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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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 43
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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.
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SGT Dan Finnegan
Like most others who have commented, I don't feel owed any "things". However, the way people act and generally go about their lives, shows that they could care less if they were being governed by their own limitations or by Khmer Rouge. All service members sacrifice. Whether they intend to or not, and some to different degrees. That sacrifice is for the general welfare and security of our citizenry. The populace doesn't have to outwardly vocalize that they don't care about the fact that a small percentage is willing to stand guard for them, but their actions are about on par with a softly whispered "I don't give a fuck". If you look what is going on with the situation police officers are facing, why would anyone want to become a law enforcement professional? Why would anyone want to protect those who prefer the rule of mob justice, gangs, and drug dealers? Some of the very best in our country are the ones willing to exchange lead and die, if necessary, to provide our country and it's citizens with the lifestyle and freedoms that they have. Well, the creeping tide of irresponsible behavior and indifference towards morals and values is growing. If it weaves itself into our social fabric so much that it becomes the norm, those who would stand up and face our countries enemies will not have a strong reason for making that commitment. It would be like trying to save a moth that willingly flew into a hornets nest. The sheer absurdity of that statement could be the same reaction a recruiter gets when they try and ask people to risk their lives and protect our country. For what and for who? Show us that you are deserving of sacrifice and the good men and women of our Armed Forces would willingly die for you. Actively shrug off the responsibilities of freedom and citizenship, I want no part of you. There is a quote that comes to mind, and I know it's slightly out of context, but it shows a response to the attitude of indifference and lack of a dedicated cities. “If you love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.” Samuel Adams.
Except it may be those like us who are willing to fight for freedoms that will go from this country in peace, and leave the sheep to fend for themselves.
Except it may be those like us who are willing to fight for freedoms that will go from this country in peace, and leave the sheep to fend for themselves.
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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!!)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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