Vets need to stop expecting special consideration

2015-03-13T10:25:43-04:00

My wife and I own a couple of Tropical Smoothie Cafes. As small business entrepreneurs, we take a lot of pride in providing 55 jobs while making pay roll every week, all self-financed as saved and scrimped for investment capital. As owners, we choose to offer a 10% discount to first responders and active duty/reserve military and guardsmen. Which is where I get to my rub.

Recently I had a military spouse grow irate with my cashier because we didn't offer a discount to military family members. Unfortunately this is not the first time this has happened. I guess I could stop offering any discount at all to the military, but would rather not. In this particular case, my cashier was on the receiving end of a very long tirade about how obviously unappreciative ownership must be of the sacrifices of the military family, she ended by stating "it would be in the owner's best interest" to offer discounts to families as well. I wish I was there to find out exactly what she meant beyond her vague threat.

Her response I believe had nothing to do with my veteran owned business being unappreciative of military families (we know firsthand about the hardships endured on the home front) but everything to do with the growing sense in our active and retired military community that as a corps they should be catered to because of their service. This is terribly misplaced and hurts civ-mil relations as well as sully our service to this great nation.

I get it, society is grateful for our military service and reasonably so. I also believe that society's overboard efforts to recognize military service is directly related to lasting guilt on how we treated returning Vietnam Vets. A shameful part of our history to be sure, but the big difference today is that we veterans all volunteered.

I'm a big fan of the All Volunteer Force and I loved my time in service. Combat was terrible and awesome and terrible and exhilarating. All my deployments were fantastic adventures, whether into combat zones or supporting foreign troops while in Special Forces. It was miserable at times to be sure and I was always glad to get home. Of which I immediately started looking forward to the next deployment or training. I've been retired 8 years and still miss that. As well as my brothers in arms.

We are fortunate in our society that we have tremendous citizens that pursue professions for our betterment. Teachers, police, firemen, doctors, nurses, scientists, social workers, civil servants, and yes military, all do our part to make our society a bit better while taking care of our citizens. All deserve admiration and thanks. It is time we recall that and quit creating a separate class of citizens.

So, I'm all for easing up on thanking veterans and uniformed personnel ad nausea, eliminating most veteran hiring preferences, and leadership stomping out the attitude that military/vets are better than others. Focus instead on fixing the VA, allowing business to hire best qualified without stigma, and taking care of our wounded warriors.

At the end of the day I'm a capitalist and fought to defend that system. I'll offer a discount to whomever I want, if you don't like it then patronize another establishment. If offered a discount as a retiree, I'll take it, although I'll never ask for one. At the end of the day I just find it embarrassing that military civilian relations are suffering for a myriad of reasons, but one is the attitude that civilians should have the military on a pedestal. Enough is enough.

Bring the troops home. Drink more Smoothies.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-03-13T10:43:41-04:00

Have you ever noticed, dependents feel entitled; Servicemen feel appreciative.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Mar 13 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-03-13T10:53:57-04:00

Sounds like you had a dependapotamus attack.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-03-13T10:58:52-04:00

How dare you sir...Apparently your smoothies are sssooooooo expensive that a military spouse had to complain about what maybe 60 cents.

If I was under your employment that would have been a day you fired me...I would have told her to kick rocks. Bare-footed. Today.

Only better answer the military spouse could have said was, "But it's their money!!!" (implying the spouse does not have a job)<---had to add clarification.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-03-13T11:00:42-04:00

Entitled BS. Even service members are not entitled. It is charity and nothing more. I usually add the difference backs as tip plus 10-15%.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 13 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-03-13T11:08:19-04:00

LTC Dave Duffy - Frankly, I appreciate any little perks that businesses offer to veterans. Speaking for myself, businesses offering a slight discount to veterans or servicemembers tend to get more of my consumer dollars than those that don't.

Businesses that sell Made In the USA products AND offer vet/military discounts DEFINITELY get more of my consumer dollars.

As MAJ Private RallyPoint Member said, I am indeed appreciative. However, if a business needs to discontinue a discount for whatever reason, then I would understand. I'd be a bit disappointed, sure, but business is business.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Mar 13 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-03-13T11:08:24-04:00

what I have noticed...some people feel that there is no such thing as doing to much for vets and current serving...
i receive a pay and benefits package for my service, everything else is a gift.

hell, even in sequestration, leadership is crying that we need an every increasing budget, it can never stay the same, and we should never be asked to cut a few costs...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-03-13T11:10:00-04:00

Sir,
Thumbs up because you're right. Too often dependents act as though they're entitled because of their spouses/parents' military service. I believe that service members need to educate their dependents on how to act:
1- when on post/base dealing with MPs.
2- when dealing with service members of lower ranks than their spouses/parents.
In the end it's all about humility of the dependents and understanding/appreciative of the selfless service WE (Service Members) perform.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 13 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-03-13T11:14:02-04:00

I'm one of those who did not volunteer am a %100 disabled vet. I stayed in because I loved it until the PEB told me I had had too much, still did not want out, but no choice. If offered some sort of discount, sure I'll take it, but I won't ask or demand it. I certainly hope, and am sure, you don't judge all by one. After all you are in business and don't HAVE to, nor are required to offer anything, but thanks for what you do offer, because that is out of your pocket.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Mar 13 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-03-13T11:17:04-04:00

I will say as a married Veteran my wife has never asked for the discount.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-03-13T11:20:02-04:00

I am in agreement with you. I enjoy discounts when given and especially when they are given when not advertised nor solicited. If the establishment advertises a military discount, I am not shy about asking whether it includes retirees. If i does fine, if not, also fine (though I prefer it does)

I served, qualified for and receive the benefits of military retirement. To this I am entitled. Anything granted beyond is appreciated but not expected.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Mar 13 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-03-13T11:28:36-04:00

I am very appreciative if it does happen, some folks ask for it everywhere they go, which I do not. Like several of the others I give it back in tips to the wait staff, the company has the policy which is great, but they provided the outstanding service and what I saved plus a tip goes to them. At the end of the day I feel better and so doesn't that person.

Thank you Sir for offering what you to do all of those honorable professions. I'm not a smoothie drinker, but will get my kids one just because of this post. My ex never asked for a discount in her whole 29 years.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-03-13T11:40:22-04:00

Or you could be like USAA, if you are a spouse, child, second cousin, or just met a service member once, you get the discount. So basically everyone.

Therefore raise the base price by 10%. Then you offer and additional discount to those on the front line, either in our communities or overseas.

I for one like your policy.

Yet, in the end it is your business.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 13 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-03-13T11:42:47-04:00

LTC Dave Duffy Sir, thank you for your service, thank you for offering select demographics a discount and please understand, the majority of us out here... we are NOT asking for anything for free.
If a business owner offers it, out of personal desire or marketing ploy fine, ......You offer?, I'll except thankfully....Respectfully. But I wont be asking for it, nor do I expect it.

As to the irate spouse.. ,,,pffffttt, no different than any other customer that wants it fast, free and to be waited on as a VIP.
You can please most of the people all of the time, and some of the people none of the time. Focus on the first group, ignore the second.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-03-13T12:06:25-04:00

Ah, the dependapotamus. Her and her offspring. I remember pulling over kids for some infraction, and being asked if I know who their father is.

I never ask for, demand, or expect discounts because of my service. I didn’t do it for the freebies

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-03-13T12:23:37-04:00

It is truly unfortunate that some spouses are out of control like that. Most likely a Woman who has never really done anything with her life and takes her frustration out on others by living on her husbands accomplishments.

I agree with some of your points for sure but not all.

I think it is awesome that you went into entrepreneurship instead of expecting a job as a Senior Military Leader. That is AWESOME! You and the Wife have worked hard for ssure to ensure the future.

Response by SSG John Erny made Mar 13 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-03-13T12:29:59-04:00

A small business has to do what ever it takes to make ends meet. Some large outfits like Home Depot Post that they give discounts to service members and vets. That is all fine and well. But do not tell some one how to run their business that is just plane rude.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-03-13T12:31:13-04:00

Personally I have never met a SM that expects a discount, but I am firm believer if a discount is offered for active duty then it should be offered to active duty dependants. After all they serve too, just not in the same way. Though I do not agree with the reaction of the woman mentioned in the post, I would be appalled if my wife acted so entitled.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 13 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-03-13T12:41:03-04:00

Honestly, unless I know a business offers a discount to the American Legion of VFW I do not ask. Now I will take part in the Veterans Day specials i.e. free meal to veterans and such. I was at a franchise haircut place a couple of weeks ago and I saw they offered a VFW discount so I asked if it extended to the American Legion and the lady at the register did not even know which I said no problem heck she looked confused when I asked the question in the first place.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-03-13T13:03:25-04:00

It's my money and I want it now? No? A dependent should understand that the "military discount" applies only to the one actually in the service (or first responders). If they do not, we need to develop and block of instruction to educate those dependents - mandatory through FRG until they get it.

As with everyone who agrees - plus what you wrote "fixing the VA, allowing business to hire best qualified without stigma, and taking care of our wounded warriors."

These are bigger issues. Dependents should push that agenda.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-03-13T13:12:38-04:00

Thank you Sir for your service and your special "thank you" discounts. However...I can't stand those who feel entitled. When you raise your right hand or are fortunate enough to marry a Servicemember, nowhere is it stated "For entitled discounts and freebies."

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 13 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-03-13T13:15:04-04:00

I hate to say it but it appears some military dependents do embarrass themselves and their sponsor. I learned from a child from my first marriage that my ex-wife referred to herself as "having been in the Army". Sorry, there's nothing I can do about her now. In fact, there wasn't much I could do about her then other than avoid marrying her in the first place.

Yes, many military dependents are having a hard time of it. There are young families struggling to get by while their spouses and parents are deployed. I know. Our I've been out soliciting donations to help them and seen their plight. However, I don't think a discount on a smoothie is what they need or want.

Also, charity isn't charity when it's coerced. I wish our government would get that message...

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 13 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-03-13T13:15:06-04:00

Congrats to you, LTC Dave Duffy! I have great respect for owners of small businesses. You guys risk your livelihood and savings to follow your goals. I have wanted to do it, but have been chicken to put my own money down. My advice would be to let the spouse tirades slide off your back and offer your people a free smoothie for every spouse tirade they diffuse. Your decision to offer 10% to first responders and military is a very nice consideration. No one should EXPECT it. The decision to retain or do away with the discount is yours alone. I will respect it either way you go, because you will be the one living with the results.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-03-13T13:39:44-04:00

This is a little off subject. My wife has a short fuse sometimes and is very impatient. So when my wife got her CHAMP VA, card, and started going to the VA, I told her to not speak to or at anyone because I would be the one to suffer from it. She had to bite her lip sometimes, but she kept it under control, thank God.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 13 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-03-13T14:15:10-04:00

While I'm proud of my service I have never asked for any discounts, swag , or any other benefit because of my service, my father's service, or my grandfather's service. Personally I feel we are developing into a welfare nation that is becoming increasingly more and more dependent on handouts. Looking forward this is a big problem as more than 78 million baby boomers are retiring onto Social Security and Medicare in the next 15 years or so. Under Obamacare, Medicaid is set to explode as well. Within just one generation, total federal spending could reach nearly 36% of GDP, and the Congressional Budget Office says debt held by the public could reach nearly 200% of GDP. Building a culture of takers and not contributors is going to financially ruin the US economy as the baby boomers are going to start cashing in or pulling out their money to pay for their retirements. This lack of equity in the markets will cause a contraction in the economy with many organizations downsizing resulting in higher unemployment. Because of Washington building a culture of dependency many individuals have not invested in themselves and will not have the necessary skill set to compete in the increasingly competitive job market. As a result the government will attempt to raise taxes and as money always seeks out a path of least resistance the wealthy with high tail it out of here with their money to a more favorable environment. This is a trend that is currently under way. All I can say is you reap what you sow.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2013/08/12/thousands-leave-u-s-over-taxes-5-rules-if-youre-tempted/

Thousands Leave U.S. Over Taxes---5 Rules If You're Tempted

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Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 13 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-03-13T15:21:08-04:00

LTC Dave Duffy Congratulations on your venture and your career.

I will use my own case as an example of why veteran preferential hiring is so vital.

I am on 100% disability due to consequences of neck injuries on active duty. I am an ordained rabbi. I have been looking for work this year, because, thank God, I've gotten a little healthier.

Not a single employer wants to take a chance on me, because I haven't worked in the six years since ordination. It is looking very much like the only way I'll be able to get employment is if all the wickets get lined up and I can get a VA chaplain job, because of VA and the Federal Government as a whole placing a hiring priority on disabled vets.

The Government understands that putting disabled vets to work, even if we aren't 100% capable and effective is beneficial, because a working veteran needs less in the way of benefits and other assistance. In addition, the huge depression that comes with disability and inability to work is greatly mitigated by having a job.

Among other things I have a 70% rating for depression alone. The only reason it isn't higher is because I have some ways to process my depression so I'm not suicidal. As I have posted before, the suicide rate among active duty and veterans is a national scandal - much higher than the general public. Coping with the physical and emotional scars of military service, especially these last 15 years is brutal.

I am very glad that you are fully able to function. Not everyone is so fortunate.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Mar 13 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-03-13T16:06:11-04:00

here is my thoughts on it seeing as I am a VET, I don't expect people to give me discounts and special treatment, they don't even have to say thank you, the best thing people can do is just treat us like anyone else, yes we did our time and a thank you is nice but beyond thank you maybe is too much in my eyes so if a discount is present and I am present and take it why not. But if my soon to be wife has to pay full price for example cause she didn't serve so be it that is the rule or law or that business.

Response by Sheryl Verhulst made Mar 13 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-03-13T16:12:47-04:00

Sounds like your cashier had to deal with the dreaded "military wife" ugh.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Mar 13 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-03-13T16:25:39-04:00

Most veterans I've encountered do not have the entitlement mentality. Granted, I know this is rapidly changing with millennials coming up in the veteran world, but even there it's much rarer than in the civilian world. To me, it's about like having a service member's family doing the same thing, and that's just plain annoying.

However, this is your business, and if you chose not to offer a veteran's based discount I wouldn't use that as the reason not to return provided I was a loyal customer already.

Response by COL David McClean made Mar 13 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-03-13T16:25:54-04:00

Don't follow the course of the military and change something because of a few bad apples. Depriving the many because of the few seems contrary to your core belief (give the veteran a break). Absorb the blow and keep your pace - there are far to many of us that say thank you than spit in your eye.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-03-13T16:29:24-04:00

Fair enough. But I will tell you, I felt more slighted in restaurants where only my entrée got a discount, while my wife and kid's meals were still full price, than in places where we all paid full price.

Response by PO1 Derrick Miller made Mar 13 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-03-13T17:24:43-04:00

Even when I was active duty, I rarely ever took the military discount. And personally I think it's kind of annoying when people thank me. When I served I felt it was a job more than a higher calling. I don't get thanked for doing my current job, and it's 10 times more work than what I did in the military. I do like that my time in service helped me to get my job, but I feel I could have gotten it without being in as well. And family members always seem to have the chip on their shoulder about these sort of things rather than it being the service member/vet/retiree.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-03-13T17:35:10-04:00

Well said. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Too many service members feel like everyone they meet owes them special treatment.

Response by MSG Dan Foster made Mar 13 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-03-13T18:16:09-04:00

I expect my pension and my retirement benefits because I earned them. Any discounts offered by privately owed businesses is appreciated but I can't think of a thing I did to earn such discounts.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-03-13T23:03:50-04:00

You got it in one sir. I will say your post doesn't really match the thread title you know? More focused on dependas then Vets.

I will say for myself I kinda hate it when people thank me for my service, and I almost never ask for discounts or anything because I just feel awkward. Usually the only way I end up with them is people see the "Veteran" marker on my state ID.

Then again it took a Vietnam era Gunny at an MCL meeting taking me out to the woodline for a quick "counseling" to convince me to apply for my VA benefits as well... so maybe it's just me?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:12 PM

2015-03-13T23:12:11-04:00

Sir,

I agree with you on most points. Such behaviors only sour the relationship between the military and our civilian counterparts. It's been my experience having worked retail in the past it is often the spouses who are the most troublesome. How spouses have become such an entitled group is something that continues to amaze me, especially as someone who was an "Army Husband" while my wife was on active duty. ( I was in the ARNG at the time) I did have two older veterans give me a tirade once about all the things they should be entitled to as Cold War Veterans. When I informed them they were speaking to a Combat Veteran they thankfully shut up. I also remember seeing a drive on Facebook by spouses to boycott a business that was discontinuing their military discount during the worst part of the recession. Such behavior is shameful.

I do support the hiring preference, in large part because I have struggled to find a good job due to my commitments to the ARNG. I turned down a job as a highway patrolman because they wouldn't work with my ARNG annual training or commitments as a Company Commander. Unemployment of GWOT veterans 18-25 is also one of the highest of all demographics. When my Battalion deployed we had an unemployment rate of almost 40% of Soldiers in grades E1-E4. The time they've spent overseas and training they could have instead spent building their career. There are also documented cases of discrimination against our Guard and Reserve members. Businesses don't want to hire people who could be gone for a year or more. For these reasons I feel the 5 extra points we receive in Federal job applications is justified.

While my high and tight often gives me away, I typically do not ask for a discount or advertise my Veteran status either. The only place I regularly ask for a military discount has a large sign in the front window advertising it. We as Veterans should be grateful for these small courtesies, not entitled.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 13 at 2015 11:12 PM

2015-03-13T23:12:17-04:00

The only thing I expect to be treated with respect and dignity, and I will do the same.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-03-13T23:40:04-04:00

Sir, some people think they're entitled to every thing. I for one never ask for any discounts.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Mar 14 at 2015 2:23 AM

2015-03-14T02:23:41-04:00

As a veteran/retired Navy man, I always ask for military discounts. If the merchant doesn't offer one or only offers it to active duty types no hair off my balls. I still patronize that business. My wife is the same way. If they don't extend the discount to spouses of retired service members whoop-a-dee-doo, she'll still buy their product.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 14 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-03-14T12:07:06-04:00

First, thank you sir for remembering the First Responders in your community. We (I'm an EMT & volunteer fireman) get overlooked and under-appreciated a vast majority of the time.

Secondly, where in any of the laws, policies, rules, etc, etc does it say a business owner HAS to give discounts to anyone for anything? Classic example of the "entitlement mentality" run amok.

My wife and I are always appreciative whenever a business chooses to offer a discount. They don't have to cut into their profit margin just for me and I try to support them more because of their generosity.

Response by SSgt Stevan Auldridge made Mar 14 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-03-14T12:20:46-04:00

Stand your ground. If a person acted like that and was a decorated hard core vet I would still tell them to go pound sand.

Response by MAJ Jose Lugo made Mar 14 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-03-14T15:32:36-04:00

Should the retirees have the discount as well?

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Mar 14 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-03-14T19:58:05-04:00

I have seen how dependents have a sense of entitlement to discounts and services. And it makes me sick. I do blame the current society norm of thanking troops and their families for there scarifies that makes this a bigger problem. Now you have spouses who feel that they should be thanks for the sacrifice they take on. In my opinion they know what they are getting themselves into when they date/marry a service member. While i was active duty i very rarely ever asked for a discount most of the the time they knew i was military. If i did not receive my discount i did not make a stink or ask for it. Thank you for bringing up a hard subject.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 14 at 2015 9:58 PM

2015-03-14T21:58:54-04:00

I'll ask if a place has one, if they don't no big deal, I figure the worse I can be told is no. My wife would never ask for me. No one is however obligated to give us anything beyond normal civilized respect.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 10:01 PM

2015-03-14T22:01:08-04:00

I am always very appreciative when a business offers a military discount. If they don't I do not take offense to it at all.

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Mar 15 at 2015 12:08 AM

2015-03-15T00:08:52-04:00

Ok, fast answer is we never "expect" discount but always "appreciate" them. Now, as for family members, WOW, a lot of negativity here for our loved ones who have, like we have, move every 2 to 3 years, reset their lives, postponed their careers, and accompanied us as we have served ours. Most of us have those horror stories about the Co's/CG's spouse doing this or the 1SG's/CSM's spouse doing that. However, most of us also have great stories about spouses, regardless of rank, who have held families together while we have been elsewhere: deployed, training, in the field, NTC, JRTC, unaccompanied tours, schools, late hours, weekends, etc. Unfortunately, some may feel that they wear their soldiers rank. "We," as the service members, are responsible with letting them know the military norms.
A humorous aside: My wife tells everyone she married me for my money. I was a PFC at the time and she was a SP4.
Family members = family. Dependents = ????

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 9:14 AM

2015-03-15T09:14:48-04:00

You can certainly ask if a discount is offered. Everyone does in some shape or fashion. However, one of the answers can be NO!.. It is not an automatic entitlement.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Mar 15 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-03-15T09:28:51-04:00

"At the end of the day I'm a capitalist and fought to defend that system," (LTC Duffy). You got that right! Let's not forget, freedom is what we were/are fighting for. And, the younger generation are getting a lot more benefits than I ever got. I am glad they do, but they should be grateful for it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-03-15T10:12:57-04:00

I agree. I appreciate people thanking me for my service, but I'm not much for being in the spotlight. I am also a law enforcement officer and hear people offer me discounts, which is alright but I sometimes feel that I don't need the undue attention. Especially in my job, people can take that the wrong way. Some military family members try to wear the member's rank. I do appreciate the sacrifice that these family members make by supporting their family member when they're gone, but with certain perks there comes a certain amount of decorum. Thank you sir for your service, and continue to move forward with your successful business!

Response by MSgt Steven Goetsch made Mar 15 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-03-15T14:28:35-04:00

Agreed on the entitlement culture. It goes far beyond military communities. I disagree with military/veteran hiring preferences. Someone who puts in 20 years will have a large gap compared to their counterparts. Training, ability to move to new opportunities, and even new career challenges take back seats to mission accomplishment.

Response by CAPT Stu Merrill made Mar 15 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-03-15T16:56:54-04:00

I agreed with the concept that vets are best to be emotionally prepared to not get any "special treatment". not to expect a discount and be surprised and appreciative when one is offered.

As we all know, only 8% of our Nation's adults have ever served in the Armed Services. It truly is wonderful when conscientious business owners show their appreciation for the commitment and protection afforded by the service of the Military Members by offering a discount.

LTC is right, as a business owner in our capitalist society, he is at liberty to offer or not offer discounts to whichever groups he chooses and as consumers we get to vote with our wallets and our feet. If he chooses not to offer a discount to military dependents, then they may choose to walk - each would be within their rights - let's just not chastise the cashier for a business owner's policy...

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Mar 15 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-03-15T17:50:27-04:00

A tip of the hat to you and someone will always complain. Hopefully it is just the spouse whining and she didn't learn it from her sponsor. Unfortunately at times I have heard active duty gripe that they were upgraded on their flight for free and other senses of entitlement, but thankfully they are in the minority. As a Nam vet I am glad to see the troops get some recognition, but I cringe at times when they demand it.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Mar 15 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-03-15T19:01:32-04:00

About a year ago, a clerk at a store unloaded both barrels on a customer when the customer wanted 10% off because she was married to a service member who spent six years in the service. Ironically, the clerk pulled out a picture of her husband who she declared lost a limb and hearing in combat and stated that she wasn't asking for spouse benefits....so why in the hell should the customer!!!! There was a silence in the store and the customer apologized and paid for her items ( without the discount) and customers started clapping. I walked up next in line, smiled and paid for my items and the items in the arms of the customer behind me. When asked why I was paying for the person behind me, I smiled and showed her my MOPH membership card without saying a word and walked to the car outside. As citizens we all need to be mindful of who the discounts are for and mindful of those among us that have sacrificed more and also of those who claim entitlement. It's is the veteran who raised their right hand and swore an oath to defend and wrote a blank check up to and including their lives.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 15 at 2015 10:07 PM

2015-03-15T22:07:36-04:00

Sir, Sorry to hear about the customer going Irate. I'm a DEm (Moderate) before EDS in Dallas or Plano, Tx got purchased what about the following?

1. Helping for College (401K) --- 529 for them
2. 50 Plus - Health insurance or the FED will impose a Penalty
3. Loan for under 5 million from BOFA, too small I found out a few weeks a go from friend at the bank.

Have I missed anything else.

I take my had off to trying to start and keep your business going climate.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 15 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-03-15T23:23:01-04:00

I would agree, that most service members/veterans are low key, and don't expect anything, but we/they do appreciate being appreciated. Spouses can be another issue entirely. Many think they are the spouses rank, and many fell overly entitled.

That said, as a retiree, with close to 33 years on active duty, I believe our families also sacrifice and serve too.

Most places I know that offer a military discount, don't differentiate about the type of ID card you have. But, as a business owner, that is clearly your call.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 16 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-03-16T10:15:57-04:00

I never ask for discounts - with that being said I usually pay for everything with my debit card which is USAA. Most business see that and ask if I am military I then I say yes - retired. Then they say well we have a 10% discount and thank your for your service. I appreciate any and all discounts...but never demand them.

Response by SFC Jack Dilbeck made Mar 16 at 2015 10:54 PM

2015-03-16T22:54:54-04:00

To start with, this is a societal problem and my guess is the dependent was a young spouse. Second, you pose your question in such a manner that no reasonable person would disagree with you. It appears that you are not seeking opinions but rather wanting to vent your frustration. Third, as a retired soldier I appreciate discounts offered but don't expect or demand them. On the other hand, I am loyal to those businesses that offer them. When dinning out, I frequent those establishments that give discounts and typically add the discount back to the tip amount. Finally, here are a few questions to consider. 1. If the service member was present would your discount have been applied to the entire order? 2. If the spouse paid while the service member was present would the discount be applied? 3. Does it make good business sense to publicly vent about customer issues? In the end, you should choose based on what impact your decision will potentially have on your sales. Best of luck.

ps. There has been a huge pendulum swing from the time I entered the military right after Vietnam and today. In my day, service members and their family members were discriminated against routinely. Today, the public treats service members like they are helpless and can't make it without public sympathy and lots of handouts. Personally, I think it has gone way too far. Service members that I know now want to be treated with respect and an understanding that they accomplish what everyday people can't imagine. And I damn sure don't think they want to be treated like everyone in the military has TBI and PTSD.

Response by SFC Russell Campbell made Mar 19 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-03-19T01:37:21-04:00

Amen Sir!
I always say that nobody held a gun to my head to serve. Firstly, if you go through a lot of shit in a combat situation, don't expect civilians to understand squat. Secondly, we as veterans also know there are real phony posers out there who might or might not have seen some stuff, but go out of their way to garner attention and bennies from the civilian sector as well as the VA, hell I've seen some of these people on this website. Yeah, I got some bennies too when I retired, but I try not to suck up anymore than what the Army and the VA gave me initially when I retired in 2007 after 22 years. I always felt lucky that I got out with all my digits, arms and legs, when a lot of my friends are either dead or crippled for life. I also had a plan well before I retired to ensure I had some kind of fiscal sanity in my life after the Army. A lot of service personnel don't do this.
As far as the dependent wife types, they can go blow a dead horse. Nobody held a gun to their head either and NO they did not put up a right hand and swear and oath to protect and defend. What they do is get freebies through their spouses labors and tend to be a pain in the ass for soldiers, NCOs and Officers. What I HAVE SEEN IS THE 80% DIVORCE RATE DURING WAR that the dependents make happen after they screw Joe (and Molly's ) life (infidelity, drama, etc.) and bank account up when Joe and Molly are deployed. If profiling is valid, then HELL no, don't give that woman or man a discount because they are riding the coat-tails of their SERVING SPOUSE!

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 19 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-03-19T08:12:40-04:00

I as an active member don't pull military I.D. out unless I am specifically asked for it or if it is the most convenient I.D. I have to pull out if the store needs it to verify my debit card. I don't like advertising my military service in the civilian world, especially in this day and age of easily offended/anti-military people. If people in the general public think I am a civilian like everyone else then I am perfectly ok with that.

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Mar 25 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-03-25T13:24:24-04:00

When I first saw this I was like hear we go... But I can completely understand you annoyance. I always ask if a place has a military discount, if they say no I don't act rude and create a scene. Honestly usually places will say specifically who the discount applies to and most times people don't take the time to read. I applaud you and your successful business. Oh yeah, Smoothies Rock!

Charlie Oscar Xray

Response by SGT Robert Petersen made Apr 2 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-04-02T12:40:04-04:00

Well said sir! If I ever find myself in that part of the nation again, I'll be sure to stop in. I can pay for mine without the discount. Thanks all the same sir.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Jan 3 at 2018 7:27 AM

2018-01-03T07:27:31-05:00

Spouses and other family members of Veterans should learn to enjoy the benefits of the service given to them; additional entitlement is gravy on the trail.

People respect veterans for their sacrifice in providing security for the Nation. The benefits after serving is earned and must be cherished; respect is earned too.

Treatment towards others, especially subordinate ranks and superiors, must be within the expected norms; we all love to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This is the norm, so follow it. Give respect and earn respect. This is how I was taught to act; nothing is different.

I was a Specialist once upon a time and I had gone outside my quarters on base to water the flower beds, when an officer yelled at me for stepping out without a shirt. I was irate at first, but then I felt humbled. I replied politely, "I do understand Sir; however, the day is over and yard work in uniform isn't suggested. If you insist, I will change into civilian clothes?". The officer shook hands with me and moved on and I got my watering done.

It matters how we treat others and it makes a difference in how we approach indiscipline too.

Response by SSG Michael Johnston made Apr 11 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-04-11T15:02:10-04:00

Personally, I am very sorry that your employee had this unfortunate experience. As a veteran owned small business, I have no doubt that your employees enjoy working for you and your wife!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 11 at 2018 5:44 PM

2018-04-11T17:44:45-04:00

So your cashier met a depenopotumus! You as an owner only have to obey the law, personally I have seen very little discount for service members family, except maybe Lowe's