How do you respond to someone you don't know thanking you for your service?

2018-04-18T13:40:03-04:00

Generally, it is usually a checkout clerk who sees my ball cap with the Army seal and "Retired Army" on it, so it is nothing more than a casual contact.

I've been answering that it was my honor and privilege to serve, however my wife says I sound pompous. Saying "you're welcome" doesn't sound right to me since they aren't exactly thanking me personally. What do you say when thanked like that?

Sorry the topic isn't quite correct, it was the closest I could find in the drop down list.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Apr 18 at 2018 1:46 PM

2018-04-18T13:46:01-04:00

I usually say yeah, thank You. Not everyone supports the Military so I appreciate the people that do, if the topic of ever serving happens.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 2:01 PM

2018-04-18T14:01:34-04:00

SGT William Bowers - If this type of attention make you feel uncomfortable, consider not wearing a hat advertising your association with the Army. I usually just say, “ thank you for letting me serve” and move out.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 2:16 PM

2018-04-18T14:16:51-04:00

I say I’m glad I was able to. A lot of it is how it’s said and in what context.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 2:20 PM

2018-04-18T14:20:15-04:00

I've recently taken a page out of the Chick-fil-A playbook and respond by saying, "It's my pleasure."

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 18 at 2018 2:27 PM

2018-04-18T14:27:49-04:00

I respond with: "It's an honor."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-04-18T14:32:31-04:00

"Thank you for your support" was always my go-to answer.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 3:41 PM

2018-04-18T15:41:13-04:00

I rarely get "identified" as a vet...my long hair, beard and "Dad-Bod" get me off the hook most of the time.

When I am singled out, I always respond that it was a long time ago, and the respect goes to those currently serving.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 3:44 PM

2018-04-18T15:44:58-04:00

I thank them and then ask them to make sure they pay their so that my retrement checks keep coming. It usually brings a laugh.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 18 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-04-18T15:49:08-04:00

The best response I ever heard is one I subsequently adopted for myself: "Thank you for the support"

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-04-18T15:52:45-04:00

My CMDR told us to always respond with "Thank you for your support."

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 18 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-04-18T20:07:41-04:00

"Thank you for your support"

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 18 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-04-18T21:41:39-04:00

I say" It was my honor and privilege, I had great people in crummy places"

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-04-18T21:47:58-04:00

SGT William Bowers I usually respond with "Thank you for your Support," but there is no right or wrong answer. I would rather be thanked for my service than the response received many years ago.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-04-18T22:14:03-04:00

My go to, "Thank you for your support."

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Apr 19 at 2018 12:09 AM

2018-04-19T00:09:03-04:00

"I appreciate that, thank you."

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Apr 19 at 2018 10:57 AM

2018-04-19T10:57:21-04:00

I typically tell the individual that "It was an honor to serve my Country" and leave it at that.

Response by SGT Javier Cespedes made Apr 19 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-04-19T19:55:39-04:00

I usually respond with: "thank you for your support"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2018 12:00 PM

2018-04-22T12:00:28-04:00

“Thank you for your support”

Or a smile a nod and a simple thank you.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2018 12:14 PM

2018-04-22T12:14:05-04:00

“Thank you, for thanking me”. Truthful, short, and I don’t feel like a dick when I say it.

Response by Cpl John DeConti made Apr 22 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-04-22T12:17:41-04:00

I typically sit there and struggle for a few seconds.. The fact that I served usually comes out of a third parties mouth and then this happens. I try not to project that I served because I don't want attention (I'm not ashamed, I'm just not a people person and conversation isn't on my strengths list for my personality)... When it occurs I usually just thank them for their support which is usually followed by a puzzled face from the other person in which you can tell they are thinking what to say next followed by more questions delving into things I'd rather leave in the past. But I digress... I'd rather have people thanking me for my service than people looking down on me for it as it was in the past.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Apr 22 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-04-22T12:45:15-04:00

I smile and politly say thank you very much. I enjoied every year that i was able to serve. Sometime i get a hand shake and on a few occasions i have been given a hug.

Response by Sgt John Watts made Apr 22 at 2018 2:25 PM

2018-04-22T14:25:33-04:00

See, you have to do a preemptive strike. When I meet someone new I start with “you’re welcome for my service!” Right off the bat.

(Kidding of course. Normally I just say your welcome or thanks for the support back but occasionally I lose my mind and say “you too”)

Response by GySgt Dave Fonger made Apr 22 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-04-22T16:31:59-04:00

I agree with, Thank you for your support.

Response by Sgt John Koliha made Apr 22 at 2018 7:13 PM

2018-04-22T19:13:40-04:00

"My honor" has worked for me for years.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Apr 22 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-04-22T20:15:42-04:00

Just a thank you is all I say or you’re welcome. I am glad that people have changed their minds and now are starting to respect the members of the Military

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2018 3:03 AM

2018-04-23T03:03:14-04:00

Thank you for paying your taxes!

Response by MSgt Mario De Souza Ferreira made May 30 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-05-30T16:47:24-04:00

I answer by saying “thank you for your support. “

Response by CPT John Hanaberry made Jun 4 at 2018 7:35 PM

2018-06-04T19:35:23-04:00

Use common sense

Response by PO2 Dax Hall made Jun 28 at 2018 12:02 AM

2018-06-28T00:02:23-04:00

My pleasure (sir or ma'am). Thank you for the support.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Jun 28 at 2018 3:14 PM

2018-06-28T15:14:13-04:00

I respond with "It was my duty and my honor to serve our Christian God, my family, and my Country in that order.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 3:24 PM

2019-01-02T15:24:06-05:00

I simply say, thank you and have a good day.
It makes them feel good buy saying thank you and would be an insult if you didn’t at least say thank you in return.

Response by SPC Eric Gillins made Oct 31 at 2025 1:51 AM

2025-10-31T01:51:30-04:00

I respond with “You were worth it”. Love the looks I get, but it makes them think if they really are…