Posted on Jan 21, 2015
Does it bother you to hear "Thank you for your service!"?
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All active duty stand down(but don't walk away, this will effect you later) Veterans does it ever bother you to hear that? "Thank you for your service" I apologize but it mmmm...bugs me something awful, telling me " your done go sit down and grow feeble " needs changed to something that endures like we do something like "YO JOE!" or another saying meaning get outta my way theres work to do and I ain't done yet! Forgive if I wasted your time, just wondering.
Thank You
Service
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 619
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After hearing it so much from everyone, it dose sound a little cliche...but ut doesn't bother me. I'd rather hear that any day than all the other negative things people have to say about the military.
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At first, yes. Someone was thanking me for a decision I made of my own free will and accord; they had no idea where I had been or what I had accomplished to merit a thank you.
My uncle did 3 tours in SEA - 2 to Vietnam, 1 to Thailand. He didn't get a TYFYS and I felt he deserved it more; much more.
Now I understand better - most couldn't fathom what we did. They are just happy someone did it. Now I just reply with a "Thank you" or "It was my privilege". It was a privilege to serve and even though all those years wore my body out; I'd do it again in a second. Why? Because I was a part of something bigger than I was; because troops on my left and right depended on me and I depended on them. We did what we were called to do and we kept faith with each other.
I walk across the street now to thank Korean War and Vietnam War vets. They did their duty too, but were either ignored or vilified by their country for doing the right thing.
My uncle did 3 tours in SEA - 2 to Vietnam, 1 to Thailand. He didn't get a TYFYS and I felt he deserved it more; much more.
Now I understand better - most couldn't fathom what we did. They are just happy someone did it. Now I just reply with a "Thank you" or "It was my privilege". It was a privilege to serve and even though all those years wore my body out; I'd do it again in a second. Why? Because I was a part of something bigger than I was; because troops on my left and right depended on me and I depended on them. We did what we were called to do and we kept faith with each other.
I walk across the street now to thank Korean War and Vietnam War vets. They did their duty too, but were either ignored or vilified by their country for doing the right thing.
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"Thank you" works for me. I have no idea WTF "YO JOE" means.
If I can figure out their rank or branch other than just a vet, I'll say "Thanks Sarge" or "Thanks Shipmate" or whatever.
If I can figure out their rank or branch other than just a vet, I'll say "Thanks Sarge" or "Thanks Shipmate" or whatever.
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SGT Frances Richardson
Hello sir, I just don't like it. I don't feel like what I do is special. I appreciate their kindness but if they would just not say anything to me at all, that would be great.
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Sgt Gregory Myers
If you would like for no one to acknowledge your service, then don't let ANYONE know you are a veteran. Are you ashamed of your service?
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SGT Frances Richardson
First off Gregory, wearing ACUs is a dead give away that I'm STILL in the army. Second, I'm not nor have I ever been an "acknowledge me cause I'm a soldier" kind of person. That's clearly something that's lost on you. I go to work and do what I have to do. Not because I want perks and recognition. I do it cause I want to. I don't have the same sense of entitlement that you have.
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
I realize how you feel about being thanked. You did your job willingly, completed your task as instructed, and now it's over. You know what you accomplished, who benefitted from your service, and for that, we are grateful, that you stepped forward.
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The only time in my career that I felt annoyed to hear that was when I was a recruiter and people would tell me that. I would then ask them if their children who are of age to serve would consider joining and the response was almost always something like "Oh not my Johnny or Susie." I can't stand the mentality of "Oh I'm so glad you're doing it and therefore my children don't have to or I won't let them."
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It used to bother me only because I didn't know how to respond without seeming fake. Once I was able to say "it's been my pleasure. Thank you for supporting us," it was much more comfortable. To follow, I started thanking older veterans with " thank you for your sacrifices." They gave much more than I could ever imagine.
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How do you respond to that. Kinda puts you in the center and you are expecting to say something other then Your welcome. To me when someone says that I look past it and think what did you do today, besides thank me?
It was my job, I loved it, I did not want to stop doing my job. But maybe it was because I felt I was doing a great thing and enjoying the spoils, but working hard at it too. One thing I know I wants to stay over because I did not want to see people take advantage or abuse there freedom, the freedom I worked hard to protect and that my brothers and sisters died for.
It was my job, I loved it, I did not want to stop doing my job. But maybe it was because I felt I was doing a great thing and enjoying the spoils, but working hard at it too. One thing I know I wants to stay over because I did not want to see people take advantage or abuse there freedom, the freedom I worked hard to protect and that my brothers and sisters died for.
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It has always bothered me. It creates an awkward situation that (to me) is a lot like opening a present at Christmas. When I joined, I never considered the possibility that I would spend the rest of my life being thanked for my service. The problem is: how do you respond to something like that?
My response has become: "Thank you for your support." or "Your support makes/made my job easier." or something to that affect.
I am a firm believer that we need to foster and support the general public's need to be thankful for us. That gratitude is more than just words. It translates into supportive legislature and funding that the military will always continue to need to survive.
My response has become: "Thank you for your support." or "Your support makes/made my job easier." or something to that affect.
I am a firm believer that we need to foster and support the general public's need to be thankful for us. That gratitude is more than just words. It translates into supportive legislature and funding that the military will always continue to need to survive.
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