Veterans "uncomfortable" with "thank you for your service," ask for more civilian support this...

Always makes me feel uncomfortable when people seek you out and say it, but I usually just smile and say “thank you for your support”.

I try and remember that we are lucky that most of the public does this as many of our brothers and sisters who previously wore the uniform in the Vietnam era did receive such treatment. So just smile say “thank you” or “we appreciate you” and carry on.

It used to make me uncomfortable when people said it to me, but now, I just say “thank you” and move on. It’s actually just a harmless way of acknowledging my service. I don’t get bent out of shape over it.

As a veteran myself, I have also said "Thank You for your service" to many veterans and active military members. I have a son in the Marine Corp and I have a son that just transitioned out of the Navy and I am so proud of them. But my Marine son did actually say to me not long ago that he feels awkward when someone thanks him for his service and really never knows what to say back (he is not much of a speaker to begin with..lol). There will always be those that may not feel comfortable hearing it, but then there will always be those that appreciate that people thank them (even though no one joins the service just to be told that of course).

But I do also agree that if people really want to "thank" our service members, current and past, they should do something to support them. There are many great organizations out there that do some great things for our troops and veterans and it is so easy to find ways to contribute ..whether it be volunteering time or money..there is something everyone can do!

I myself am putting together 30 Christmas stockings to send to Soldier's Angels.org (they do some really awesome things and is a GREAT organization) who then sends them to military members that are deployed and not able to be home for the holidays. I started doing it last year and the couple of responses that I got back from the recipients were so heartwarming and totally made my holiday brighter!

I am not doing it alone this year though. I have a LOT of friends on facebook because I am admin of a large group that has to do with a hobby of mine. But these people are not just "group members"..they are friends and some are like family. So I posted a request for help on my FB asking for assistance in donations to help put these stockings together for our troops. Just like in the military...teamwork is how you get things done! :)

I am also a Local Veteran Employment Representative for the state of PA and it's my job to help connect veterans with employment and I have to say it's pretty awesome that I get to have a job that connects with a life passion and help those that have done so much for so little!

God Bless our veterans!! They deserve our gratitude and so much more!