Posted on Apr 14, 2014
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it is really hard for me to welcome to complements
about my service from strangers, especially from those who have not served,
this feeling got really bad after my first combat deployment, how do you handle
such things? Or do they bother you at all?<o:p></o:p></p>
about my service from strangers, especially from those who have not served,
this feeling got really bad after my first combat deployment, how do you handle
such things? Or do they bother you at all?<o:p></o:p></p>
Deployment
PTSD
Gratitude
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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A simple, "You're welcome," works for me. When strangers see you in uniform and compliment or recognize your service, they're merely saying thank you for what they didn't do - or haven't done in a long time. Add a smile to that "you're welcome," and you'll be an all-star.
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SSG (Join to see)
When someone tells me thank for your service I reply thank you and thank you for your support sir or maam. The military only make up a small percentage of the United States. Eveybody cant do what we do. But for them to recognize the struggle is enough for me.
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LTC Jason Strickland
Well spoken Starling!. In fact, the military (active and veteran) make up just 1% of our entire U.S. population. You're in an exclusive club!
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<p>Whenever someone thanks me for my service I simply say the following: Thank you for your support, I/we appreciate it. </p><p> </p><p>Keep in mind, especially since you say they are strangers, that they may very well be combat vets too.</p>
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Honestly it feels a little wierd since I dont feel Ive done anything more than the job I signed up for. But I smile, and tell them thanks for their support. The ones that really get me are the WWII and Vietnam Vets who tell me thanks. I usually stop and give them a very hearty hand shake and say "No, thank you for YOUR service". I love the response I get from them.
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