Veteran Branding…Why We Shouldn't Brag About Being the One-Percent - In Military

I guess it can go both ways. I am a disabled veteran and chose not to put a Veteran license plate on my vehicle or wear shirts declaring so. This does not take away from my pride. I am damn proud to be a Veteran. It's not about being a part of the 1 %, it is about the fact that I (and thousands more like me) did something not many people were willing to do. I have inherited thousands of brothers and sister (regardless of branch) because of it. If Veterans want to shout to the highest mountains that they are proud, let them; they have certainly earned it. If you choose not to brag, that is your choice.

I think we should brag a little and be proud. Think about the Vietnam Veterans that were spat upon when they returned home and made to feel like second class citizens. Every Vietnam Veteran that I come across, I proudly shake their hand. They were made to feel ashamed when they came home. I want to make them feel pride again instead of shame. We owe it to the Veterans that came before us to acknowledge and thank them. Are we special? Are we deserving of the accolades? Yes...we are...and we shouldn't let anyone tell us different.

This is probably one of the best articles I have read here on RP. I agree we as veterans have become the same entitled generation that we so readily complain about with the millennials that are slowly joining our ranks. Just my penny worth of thoughts. Again great read and thank you for sharing. Definitely made me think again about my own personal humility.

This article is spot-on accurate. When my time in uniform is over, I will have my "love-me" wall in my man cave (my MI Corps certificate from 1995 and my retirement certificate in 2020), and that is about it. Sure, I have some t-shirts that have U.S. Army on them, but I do not ever think about wearing them for a discount. Whenever I see a veteran in a store, the airport, or an event, I make it a point to go thank them for their service. Many are surprised, because they do not expect the thanks. Overall, I have found that people are aware of your service without saying a word. Being calm and collected often speaks volumes.