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

Yes it does, at times. Especially when it is coming from someone that refused to allow their children to join the military and they themselves didn't serve, but are willing to let other people serve in their place. To me it is patronizing and hypocritical.

The only real dilemma I face is I am never really sure how to respond back to the person thanking me, other than "you are welcome" which makes me feel arrogant for some reason. Anyone else can relate?

It doesn't bother me. They don't mean anything negative.

I do my best to try and hide my service now a days. I want to be known for what I'm doing in the present, not live in the glory days gone by. When veterans pander to having their ass kissed it makes sick and I figure most of those guys are spoons/CAB's living with the guilt and resentment of making the choice to not go in all the way. I served honorably but I'm not gonna lie, some of the things I did and helped do I sometimes wonder if I should be thanked for... There's a balance, we did good and bad. I like to think on most days my actions hit 51% good. For the guys having a tough time coming to peace with themselves it can be kinda tough to hear.

On the one hand, it weirds out my inner hard ass, as I was just doing my job, but on the other hand, it's a sign that we're appreciated, and that gives me hope that we can bridge the gap between veterans and civilians! Basically, it's better to grin and bear praise that feels weird than the backhanded condescension of the Michael Moore's, the Kristen Stewart's (see the Daily Beast interview in relation to the movie Camp X-Ray), and the douche nozzles on certain cable news channels who like to wax faux intellectual about modern warfare! Oh, and those who know me know that I was raised by a Vietnam veteran, and I'll tolerate the complements because I watch him appreciate them because when he first came home, he got the absolute opposite the first time around!

It feels good to know that fellow Americans appreciate our service. I don't think they're saying "you're done". The only thing that would bother me is if they are just empty words. Actions speak louder than words. So do tell me "Thank you for your service", and then leave me homeless, sick and hungry.

While I appreciate the meaning behind the statement, and it is usually heartfelt, I joined and served 20 in the AF because that's all I ever wanted to do since I was 9 years old. I wanted to serve and still do in a different way. However, as SFC McMillion stated, the Viet Nam vets received the complete opposite.

I am thankful I was able to serve my country and I will always reply, "It was my pleasure."

I always appreciated it because I remember how the Viet Nam Vets where treated when I was a young child. If it was a young person thanking me I would always take the opportunity to invite them to join me in service.

Have to say it does bother me when someone say" Thank you for your service" I'm lost, I mean I don't know how to response to that. I end up saying "Thank you" and move on

What bothers me is that someone would post such a silly question to begin with. It shouldn't bother you in the least. Not everybody has what it takes to be a Soldier, especially to stick it out for a total of 30 years (10 Reserve, 20 Active) like I did. I did two tours in Iraq, and when someone thanks me for my service, I graciously say, "You're welcome".