed... not even.

I agree, first deployment there was so much swag, I was amazed. Second, third etc, it was just another day in the Army. I do ask if a company gives military discounts and appreciate them when they do, but don't think they are obliged in any way. Then again I have been know to haggle before making a purchase... That's just me, has nothing to do with being a soldier.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:11 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 21:11:40 -0400

3 Pairs pf eye pro because I've lost/given away that many :).

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 20 at 2015 11:55 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:55:35 -0400

Hell no. I volunteered. I do expect the government to care for our vets in need however

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 21 at 2015 5:23 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 05:23:00 -0400

No. I'm plenty good with my Free Breakfast at HyVee on Veterans Day and my Free Dinner at Applebee's. I had a Job that I loved for 21 years and got to work with the Crem de la Crem of the Intelligence, Computer and Communications Fields. No I'm Good.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Aug 21 at 2015 1:06 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:06:44 -0400

No because continual freedom is its own reward.

Response by AN Donald Miller made Aug 21 at 2015 1:24 PM

AN Donald Miller — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:24:59 -0400

No, but I do think I should be employed as an American in America before an illegal is employed here.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 1:32 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:32:28 -0400

Nope

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2015 9:46 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 21:46:46 -0400

Absolutely! I deserve my DD-214. Our greatest reward is the camaraderie we all share. That can't be found anywhere else (except our first responders).

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 21 at 2015 9:55 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 21:55:12 -0400

SSG Richard Reilly I have to say that I have gotten so much more out of my service than I would have thought possible when I was young and dumb.
I do feel that, like many others, I am entitled to what was agreed upon, but beyond that, no, there is nothing else owed. Service is a privilege, and an honor, that I took up willingly of my own volition. When I finally hang up the uniform, I will have earned every nickel of what was agreed upon.
I appreciate it when the good citizens of our Nation see me and/or others in uniform and say thank you. I am grateful for the opportunity. And while there are some that hate us, most do not, and most do truly appreciate us. I know that as an American and a father, I appreciate the Hell out of the military. Without your (the military) service, our country would not be what it is today.
But as far as the feeling of being owed something else, nope. And if someone feels that way, they have missed the boat (sadly, I have met many who have missed the boat, as I can assume, have you, hence the post)!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 11:11 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 23:11:15 -0400

My family has been in the military for generations, It is an Honor and a Privelliage, not a right or some cause for a reward. Though, I do admit the benefits are nice.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Aug 22 at 2015 9:26 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 09:26:23 -0400

We should get free coffee for life.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 22 at 2015 5:23 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:23:53 -0400

No, I don't feel anyone owes me anything because of my military service. I did not join the service to get accolades. I love this nation and what it represents and simply see my service as paying back a debt that I owe for the freedoms I have been given by those who went before me, whose legacy I purpose to honor.

Not everyone wants to join and fewer can join the military. Fewer still make a career out of it. Serving isn't a right; it's a privilege and honor. Those who serve should be grateful for being afforded the opportunity. It does have some nice perks and so I am grateful to be in the company of a small and select group of individuals who have volunteered to take up arms in defense of our nation and interests. It is enough that Uncle Sam thanks me at the end of every month.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 8:02 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 08:02:41 -0400

I'm not owed anything. Honestly, I'm given more than I think my work in the service is worth. I sit at a desk five days a week, making sure software works and that other flights are doing their paperwork, and if I keep it up for a minimum of twenty(!) years, I can start collecting a retirement that could exceed my entire in-service compensation.
I get more vacation days than any private sector job I know of.
I get school partially paid for on top of it.
Airlines usually charge me less and give me a free bag or two.

I really wouldn't be butthurt about having my benefits trimmed down somewhat, if it means trimming down some of the stupid other nonsense the government pays for.

Response by SGT Ryan Harris made Aug 27 at 2015 12:48 PM

SGT Ryan Harris — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:48:56 -0400

I believe that all of our brothers and sisters in arms are entitled to at the very least a government starting at the top (POTUS) to stand behind, even in front of us for every benefit that we have earned having served in the greatest units in the world. whether you were in a war/police action/whatever term they want to call it. anything less is unacceptable. we do not deserve anything, we EARNED our benefits, some with their lives, GOD BLESS you all.

Response by CPO Don Lamb made Aug 27 at 2015 1:27 PM

CPO Don Lamb — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:27:51 -0400

The only things I am owed are the things I was promised and earned. My retirement, my VA disability for what I left behind when in the military, VA benefits, especially my healthcare which has been good at the primary care level, but many of my needs require specialty care and I have been repeatedly denied much of that. Over an 18 month period my primary care Doc referred me 13 times for a neurosurgery consult and the 1st 12 were denied. I had three MRIs during this time period. I was not allowed to see the specialist until one of my 5 herniated or bulging discs ruptured. Even then it took three months to get in. I had gotten so bad the swelling around L5 was so bad that the nerves in my legs started to die. It has been more than two years since the surgery and I still cannot stand up strait, stand very long without severe pain or walk any distance without the same issue.

Response by Cpl Kent Mitchell made Aug 27 at 2015 5:23 PM

Cpl Kent Mitchell — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 17:23:28 -0400

No. I got way more from the Marine Corps than I gave them. It gave me a foundation I didn't have before, made me infinitely tougher, gave me the "Never quit" attitude . . . and, oh yeah, the Cold War G.I. Bill which got me educated and into our first house. Nobody owes me anything.

Response by CW4 Chad Balwanz made Aug 27 at 2015 11:53 PM

CW4 Chad Balwanz — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 23:53:22 -0400

I have no expectations nor do I feel I am owed something for serving my country. Service to our nation was an honor and privilege during. I served, as my father before me served, out of a sence of patriotism. I earned retirement and medical and will accept the discount where offered, but have no expectations due to my service.

Response by TSgt David Blakley made Aug 28 at 2015 12:15 AM

TSgt David Blakley — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 00:15:14 -0400

I am retiring as of 01 October 2015 with a total of 26 service years including 8 AD (Cold War Vet), 3 Army Reserve (Desert Storm Vet), 2 AF Reserve, and 13 in the Air National Guard. NO, I do not feel that the government owes me anything because I took my oath freely, but as Colonel Burroughs states and I am inclined to agree we should receive the benefits that were promised to us upon retirement like a pension, access to all military installations, commissaries, BX/PX, etc.

Response by SGT Tresa Silva-Rooks made Sep 3 at 2015 11:22 PM

SGT Tresa Silva-Rooks — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 23:22:57 -0400

Me serving my country is an honor and a privilege. My disability/retirement, healthcare are the only things I expect.
I think military people are owed some respect like a "Thank you" but not "things" like discounts. I do not use my discounts in restaurants. I know a few people that abuse that privilege and I abhor that so I don't use it. It has been sickening to watch him. I have used my discount at businesses like Lowes, Home Depot etc. Especially if it is a huge amount of money. It usually pays the tax.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 28 at 2016 10:29 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:29:45 -0400

No because I wanted to serve.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 28 at 2016 10:41 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:41:50 -0400

The only thing that I am "owed" are the benefits that are earned through either service related disability or those associated with completing a set term of service (ie VA benefits, retirement benefits, etc). Anything else are nice, but not something I am entitled to. I consider those as "gifts"....