THIS!!!!This.
I can't stand the "veterans" that have never met someone that they didn't tell their veteran status to in their first minute of conversation. I served and my service no more makes up who I am than anything else I've done in my life. I don't have vet or service plates or stickers all over my car. I don't wear vet or service clothing. I don't understand the need to make your service known to the world.
It has been my experience that the real combat vets I've talked to, they don't advertise and usually won't talk about it. Those who blather on about their experiences unsolicited are usually full of it.
My father in law is a former US Marine during Vietnam. He is a proud Marine but NEVER talks about his service. My Grandfather was a former Marine BAR gunner on Okinawa. Was wounded twice but never received a purple heart...never wanted them. I did not even know about his service until after he passed away.