Have the GWOT vets become the entitlement culture they claim to hate?

SPC Geoffrey Chatten — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:03:15 -0400

I was involved in quite the Internet battle yesterday evening. At one point my family was even threatened (by a SSG). This was over a company I support. One of their customers had an issue so he had all of his buddies attack the business leaving tasteless reviews and slander. Much of the slander was in regards to "screwing a soldier". The fact that these guys served gave them some sense of entitlement.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Mar 26 at 2016 10:08 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:08:39 -0400

Why should GWOT vets be any different from the rest?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 10:13 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:13:30 -0400

this is led to do with vets and more to do with an asshole who has supportive friends. If I have a bad experience at a business I don't slam it. If a friend asks about that place I'll simply tell them what happened to me, nothing more.

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Mar 26 at 2016 10:32 PM

SSG Keith Evans — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:32:09 -0400

Most GWOT vets were recruited from this entitlement generation. I think what we're seeing is just a microcosm of the society we live in. it's not pretty

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 26 at 2016 10:32 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:32:47 -0400

There are certain things that many of us call entitlements which are actually benefits of being in the military. SGLI, VA cre, government assistance, education, etc.

However, us putting on our uniforms does not necessarily make us more entitled to anything other our government benefits.

Honestly, I think soldiers like that need to step back and take a page from our Vietnam Vets playbook.

They came back to a country that spot on them, called them baby killers, could be denied employment just because they fought in Vietnam. These guys came back just wanting to be treated like members of society, but were denied that "entitlement".

Today, when you see a Vietnam Vet, they are proud to wear that title, but they never a ask for a handout. If one is offered, when they accept it they do so graciously, knowing that it was given out of kindness and respect. The only entitlement you have as a member of our US Armed Forces are the benefits which the military offered you when you joined.

Anything outside of that, believe it or not, is earned in the way you present yourselves. From Vet to Vet, if anyone claiming to be a Veteran approaches me and asks for a handout and brings disgrace on the service which I swore never to bring disgrace to, you'll be lucky to walk in again.

I believe that if you sign on that dotted like as a member of these armed forces voluntarily, that for the rest of your life you will represent the military.

If you give our military a bad name, then I'm still enough of an NCO that I keep the Army FM 22-102 handy.

For those who do not know, this is the "Army Field Manual For Wall to Wall Counseling", the manual of all manuals.

It's sad that it's out of publication now.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 26 at 2016 10:35 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:35:19 -0400

Define entitlement. Are these vets seeking what they were promised or something more? Really, it's a valid question. The government is spending so much on undeserved entitlements that they can't afford to deliver on the promises they made to those who served. Some businesses follow the lead of the government and play along.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 26 at 2016 10:40 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:40:05 -0400

I've stopped asking for the military discount. I see it abused when SM's get bent over someone not "honoring" their service and sacrifice. So unless the store knows I'm retired, I don't ask. I'll ask for the Senior Citizens, Kids under 12, and anything else to get a discount, but not with my ID card. We're owed NOTHING unless we had direct skin in the game, or it was in our enlistment contracts. Otherwise go kick rocks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 10:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 22:48:37 -0400

I personally, rarley ever ask for a military discount. Usually only with purchases from large corporation. Phones , Uhauls, Insurance are the only things that come to mind since ive been in the service (7yrs) otherwise i never ask at resturants or any other business despite the fact that certain family members always tell me I should ask. I personally dont feel like Im entitled to anything (the government actualy compensates us quite a bit). I didnt join so i could use it as moral leverage on society.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 11:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:00:31 -0400

Unfortunately we service members are a sample of our population as a whole. Including idiots.

Response by SSG Darian Jones made Mar 26 at 2016 11:10 PM

SSG Darian Jones — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:10:58 -0400

Just by joining the military you get some entitlement. If they were smart they would get it!

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Mar 26 at 2016 11:19 PM

SPC Matt Johnson — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:19:39 -0400

self entitles douchbags, idiots, fucktards, criminals, corrupt a-holes and mamma's special lil boys have been a part of every generation of the military. With the good comes the bad.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Mar 26 at 2016 11:30 PM

SGT Shawn Schweinberg — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:30:59 -0400

Yep I've seen this too. Being a vet doesn't mean we can take what we want and clam crap we didn't do. Some like to bolster their stories and put themselves in the middle of the action when they spend their deployment on the FOB working in the TOC or if on FOB Warrior working for the mayor cell.
We all have to remember that those achievements that we did earn doesn't mean we take stuff we didn't earn.
You clam crap that you have no right to clam then you are no better then those dipsticks that dress & play soldiers. We also don't treat our fellow Service brothers & sisters like crap
We are our community we stand by each other not using our positions to make life hard for a fellow member. And if you're a coward who bullies others to make yourself feel less like a Sh@& for brains try that crap on me. I'm not afraid of losers and I've not been successful bullied scene my first year of high school back in the early 1990's.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Mar 26 at 2016 11:35 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:35:43 -0400

Let us not forget that many business do a discount to honor and thank veterans. Not sll do which is alright. But if you go to a store, say Lowes which does offer a 10% discount and buy a $1000 stove, well that is a $100 off. Those $100 could add up fast. I believe they make money by doing that. It brings people back to the store.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 11:56 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:56:26 -0400

This is a valid question.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 11:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:56:52 -0400

There are plenty of soldiers out there who feel entitled. They are sadly mistaken. It's a shame many soldiers operate feeling like this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 01:02:04 -0400

Of course. A few guys represent an entire generation. Also, there were no neanderthals or hoodlums in prior generations who misrepresented the Army Values. Just this one.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 01:52:54 -0400

El Pollo Loco mexican fast food chain20 to 50% discount and it's automatic when in uniform
by the drive-up employee

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:54 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 01:54:32 -0400

free food to military in uniform at John Wayne airport McDonald's in orange county california!

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 27 at 2016 2:10 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 02:10:26 -0400

Something I discovered when participating in many "debates" on private gun ownership (not the subject on hand, but I would be wrong if I didn't acknowledge this is where I found this): ultimately we are the customer when we walk into the store/business, and while we do have rights those who run said business have rights too. The business owners have the right to set a policy that we don't agree with as long as it doesn't violate any law currently in practice. That said, thanks to us having a free market economy we as the customer have the right to simply not shop there and look elsewhere for what we need if we don't like said policy. If a baker refuses to bake a cake for a homosexual couple because of religious beliefs then the couple can simply walk out the door and go to another bake shop, or learn to make the cake themselves. If a shop owner doesn't like the idea of private gun ownership then those who carry, concealed or open, have the right to shop elsewhere. The same folks who walked out have the right to tell others they will not shop at such and such business anymore, and the reason why. That does not mean they have the right to berate and belittle the business. It's petty at best, and makes the former customer petty for doing so.

Basically, that entitlement-minded customer should've walked out and not bothered to pay them any further business if the matter really bugged him that much.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Mar 27 at 2016 2:49 AM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 02:49:50 -0400

To me I see this in all walks of life, (The wanting something for nothing crap) I will never understand it, nor do I see an end to it until people learn to be more responsible for their actions and just grow up. To threaten someones family on the internet is as bright as having an argument with someone on the internet, to me? Why even get into it with someone that dosen't think he should pay his way like the rest of the world. I'd just deleat him and have a nice day.
Life is to short for silly crap, after all there is a big difference between needing something and wanting it. If it dosen't prevent us or someone close to us from living it's a want to me. As you know not all people think that way, but if you would try it so you're not in the same status as him, an argument takes two. The word is, "DELEAT", keep life simple so you can enjoy it more. It's to easy...

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 27 at 2016 3:27 AM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 03:27:46 -0400

What is GWOT?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 6:43 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 06:43:43 -0400

I have no sense of entitlement until I get shot at or feel like my life is in danger. I've only felt that once in 20 years of service. Without additional details of your specific situation, it would be wrong to make the sweeping generalization you are implying based on this one incident. Yes, I realize your response might be that you were just asking a question. However, the way it is worded has some intentional underlying meaning.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 8:03 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 08:03:01 -0400

Having read these posts, I offer this.

There is nothing wrong with accepting a discount or other nicety. There is really nothing wrong with asking if one is available.

What IS wrong to to throw a fit, or complain if it is not available.

I can honestly say I have not seen much bad behavior because there was not a benefit offered for vets or active duty.

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Mar 27 at 2016 10:12 AM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:12:18 -0400

1) Everyone carrys some degree of entitlement.
2) Its not just GWOT SM's that hold entitlement issues. Many older Veterans feel they should recieve more than they get and respectfully so. There are no extra income brackets for WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans.
3) You have a choice to engage or cut sling load in those confrontations.

Thank you all for your service and have a blessed day.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Chatten made Mar 27 at 2016 10:38 AM

SPC Geoffrey Chatten — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:38:06 -0400

I appreciate the input folks.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 27 at 2016 11:11 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 11:11:58 -0400

The original question mentions nothing about discounts, though it very well could be a discount issue. What is the situation that sparked the threats and bad reviews?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:38:50 -0400

1st mistake internet battle, nobody wins, 2nd getting familly involved, so other than that with the little intel left cant really continue feel free to expound, we are not entitled but what we deserve is, give more facts and ill try to help

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:40 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:40:53 -0400

oh yes is this ssgt ac/rc/ng and is the threat real then you have a case for jag

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Mar 27 at 2016 2:40 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 14:40:14 -0400

I hope not, and I think not, to answer the posited question, but I'm afraid we're all a reflection of what the nation and the political spectrum, such as it is, in 2016, represent. How did we get to this point? Step by step.

When I think of everything we've endured as veterans in the service of this nation these last many years, I think a few bones can be thrown our way, although it seems begrudgingly at times. Then again, all this stuff costs money: disability payments, surgeries, medical appointments, followups, medications, physical therapy, etc.

But the least a grateful nation can do by its retired or former service members is take care of them. However, there's a difference between caring and mollycoddling. Frankly, I don't think any of us want the latter.

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made Mar 27 at 2016 3:31 PM

1LT A. Uribe — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:31:47 -0400

Whining or feeling entitled to a military discount is rude, but to make it publicly that needs to be addressed in a wall to wall counseling session.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Mar 27 at 2016 6:47 PM

SFC Wade W. — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:47:47 -0400

I pretty much always wear clothing that represents my service. Usually the person working the register confirms my service and gives me the discount. I also live in a place that is heavy with veterans and as a whole shows us much love and respect. If you served you earned it. Anything you earn is not an "entitlement" as understood today. Ask if you want to and when they don't give one move on. This is the land of the free. If a business doesn't offer a discount so what. Bashing them with your friends prove your pettiness.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Mar 27 at 2016 11:48 PM

CSM Patrick Durr — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 23:48:52 -0400

It's certainly not all GWOT vets. It's a few. It a few ugly wannabe-entitlement babies. This in a generation issue. They are the younger group, millennial + GWOT vet...again a very small ugly percentage that give the rest of the fine vets a black eye.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 12:18 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:18:18 -0400

I would never expect a business have to give a discount but if it is on a holiday, and every other veterans get that, then all should. I know a black gentlmen come to me, because a veteran wanted a free meal. He found me and said, he needed a white veteran. It is sad that one has to prove he is a veteran, most likely due to race. We are good friends and I was not rude, but simply stated he was a vet, as we both had cards.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Mar 28 at 2016 7:17 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 07:17:03 -0400

I have mixed emotions about this but I confess to stating several times in writing that it appears to be getting out of hand. I think what did it for me was when I heard a couple of AD types in uniform bitching they weren't given an airline upgrade even though there were empty seats in 1st class. Asking for discounts and such is a personal choice and unless it is some major purchase at say Lowes or Home Depot I don't ask and have never taken the free meal offer and such. If someone or business offers one and you choose to accept it, no big deal, but if one is not offered leave the bad mouthing to someone else and show some class. You draw a check or did for your service and at least you don't have to hide the fact that you are or were serving like the Nam vets including myself did.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 28 at 2016 7:44 AM

SGT David T. — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 07:44:23 -0400

Sadly, a great many of us are. The military reflects the society they serve. If your society has a bunch of thin skinned, self entitled crybabies who need safe spaces from words then that is going to seep its way into the military.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 2:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:44:18 -0400

So what's the full story. Because some issues are worth the gripe and others are blown out of proportion. What did the company do that pissed off the vets? If someone screwed me over really bad it wouldn't be a sense of entitlement it would be me being wronged...

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 3:52 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:52:45 -0400

I prefer to serve silently and selflessly.

Response by CPL David Salazar made Mar 28 at 2016 4:46 PM

CPL David Salazar — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:46:27 -0400

Libel. Slander is spoken.

Response by SSG Doug Cooper made Mar 28 at 2016 6:33 PM

SSG Doug Cooper — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:33:28 -0400

i prefer not to take any discounts, parking in the veteran spots at the home depot etc...matter of fact, when people thank me i get incredibly uncomfortable. i don't understand these super entitled acting SM's.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 10:36 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:36:00 -0400

This job isn't about the approval of others. It's not about getting bumped up into first class. It's not about military discounts. I hate to see service members whine about the unfairness of life or that the American people owe them something. Our salaries are paid for by tax dollars. We're essentially public servants. And that's thankless work. Now take a knee, face out and drink water.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Mar 28 at 2016 10:48 PM

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:48:23 -0400

What happened?

Response by CW2 William Jones made Mar 29 at 2016 6:36 AM

CW2 William Jones — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 06:36:09 -0400

In this instance, I have to agree with you that it is going too far. I understand veteran benefits such as VA and disability, however when it comes to a business is where I have to disagree with their logic. A business is under no obligation to offer discounts to anyone and the fact that they do should be considered an honor. To feel as if they are required to offer such discounts, or to demand them is similar to fighting off the hand that feeds you. Too many people becoming entitled will cause said business owner to get rid of the discount all together and now nobody wins.

We all know the stories of the Private who ruins it all for the rest of the company by doing something stupid. This seems to be one of those cases.

Response by PFC Johnny Brown made Mar 29 at 2016 7:43 AM

PFC Johnny Brown — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:43:09 -0400

Unfortunately I guess some soldiers or veterans feel they have a right to say whatever. I am Desert Storm Veteran hold your head high. Sometimes people put their nose where they shouldn't. Follow your chain of command and go from there. God Bless you.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 8:10 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:10:02 -0400

It does seem like veterans today expect military discounts, etc. when we should be happy that a business or company offer a military discount. I met a Marine's wife who constantly complained that this company or that company doesn't give discounts and her husband has never deployed!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 8:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:10:55 -0400

I do not thing the question is with his service but in his character. Why no matter what you have done slander a company. If it is the truth that is fine. Do not lie to get back at a company or person, that is just poor character.

Response by SSG Kevin Wells made Mar 29 at 2016 8:38 AM

SSG Kevin Wells — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:38:02 -0400

One of the reasons I keep going back to Lowes and Home Depot is the consistency of their discount program (there are other choices). That said, anyone shopping at one of these two sites can easily get 10% off even is they are not a vet. Both companies always have coupons out there for 10% off, both have numerous programs offering 10% off. To me it more convenient to show my blue card than to hunt and keep up with coupons or figure out which other program I qualify for.
That said, it has also been my experience that when a store stops offering discounts, its because the group they offered it to, abused it. It use to be common for police and firefighters to get significant discounts at restaurants (some cases upward of 75% off). However, when they started showing up on their off day with family in tow, the discounts started going away. During the Katrina Response, in MS, Walmart opened its doors to all the responders (Guard, Active, Public Safety & NGOs) and told them to take what they needed. Most grabbed snacks, hygiene items ets. A few grabbed 72 inch TVs and desktop computers. The doors closed quickly after that!
Why do stores offer discounts? Its simple, discounted goods increases revenue. They get a Return On their Investment. But when the targeted group makes the ROI no longer worth it, the offer goes away. I guarantee you when the ROI drops so will the discount. If the company offers the same discount to any other group or on a coupon, then there not honoring anyone, they are just trying to get your business. If they don't offer it, its probably because someone before you abused it.

Response by Cpl Ryan Nakamoto made Mar 29 at 2016 8:56 AM

Cpl Ryan Nakamoto — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:56:01 -0400

Putting things briefly, I do feel as though a lot of service members use their prior service as a small entitlement card when it comes to saving what is for the most part, pocket change. (I get that things add up, but there comes a point where it becomes rather petty)

Response by MGySgt Douglas C. made Mar 29 at 2016 9:52 AM

MGySgt Douglas C. — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:52:46 -0400

I truly hope not. I have always said that if something is offered, take it. If it is not offered, then accept that fact and move along. No one owes Veterans any special treatment. It is nice if it is offered and politely accepted, but rudeness and hatefulness if nothing is offered goes against the reason we all volunteered. To Serve! ! !
At no time should we expect our fellow citizens to offer something for our service. It was just that, our service, freely entered into and justly rewarded for with pay/benefits (whether you considered your pay and benefits adequate does not enter into this equation).
Now we should expect and demand that our Government honor its obligations and commitments as stated at the time of entry into service. But that is another issue which we could spend hours, days, weeks and years arguing about.
Semper Fidelis,
MGuns Cosby

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 10:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:03:46 -0400

The best response I can give as a retired person of 20 years is not to generalize because not all Veterans feel that way. I served OIF and OND.

Response by SGT Sean Whitenton made Mar 29 at 2016 11:46 AM

SGT Sean Whitenton — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 11:46:04 -0400

I've only seen someone get bent out of shape in person once because there wasn't a military discount. It embarrassed me to be wearing the same uniform.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Mar 29 at 2016 11:47 AM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 11:47:50 -0400

I can't really comment on this as I don't know the whole story. Your short little blurb doesn't really explain much. I don't see where the person(s) thought they were entitled. I only see where some customers said you were screwing soldiers. Where was the entitlement?

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Mar 29 at 2016 3:42 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:42:17 -0400

well you're not stating why he felt he had to get his buddies. Maybe your company really did do him wrong!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 3:46 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:46:47 -0400

As military members, we protect our own (granted we get into squabbles with each other over dumb shit, but that's family issues...you can beat up your brother but no one else can), and sometimes that can reach extremes. The easiest thing to do, I've noticed, is just step back and analyze the situation; would the business' action be the same if I was a civilian. If so, then that business doesn't need my money. However, from what I'm gathering these individuals simply want "something for nothing"?

Response by LTC James Bozeman made Mar 29 at 2016 3:48 PM

LTC James Bozeman — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:48:31 -0400

I am deeply disappointed in my colleagues who would do such a thing. However, we must ask ourselves what prompted this behavior - was it an unwillingness to meet a reasonable need. Unfortunately we don't have the whole story so it is hard to say anything negative or positive. I would like to state that I have personally observed that many in our "military" culture have started to demonstrate this entitled behavior. It is especially prevalent among the mil-spouses (often the wives - but not necessarily exclusively) who think they are entitled to something because of the Military members service. I don't know that I agree with that philosophy -- I have also noticed a downward spiral in the competence and professionalism of our Enlisted and Officer Corps - stories abound about Senior non-coms and officers getting caught breaking the rules - because they are entitled. During my early years as an NCO/Officer it was uncommon - so I think that as we relaxed the standards for Military Recruitment and Retention during GWOT, we hurt our profession...and do have a decade or so of weeding out to do.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 29 at 2016 4:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 16:07:50 -0400

I am sure all generations of veterans have had clusters of veterans with little decorum on how they live their lives.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 18:33:05 -0400

First and foremost, I hope you did not reduce yourself to getting involved in the online altercation. Secondly, if they are posting online in a way that discloses their rank and service, then they have a duty to act and post maturely and professionally. This is exactly why civilians are loosing the respect that Soldiers have worked so hard since the Vietnam war to regain. I want you to understand that YOU have a duty and responsibility to bring this to your CoC. If what you have said is true, those Soldiers have disgraced themselves, the Army, and the NCO Corps. They may be right in they're complaint, but we as professional Soldier's do not go around bullying people and using the Army (or any other branch of service) as a divine right or privilege. Every service member should understand that we are respected by the way we serve, protect, and otherwise live with our civilian counterparts. We as service members are proud of the sacrifices we have made, both large and small. One of those sacrifices is being professional at all times in front of civilians, even when we feel like doing the worst to them. If you don't understand what I am trying to tell you, you probably should not be serving.

Response by SGT Shawn George made Mar 30 at 2016 7:26 AM

SGT Shawn George — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 07:26:27 -0400

We are entitled to our pay while we were in, VA benefits that are on the books, and any contractual obligation defined in our enlistment contracts; nothing more than that. As for discounts, or even government benefits, such as Post 9/11 GI Bill, these are subject to change and are at the whim of the government and the people. Personally asking for or deciding to except someone or some companies generosity should be left to the individual Veteran, but NO ONE owes us anything. The only exception may be Vietnam and WWII, and Korean vet's who were drafted. As for GWOT vet's we are volunteered, no one was forced to enlisted.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 11:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 11:45:04 -0400

Not cool at all. I would take it to the dude's chain of command to make them aware.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Mar 30 at 2016 12:40 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:40:19 -0400

This sounds more like a social media issue, which, if you're going to participate in, you better know not everyone will agree with you. It can get down right nasty sometimes. I don't agree with the tactic of ganging up on someone but it will happen. I've purposely inserted my comments in "liberal" discussions when I've been bored just to spend time shooting everyone down, but NOT with friends. I try to avoid discussions of religion and politics at all costs with anyone I consider a friend (unless they engage me). Social media is a double edged sword and sometimes you need a thick skin.

Hopefully, I haven't misinterpreted what you were talking about. If I did, carry on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 1:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 13:37:21 -0400

I understand this is a very small minority that think like me but there has to be a line drawn somewhere when it comes to selfless service. Don't get me wrong I joined because I wanted to be apart of something that was much larger than myself and do really cool stuff that only the military does. It was only until after I learned what the Army values and history did I learn an appreciation for service members when I finally became one.

I always hear about how soldiers "deserve respect" but until I see those core values in action, those that demand respect will not be given it. I don't give a damn how many years you've been in or what you did in your time, regular civilians gave their support immediately after September 11, but they don't owe us a damn thing. (The government elected officials and VA healthcare on the other hand is a different matter)

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Mar 30 at 2016 2:15 PM

CW4 Scott Hyde — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:15:18 -0400

This is not a new thing. Years ago, Golden Coral started the eat free on Veteran's Day deal. I was at FT Gordon for BNCOC or ANCOC, I forget the year when this kicked off, 95 or 99. Anyway, I decide to head out for my free meal. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. It looked liked a bunch of hungry lions after a gazelle. People pushing, yelling at the staff, and fighting over the food on the buffet. I walked out and have never gone back to one of those events. I will take a discount if offered and I will be loyal to a store that offers a discount like Lowes (they get my business before the PX does for many purchases). What I will not do is demand a discount or berate a business that does not. Many cannot as their profit margin is quite low. Anyone who gives a company or an employee of that company a hard time for not giving a discount is a disgrace to the uniform, our service, our country, and is a coward. I believe the Soldiers (I know this is a joint site but I only see Soldiers acting stupid) who demand something probably never earned it and those who quietly ask or say nothing probably deserve it the most and are certainly appreciative of the gesture. Bottom line, nobody owes you anything. If you get a thank you for your service and nothing else, be humble, say thank you and move on.

I think a lot of this so called stolen valor revolves around the entitlements. People want things weather they earned them or not so they use the uniform. This includes active duty personnel telling their lies, trying to cheat people, and simply using the uniform for a freebie. I cannot stand to see Soldiers trying to get a free meal by going out to eat in uniform (I am talking about intentionally wearing the uniform at times they have no business being in uniform). Still in ACUs at 1900 with the family in tow at Outback? Okay, I am calling BS. We need to adopt the Marine approach to this and have no uniforms off post unless going to or from duty. I get bent out of shape when I hear the stories in the news of the free meals or giving money to Soldiers when they should have declined. The LTC taking the $20 from the child, cute but he is a LTC and should have found a way to say thank you, make the child feel good about what he did while giving the money back to his Mom. People truly want to say thank you in their own way but far too many Soldiers are taking advantage of the uniform and those generous people and I think it is wrong.

This SSG you mention is a tool and quite frankly I think he needs to dealt with. If this was an online threat, he is probably nine years old and not in the military. If this happened in person, it is a civil matter and should be handled by the police if this was an actual threat but since this person is using his rank, he needs some love and attention from his senior NCOs with regard to the use of his rank in making threats. It takes a big man to bully people online.

Response by CPL Evan Garrison made Apr 8 at 2016 1:13 PM

CPL Evan Garrison — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:13:12 -0400

I would agree that asking for a discount is nothing to be ashamed of, but when the business does not offer one and you get bent out of shape and throw a temper tantrum than there lies the problem.

Response by LTC Andrew Addison made Apr 22 at 2016 2:42 AM

LTC Andrew Addison — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:42:55 -0400

Hmmm...depends on what the issue is/was. Slander, libel or truth? Perhaps there was some truth to the complaint and perhaps there was some misunderstanding or miscommunication? There is 2 sides to the story.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Apr 27 at 2016 1:30 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 01:30:13 -0400

I was a Cold War Vet. No one acknowledges us for doing anything. I also was able to be a very marginal member of the GWOT era through volunteer service to my state (Issued GWOTSM via State orders). I took a risk in the 80's by enlisting. Cold War stayed Cold. I chose to come back 25 years later to help where I could. If my kids say "What did you do in the war daddy?" I will
tell them. I gladly accept my 10% off at the hardware store! No shame in it.

Response by SPC David Christiansen made Apr 27 at 2016 1:34 PM

SPC David Christiansen — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:34:55 -0400

We need to know the full situation in order to give an answer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:05:07 -0400

I wouldn't say that GWOT vets themselves tend to be self entitled. I have met very few who tend to stick to the belief that because they have served they deserve preferential treatment from others. However, an argument could be made that my generation (late 80's - mid 90's), which includes those both military and civilians, are seen as the self-entitled generation. Perhaps there may be some overlap from those who served in the final years of OEF and who fall into this stigma.