Does it bother you to hear "Thank you for your service!"?

Yes it does, I always correct people that say this and ask them if they vote. When they say no then I say thank us vets by voting!

I have to admit that I do feel uncomfortable when people say that to me. I've never looked at my career as anything special, or out of the ordinary. I did it because I took to heart the words and attitudes of people I look up to: John Wayne, Robert A. Heinlein, Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Audey Murphy, and so many others. Everything I did, I did to support my country, and my family. Getting up and going to work every day, rain or shine, is what I could do to live up to Mr. Edmund Burke's quoted philosophy, "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."

When I enlisted, I did everything that was ever asked of me and I volunteered for many, many duties to support my communities as well as my squadrons, groups, wings, and my country. But no matter what I did, I was never alone; I stood in the company of men and women who were doing the same thing I was doing. Or, I stood in the shadow of the men and women who came before me.

I only did what needed to be done. I only did what I feel--to the very core of my being--should be done by every man and woman in this country. Every citizen of this country should be willing to serve and protect in the armed services of the U.S. I feel that if you want the benefits of living in this country, then you need to earn those benefits.

It doesn't bother me one bit. I never asked for anything in return when I dedicated 20 years of my life to the Marine Corps. It is kinda nice to get a pat on the back or a smiling face telling me thanks.

In a sense, it seems obligatory when offered while I'm in uniform. I am courteous with my thanks to the offerer.

It means more to me to offer it to an older Veteran. Specifically, of the Korean and Vietnam era Veterans. I'll admit that I feel guilty of my public reception versus what those folks had to endure.

I know this won't be too popular, but..... Yes. I've always perceived it as trendy and obligatory.

Besides..
1- I didn't do anything for these people, everything was fory brothers and subordinates.

2- these people ha e no idea. The look at vets as victims of their government. Another "messed up" welfare case.

I'm sure a lot of people will disagree, but I find my happiness around those who are close to me, my family and my brothers I still keep in contact with. It's all I really need I life. I could care less if a stranger is "thankful for my service". If they truly cared they would've grabbed a rifle and done it themselves.

Don't get me wrong but I personally feel I could have done more than I did, and as I am going to start discussing it may be a reverse case of PTSD that I didn't want out, but it hurts me cause well I simply don't see it from there point of view, it's unprofessional behavior to say that and I apologize but to feel as I do, gives me questions to feel good about it, first one.. get back to work, so that as they say it it actually means something to my situation cause if feel disrespectful or a user ,they deserve thanks I don't cause " all gave some and some gave all" I didn't really do much as I could have.

I didn't do it for them

If we hadn't gone to Vietnam, southern California would be overrun by Vietnamese

I take it at face value... an expression of appreciation and respect. I make the same statement to other active and separated members. I received insults while in uniform during the early '70's. And I am so inspired by Nephews who are currently serving (twins, one in SEAL Team 1 and the other a Marine Aviator in training; a third Nephew in Army recruit training).

Would not bother me at all.

It doesn't bother me as it gives me an opportunity to thank that individual for their support and let them understand that they are valued and appreciated as well