Thank you for your service....Poll

[ArmyJerry]

So I go to Lowes with wife driving today my truck blocked in by sons car visiting. Get to Lowes and they have a parking spot up front for veterans, wife and myself both veterans wife starts to park there I tell her not to. I Sid they put that there to make themselves feel good and for projection. Said the same thing about people thanking us for our service. Told her people do that as in saying too bad you had to join the service and say it out of pity in their own minds... she disagrees and thinks people are actually thankful. Told her not to park in those vet parking spots.

She said to ask the forum Bain trust,

Truly thankful?

Secretly thinking we had no choice in life so they pity us?

Hate us outright and they mean “fuck you” when they thank you for your service?

 

[deersniper]

I think people are truly thankful. At least the trump voters.
People understand there's are lot of sacrifice

 

[Loonhunter]

What do you care baby killer?

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

I don't care what their motivation.....but i make sure they know it's their responsibility to TMFMS

 

[FatBoy]

Didnt vote. I think there may be some of both HOWEVER, I didn't take my Vet discount at Lowes when my washing machine shit out. (I wear a flag hat most days) The woman helping me asked if I took my Vet discount. i had used it years before for a fence but not since. She said she'd help load it while I went to customer service and got the money back, then one of the other Male employees said if it didnt fit in our FJ he'd deliver it on the spot in his own truck so I didn't have to wait 3 weeks. I have since bought a lawn mower and string trimmer there.

I think if someone stops and thanks me for my service , they mean it. Why else would they take the time. Honestly, as a non-combat Vet, I feel a little guilty about it and stopped wearing my flag caps for awhile just to avoid it, but even with a Northface Cap I get it at times.

There are always going to be snooty fucks that look down on those that serve (like Obama and Klinton) but I don't think I have ever had an interaction where someone tried to make me feel small. Besides my buddies who are combat vets when they want to bust my balls.

 

[101stinfantry]

I personally think the ones that go out of their way to say it mean it. Maybe not all, but the vast majority. I will also say that it makes me uncomfortable when people say it to me, or call me a hero. I'm just an ordinary guy, nothing special about me. I guess its because I don't view anything I did as particularly heroic, or out of the ordinary, I served with a shit ton of other people that would have, or did do the same things I did, and more.

 

[RTH1800]

I know several folks that do that including me and it is 100% sincere.
My guess is that about everyone sincerely means it.
Several of my veteran friends thank young veterans and never mention their own service.

 

[RTH1800]

The snooty scum would not care to be seen talking to or shaking the hand of a veteran. I know a few of those as well.

 

[Maggot]

I didnt get drafted. I was against Viet Nam in principle but supported my friends and brothers who went.

Im thankful to be free and speaking American and I know why. There was this guy named George Washington...

Hope that answers your question.

 

[Loonhunter]

@ArmyJerry
We know what branch you were in (salvation army) but what about your better half?

 

[Loonhunter]

I don't care what their motivation.....but i make sure they know it's their responsibility to TMFMS

If I saw this^^^ at Lowe’s I would go to Home Depot

 

[1J04]

This is kinda ironic. My response was going to be everything @FatBoy , @101stinfantry , and @rth1800 had already said. Just goes to show how close we all see it. I think they all mean it, honestly. Since I don't know what TMFMS means I can't include what @DevilDocAZ said. As a Carrier Squid I too feel sheepish when people say it, which isn't often because you'd never even know I served by looking around my place and from what I don't wear. I just feel I did what I did, had a good time, and turned the page, period. Only reason I put my tours into my signature was to spark discussion possibly from someone who may have been there at the same time. The thank you to me is fine and I'm sure it makes them feel good to do it.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Myself, I don't "look down" at veterans, unless they're in a wheelchair. Otherwise, I "look up" to any/all who've served, in our Forces or Yours. (bad joke there, but I served my time in a wheelchair, so I can say that) And wherever they may be, I look them in the eye.

The only ones that I truly "look down upon" is STOLEN VALOUR.... them that needs to be drove-over. You know the type.

And, as for people who think of veterans/treat veterans with 'disdain' or anything negative, I call that out right there to their face, AND, I don't associate with folks like that at all. I also won't stand idly by if I see it happening, either.

Just ask My Lady.

 

[Inifinty]

It can come off PCish at times from strangers or casual acquaintances. But I imagine it's better than getting spit on.

Most seem sincere to the degree of their familiarity with what they are thanking for. Like 101'st up the page I didnt show up for thanks, and most are probably the same. Many are proud and appreciate some silent recognition with a vanity plate, hat or something and that's great. But still I don't think many expect thanks.

Edit: I'd probably avoid the parking spot too.

 

[Huskydriver]

I think they really mean it the majority of time but seriously can't stand the follow on line..."yea I almost joined myself but blah blah blah..." Wtf am I supposed to say back...well good on ya there sport?

 

[TheGerman]

lol you're all welcome....

You paid for it via an ungodly base/hazard/hardship rate.

#SME bill rate masterrace

 

[Loonhunter]

Myself, I don't "look down" at veterans, unless they're in a wheelchair. Otherwise, I "look up" to any/all who've served, in our Forces or Yours. (bad joke there, but I served my time in a wheelchair, so I can say that) And wherever they may be, I look them in the eye.

The only ones that I truly "look down upon" is STOLEN VALOUR.... them that needs to be drove-over. You know the type.

And, as for people who think of veterans/treat veterans with 'disdain' or anything negative, I call that out right there to their face, AND, I don't associate with folks like that at all. I also won't stand idly by if I see it happening, either.

Just ask My Lady.

It’s ‘valor’ you crazy Canadian

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

At the end of the day, or your life, very few really care. Only those that know what you gave up, or suffered understand.

 

[ArmyJerry]

My point is I dont care what civies think really, never have, I also dont draw a disability, nor do I take discounts, I generally reply it was a duty to serve so no thanks needed.

I am a 35+ year member of USAA though,

smart half is also army as is most all my family since landing on the potato boat with exception of one uncle who got torpedoed in Leyte gulf and my one son who went AF as a form of absolute rebellion, have not talked to the little shit in 8 years.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

my one son who went AF as a form of absolute rebellion, have not talked to the little shit in 8 years.

We are 180* apart on that as I told my son there was no way in "HELL" he was going to join the Army or the Marines. After I told him why he understood an did the USAF an is now retired with so many job offers he can't count them.

One thing that pisses me off is fucks who volunteer for service, then whine bag about getting fuck up while there. If you don't know the ramifications of what you volunteered for thats plain stupid on your part. If you were drafted (the smart ones in my day) then yes ask for an demand everything. Motherfucking RA's whine bags wanting disability for B/S they singed up for is nothing more than, the same as the Free Shit Army in my book. You wrote a check payable to the people of the United States up an including your life when you held up your hand, take the consequences like a man,... Don't even get me started on the fucking NG's,....

 

[Slo cat]

I was Army 66-72, but it took another 25 years before ANYONE thanked me for my service. I do think those who have thanked me were sincere. USAA 50+ yrs.

 

[sandwarrior]

I hate to say it, but It's a civilian who would never have donned a camo shirt and pants, if necessary, to stop Individuals at a public transportation, station.

 

[_Windrider_]

I think secretly they say fuck you when I roll up in my F350 longbed and take 4 spots. But IDGAF if they thank me or not. All I care about is my country.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

This is kinda ironic. My response was going to be everything @FatBoy , @101stinfantry , and @rth1800 had already said. Just goes to show how close we all see it. I think they all mean it, honestly. Since I don't know what TMFMS means I can't include what @DevilDocAZ said. As a Carrier Squid I too feel sheepish when people say it, which isn't often because you'd never even know I served by looking around my place and from what I don't wear. I just feel I did what I did, had a good time, and turned the page, period. Only reason I put my tours into my signature was to spark discussion possibly from someone who may have been there at the same time. The thank you to me is fine and I'm sure it makes them feel good to do it.

TMFMS (Thank Me For My Service) it's a joke....because I don't believe people want to be "thanked" and people don't want to do it.

It's like holding the door open. We do it because we were taught to, but women don't care and I'd rather go inside than be a doorman.

 

[Rthur]

I can't speak for others but I've thanked many for their service.
I only do it face to face so they can see I'm sincere.
Sometimes it's just their cup of coffee or their lunch.
A few years back I was flying through Stapleton and a crew were there to fly out for their deployment.
I had the privilage to spend some time with those young men.

R

 

[Liberator52]

I thank a vet every time I can. I'm a Vet but never bring it up to them unless asked. I buy Vets in uniform their lunch when I can. [ Not very often, I live in the sticks } It kills me when I hear of Vet. suicides , so , if I help just one, I'M good. Thanks ! From the bottom of my heart. [ I wouldn't have parked there either. ]

 

[DuneBoer]

No no no! THANK YOU!!!

 

[Frog05]

There are a lot of people in my neck of the woods that I feel are thankful.

 

[pmclaine]

There are good peeps that say "Thank you"

I see the old guy with the WWII hat these days I trap him and talk to him, thanking him for his service.

Dont say anything about my easy four years, these guys usually open up and tell you some great stories and love the conversation.

As most are in their mid 90s Im thinking all their peers are gone so they appreciate the interest.

People that hate you will just hate you.

I will wave to people that I make incidental eye contact with at work. Most wave back, others will just try to burn through you with their eyes or pretend they dont see you.....those I will give another wave to just to piss them off, better yet if I can stop and give a verbal "Hello" tricking them to reply all the better.

I dont care if they like me but its just good civility to return a greeting when given one, fuck even in a duel you render honors first.

 

[Ric O'shay]

I am a "Civi" no rank higher than boy scout.
But my dad was in Korea and then a lifetime LEO. So I have been around the culture all my life. Like most, I have many family and friends that are retired military or LEO.
I try to let my actions speak louder than words by showing respect and being a good friend (listener) if they need someone to talk to.
I seldom do the "thanks for your service" thing.

 

[Racer88]

I also believe that they are sincere. Those ingrates who hold veterans in contempt wouldn't dare say "thank you."

That said, I admit finding it a bit awkward when people thank me. I'm not quite sure what the best reply is. I usually just smile and say "thanks" back.

I will admit something that bugs me... I'm a health care professional with a doctorate degree. I went into the military after school, so many assume that the military PAID for my school. I believe the assumption is that no doctor would join the military without being OBLIGATED. Well... no. I paid for my own school (with loans) and VOLUNTARILY joined the U.S. Navy.

I ended up on a carrier that was the first response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait (Operation Desert Shield).

I'm glad I did it. Glad I'm out, too. But, I'd do it all over again. Proud to have served. But, no thanks are necessary.

 

[pmclaine]

I also believe that they are sincere. Those ingrates who hold veterans in contempt wouldn't dare say "thank you."

That said, I admit finding it a bit awkward when people thank me. I'm not quite sure what the best reply is. I usually just smile and say "thanks" back.

I will admit something that bugs me... I'm a health care professional with a doctorate degree. I went into the military after school, so many assume that the military PAID for my school. I believe the assumption is that no doctor would join the military without being OBLIGATED. Well... no. I paid for my own school (with loans) and VOLUNTARILY joined the U.S. Navy.

I ended up on a carrier that was the first response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait (Operation Desert Shield).

I'm glad I did it. Glad I'm out, too. But, I'd do it all over again. Proud to have served. But, no thanks are necessary.

Take my Like as a Thank You...

 

[ArmyJerry]

nothing wrong with the mil paying for doctors,,,, if we have big war like russia and china I want lots of docs available.

 

[myronman3]

personally, i dont like it when folks thank me for my service. most guys i know say the same thing....wtf are you supposed to say to any of that? i’d just as soon folks didnt bring it up. i dont typically wear anything veteran related other than my grunt style shirts; so when it happens, it is usually because some thing comes out in conversation.

i dont begrudge anyone who does it, but my guess is AJ feels the same way i do when people say it. i’d seriously just as soon they didnt. being kind to each other, and following the example of putting country before self is thanks enough. sadly, i think far too many put themselves before their country. but if i had my way, that is the way people would thank me. in fact, i’ma start telling folks that when they thank me for my service. “you can thank me by following the example and putting country before self”.

....i’m glad we had this conversation.

 

[McReef]

Coming from the other side of the fence regarding the OP, I just sat here for 10 goddamn minutes trying figure out a way to say “I don’t know about others, but I am sure as hell thankful” without coming across as either #2 or #3. Ive got nothing.

I often want to stop and thank folks when I see them, but often figure they probably don’t want or need my stupid useless thank you. Who the fuck am I? What the fuck do I know about what they gave?

 

[Racer88]

nothing wrong with the mil paying for doctors,,,, if we have big war like russia and china I want lots of docs available.

Yeah... they'll say, "So, the Navy paid for your school, eh?"

No. They didn't.

Then I ALWAYS get a very quizzical look, and I know they're thinking (but biting their lip), "Then why the **** would you join?" Some actually do ask.

To serve my country... the best, most free, most prosperous, most powerful country on Earth.

 

[myronman3]

I think my post above....well, i guess bounce it off other vets. I am guessing that is pretty much something most can agree on.

 

[SilentStalkr]

I think it varies but I believe the majority are actually thankful. However, it’s a two way thing. Some guys blow these people off, even kids, which is kind of sad really. So remember that, just because you may think someone is not being genuine, they may very well be. I know it gets said a lot, and some people seem to say it in passing, but I think most genuinely are thankful. It’s just kind of an awkward thing because you never know how people will respond. My dad is a perfect example, he’d rather not be recognized for his service, doesn’t like to talk about it, doesn’t stand when asked to be recognized any of that. We have had plenty of arguments about it because to me it comes across as a big fuck you to everyone and doesn’t look good for the whole kind of thing. But, it is his choice and if he wants to be like that he can. I’ve seen and had words with others that were complete assholes to kids. How do you think that makes them feel? So, just remember to be polite about it no matter what your feelings are on it. It can go a long way.

 

[Maser]

I'm a lot of things, but a liar isn't one of them. When I say something, I mean it. I never served a day in my life in any branch of the US military, but both my brothers have and lots of other friends and family have. So when I thank a veteran for their service, I am thanking them for doing a job that I won't do.

 

[Spblademaker]

...same as when you thank a maid.

 

[QuickNDirty]

I personally think the ones that go out of their way to say it mean it. Maybe not all, but the vast majority. I will also say that it makes me uncomfortable when people say it to me, or call me a hero. I'm just an ordinary guy, nothing special about me. I guess its because I don't view anything I did as particularly heroic, or out of the ordinary, I served with a shit ton of other people that would have, or did do the same things I did, and more.

Lol, do you ever think to thank citizens for paying you to jump out of planes?

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Lol, do you ever think to thank citizens for paying you to jump out of planes?

Hahahah. Oh what if when they say "thank you for your service" we reply "thank you for the tax free retirement of $150,000 year".... if you get the response:

-Well you are a treasure and you deserve it. Then you know they are grateful.

-Any other response or hesitation they hate you and only do this to appear polite in society.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Hahahah. Oh what if when they say "thank you for your service" we reply "thank you for the tax free retirement of $150,000 year".... if you get the response:

-Well you are a treasure and you deserve it. Then you know they are grateful.

-Any other response or hesitation they hate you and only do this to appear polite in society.

Or......."Response C";

Jesus, $150K a year ? What the fuk was I thinkin' ? I get/will get $28K a year from my shitty 401K and will be eating Alpo while this friggin' Jarhead is gonna be eating Chateaubriand and drinkin' Cristal 7 nights a week until he'a dead.....

 

[pmclaine]

I just say "If you were really thankful you would buy me a box of ammo".

 

[pmclaine]

No no no! THANK YOU!!!
View attachment 7075990

Man I thought that chick was running down the road to escape the Napalm or some shit.

Fucking reporters cropping pictures to use as propaganda.

Now we know the real story when you see the scene from a different perspective.

 

[Racer88]

I just say "If you were really thankful you would buy me a box of ammo".

Box? Go for a CASE!

 

[101stinfantry]

Lol, do you ever think to thank citizens for paying you to jump out of planes?

Well, no......but in my defense the first time I did it, I was questioning my decision.? I was telling my wife the other day that I sure would like to say "Thank You, American Taxpayer"! Because in the last month I've had to have an MRI, Ultrasound, see a General Surgeon, and a Orthopedic Surgeon all at no cost to me through the VA. There is no telling what that would cost out of pocket, and I appreciate the hell out of it.

 

[sandwarrior]

We are 180* apart on that as I told my son there was no way in "HELL" he was going to join the Army or the Marines. After I told him why he understood an did the USAF an is now retired with so many job offers he can't count them.

One thing that pisses me off is fucks who volunteer for service, then whine bag about getting fuck up while there. If you don't know the ramifications of what you volunteered for thats plain stupid on your part. If you were drafted (the smart ones in my day) then yes ask for an demand everything. Motherfucking RA's whine bags wanting disability for B/S they singed up for is nothing more than, the same as the Free Shit Army in my book. You wrote a check payable to the people of the United States up an including your life when you held up your hand, take the consequences like a man,... Don't even get me started on the fucking NG's,....

It really pisses me off to have to do this but, I have to straight up call BULLSHIT! on this. I hadn't read the whole thread last night. I just responded to it. The Army (miitary) full well knows that certain MOS's are going to be dangerous. It's part of the agreement between you and them when you join, that if you come out damaged, they take care of you, in part or in whole. And, since the entire military today is VOLUNTEER, it means that people coming out injured, or wounded, need to be taken care of. How arrogant of you to say people who served, then need help, shouldn't get it!

To me, this statement is like saying, "Thank you (fake), but fuck you." And, unfortunately, it's why I never get too serious about someone thanking me for my service. It's appreciated when it comes. But, very little has ever come of it other than a couple words tossed out in the wind. When it means something like helping your life take a turn for the better, then I will show gratitude to that person who did that.

One more thing, in your signature, you seem to have an anti-tax statement going on. I can't say I know anybody who ever likes paying taxes but they are necessary to run our country. And, they are Constitutional. Read Article 1. Section 8 of the United States Constitution.
Then read a little history. You'll find this country didn't and doesn't run itself. It takes money. And, one big reason we do have what we have is WE are the government and WE can make changes, and WE paid for what WE have. Both in Blood and Dollars.

I'll thank you NOT to dis any veterans who served and now need the VA's help.

 

[EddieNFL]

I think it's all of the above and varies by location. I live in a military community and conservatives outnumber democrats about three to one (many are democrats in name only). If someone thanks you, it's almost always sincere.

I was Army 66-72, but it took another 25 years before ANYONE thanked me for my service. I do think those who have thanked me were sincere. USAA 50+ yrs.

Thanks to the hippie Charlie Sierras who blamed VN on GIs. You notice they now claim to support the military, but it's like a politician making promises; you know he's saying whatever to get your vote.

 

[j-huskey]

Hahahah. Oh what if when they say "thank you for your service" we reply "thank you for the tax free retirement of $150,000 year".... if you get the response:


-Any other response or hesitation they hate you and only do this to appear polite in society.

Maybe not, since draftee dad did 3 in rvn, and
Maybe not, since their son retired a Command Sgt. Major and only gets 95k....
Might b they think u disrespect them... and sons momma wants to slap the shit out of you..
You just never know.
Do you ?