Please don't thank me for my service???

[Targetmaster]

Most Vets don't feel like Heroes, it's not that they're not grateful, more like embarrassment as many feel guilt that they made it out alive when many didn't. You feel a loss from the ones you couldn't save. Two years ago I went to the wall for the first time and read aloud the names of 11 of my unit KIA, drank a bourbon toast, poured one on the wall and cried like a baby. Two of them died as I held them, it brought back a lot of bad memories as I can remember each face, young and tan with a life ahead of them. But as long as I live, none shall be forgotten. If you see a Vet, go up and shake his hand, some here say one thing, but deep down inside, they're thankful you remembered them.

 

[brad sweet]

Really odd thread in my opinion.

The Vietnam vets were never thanked, but instead insulted and appreciate a long overdue thank you.

Now some of the younger vets don't want a thank you for one reason or the other.
I wonder if they would feel differently 30 years from now, if they were insulted and spit on at the airport when they returned?

It won't matter to me, I'll always be thankful that when I got out, somebody else took my place.
It was a job that needed doing.
I'll continue to say thank you and if someone wants to consider it insincere or be insulted by it, have at it.
There is no way to really let those few guys know, how it felt to be on the other side of the coin.

and this may come true after nobody acknowledges ones service it just may be a lonely world, you don't become a pro football player or an actor with out the expectancy of accolades yeah the money is great but your DOING IT FOR THE FANS>>>VETS HERE THIS LOUDLY... YOUR OUR HEROES AND WE ARE YOU BIGGEST FANS...LIKE GLADIATORS IN THE RING FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT! WE WANT TO SEE AND HEAR YOU WIN!

 

[UH60Driver]

To me it is humbling at times and yet at others I agree with it being shallow..almost a programmed response...I do thank ALL MY BRETHEREN THAT HAVE AND STILL SERVE. That means more from a vet to a vet.

I couldn't agree more, well said. those who don't know the cadence "pick up your weapon and follow me" just don't know exactly what it means to serve, although i i always receive it with a smile and tell them I was glad to do it and would do it again.

 

[wnchstrtnfldvlle]

A lot of guys on here are frustrated that some of us vets are uncomfortable with the thanks. Or that we wouldn't want your thanks. Like I said in my post the empty "thanks" are the ones that can be frustrating. I think it's safe to say that 99.9% of the people on here would be very sincere and thankful if given the chance to thank a service member. So that is why it seems so preposterous to you that someone would be insincere, but it happens.

 

[Targetmaster]

If they buy me a cup of coffee, I don't care if they're insincere or not LOL Just a little cream and a tad of suger

 

[stratos201]

Didn’t mean to come off this morning like a jerk, it just hit me wrong I guess. For those that don’t want to be thanked, so be it. But IMHO everyone should thank you and your family. Most people (as I) signed up for a job for a career and to pay the bills. Those that chose to sign up and serve, did much more and I for one, am very thankful! I’ve always raised my two daughters to recognize those individuals and give them the up most respect and think about what they’ve done. My stepfather is retired Army and a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve heard first-hand what he went through and the cost to his marriage and time spent with his kids. I know this not because he wants me to know it or for someone to feel sorry for him. Over time it simply came out in our conversations. It takes a special individual to voluntarily sign up for this job and for that I will always be thankful!

 

[DreadPirate]

The majority of the time I feel awkward and surprised. It was like when my wife passed away. Everyone gave their condolences because they cared and were worried about me, but I always wished they had said nothing. A civilian thanking me often feels like that. On occasion a fellow vet (usually much older ant retired) thanks me, and it feels a little better, but still weird. Talking about it with someone else who has been in a combat theater and we share our experiences is the best.

 

[Targetmaster]

Well, I did get to travel a lot, Germany, Korea, Dominican Republic , Vietnam , Got to see strange exotic places and people and get to shoot at them so it wasn't all bad LOL Would I do it again? In a heart beat, but this time I'd duck more often

 

[jimmythegem]

If they buy me a cup of coffee, I don't care if they're insincere or not LOL Just a little cream and a tad of suger

With a sprinkle of bourbon thank you.

 

[potenza]

Thank you for your service!!!!!!!!!!