Posted on Nov 12, 2023
MSgt Retired
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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.
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Responses: 432
SSG Tim Newell, PhD
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I always thank them, offer my hand for a shake... Sometimes I reply with a "You are/were worth it". Regardless, I share my appreciation for their comments.
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SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Carlos Madden
1 y
That's a good one.
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SFC James  (JD) Flemal
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I’ve heard the response “You were worth it” also
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Capt Patricia Castaldi
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I used to say thanks with a smile, but now, since my larygectomy last September, I give a thumbs up and smile :)
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CDR Tom Davy
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Depends on who says it. Most WW II combat vets saw more combat that I did, so I get humble.
Older civilian, I say "you are welcome"
Good looking single lady gets an opportunity to thank me.
For an 18 - 35 y/o male, I offer to take them to the Recruiter. When they say they are too good or important to serve, I bite my lip, chuckle, and walk away.
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MCPO SWO
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I respond: As a Veteran, I thank you for being someone worth serving for (if they seem worthy of the response). I may then add: and I would gladly serve again, but not under the command of the current President.
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SPC William Robinson
SPC William Robinson
4 mo
Which are you referring to?
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SSG Norbert Johnson
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Thank you. However, I feel for the most part their statement was hollow as I started during Vietnam and finished with Desert Storm. With hostility was my greetings of the time. Today if I say I served during Vietnam, I am still treated with hostility or disdain in their voice. I had a Statute in my front yard which was upended and thrown to the ground about a year or so. It was a Soldier carrying a wounded soldier. It had a Dog tag around its neck. That was my Brother's Tag. My Brother was Infantry: C company 2nd 502 101st Airmobile Vietnam. I was attached as a Reservist to HHC 6th 502 101st Inf. Reg-Berlin year 1986. However I also served during Vietnam on Active Duty not in country. My last Active Duty MOS during Desert Shield and Desert Storm was Combat Medical Specialist 91A E5 and AD for Desert Storm was 91B E6. I was proud of my brother's service and as he stood in for me during Vietnam, I took a stand for him through his remaining life as his readjustment to America never occurred until a few days before he died in 2015. That is why the statute was placed in honor my Brother. I found his Dog Tag bent over and stomped on where the statue was originally placed in my front yard. And that is why it is hard for me to accept someone saying "Thank you for your service." With respect I will say thanks in return but I feel hollow inside when I say it.
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SSG Norbert Johnson
SSG Norbert Johnson
>1 y
I agree. I changed the Statute to a much larger one holding the American Flag... The flag has been stolen numerous times or purposefully soiled and as of the past few months, the soldier has been found on its back by my wife and I at least 8 times without any wind. 2 weeks ago I was in my truck with my wife (also a Retired Veteran) stopped because an individual was in the front yard picking up the Soldier who was again on its back. I found that he had been picking up that Soldier as his wife said at least 10 times, and replaced the flag 4 times as they walked with their young child every day. He is a Marine and is very disgusted in these new kids on the block.
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SPC Paul Eiden
SPC Paul Eiden
1 y
SSG Norbert Johnson - So sorry this is happening... Need a troop to stomp on whoever has this much distain...
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SA Sacheen Weston
SA Sacheen Weston
1 y
That's atrocious! I certainly hope karma cleans this up. So sorry to hear of your brother.
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SGT M C
SGT M C
1 y
I doubt very much it wass in hatred of your brother's
Viet svc but more likely part of the current woke mentality crowd that has disdain for the military in genl. Peace to you brother.
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MSG Lonnie Averkamp
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While it can, sometimes, make me feel a bit uncomfortable, I always try to be polite. They are trying to be nice, and it's a much better reception than many veterans received back in the 1960's.
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LTC Bob Pinkerton
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Thank you, it was an honor to have served.
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SGT Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
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I had a friend say "Thank you for your support." and that stuck with me. That's what I've been saying from then on.
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SPC Paul Eiden
SPC Paul Eiden
1 y
I agree...
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CPT Todd Paynter
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“Thank you. It was my privilege and honor to serve this great Nation and its citizens. Your thanks prove that we continue to be a great Nation today…it was my honor to serve and my honor to have your recognition for that service.”
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