Military men: Have you ever had a stranger say "thank you for your service?" How did it feel?

Question

Whoa. I didn't mean to offend military women. I'm sorry I didn't word it better, including you. I have just as much respect for females in the military and welcome your comments.

Candie 137: Thank you very much for your service. I would hug you if I could . God bless you.

To all military people: Thank you for your service.
My son is a commander in the Israeli Border Guard. I have nothing but respect for military personnel.
God bless you all.

Answer 1

Mostly former service people or families. I have had quite a few people who have loved ones serving approach me. I never mind talking to them. Sometimes they have a lot of questions and sometimes they just say thank you. I have been bought beers in bars and airports, and dinner on a couple occasions. For me personally, it feels good to be recognized, but at the same time I always feel guilty about those fallen hero's who will never hear a thank you. And just about any time two Marines spot one another, regardless of age, you can just about count on hearing the old "Semper Fi Mac!!"

Answer 2

Yes. Happens to me every time I show up for my community's Veterans Day Parade wearing my Navy retired cap. I always say "you're welcome", but it makes me feel funny. This sort of "thank you" only began with the 2001 parade, which was going to face cancellation until the attack on America.
I also had the reverse reaction. A week after the attack on America I was walking towards the entrance of a store from the parking lot. An elderly lady was standing near the doorway with a young man at her side. Her vest was festooned with flags and ribbons. As I walked towards her she asked: "Where's your red, white and blue?". I pulled out my retired Navy ID card, showed it to her, and reminded her I was "on the wall" before that young man next to her was born.
I like the people who take the time to thank me for my service. I just have no patience or respect for the "Petey Patriot Brigade" who wouldn't give the time of day to a service member before September 11, 2001, yet are now waving flags and cheering the troops.

Answer 3

I've been thanked for my service on rare occasions, but most were not sincere. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but it is also not required.

The last unit I was in wasn't even going to give me any award at all, until another unit I supported gave me an Army Achievement Medal (my 3rd AAM) just for the support I gave them in addition to my normal job....after that, they managed to cough up a 4th AAM.

We don't do the job for the medals, a big paycheck, or the thanks. We assume a majority of people appreciate our efforts, but we do it so you can be free, as well as our families.

If you do get a thanks, sincere or not, accept it gracefully and move on. Our thanks comes when we see the next generation of Americans grow up under a flag of freedom, and your right to thank us or curse us.

P.S. I also thank my sisters in arms. While we might tease and torture, the women who serve next to us every day push that extra mile as much or more than many men. At least one of us can make those BDU pants look good! LOL!!! :-) (teasing, don't hit!)

Answer 4

I am a veteran, and work were I see many military members flying around. I always try to thank them for their service. Especially the young ones who are just out of basic or AIT... they are walking around feeling completely different about life, and then everyone in the airport stares at them.

Answer 5

you know what the funny thing is... sometimes, very rarely, will I get a thank you from a civilian and its never sincere. kindof sounds like they have to say it... all of the other times which is alot more is when I meet another brother or sister in arms especially from another branch. We both say it to each other its alot more sincere and I like it that way.

Im adding this because of the above answer:
When a little kid does it its awesome.. I lived off base and when I would return home every once in a while I'd get a firm salute from a little kid.. that'll make the worst day of your life the best in just one fraction of a second

Answer 6

Never in the states but overseas many times. Younger GIs, older Brits, Koreans, older Filipinos, even the French (only in the small villages and they even apologized for their government). I particularly appreciated a thank you from a very old Korean woman who stopped me on a street in Seoul to thank me and all Americans for keeping her country free. My 19 year old cousin was a Marine and was killed during the Chosin campaign in December 1950, so her words, more than 40 years later, really meant something to me. In Turkey I was spit on while in uniform but the Turkish Sailor I was with was armed so he took care of me - I sure would like to thank him again.

Answer 7

When I was young it felt good, but as I matured and I wised up I tended to avoid wearing my uniform when I didn't have to. Just because you're a soldier doesn't mean you have to flaunt it, towards the end of my enlistment my uniform started to be more of a hindrance than a help to me, so I wore it to work and nowhere else.

Answer 8

Both my husband and son are soldiers, and when someone finds out that i have 2 in the service, i have had people come up to me and tell me to tell them thank you, and then they turn around and tell me thank you also for making them strong. It feels good and i know it makes both my husband and son feel good.

Answer 9

I have never said thank you before to a soldier. I truly do thank them though, I had a granfather, uncles, and cousins in the military. I do tell them what they do is great though if that counts.

Answer 10

I'm hoping that it makes them feel good since you know there doing a job that most people will not do, I have paid for lunch for marines in my home town... its the least i can do for them putting their life on the line to protect my freedom!!!