Things you should never say to a military veteran. Do you agree with this article?

I have had a number of people tell me they almost joined. I answer all questions to the best of my ability.

It is what it is! People will ask questions regardless. The best way to handle is take it with a grain of salt. Not everyone knows how we may be feeling. We may feel just fine in answering a question one day, and not fine the next. I have no problem answering questions, if I don't feel comfortable answering at that moment, I respectfully decline to answer. Ask me anything you want any time!

Why are you in a wheelchair, maybe you should have not went and served?

You had a stroke, you don't look like it, your not in a wheelchair and your body's not drawer up like the old people.

I only agree that a few questions on the list should not be asked. If a person comes off as sincere, then I will entertain their questions, if not, I tell them don't ask.

Everyone is different. You can ask me any question on that list and I'll decide if I want to tell you. It's not going to offend me if you decide to ask questions I don't want to talk about. I have asked similar questions and the worst I've heard anyone say is "none of your business" or "I don't want to talk about it." Very well; moving onto another discussion. I understand its curiosity and I've asked the same questions but just use common sense when approaching a Vet or a Service Member with your questions.

Yah, my favorite is when they tell you how they almost joined.

Wholeheartedly agree. Extremely uninformed and ignorant. Personally i have no problem informing and denying ignorance.

When people start asking questions about my combat experiance, I try to evade the conversation. Combat it is a very personal issue, I did realized early on, that most people cannot begin to understand ( civilians) what is involved in the act of killing and/ or destroying. If the person im talking to is a veteran there is no problem a veteran will understand without going into details, i also feel much more confortable talking to a vet.
This leads me to ask you guys how do you feel when people thank you for your service?
I would like to say that when im asked if i served in the military, and then they thank me for my service ( even when not in the US military) i do get embarrased you see my belief is that serving your country is our duty, right and priviledge to defend and protect our country. So why should anybody thank me for doing my duty and priviledge.
I would like to get some comments , thank you. Tzvi.

Stupidity test... if someone says that disabled vets, active,and retired vets do not deserve benefits or compensation because it was their choice to join the military and they knew what they were getting into. That we knew the ultimate cost and consequences of our choices.

I am and have always been a combat officer (Vietnam 2x / Balkan Conflict 1x / Iraq - 2x). After retirement, I taught school under the Arizona "Guest Teacher Program." I love children, didn't need any $$ and did not want to stay in one classroom teaching one subject (it also got me out of the house). The Guest Teacher Program put me into three school districts, covering 27 separate schools. I thrived on the variety it offered (all ages, all grades, all subjects). Students in higher grades would, inevitably (more than likely due to my mannerisms) figure out I was 'military' and would ask questions...generally and always the hardest one - 'did you kill anybody?' Cringing inwardly, I asked why they were so curious about that particular subject? It was one topic that seemed uppermost in curious young minds to actually have an opportunity to reach out and touch a 'real' veteran of such events. My best answer without senseless posturing or a body count? "Taking the life of another human being is the cruelest, most despicable act one can do to another. In time of war, it's understandable and must be done, but will forever be burned into the synapsis of one's brain." I would share that it wasn't a subject to be taken lightly and I wasn't comfortable discussing it in any more detail than that. I will be frank and advise all Readers out there that I was always deeply troubled by that question but felt my answer would separate their minds from video game fantasy with a glimpse of real-world truth.