If you get a genuine "thanks for your service" from a random community member, what is an appropriate reply?

2014-02-04T23:31:15-05:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 11:37 PM

2014-02-04T23:37:47-05:00

I believe that the appropriate response is "it's my honor".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 11:41 PM

2014-02-04T23:41:42-05:00

It always happens to me in restaurants.  It's really awkward when somebody pays for my meal.  I just say "no problem."

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 11:48 PM

2014-02-04T23:48:17-05:00

"It is a pleasure to serve. Thank you for the support."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 11:49 PM

2014-02-04T23:49:43-05:00

Seeing that we were routinely reminded of how stupid we are and being called all other manner of stuff,  I think we just say,  'thank you'.  

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 1:10 AM

2014-02-05T01:10:25-05:00

I feel more awkward when a vet pays something for me. I guess for the fact that we earn more benefits then they did for serving where they did. During a reunion, I explained to one of the vets he doesn't have to pay my meal (which was about $30) because I get a reimbursement, but he paid anyway being stubborn lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 1:21 AM

2014-02-05T01:21:16-05:00

I don't think there is an appropriate reply, just whatever you feel is what I would say.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 5 at 2014 1:29 AM

2014-02-05T01:29:42-05:00

<p>My response is that "It is my honor to have served."</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 3:04 AM

2014-02-05T03:04:44-05:00

Its awkward for me since I dont feel like what I do has deserved any kind of recognition, but I usually reply with "thank you for the support, it is much appreciated"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 8:58 AM

2014-02-05T08:58:17-05:00

The person (s) should get a warm thank you in response.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:07 AM

2014-02-05T09:07:07-05:00

When I am feeling fun and adventurous I like to respond with a loud and drawn out "Ammmmmmmmmerica!!!"...

But for the most part I stand up, look them in the eye, shake their hand, smile real big and say I really appreciate that and I thank you for your support ma'am/sir.

I love how sneaky people are when they pay for your meal! You don't even know it and then the waiter/waitress tells you that you are good to go when you try to ask for the check. =O

Response by CPT Mike M. made Feb 5 at 2014 9:09 AM

2014-02-05T09:09:42-05:00

I always go with "I'm happy to have the opportunity to serve, thank you."

Response by SFC Robert Putzer made Feb 5 at 2014 10:27 AM

2014-02-05T10:27:38-05:00

I always smile and warmly reply, Thank you for your support!

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 5 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-02-05T11:25:23-05:00

Normally respond with, "You're welcome".

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 8:47 PM

2014-02-05T20:47:43-05:00

"Thank you for your support!" - with a smile.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 8:52 PM

2014-02-05T20:52:47-05:00

I usually reposed with either -

Thank you - I do it because of fine citizens like yourself.

It's my pleasure - I do it because of fine citizens like yourself.

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Feb 5 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-02-05T21:08:07-05:00

I usually use one of these two statements.

"I'm just doing what I love, thank you"

"Thank you, It's my honor"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-02-06T14:34:35-05:00

I usually respond with "It's an honor to serve."

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 12:13 AM

2014-02-07T00:13:49-05:00

"You're welcome."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 1:37 AM

2014-09-18T01:37:10-04:00

"You're welcome. You, too!"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 2:22 AM

2014-09-18T02:22:36-04:00

I always feel a bit embarrassed when people thank my for my service. I feel that accepting such thanks sort of flies in the face of humility. I like to turn the table a bit and thank people who thank me for thanking servicemen as it shows they care.

Response by Sgt Randy Novak made Sep 18 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-09-18T14:48:09-04:00

I respond with "You are Welcome and Thank You for your Support"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 7:03 PM

2014-09-18T19:03:55-04:00

I typically respond with "Thank you Sir/Ma'am/Gentlemen/Ladies". One time though, I was at the airport in Atlanta, and some private straight out of basic training was in front of me. Some old vet wearing his Korean War hat came up to him and told him thank you. The private said "You're welcome". That PVT sounded like a pompous ass. I told him that if he encounters that situation again, say "thank you" instead of "you're welcome".

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 10 at 2014 8:21 AM

2014-12-10T08:21:44-05:00

"Thank you for your support."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 9:27 AM

2014-12-10T09:27:19-05:00

Depending on the situation I like to reply with, "thanks but I'm really not that good ;)" which usually makes them smile. Sometimes they will say something like "oh I'm sure you are" to which I usually say "the folks I serve with are pretty awesome"

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 10 at 2014 10:29 AM

2014-12-10T10:29:54-05:00

I make eye contact, shake their hand, and say "Thank you for your support". Because it costs me exactly nothing to be civil to someone.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Oct 25 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-10-25T10:39:04-04:00

I say: "You're quite welcome and thank you for your support, we really appreciate it."

Response by PO2 Whitney Mulberry-Chaplin made Dec 16 at 2018 1:56 PM

2018-12-16T13:56:23-05:00

At first it was very awkward. Now I reply Thank you for your support. It then returns that show of support back to the community who we all need while away on deployment.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Feb 20 at 2019 11:06 PM

2019-02-20T23:06:55-05:00

Thank them for acknowledging your service and have a good day!