Things you shouldn't say to a veteran?

2014-07-01T19:53:50-04:00

This is an interesting article, I definitely agree with some of the points! What would you add?

http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/06/what-not-to-say-to-a-veteran?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=140627

‘Did You Ever Kill Anyone?’ 5 Things Not To Say To A Veteran

In advance of our most patriotic holiday, a brief guide for speaking with post-9/11 veterans -- five things not to say (Do you have PTSD? Really, did you kill anyone?) and five things maybe you should.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 1 at 2014 8:07 PM

2014-07-01T20:07:33-04:00

My answer to "did you ever kill someone?" is always: "Not on purpose...." with a totally straight face. ;o)

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 1 at 2014 8:24 PM

2014-07-01T20:24:26-04:00

Very good article... it's a shame it wasn't published and widely distributed about 10 years earlier! Thanks for sharing, Sir!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:28 PM

2014-07-29T22:28:56-04:00

I agree with the whole "What not to say" section. The only part of the "What TO say" section that I agree with is "3. What do you think is the hardest stuff for those of us who haven’t served (or don’t have a family member who has served) to understand?". If I were faced with any of the other 4, I wouldn't take them seriously and I'd feel like they were insincere..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 7:15 PM

2014-11-13T19:15:01-05:00

I'm surprised people still even ask if we've killed people...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-01-17T18:32:28-05:00

Excellent article, LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU®! Not only do the authors tell folks what NOT to say, they offer suggestions for what TO SAY. That makes for a very informative and helpful article. I haven't heard the "what not to say" comments from anyone, but my circle of friends is mostly military. Again, I especially liked the suggestions for what to say to veterans. Thanks for sharing this, sir.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-01-17T21:08:10-05:00

Thank you good article.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-01-17T21:16:50-05:00

My Grandfather, a retired Ssgt of the Marine Corps would not even talk about anything involving kills. He LOVED his Corps and lived for the Ball every year. The year I enlisted I was able to attend two different Balls and a luncheon with him, the last I would ever get to go to with him. He always talked fondly of the pranks (I.D. 10 T. form ect) and of course any stories that made the Corps shine. If you asked him what he did, it was always a resound "I made the coffee." He retired in 75 so there was a LOT more than coffee making in his career...you don't ask about kills...EVER! Face it, anyone who has a soul or a heart does not brag about taking another life, regardless of the reason for taking it.