Posted on Aug 20, 2015
Do you feel like you are owed something for your service?
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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?
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?
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Responses: 43
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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.
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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.
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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!
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SSG Richard Reilly
That makes total sense. I just have seen Soldeirs of various ranks ask business while deployed for free stuff or demand discounts etc. I always though serving was a thing you did without need for acknowledgement.
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PO2 Mark Saffell
Nope. I wish I would have used my GI Bill way back in 1980 but I chose to serve. I wasnt forced to, However I do get pissy when I'm around those that never served that think they have insight or a right to speak about wars or what it means to serve this country.
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SSG Robert Webster
SSG Richard Reilly - This is an unfortunate side effect of two things as noted: the sense of entitlement that many of the current generation have, and mass give aways by companies hoping to cash in.
I do have an interesting anecdote. Back during DS/DS I sent a letter to my aunt asking her to go to the Coleman Factory Store and buy me one of their multi-fuel stoves (similar to the old Coleman Squad Stove) with all of the accessories to include a replacement nozzle kit and the pan/storage container. When she went to the store and asked for assistance in insuring that she got all of the correct items, they told her that if there were any problems that she could bring the item back and they would resolve the problem. She then told them that it was for me and that if there were any problems that it would be difficult to resolve since I was in Saudi Arabia. The Coleman Company was nice enough to give the entire order for free and even shipped it. I was stunned by their generosity and sent them a thank you letter.
I wonder if any of today's soldiers sent a thank you letter to the companies that have given them free or heavily discounted merchandise.
I do have an interesting anecdote. Back during DS/DS I sent a letter to my aunt asking her to go to the Coleman Factory Store and buy me one of their multi-fuel stoves (similar to the old Coleman Squad Stove) with all of the accessories to include a replacement nozzle kit and the pan/storage container. When she went to the store and asked for assistance in insuring that she got all of the correct items, they told her that if there were any problems that she could bring the item back and they would resolve the problem. She then told them that it was for me and that if there were any problems that it would be difficult to resolve since I was in Saudi Arabia. The Coleman Company was nice enough to give the entire order for free and even shipped it. I was stunned by their generosity and sent them a thank you letter.
I wonder if any of today's soldiers sent a thank you letter to the companies that have given them free or heavily discounted merchandise.
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Suspended Profile
No, but I do think I should be employed as an American in America before an illegal is employed here.
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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.
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Suspended Profile
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.
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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).
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
I think my reward is the friends i have made. I have made some friends that are part of my family and inner circle.
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Sgt (Join to see)
The brotherhood we share with our fellow veterans is priceless. With that said, I do take advantage of discounts if offered for veterans. It does not hurt to ask, and I am not upset if the answer is no.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
I remember my last day in the Marines & my CO Major Barrett told me "You are a Marine & that is something nobody can take away from you" And I had no idea what he was talking about at that time..but now that I am pushing 80 years young I do understand what he meant and appreciate it more each day..
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
I do appreciate it when offered a discount. But, I neither demand nor expect one.
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