Posted on Nov 12, 2023
How do you respond when someone says "Thank you for your service"?
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I've never asked this question, and I've never seen anyone else ask it, but I'm curious. What do you say when someone thanks you for your service?
My Military ID is right next to my driver's license and debit card in my wallet, so it's visible if I have to show my driver's license for something or if I'm taking my debit card out to use. Very often, someone who sees it will ask what branch I was in. Then they will thank me for my service. My usual answer is "Thank you for your support." But I'm curious about how others respond to that.
My Military ID is right next to my driver's license and debit card in my wallet, so it's visible if I have to show my driver's license for something or if I'm taking my debit card out to use. Very often, someone who sees it will ask what branch I was in. Then they will thank me for my service. My usual answer is "Thank you for your support." But I'm curious about how others respond to that.
Posted in these groups: 
Appreciation
Appreciation
Posted 6 mo ago
Responses: 157
SPC Ben Walker
If You are a Vietnam Vet; Then that praise " is too little and too late ". It should be ' WELCOME HOME" which we never were !!!!!!!
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TSgt Daniel Newman
SPC Ben Walker - Well Mr. Walker its because of you I enlisted. I was born after nam but remember it from others in my family and learning more about growing up. Convincing me to be a better person and try to follow in your foot steps. All I can say to you. "Is Thank You." But for this guy your scarifice changed my life.
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MSgt (Join to see) Thank you for your support.
Most of us do not serve for the "thank you for your service" aspect.
This country's treatment of veterans (and to some extent service members) has come a long way since WWII and Vietnam. But there will always be a mix of people who see service members as some random selection from the spectrum of "baby killing stooge of the military industrial complex to the unquestionable heroes of the republic. We all know Soldiers and Veterans who run that spectrum and earn the derision or praise.
At the end of the day, we aren't special. Veterans day used to be about remembering why the military exists and what is could prevent in the future and not a way to pat each other on the back. And much like Memorial Day, it has become diluted by commercialization. Discount hounds, "thank me for my service" types, and the civil military gap widening for every WTFArmy or reported sexual assault moment has lowered the perception of professionalism that used to accompany service.
So every time someone thanks me for my service, I thank them for their support, no matter how performative.
Most of us do not serve for the "thank you for your service" aspect.
This country's treatment of veterans (and to some extent service members) has come a long way since WWII and Vietnam. But there will always be a mix of people who see service members as some random selection from the spectrum of "baby killing stooge of the military industrial complex to the unquestionable heroes of the republic. We all know Soldiers and Veterans who run that spectrum and earn the derision or praise.
At the end of the day, we aren't special. Veterans day used to be about remembering why the military exists and what is could prevent in the future and not a way to pat each other on the back. And much like Memorial Day, it has become diluted by commercialization. Discount hounds, "thank me for my service" types, and the civil military gap widening for every WTFArmy or reported sexual assault moment has lowered the perception of professionalism that used to accompany service.
So every time someone thanks me for my service, I thank them for their support, no matter how performative.
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SPC Ben Walker
You know I say to people who have asked the dumb question about the babies " only the ones that were younger six months old because there meat would be to tough after been B-B-Q. I have asked that question many times over the years.
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Thanks, I appreciate it.
It always makes me feel momentarily weird. But I do realize some people just want to make sure they say something. While others do it out of some weird feeling of obligation to say something. I just try not to make it even more weird when its the latter.
It always makes me feel momentarily weird. But I do realize some people just want to make sure they say something. While others do it out of some weird feeling of obligation to say something. I just try not to make it even more weird when its the latter.
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SSG William Zopff III
I also thank other veterans for their service, that often leads to a conversation.
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SSG William Zopff III
Listen, don’t pass up an opportunity to talk to veterans! Most if not all of WW2 have passed on, Korea Vets are passing as we write these posts. There are still plenty of Vietnam Vets left. Both Gulf War, Iraq & Afghanistan Vets will be around, many could use a kind word. If you know of a local Veterans Services office. Stop there, get some flyers or cards to pass out. You could save a life.
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I say thank you while shaking their hand. I've heard alot of Vets complain about this but at the end of the day someone went out of their way to be nice. The least I can say is thank you
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I am polite and say you are welcome. I come from the time when almost all served, except those with defense jobs, sick, lame and deviants, so it is not a big deal to me.
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SGT John Schmelzkopf
After the way we were treated when Nam shut down I was happy when Desert Storm Guys got their Home coming Parade. I always get embarrassed when someone says Thanks, as after our Treatment I always avoided the subject. My Mother was told I was KIA by the Dirt Bag Kommies, the ARMY and Government sold us out. When I came Home Mar, 73 the Bastards made sure no two guys that knew, served together ever went the same Route. They did this so when the hippie, Kommies messed with you, you were on your own, messed up the toe on my Corcorans in NY Port Authority, but it was worth it!
I says thanks and get away, no small talk
I says thanks and get away, no small talk
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1LT (Join to see)
Welcome home brother. I'm sorry how you were treated. Vietnam vets made our welcome home much better. That is due to the lessons learned and heard loud and clear from how you were treated.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
PO3 Michelle Tremblay - built airplanes, helos, ships and boats, weapons, ammunition, farmers, etc. LBJ had guns AND butter policy at the time.
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After 15 years in, I say something to the effect of "It's my honor to serve," "It's my pleasure," or just a simple thank you. Sometimes, I respond by initiating a conversation and talking about the military. After all, they brought it up.
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/a-veteran-s-response-to-thank-you-for-your-service
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-s-the-best-response-for-thank-you-for-your-service-i-like-to-say-this
https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/a-veteran-s-response-to-thank-you-for-your-service
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-s-the-best-response-for-thank-you-for-your-service-i-like-to-say-this
A Veteran's Response to: “Thank You For Your Service” | RallyPoint
The first time someone thanked me for my service, I was a little stunned – I had no idea how to respond. My first reaction was to say “Thank you”, but no, that wasn’t right; “It was my pleasure” was not exactly accurate either. “Umm, you’re welcome?” I had been out of the Navy already for probably ten years, and I had not heard this before. When I first got out, “Thank you for your service” was not a thing. It was just not something that...
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
SGT Mary G. Funny, about a year ago we were getting new cell phones and the clerk asked what our current plan was, and I told her Military. When we were done someone came up and said something to the extent of did you say you are on a military plan and where did you serve. That led to about a 30 minute conversation comparing experiences.
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I just say thank you normally. If I know them, I point out that the Army let me play with tanks and assorted other heavy equipment, shoot big guns and blow stuff up. One of the best jobs I ever had.
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MSgt (Join to see) I say thank you and often times ask if they served. If the person did not serve, they will usually remark that a relative or friend served, which often leads to interesting discussions.
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