How do you respond when someone says "Thank you for your service"?

As a Vietnam veteran, I appreciate "Welcome Home" much more than being thanked. That's something we didn't hear back then when people were spitting on us and calling us baby killers.

It was always an awkward moment for me until I heard a fellow Soldier respond with, "Thank you for your support." To me, my service wasn't anything special as a whole, but I loved what I did and felt like I was a part of something bigger than me. It was never about "me". And if it was a fellow Veteran who thanked me for my service, especially Vietnam Vets or earlier, I would respond with, "Thank you for paving the way for me. I just picked up the torch you handed off."

Older person "you're welcome, " beautiful woman "drinks?," younger man, I offer to take them to the Recruiter

I also remember the time I was drinking coffee with my ex-wife at the restaurant she managed. I looked out our side window and saw this little old man pull into the handicapped parking spot. His license plate indicated he was a former POW. He entered the restaurant and I went up to him and asked, "Sir, I hate to intrude, but i wanted to thank you for your service, and buy your meal for you." He thanked me and invited me to join him. He had been a survivor of the Bataan Death March. It really inspired me to see how he had taken a very bad time in his life and turned it onto good. He spent a lot of his time talking to people about how he turned his bad time into an inspiring message of hope and love for this country.

I always say "Thank you, WE couldn't have done it without your support." This always seems to bring a smile, especially we the kids.

I say "I would do it all over again"

When this happens to me, I usually smile and say..."Thank you for remembering."
Heck...I've even been in Walmart and have been saluted and thanked. I was involved in the Vietnam War with 9 extra years in service. We fought for 50 years to get our deserved "bennies"..."Thank you very much..."

I just thank the person, emphasizing the word "you", for their comment and let it go. If they want to continue to chat, I chat, but usually the encounter is just 1 sentence in each direction.

I say, thank you for your support.....

If it is a civilian telling me "thank you for my service", I usually reply "glad to oblige and thank you". If it is someone in uniform, I tell them thank you from this "cold war" veteran and also thank you for your service.
I might also add to what I say in responce, "if I had it to do all over again if I was able too".