Should Active duty be celebrated on Veteran’s day?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:21:10 -0500

Does the active military accept being celebrated on Veteran’s day or should we wait until Armed forces day? I’ve been told I’m not a veteran, because I am still in the military and should not accept a, “thank you for your service” nor the discounts.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 12 at 2019 2:39 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:39:18 -0500

As far as I know, a lot of places give discounts to both active duty personnel and veterans alike.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 2:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:44:22 -0500

In my view PFC Private RallyPoint Member, Veterans are former Military, whether, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Now having said that said, All who join the Military to serve our Country take the same Oath, and it does not have an expiration date...in my view! Veterans pass on, should they not be remembered as a veteran on Veterans Day. I have no problem with thanking those who serve now, or in the past, or have passed on... Our mission was and is the same... If someone says "Thank You for Your Service" I would acknowledge it and simply say that you are active duty. I would not lose sleep over it...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 3:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:19:35 -0500

PFC Private RallyPoint Member As mentioned by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member and SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth, you are not a veteran because you are still active duty, but many discounts are open for active duty personnel. When I have the opportunity, I go up to active duty personnel and find out where they are stationed and thank them for serving.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 12 at 2019 4:03 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:03:27 -0500

Armed Forces Day. I specifically DON'T go for free meals or change my picture on social media because I understand that Veterans Day is not my holiday.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 6:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:16:08 -0500

You are not a veteran because you have not been discharged.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 7:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:23:21 -0500

Even though you are not yet a veteran (you are still serving), there is no reason in the world that you should refuse a "thank you for your service" nor a military discount. I have never heard of any business offering a military discount to veterans but not to active duty (I have heard of a very few the other way around, though). And for the record, I've never heard of a business offering discounts for Armed Forces Day, period, unless they offer the discounts year-round.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 12 at 2019 11:10 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:10:16 -0500

I tend to think of a military veteran as someone who has completed their military service. But I may be wrong.

The person thanking you for your service is the person who decides whether or not you deserve the thanks. Same for the discount.

As far as the person who told you not to accept the “thank you for your service” or the discounts, If they are on active duty and outrank you, ask them for their authoritative reference. If they aren't on active duty, or they don't outrank you, depending on how much vinegar they serve up with their opinion, The best they'd get is "Thanks for you opinion." The worst they get is "shove off."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 11:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:26:26 -0500

I have a break in service. I am a veteran of the USAF even though I am still serving in the Army Reserves. I was also honorably discharged from the Army when I got commissioned, so I am an enlisted veteran of the Army.

Response by SSgt Pamela Upton made Nov 13 at 2019 2:06 PM

SSgt Pamela Upton — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:06:00 -0500

All who join the Military to serve our Country take the same Oath, and it does not have an expiration date...in my view! Veterans pass on, should they not be remembered as a veteran on Veterans Day?
I have no problem with thanking those who serve now, or in the past, or have passed on... Our mission was and is the same... If someone says "Thank You for Your Service" I would acknowledge it and simply say that you are active duty. I would not lose sleep over it...Amen!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 13 at 2019 2:26 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:26:08 -0500

The most relevant definition of veteran, according to dictionary.com is:
A person who has served in a military force, especially one who has fought in a war.

Have you served in a military force? Yes. Yes you have. Just because you have not completed your service does not mean you have not served.

Generally speaking, personally I look for completion of that first commitment. Your first enlistment or your initial SO as an Officer. I don't think someone who re-ups is somehow less of a veteran than someone who chooses to get out.

Folks on their first contract are a bit touchier. Technically, yes, still a veteran, however most would not view as such, by the common (Even if technically incorrect) understanding.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Nov 13 at 2019 9:32 PM

CSM Danny S. — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:32:41 -0500

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” However Veteran's Day discounts and free meals are given to military personnel as well, usually anyone with a military ID. But not accepting someone thanking you for your service is disrespectful and should never not be accepted. When that happens you are the military to that person and they are paying you a complement.