How do you handle the "Thanks for your service." when there's others that need it more?

I won't tell you what to do, but I don't wear my service on my sleeve. When approached because I'm travelling in uniform or out somewhere, I simply thank them for their acknowledgment and go on with my day.
I also know that but for fortune, it could have been me broken in body or mind or in the ground. That doesn't mean I served any less; it just means I was more fortunate than some.

I simply thank them for their support, and then I thank someone that rightfully deserves it . WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans

If they seem sincere I rely in kind. The others I just let it roll off my back, like rain rolls off a ducks back.

PFC James (LURCH) Janota You can say you are welcome or thank them. Many times it is another veteran, so I will often ask if they served. I would rather be thanked for my service than what I endured half a century ago. I do not feel guilty for surviving and you should not either. As for fallen comrades, you can remember them.

I just say, "you are most welcome." Then keep going. It is somewhat like an apology, it is given to make you feel better, how it is received we have no control over. It is easy to get paralysis of analysis. Lighten up on yourself brother and give this some thought. The reason any of us are around is simple, 'we are NOT finished."

I've never been comfortable with that. 36 years, combat vet of Desert Storm and multiple tours in OIF/OEF, too many mobilizations and TDYs to remember. But I always feel like I was just doing my job. no need to thank me for it.

People mean well; I tend to let them feel "good" about their "good" intentions.

We know the truth Lurch...there are always those questions we ask ourselves that don't have very easy (or very pretty) answers. I used to feel like I hadn't "done enough". I've buried a best friend, and lost many good friends. Many of them didn't die "heroically" (whatever that means); they died because a bolt sheared, or a part failed, or out of 3,000 amazingly accurate decisions made in an hour...they made one bad one. I used to look at people whose roles put them further "down range", longer, under worse circumstances and think to myself, "Gee Dude...it's like you're not even here". Years later, I figured out that this was the wrong perspective to have. Some people went left when others went right. Some people had dreams that carried them one direction...and others just went with the flow. I never met many true "cowards" in any service, MOS, or theater. I did meet a lot of young people doing a pretty tough job far away from home and loves ones for not much money compared to some of their peers. I think that's worth our own genuine self-respect, even if the "other" sometimes comes off as insincere, or inappropriate.

I simply say thank you and then tell them that I really don't do anything except make people mad.

I don't agree. Sure, alot of the remarks seem repetitive but it is better than having people say fuck you like they did to us in the sixties.

Lurch, it sounds like you have some issue with guilt. I am not here to analyze you or try to diagnose, but you are alive, you are a contributor to our country and society. You served with honor, you should be proud of that.

Where do you get your spiritual comfort? For me, the love and mercy that God shows me through the death and resurrection of Jesus puts my life into perspective. I share that only to be transparant about where I get comfort, and I do recommend you check it out. I’d be happy to communicate privately if you life, but I pray you will at least check out what I am saying.

Thank you for your service, Lurch, you have made America a beter place, just like your brother and sister service members and veterans. God bless you!