How do complements or statements of gratitude about your service make you feel?

2014-04-14T07:30:02-04:00

<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>

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 14 at 2014 7:35 AM

2014-04-14T07:35:48-04:00

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.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 14 at 2014 8:12 AM

2014-04-14T08:12:42-04:00

Knowing what my father-in-law and other Vietnam Vets experienced upon their returns from combat, I always acknowledge the individual that took the time out of their day to thank me. I take it as an honor when my service to our country is acknowledged, it was the only career that I ever wanted and am proud of my service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:10 AM

2014-04-14T10:10:47-04:00

<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>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:20 AM

2014-04-14T10:20:15-04:00

I just say thank you. Unless its from like a Vietnam vet then i always thank them. Its just something about Soldiers that survived trying war times like those that always amazes me.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 14 at 2014 10:26 AM

2014-04-14T10:26:22-04:00

I judge it by the intent, not the execution. <div>Is it sometimes tone-deaf and trite? Sure.</div><div><br></div><div>They really ARE trying to show gratitude. <font size="2">Often for something that they really don't get. It is also often a way to connect to THEIR prior service or a family member currently deployed or in the service. </font></div><div><br></div><div>Like LTC Strickland, I say you're welcome and smile. Maybe make small talk for a few minutes, if I have the time. (Good PR for the service....) <font size="2"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>I have a much greater issue with perks (someone giving up their first class seat, paying your meal, etc.). In general, I attempt to decline, but if they insist, I say "thank you, much appreciated" - again, judging by the intent (and realizing that regs are stricter on this than I am... But it is quite frankly insulting to refuse a gift - Bribes, which are what the regs are aimed at, IMO, are different).  </div><div><br></div><div>My issue with perks is that a lot of times, I feel that they are offered out of sympathy, based on a civilian perception that service members are underpaid & are financially insecure. Add to that that most civilians don't know the difference between an LTC and a PFC..... And I feel like I'm "getting over" under false pretenses. If I can find a junior Soldier somewhere nearby, I will generally try to deflect the civilian's goodwill in their direction. </div>

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 14 at 2014 6:50 PM

2014-04-14T18:50:32-04:00

I tell them thank you for picking up the tab for me to Travel all over the World for 21 years. I don't think I would have been as well rounded if I hadn't spent time in other cultures.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 14 at 2014 9:30 PM

2014-04-14T21:30:00-04:00

<p>I am thankful to those who recognize me as a veteran and am always courteous to those who thank me. However, there are those who make derogatory comment about me having killed babies or fought in illegal or immoral wars. To these people I say thank you, I am proud to have served my country to give you the right to be cruel to those who provide you with your first amendment rights. I also say thanks to those who's paths I cross that have served their country in hardship or rear echelon postings. We also serve who don't do the Hooah jobs for whatever reason. God bless you my brothers and sisters who have served or are still serving. You are my heroes, and believe me when I say I wish I could still be there with you all. PRO PATRIA.</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:23 AM

2014-04-15T08:23:33-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:56 AM

2014-04-15T08:56:33-04:00

Never bothered me. I saw some kid in Chicago's airport a few years back, I was in civies, and I went up to him and said it.<div><br></div><div>The only time it irritated me was in 03 when I was coming back from Iraq on midtour in my DCUs, and everyone wanted to talk to me when I only had 15 minutes to catch my connection flight. (Back then you had to buy your one flight from certain ports)</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 2:40 PM

2014-04-16T14:40:26-04:00

I thank them, but I still think that I am not the one to thank. It is the veterans that came before me that I thank and point out to those thanking me to go and thank. The military today is not as hard as it was in the past and it is because of those that came before us. The lessons learned and the refusal to be ill-equipped has resulted in a better military for us to serve in and fight our battles. We address PTSD and injuries, seen and unseen, from combat better, we educate our separating Soldiers better and support families better. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE THAT SERVED BEFORE!!!<font face="Times New Roman"><font color="#000000" size="3">

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Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 17 at 2014 7:02 PM

2014-04-17T19:02:00-04:00

It always made me feel awkward?  Not so awkward that I punched anyone in the throat, but I always felt...wished...I could have done more.

Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Apr 17 at 2014 7:52 PM

2014-04-17T19:52:47-04:00

I think the older people (Vietnam era) in this country have a bit of guilt for the way they treated the soldiers coming home back then.  I had the pleasure of serving with some Vietnam vets during Desert Shield/Storm.  They were an inspiring lot!  When we came home to a "Hero's" welcome I was a bit embarrassed for myself as I didn't feel much like a hero.  But, I was honored to stand beside those Vietnam vets who were finally  feeling the love of their country they so deserved!  It brought so much joy to my heart!  As LTC Strickland just put it - a simple "your welcome" is all that's needed.  I might throw in an "I'd do it all over again" at the end for my own personal gratification!

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 17 at 2014 11:35 PM

2014-04-17T23:35:39-04:00

It would depend on the "thank you".  For a general one, I just say "thank you" back.  Some people get specific, "Thank you for going over there so I didn't have to", or "Thank you for standing the watch"  For those I ensure I shake their hands and thank them for their kind words

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 8:20 PM

2014-04-18T20:20:06-04:00

I said like SSG Morales, "Thank You for your support". This sometimes has triggered a conversation or two (or a lot) and ended up getting invited to all sort of events, motorcycle ride and meeting other Vets that have never heard a "Welcome Home"...i.e. Vietnam Vets.<div>Me, being station in Ft Lauderdale/Margate, Florida, get this said to me almost in a daily basis because down here Active Duty are not usual; a lot of retirees though and they are very appreciative. </div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 11:56 AM

2014-05-01T11:56:09-04:00

LTC Strickland nailed it in his response, I smile and say "you're welcome", especially to the children. The hard one is when a WWII, Korea, or Veitnam Vet wearing his veteran hat with a unit identifier that saw hard combat with heavy losses tells me "thank you". All I can do is look him in the eye, shake his hand and give him a thank you for his service.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made May 2 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-05-02T14:22:16-04:00

To be honest, I have never been comfortable with it. I'm grateful that they appreciate my service, but I can't promises I was doing it for them. I was doing it because I loved it. I was doing things for the person next to me. Sometimes I was doing it just because it had to be done.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Apr 30 at 2017 7:07 AM

2017-04-30T07:07:05-04:00

I have quite a few "atta-boy" letters in my 201 file from various Colonels and Generals that I spent TDY time with. Those documents are a matter of pride for doing a better job than that which was expected of me. I am sure that has a lot to do with advancing in rank rapidly. On several occasions was assigned a pre-confinement soldier to keep guard on so that he would be sure to arrive at the stockade at ASCOM City on time. Sometimes these guys were friends but I followed my orders are given to me by the Battery Commander via our 1sgt.