Tell the truth. An informal survey.?

Question

When strangers (or anyone for that matter) thanks you for your service, do you:

A) Get annoyed because you just want to be left alone?
B) Get annoyed or feel uncomfortable because you don't do what you do for appreciation?
C) Get annoyed because it's a cliche statement that doesn't have any real meaning (you suspect)?
D) Appreciate it but don't need it?
E) Appreciate it and wish it happened more often?

You can pick more than one.

Also, if you are a military spouse, and someone thanks YOU, how do YOU feel about it? Do you think it's weird, or warranted and appreciated?

P.S.-You can add your own answer too if the provided ones don't fit.

Answer 1

D&C, I do feel that alot of people are somewhat sincere, but I also feel some people just say it because they think we won't notice their true intent.

Answer 2

E) Appreciate it and wish it happened more often

On 9/11 I was on the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier the morning everything happened. I watched, like a lot of people did, on CNN the events. Then, that late morning, the CO told us we were going to New York Harbor. The USS George Washington relieved us the next day, and we then continued on to the Carribean to complete training for our coming deployment. We spent over a month gone. When we came back, the change was night and day.

Before 9/11, people didn't give me a second look when I was in my uniform. After, I think I got stopped at least twice a day. It feels good when you are appreciated for the things you do, the things you give up, so that others may have them.

I for one love every time someone has thanked me and cherish it.

Answer 3

I served in the Military for 8 years. If someone came up to me and thanked me, I was flattered.....It didn't happen a whole lot. I was in in the 90's. From 91-99. There is a military base in my town and I thank them too. I mean it and I would hope those who thanked me meant it.
Today's military know an operational tempo that's very hard on their personal lives, they aren't paid nearly enough, and alot of the time, they work 10-14 hour days. And no overtime.
I have rarely ever heard them cry about that.
So, please thank the miliary when you see them. They dont make policies or chose where to go, so show them support.

Answer 4

Mostly "B&C". I was in the Army before 9/11 and I can't tell you how many people told me what a mistake I was making with my life and how I was just going to turn into some "gun-toting redneck" by enlisting. Then 9/11 hits, followed by Afghanistan and Iraq and NOW everyone on earth wants to buy me a beer for going to Iraq!!!!

I think we as Americans need to appreciate our veterans at all times and not only when they are in harms way. In my personal experience I worked harder before and after Iraq than I did in Iraq. I was fortunate to have a job that didn't place me on the streets of Iraq very often. It just happened that my unit trained very hard so that when we went to Iraq our day-to-day experience was not as rough as the training. Point being, military personnel work hard every day, not just when it is time to go to war. People believe the only time our military members are away from their families or in danger is during wartime; this is false. Yellow ribbon magnets need to be a way of life, not just a cute little ornament people put on their cars so they can say they care; when in many cases they would never allow their own son or daughter to enlist. Every day needs to be Veterans Day!

Answer 5

C & D I am a soldier now and like that some people appreciate you helping the country but also it does get annoying from time to time.

Answer 6

I'm a little torn between B, C, D, and E.
Why?
B. When I joined I didn't do it for appreciation.
C. I think alot of people say that to make themselves feel good and to try to seem like they care.
D. Sometimes people are sincere and I appreciate the fact that they acknowledge servicemembers, but refer to B for me not needing it.
E. I gave up a good part of my life to make our country free and many people don't realize how difficult it is to do that, or appreciate the fact that we did.

Answer 7

D and E.
Today, people are living faster, jam-packed lives. We're stressed by our own news, our lifestyles and the world telling us we're out of time. A 5 second courtesy, like "thank you" is a reminder of gentler possibilities. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a neat inspiration.
www.actsofkindness.org

Answer 8

B & D because I feel that they really don't mean it but on the other I can't be jugdemental also I like to know that ive done something good for someone

Answer 9

D Appreciate it but not need it.


I've been in the service for 10 years, and my father 22 years of his life, and my grandfather 25.

The majority of the servicemen and women serve because we feel its our duty. And that its necessary for the country to retain the freedom that we have. Its not because we want to be recognized. No. WE just want to do our part in society, and help out the world in any way we can. Yes its very nice to hear someone thank you for your service, and it makes you feel good about what you do, but no, its not necessary.

Answer 10

I am a military spouse. I've never had anyone say it to me but I've seen several say it to my husband. He appreciates it but doesn't really need it - he truly believes in what he's doing.

Answer 11

i appreciate it but i also think that if its somethign easy that maybe the person could have done it themself.... i dont mind doing favors and stuff like that.... but dont thank me if its something sooo easy that its irritating that you asked me to do it....