What do you say when someone thanks you for your service?

Eric C

I have been in for nearly 10 years now. People often thank me for serving, and I can understand why. However it is difficult for me to accept those thank yous, and handshakes becuase my father, uncle and grandfather all came home to protesters, and a world that was almost as bad as where they came from (vietnam).

When people say today "thank you for your service" it seems like they go out of their way to do so, and I think it is a great thing, however they do not support the wars and the missions that soldiers have to carry out in defense of our nation and other nations. Instead they say support the troops. WWII was not won by that manner, it was won by everyone saying WE TOGETHER WILL WIN THIS WAR, and bring our boys home. The ones that were left did come home, however we left a great amount of soldiers laying on beaches, and in Military Cemeteries all around europe and the South Pacific.

In Iraq and Afghanistan or wherever soldiers are engaged in combat, it seems as though we cannot get the simplest of things in order to complete our missions, Zip Ties, Clothing, Shooting Gloves, or even Eye Protection that is APEL Approved and can stop the rocks being thrown at us from injuring our eyes when we are out on convoys.

It seems as though America has the opinion support the troops but not the war, when it should be, give the troops everything that they need to get the job done so that they can come home and safely.

My Experience in Iraq when it comes to this issue was that we could not get alot of things that it would take to complete our jobs, such as tools, nuts and bolts, gaskets, and very small parts that are easy to ship, however they had to be ordered as a Kit and the kit only contained a couple of these things in them such as the Bose Headsets used with the radios that soldiers talk to each other on.

So when Someone puts out their hand and wants to thank me for serving, I honestly feel that it is right when I say to them in response 1 of three phrases.

I am just a small part of a bigger thing

Its just a job, I love doing it, but it is just a job.

or if I am angry becuase the guy walked all the way over to interrupt me having my meal.

Thank You.

Reformed

If I'm in a good mood I say, "the pleasure is all mine." If grouchy I say, "It's my country, just doing my civic duty."

sassy2

You are Welcome and please remember us in your prayers.

chuck10580

i don't know. i'm a veteran and i always say "thank you for your service to our country" to other veterans. they usually don't have a responce except to thank me as well. i guess it's a an acknowlegment that can go unanswered.

troy b

I simply say "You're welcome". It is one of the few times in life where I feel I deserve to be thanked and that the gesture is deserving of a response. Not many remember but the ones that do stay with me. Take pride in what he is to become!!!!!

george zip

i get uncomfortable for some reason, i just say you are welcome. i didnt join to get praise, i joined because i needed a job to feed my family. i would really like to say, thanks for paying taxes in order to pay me, but that wouldnt be nice.

DOOM

I say, "no problem." It doesn't happen very often.

desertviking_00

I'm retired from the Navy. So, I reply "Thank you for the check". IMO this whole "Thank you" business is a bit hypocritical because most of it comes from folks who wouldn't have given the time of day to a man or woman in uniform on September 10, 2001.

Joe

Just say "You are welcome, and continue to pray for us."

NixNootz

I say "It's my honor to serve"

Angel Marie

You're Welcome? I dont know...

Lauren

I just nod. I'm vary wary of people who salute me or thank me, since they seem to be the same types of people who throw bumper stickers on their car and thank a vet, and then vote for people who won't provide adequate care and resources for the troops. One time I was at the airport in uniform and the cashier was being a b*tch to the guy in front of me because he was brown and she couldn't understand his accent...just completely belittling him. When it was my turn she was all smiles and nice as could be..."Thank you for your service". These are not the types of people whose thanks I need.

deepeaceful

Wow!....You are welcome will suffice,,,,,,Nothing more, nothing less...

Dave M

Enjoy it because when it comes to any other situations in American life, jobs, medical, housing etc. service doesn't seem to count for much.

jhill724

I guess it all depends on your mood and if you are trying to make a impression on the person. The answers can be " your welcome" to "it is a pleasure knowing I am defending people such as yourself". Corny I know.

windmill jouster

I say, "Thank you, I appreciate the thought. I waited more than 35 years to hear those words."

cerealkillerchicky

Just say much appreciated
because one day you will be in the situation of which he speaks

gijoeyl33

I always say "Thanks, I appreciate it"

Paddy's Pub

I do what I do because I love to. Nobody has to thank me at all. When they do, I politely thank THEM for caring about us.

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