Were you respected when you left the military? Do you feel that you are respected as a Veteran/Retiree; now?

Some days...to both. Maybe on some of those days I was deserving of the respect?

The one thing I always remember about respect and my retirement was when I was doing my final out processing, I was getting near the end of the paperwork and I asked the civilian shuffling the paper, "I thought I was supposed to get a flag?" Her reply was, "Where did you hear that?"

She had me there, while I had heard that we got a flag, I was not sure where I had heard it and I let the subject drop. Not long after this we had completed all the paper work...I guess...and she got up and left the office for a bit. She came back and tossed me a box...with my flag in it. She walked over to the printer, got me a copy of my DD214 and that was that. I was a bit underwhelmed and disappointed that they felt the need to hold out on the flag unless one asked?

I don't really advertise my service or veteran status. So unless I am on this site or at a VA appointment. Although at the VA, I tend to get the question "are you here with your husband?"... by both other employees and other veterans. It's annoying. But as for respect, besides living in my husband shadow thing... for the most part yes respect is great... but as with everything respect is earned in given. And it is on a personal basis. Not just because you had once wore a uniform.

Yes, and yes.

There is little respect for retirees around here (Fayetteville, NC) on base you are at best a third class citizen who is "abusing" the system you spent twenty years in and at worst is someone taking a benefit or medical appointment from an Active Duty soldier or his family.  In the civilian sector you're just another ex-military guy looking for handout or discount. 

Sad to say, but that's what it's like.

Now there is a small faction that does make you feel appreciated, like the gate guards at Bragg....they always address you by rank and are respectful.   But with few exceptions the rest of the base treats you like an unwanted stepchild .....

I have had people come up to me and say thank you with that I would say yes I have been respected.

I personally find it funny how little civilians know about service. I was asked if I was SF within a week of getting out. Hell I am am 5'8" and weigh 186 ponds these days. Do I look like I was SF? I don't expect any more respect than anyone else in the world. I did what I did because I wanted to do it. Just like anyone else I expect to earn the respect of other by way of my actions, not for what I have done in the past. If you feel inclined to thank me for my service when you see the DV plates on the Jeep, cool, but we should not expect to be showered in affection for the rest of our lives!

Yes to both and I reciprocate the same respect regardless of the persons rank or position. I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to serve.

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", I cannot find your comment anywhere; if you did in fact respond. So, therefore, I cannot respond to your response. I apologize.

I fell like I am invisible as a female veteran

I haven't really noticed yet ask I'm recently retired and don't live near a base, so when I get to Bragg, Lejeune, or Seymour-Johnson, I like ok forward to just being around a familiar setting. MSgt Stacy mentioned the gate guards at Bragg and I concur, very respectful.