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

It would bother me if my uniform looked as awful as yours does, i.e. your beret. And if you do not feel a bit of satisfaction from someone thanking you for your service then it is time for you to get out. Because we don't do this job for the money we do it for our country and the people in it, so obviously there is nothing in it for you. Or maybe you have an MOS that makes you feel unaccomplished.

My drill sergeant use to say, "No one should thank you for being a soldier, that's what paychecks are for. There are no drafts you volunteered to be here."

I understand your reaction. I don't think that's how most people intend it though. You served. Take pride in that. The reason you separated from the service does not matter.

I always respond with, "thank you, it was an honor to have served." I feel that it implies to the individual that our country, its people and they themselves are worth the time and risks.

I remember when my dad got home from Vietnam. We was yelled at, cussed out, spit on (once that I saw), and treated like dirt. As a kid I did not know that what he did mattered. Now after 25 years post my own active duty, I find "thank you for your service" as a great thing. Like some of the other comments below it feels like I matter, what I did is appreciated, and it means something to someone else. But it also tells me that what my Dad (now 18 years deceased) did back in the 50's/60s/70d/80s also means that what he did mattered, that we are sorry we spit on you, that your son did not need to witness our disrespect. I am a proud vet and what we all have done matters. Thank you brothers and sisters in arms!

I disagree w/ the majority of the posts here. Let me start by saying I have served 16yrs (8 active & 8 Guard) and continue to do so. I have been deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait, and have been TDY in support of domestic disasters. I mention all this for credibilty purposes for what I'm about to say. Let's face it people, this is an all volunteer force and no one is doing this out of the kindness of their heart. We all have our reasons, but I dare say the majority of those who joined and stay in are in it for the money and the benefits. They're are very few if any that really do this for god & country. Outside of mere family tradition (the next minority), most people are in this for education benefits, health benefits, and a pension. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong w/ this. But where in that does it deserve gratitude? No one would serve if there was no pay or added benefit to do so ie: sign-on bonuses, post 9-11 GI Bill, 100% TA, etc...Therefore, it is my opinion that the thank you should be reserved for those that had no choice & were forced to serve (WWII, Vietnam). I also, hold in high regard anyone that has seen actual combat and/or been injured in support of such conflict. I say this because I believe that only a percentage serving today have actually been in direct combat. Most of us are fortunate including myself, never to have seen a frontline. I know that I'm going to recieve alot of push back on this, but I honestly believe that a thank you is unnecessary and unearned in many cases & it does make me uncomfortable when I recieve it. I'll end w/ this... To those who served during the draft and all those who have put their life on the line in combat so that myself and the rest of us didn't have to, Thank you for your service.

Yes and no. As said by other posters, it makes me feel good to know that the time I've spent in the service and overseas is appreciated. At the same time, while I've been on tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan I feel like I shouldn't be thanked because I've never seen combat action (quite sad considering I'm a combat MOS). But I digress, some of you would probably say I'm crazy for being "battle hungry" and maybe I am. Some of my comrades that have seen action never lived to tell about it, have invisible scars from it, or have lost limbs and struggle to get through the day.

So I guess what it boils down to for me is that I felt like all I've given is time. Never shed blood or paid the ultimate price. Those who have, to me, deserve the thanks. Not I.

Yes, it makes me very uncomfortable. I can't really explain it, but I just did my job. Getting credit for it makes me feel awkward. I don't really what to say, but I do appreciate it. I guess it differs from vet to vet.

I know for me it does get old

I feel proud of myself.