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

I really have no problem with people asking me questions about my time. If I think they are someone that is important enough for me to share the info with, I will tell them. There are some things, though, that I just don't discuss, much like my father and his time in Vietnam. Some things get shared, some don't.
Of all the things on that list, the only one that makes me uncomfortable was #1, "thankyou for your service". I may have had some of the less than nice responses, think " well someone had to", as I turn and walk away. I much prefer a simple "Welcome home".

I'm a Vietnam Veteran and I feel I've heard it all more than once.
1) is it true that weed was growing wild and all you had to do was walk by and pull it up ?
2) did you do drugs, how was the weed ? I heard ordeal you guys stayed high all the time.
3) how many people did you kill ?
4) were the women pretty?
The list is numerous and could go on for miles.

My opinion is that we as veterans can use such questions as an opportunity to change the paradigm of civilians impressions about veterans. Embrace it, educate them and be grateful we can represent all veterans in that moment!

Hello Guys I met my first wife at Ft. Benning a crash course in reality/ If someone asked me that question I would be surprised he didn't know./LOL

Keep in mind often as a friend of Mine a Lt. Col pointed out in a public speech, many people now may not even know a Veteran, its Your chance to educate them. Go ahead and answer the questions that aren't out of line. In My opinion a little effort to communicate may help paint a more positive picture to someone that just doesn't know. Its also amazing though how little many people do know,You may be a source of information to actually learn something. Flipping out on them sure won't create a good impression, at that moment in time You are the spokesman for things Military. There are of course people out there that aren't worth wasting Your breath talking to, You should know pretty quick if they are or not. Don't presume anything just because its a stupid question in Your mind.

Ask my old training supervisor that asked me if I wanted to trade a lost book for him spending time with my gf. They still lock the gates at CCEMS. He'll never ask another Veteran a question like that, guaranteed!!!

At times. If the issue is a sensitive one for the individual it is important to be empathetic to the others' feelings and view of the situation.

The List was valid but what is up with the wannabe's in the pictures. Not 1 actual uniform.
THAT is what I found insulting!

I have been approached by many of my students about no. 2. (have you killed anyone?) thats the worst thing you can say. (But many of these kids lack social skills and manners!) As for the no 1-thanks for your service-- I agree the expression has become overused and trite but it sure beats the Vietnam days, where we were called baby killers! I have been told thanks for your service many times when I wear a uniform, I have also mentioned it to others I see in uniform or recognize as a vet. If I can I try to do something more like buy a drink, but many times its not practical to do an action, other than what I already do which is to volunteer time and donate money to veterans organizations. During San Francisco Fleet Week, I volunteered thru the Navy League and Coast Guard Aux to greet a ship; help at a BBQ and to help with ship tours. Sometimes I would pass a Sailor or Marine and thank them. They may or may not be aware I am volunteering but they always showed appreciation.

I was sitting in my AmVets Post last week having a conversation with a man over the age of 65. He asked what branch of Service my husband was in. He thought I was an Auxiliary member. I said he had been in the Army National guard but I was a member of AmVets because I was in the AirForce. Women have been in the military since WWII, why do people still think it strange that a woman could be in the military?