Am I the only person in the military that is tired of being called a hero for doing my job?

Question

Not that i do not appreciate the recognition and the thanks, but why must some people feel they have to make a big deal out of a member in uniform and ask us if we have seen much action?

Answer 1

During World War 1 Sgt Alvin York won more medals than anyone in history. He was declared a hero. He was just a farm boy, I think from Arkansas. He never saw himself as a hero. What he did he did because he was scared to death. The only solution he saw was to do the best he could do. He did that and received the medal of honor. Was he a hero? I don't know.

During World War 2, Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier in the history of the US. He swore he was never a hero. He starred in the biography of his war time experiences. The movie was called "To Hell and Back" Was he a hero I don't know.

I have met two medal of honor reciprenents. I got to talk to them about being heros. I never brought up what they did to deserve the medals. Both men said that they were not heros. For every man who receives the medal of honor there were 20 who deserved it more. But no one ever knew about them.

A Warrior is a special bread. He or she does his job which is to fight, fix equipment, save lifes, fly planes, get in helocopters, take pictures during war time, and any other MOS that is needed to make the military go. Are they heros yes in a way. Take a look at a cousin you have, would he take a bullet for a guy he met 2 minutes ago? Would you be willing to sacrafice everything for the betterment of the outfit? No a Warrior does not want to die, does not want a war, and does not think he is special. But in his/her own way he/she are.

Answer 2

I felt the same way during Gulf War I.

Just be thankful that there are no happy-blow-sunshine-up-your-*** songs like "Wind Beneath My Wings" for people to play constantly. That freaking tune drove me nuts!

When I was a kid the WWI vets were senior citizens, all of the middle aged guys were WWII vets and many of the younger guys were Korea and Vietnam vets. But EVERYONE had some family member with a connection to the military. EVERYONE had experienced a loved one going overseas for a few years.

Today, that exposure to the military is rare. It is perhaps the only downside to the all volunteer Army. WWI has passed from memory to history and WWII and Korea are very distant. Most peoples only connection to the military is that they think grandpa might have served somewhere.

That makes you a rare breed -- you are willing to place your precious life between your home and wars destruction. People with no connection to the military often view that with awe. (Or sometimes disgust, like the Vietnam protesters did) Besides, the uniform is sexy. There is no denying it -- if you are a Marine NCO you have the ultimate uniform, and Navy is pretty good too. Army and Air Force uniforms look like they were designed by color-blind heterosexuals, but they still move civilians.

Look on the bright side -- you should be able to easily translate 'hero' into laid or at least a free drink or two and maybe dinner.

Answer 3

Not at all. I am in a commissioning program - not yet commissioned. While I appreciate the public's recognition of our choice to serve, I have yet to actually do anything. A professor at my school (I attend the Naval Academy) wrote an article recently about an idea similar to this; I think he put it well:

"As one battalion commander complained to me, in words repeated by other soldiers and marines: "Has anyone noticed that we now have a volunteer Army? I'm a warrior. It's my job to fight." Every journalist has a different network of military contacts. Mine come at me with the following theme: We want to be admired for our technical proficiency--for what we do, not for what we suffer. We are not victims. We are privileged.

Rather than hated, like during Vietnam, now the troops are "loved." But the best units don't want love; they want respect. The dilemma is that the safer the administration keeps us at home, the more disconnected the citizenry is from its own military posted abroad. An army at war and a nation at the mall do not encounter each other except through the refractive medium of news and entertainment. "

- Prof. Robert Kaplan

Answer 4

Fine, you are not a hero. You are a grab asstic, coward, dumb *** for doing your job. People make a big deal because it is a big deal. The last thing a soldier should worry about is a complement. They want to know if you have seen much action the same way you want to know about the female conquests of some Sam Malone type in your unit or narrow escape stories of a deep sea diver. They live vicariously through you because they cannot do what you do.

Answer 5

Probably not.

I have been out since before most of you guys were born and have had a few people say "thank you for serving". An Army recruiter said it to me! I went into his office only because I could see him in there in ACU's and was gonna do a little R. Lee on his undressed butt.

They just don't know any better. They see it on every news show and think that's the thing to do.

Call me cruel, but I will continue to get in officers faces about the ACU's in public and point out to all enlisted that GIRLS still like a sharp dressed man.

SSG US Army 73-82

Answer 6

I hear you brother. I am in the Air Force and have been too the great sand box a few times. I do what I do (serve our nation) because I want to and it also serves my needs as well (family). I do appreciate the thanks but I when I think of a "hero" I don't think of my self. I don't look at my particular line of work as heroic. Maybe it's because I live it day to day that it seems normal to me but I don't feel any more dedicated then any other worker out there. I am grateful that America has not forgotten her volunteers and I am happy to serve.

Answer 7

While I appreciate it, I find it a little disheartening. There are all sorts of other essential services manned by dedicated people - teachers, paramedics, firemen, police officers, doctors, farmers... excuse me for missing out on many others.

When I got into a troubling situation on the roads, it was paramedics who came barely within a couple of minutes in their ambulance to take me to the hospital. Are they not due thanks either? Or the police, even if they do give you a ticket when you're at fault? Or maybe even the teachers who educate the soldiers, paramedics and policemen of the future?

Answer 8

It probably gives people something to hold on to knowing that there are "heroes" out there who give up so much to defend and protect them.

I have a great respect for all you military people and while in some instances I might think of some of you as heroes, I don't use that as a blanket statement.

But I'm proud as heck to know you're out there - and doing your job - and have great admiration for all you do for our country.

Answer 9

from a civilians standpoint you all are the ones taking all the risk for the rest of us. you not only put life and limb at risk but you do it away from your families in a hostile environment. those of you with kids will miss part of thier childhood, your families will have to make ends meet without you for long periods of time. and in my humble opinion i think you all are underpaid. why do you do this? i dont know but in my book thats about as close to heroism as i can imagine. all you have to see are the families who have lost loved ones, or the soldier or marine struggling to overcome a tbi or a missing limb. the fact that so many brave men and women are willing to do this is absolutely amazing, the fact that so many reinlist is truly awe inspiring. you all go through hell so that we dont have to. thankyou.

Answer 10

I think special actions above the expected define heroism. I would call you a patroit and tell you , you have my respect and gratitude.