What's the best response for "thank you for your service"? I like to say this...

SGT Corey Franks — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:20:36 -0400

So for a long time I did not know what to say when someone said this to me. But finally I have the best thing to say that makes complete sense...

With a smile I say, "Thank YOU for paying your taxes"

Its comical and they always laugh, but also very true at the same time. I am a people person and this has opened so many door of opportunity for me. Feel free to use it and post your comments on what you normally say.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Mar 13 at 2015 2:22 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:22:29 -0400

i DONT THINK THATS THE WAY TO ANSIR SOMEONE WHO IS HONORING YOUR SERVICE FROM THE HEART Back to the drawing board for you !!!!!!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 13 at 2015 2:42 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:42:59 -0400

To me, SGT Corey Franks, your response seems like an insincere way to respond to someone who's trying to be sincere and gracious. A simple "Thank you" should suffice.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 3:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:25:04 -0400

My answer is always, "It is my privilege."

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

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:29:37 -0400

I honestly say "No problem". It's quick, feels more comfortable than saying "You're welcome", and it ends the uncomfortable feeling I get for being thanked pretty quickly.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 8:33 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:33:53 -0400

After hearing it'time and time again I decided that I had to come up with am appropriate answer. So my answers to those patriots are "thank you for taking the time to appreciate us" and "thank you for your support"

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Mar 16 at 2015 8:38 AM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:38:38 -0400

No matter how I am feeling at the time, I immediately light up, shake their hand and say thank you for your support. If I have a free second, I will talk to them for a bit. I do this because of one event. When I was returning from R&R going back to Iraq, the entire group was leaving Atlanta Airport. I heard a message across the speaker system say that this group is going back to Iraq. The entire airport stopped and all I could hear were claps and whistles. I have never been so taken aback by the support from our country.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 9:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:53:20 -0400

I usually say, "Thank you for supporting us."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 9:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:56:31 -0400

I always say it was my honor. I also tend to thank them for the appreciation. There are not many that will go out and do that. I do every time I see a Veteran or Active Duty member.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:01:29 -0400

I always say "Thank you for your support"...if they are wearing something the identifies them as a veteran such as a hat I thank them for their service as well

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:12 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:12:43 -0400

I feel uncfortable when they do thank me, as that's not why I serve. But I always answer with, "It's an honor sir / ma'am."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:16:16 -0400

I always say "it's my honor ma'am or sir".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:20:19 -0400

Them: Thank you for your service.
Me: It is an honor.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:21 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:21:17 -0400

This has always made me feel a little uncomfortable because in my eyes I am just doing my job, but I have learned over the years that a simple "Thank you" and smile works best.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:23 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:23:07 -0400

If I'm expecting it I go with "Thank you for your support", though in reality it usually catches me off-guard and I haven't had my coffee yet so its sometimes an awkward "uhh...no problem, you're welcome."

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 16 at 2015 10:23 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:23:36 -0400

It always takes me by surprise when someone says it since it was not routinely (or ever) said while I served or for years after I left the service (1981-1985). I usually say you're welcome, it was my pleasure and leave it at that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:25 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:25:46 -0400

Shake their hand and say thank you. I do it for the older vets with the Vietnam/Korea/etc hats. Maybe it's just being friendly? What's wrong with that?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 16 at 2015 11:14 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:14:54 -0400

i say "thank you, have a good day." or some variation of, no need to make a thing out of it either way.

Response by TSgt Joshua Lynch made Mar 16 at 2015 11:18 AM

TSgt Joshua Lynch — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:18:29 -0400

What an awesome response; it's great! I stick with the basic, "You're welcome, thank you." But now I'm encouraged to come up with something a bit more epic.

Response by SGT William Owens made Mar 16 at 2015 11:36 AM

SGT William Owens — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:36:00 -0400

I ALWAYS say THANK YOU for noticing. Have had it the other way too wharer they spit on my shoes and swear. To them I stay calm.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 1:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:51:31 -0400

It was my Honor!

Used to get freaked about this one. I did what i did for my own reasons much like most in the military, and it was always strange to me that people were thanking me for my service. It just didn't feel right to me, but i have overcome that to a small degree.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Mar 16 at 2015 1:57 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:57:48 -0400

For me, it is usually "Thank you for your support!"

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 2:12 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:12:34 -0400

I most always respond with a "Thank you. It is my privilege." I do note the few comments here of veterans who do not like your more light-hearted "Thank YOU for paying your taxes" come from earlier eras - where they were not as inundated with the gratitude of the American people as those of us who served in the last 12 years or so. I know it has been (and is) sometimes uncomfortable and certainly overwhelming to be in airports or restaurants while in uniform over the past decade. Perhaps responding with a more humorous "thank you" can make the veteran less uncomfortable. I think the most important thing is that you acknowledge the person thanking you in whatever way that sounds the most appreciative and sincere coming from you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 2:39 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:39:42 -0400

that is a real good response

Response by SCPO Stephen Norred made Mar 16 at 2015 2:43 PM

SCPO Stephen Norred — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:43:07 -0400

The truth "My Pleasure" and brother it truly is most of all looking back!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 2:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:58:38 -0400

I say "thank you for your support!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:49:14 -0400

"Thank you for your support"

Response by CPO Michael Yagnich made Mar 18 at 2015 11:45 AM

CPO Michael Yagnich — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:45:37 -0400

I say: "Thank you for saying that. It was the best decision I ever made. I enjoyed ever minute of my time in the service."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 2:43 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:43:49 -0400

My two response choices, situation dependent:

1. Immediately clenches hand and raise it for some fist bumping action.
2. Reply with "It's my pleasure to serve you"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 8:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:44:18 -0400

I usually say "Thank you for your support and it is greatly appreciated" and if I know they are a veteran I thank them for their service. If they are a Vietnam veteran I welcome them home as well since so many of them never received that when they came home.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 9:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:41:15 -0400

Thank you for your support!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Mar 19 at 2015 9:24 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:24:53 -0400

I'm humbled to serve a grateful nation. Thank you for your support.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 19 at 2015 11:27 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 23:27:20 -0400

"No. Thank you, I appreciate the support."

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 20 at 2015 8:32 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:32:13 -0400

"It's an honor."

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 24 at 2015 10:32 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 22:32:05 -0400

"Thank you for your support"

Response by MAJ Daniel Buchholz made Mar 25 at 2015 12:33 PM

MAJ Daniel Buchholz — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:33:28 -0400

"It was my honor to serve"

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jul 16 at 2015 9:48 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:48:00 -0400

I struggled with that for a long time, and came to the conclusion that "Thank you for your support" works best for me.

I came to that conclusion with the realization that it hasn't always been that way, the guys that came back from Vietnam didn't always get a Hero's welcome, and I want to encourage people who can put aside their political beliefs and support the troops.

Response by CPL Roland Newton made Jul 25 at 2015 5:53 PM

CPL Roland Newton — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 17:53:39 -0400

When someone tells me thanks for my service, I just say your welcome, and I Loved every minute of serving

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 3:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:24:44 -0500

Thank you for not stopping the guy that sent me away from my family for 3 years. I really dug it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 1:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 13:23:57 -0400

I like your response. But I believe my 75 yo. Retired First Sgt. Father in law has a great response.
When someone says thank you for your service he responds with " Don't thank me thank the ones that didn't make it home"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 3:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 15:09:21 -0400

I simply say " thank you for your support!"

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jun 4 at 2016 5:12 PM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 17:12:21 -0400

Honestly I dont hear that often, usually I dont look "Military", but my family often thanks me, its kinda awkward but I get it. I usually stick to "Best job I could ask for".

Response by Carrie Bern made Jun 4 at 2016 9:35 PM

Carrie Bern — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 21:35:45 -0400

As a civilian on this site, I say thank you all for your service! I know everyone chooses to serve for their own reasons (&some who did not choose as well), but no matter the reason you all served this great nation.

Response by CPO james A. Redd Jr made Jun 5 at 2016 1:58 PM

CPO james A. Redd Jr — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 13:58:57 -0400

thank you for buying my hookers overseas with your taxes. That makes 'em step back for a second and give this weird look and a low key chuckle. Usually they turn and walk away real quick after that! :)

Response by CPO Gene Gysin made Jun 5 at 2016 8:32 PM

CPO Gene Gysin — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 20:32:02 -0400

I tell them there is no need to thank me. It made what I am today. The Navy taught me that my limits are way past what I think they are.

Response by Jose Young made Sep 21 at 2016 5:46 AM

Jose Young — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:46:20 -0400

Thank you for sharing this information.It was informative a s usual. Actually I looked up it on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org">wiki</a>.

Response by Jose Young made Sep 21 at 2016 5:47 AM

Jose Young — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:47:41 -0400

Thank you for sharing this information.It was informative a s usual. Actually I looked up it on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org">wiki</a>.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 9:29 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 21:29:18 -0400

SGT Corey Franks Since reading your response I have been using it. I get some smiles and a dew Ohs etc.

Response by TSgt Gregory McKinney made Nov 11 at 2016 5:12 PM

TSgt Gregory McKinney — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:12:13 -0500

"You're Welcome for your Freedom."

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2016 6:31 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 18:31:19 -0500

I ask to pay their taxes so that my retirement checks keep coming. Almost always good for a laugh and several promised to do so.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 11 at 2016 8:38 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 20:38:24 -0500

i simply say ... "your welcome and thank you for your support..."

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2016 11:53 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 23:53:22 -0500

"Thank you for your support"

Response by SPC Lisa McGinnis made Jan 3 at 2017 10:39 PM

SPC Lisa McGinnis — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 22:39:09 -0500

I always say "It was my privilege and honor, to serve.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 4 at 2017 12:38 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 00:38:48 -0500

I usually respond with thank You for thanking Me ! I do appreciate this, it wasn't what i heard when I returned from Viet Nam.

Response by CPO Gary Hamm made Feb 6 at 2017 9:12 PM

CPO Gary Hamm — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 21:12:25 -0500

ALL STOP! Immediately turn and face the music. Think of it like Colors because your service is being honored. Stand at attention! Look them square in the eye and with your biggest most sincere grin simply say, "Thank you very much Sir/Maam. It was an honor and my privilege so serve. Thank YOU for being such an awesome American!"

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 11 at 2018 2:49 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:49:06 -0400

Usually I just thank them back.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 11 at 2018 5:47 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:47:03 -0400

It was my privilege, damn fine troops in crappy places.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 5:29 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:29:37 -0400

I always freak out and say thankyou too

Response by Kennedy Christopher made Nov 9 at 2018 9:01 PM

Kennedy Christopher — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:01:54 -0500

I’m Glenn Baker from USA. I was able to get a loan from this firm owned by Mr. Theodore Jameson after i read some vital info about their loan programs online then i decided to contact them and i was funded $462,000 without much time wasted. Have you be declined for a loan from your bank or any other organization, then i will advise you to contact Mr Daniel email: ( [login to see] ) if you are in need of any kind of loans such as: personal loans, business loans, or Phone Number: + [login to see] .

Response by Kennedy Christopher made Nov 9 at 2018 9:02 PM

Kennedy Christopher — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:02:45 -0500

Response by Richard Carino made Mar 16 at 2019 8:35 AM

Richard Carino — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 08:35:24 -0400

I believe that openness and honesty are the best quality for the military. And this answer really makes people smile, you can find an article on this at https://cheapessaywriter.net/. Thanks for the advice, now I will say that too.

Essay Writer: Get Your Paper at the Lowest Price - Cheap Essay Writer

Get professional and cheap essay writer online from affordable essay writing service. Lowest prices, high quality.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 9:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:46:08 -0400

You’re welcome, It was/is an honor to serve.

Response by SSgt Ray Bebee made May 20 at 2020 7:22 PM

SSgt Ray Bebee — Wed, 20 May 2020 19:22:52 -0400

I respond with, "You're worth it." This usually puts a smile on their faces.