How to handle...

[Redtbird]

When I came home from the Army in Aug 69, things were a LOT different than now. Frequently, a new civilian hid, or just didn't tell, the fact they had recently been in the service. And, you had to be careful who you were talking to if you had been in Nam. A lot of people were angry then.

Now, the military men and women come home to ha heroes welcome, and I am glad to see that. It is kind of a return to when the WW2 soldiers came home.

For you fellow veterans, what is your reply, if any, when someone says, "Thank you for your service".

I'm not sure what response to give. "You're welcome", doesn't sound right to me.

What's your reply?

And thanks for your service from an old Army veteran.

Redtbird

 

[Manatee]

You don't need to reply. Leave it there, hanging in the air. People don't expect you to reply. Maybe a head nod.

If they buy you a drink, THEN say thank you.

 

[Bull1315]

Your right, "your welcome" doesnt seem right to me either. When someone thanks me, It seems a little awkward on what to say. I usually just shake their hand and try to thank them for taking the time to acknowledge it.

 

[metaldog]

I usually say, "No thanks necessary. It was a choice. But thanks for the appreciation." OR, I Just give a head nod & a smile, Then I say, "Thank you".

 

[chezuki]

I am not a veteran, but as someone who has thanked many veterans, I will say that you don't need to say anything. Just know that your service did not/does not go unappreciated.

 

[romad7]

I say thank you back, I appreciate that they took the time to express their gratitude.

 

[nascarfantoo]

When I express my thanks I never expect any comment in return. It is not needed.

I truly cannot thank enough vets for their service. Last weekend we were in Cincy for Card vs Reds games when they honored Purple Heart recipients. Maybe I am a softy, but my eyes teared up as I did my small part to show my appreciation. That appreciation is never enough.

 

[pute62]

Thank YOU Redtbird for your service. I grew up in the 60's and never thought that the troops coming back from Nam got the Heros welcome they deserved.

 

[devil07]

Thank YOU Redtbird for your service. I grew up in the 60's and never thought that the troops coming back from Nam got the Heros welcome they deserved.

I'll second that. I wasn't alive during the Vietnam era, but simply hearing how the Vets were treated still turns my stomach. Thank you Redtbird, and thank you to all Vietnam veterans on this board, you answered the call when many tried to ignore it.

 

[churchmouse]

I am not a veteran, but as someone who has thanked many veterans, I will say that you don't need to say anything. Just know that your service did not/does not go unappreciated.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[hornadylnl]

Just curious how Joe Schmoe on the street knows you're a vet.

 

[hoosierdoc]

I try to thank those I identify in the ER as active for former military. I usually go beyond a "thank you for your service" ad add something like "I appreciate you keeping my couhtry and family safe"

i don't expect a response other than a smile and a nod, though there's usually a handshake involved

i will sometimes see spouses in the ER who have deployed husbands or wives. I give them all the time they need and try to go above and beyond with humble service.

 

[Redtbird]

Just curious how Joe Schmoe on the street knows you're a vet.

It sometimes come up in conversations. On one of my cars, I have a front plate that reads "Viet Nam War Vet". The other car has the "58,282" plate on its nose.

 

[aafuel]

I frequently have people thank me for my service and I always say your welcome and continue on with my business.

 

[marv]

I'm a Korea Vet. The Forgotten War. Don't recall being loved or hated when I got home in '55. Me and some buds ran around for a while drinking beer and shooting "varmints". Laws were a lot more lenient then and MADD and DUI hadn't been invented yet. Got tired of that and went to work.

 

[RobbyMaQ]

I am not a veteran, but as someone who has thanked many veterans, I will say that you don't need to say anything. Just know that your service did not/does not go unappreciated.

Agreed. I gather we as a society have grown a bit since then, and appreciate the sacrifices you have made. No response is necessary, as it is us, who are showing appreciation to you.

 

[.452browning]

I get many people thanking my for my service when I never served. I wear a lot of 7.62 design and ranger up shirts. Plus being in a wheelchair and carrying an SOE bag with a special forces and medical patch people think I served. The patches were a gift from my brother who was SF and served for 12 years. I had a car wreck 3 days before I would have signed up for the army.

I inform them I did not serve in the armed forces, but I appreciate that they support and care for our service members. I thank our service members everytime I am able to do so.

no response is needed when I thank a service member

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

No response expected or necessary. Just want to let all vets know you are appreciated.

Thanks for your service Redtbird. God bless you,.

 

[the1kidd03]

Unless the situation warrants for more communication/discussion, I tend to respond with a simple "thank YOU" (emphasis on the "you") in return, just to signify my gratefulness of their recognizing uniformed men's efforts, whether it's mine or anyone else's.

 

[Naptown]

You don't need to reply. Leave it there, hanging in the air. People don't expect you to reply. Maybe a head nod.

I think some sort of reply would be appropriate. IMHO, anything less than a head nod would be a little awkward.