What's the best way to handle it when a civilian thanks you for your service?

2013-11-06T12:04:35-05:00

It always feels a bit strange to me because I know many servicemembers who sacrificed much more than I did...although I do appreciate the sentiment. Any thoughts?

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2013 12:07 PM

2013-11-06T12:07:27-05:00

I make it a point to thank civilians for their support of the troops. I don't say just "thank you" but "thank you for your support". Its almost like giving back to them. Yes it may sound corny but its the civilians that run the military. 

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2013 1:30 PM

2013-11-06T13:30:35-05:00

I look at it from the perspective that most people aren't thanking YOU/ME specifically, but the uniform and everyone we represent when wearing it.

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Nov 6 at 2013 3:54 PM

2013-11-06T15:54:19-05:00

It's particularly awkward/uncomfortable when you aren't actually a vet, which just seems rude to point out when someone is thanking me. I always respond with a 'thank you for your support' as well.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 6 at 2013 3:58 PM

2013-11-06T15:58:52-05:00

Sir, I feel much the same way. Everybody in the service does something that supports a greater good, but there are a select few who frequently bear the brunt of the heavy lifting. It is humbling to be associated with those people, and I am always mindful of what they do for us all.

That said, every time I have been the beneficiary of somebody else's kindness towards me as a service member, I thank them for their support not for me, but for all who serve.

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Nov 7 at 2013 8:51 AM

2013-11-07T08:51:01-05:00

CPT AuBuchon, that was guys in my unit, so I know all too well. I really appreciate your insight.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 7 at 2013 9:13 AM

2013-11-07T09:13:18-05:00

I keep my response simple. They thank us for the sacrifices we've had to endure but most of us nowadays joined after 9/11 so we knew what we were getting into. I've always wanted to join the military so when someone thanks me for my service I just respond that I'm happy to have the opportunity to serve. There are a lot out there who would have liked to join but have outside factors preventing them. I'm greatful I'm able to.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2013 10:42 AM

2013-11-07T10:42:12-05:00

I thank them for their support.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2013 3:14 PM

2013-11-07T15:14:56-05:00

I typically thank them for their support.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 4:14 PM

2013-11-08T16:14:45-05:00

When I was a recruiter, I was thanked for my service almost daily. My standard reply was, and still is, "Thank you for your support".

Response by 1SG Jd Jones made Nov 10 at 2013 8:44 AM

2013-11-10T08:44:44-05:00

I agree, Brian. It is difficult, when some of our comrades are not here to be appreciated for their ultimate sacrifice.
Retiring after many years of active service, it was purely a profession(some would call a religion). As with any profession, I elected to serve and with the not so good days comes memories and friendships that will be remembered and re-lived a LIFETIME! THANKS to everyone who served!!!! Infantry 1SG

Response by TSgt Ricky Cook made Nov 10 at 2013 8:55 AM

2013-11-10T08:55:49-05:00

I always say "It's an Honor, Thank you"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 9:39 AM

2013-11-10T09:39:57-05:00

You say your welcome smile.

Response by PO3 Jeremy Davis made Nov 10 at 2013 11:06 AM

2013-11-10T11:06:39-05:00

I always offer a hand shake and tell then "you're welcome and, thank you for your support".

Response by PO3 Jeremy Davis made Nov 10 at 2013 11:08 AM

2013-11-10T11:08:42-05:00

I offer a hand shake and tell them you're welcome and thank them for their support.

Response by LTC Harry Gerecke made Nov 10 at 2013 12:03 PM

2013-11-10T12:03:18-05:00

I usually thank them back or at least tell them that I had a lot of help. But, I also feel bit annoyed and at times want to say, I went because you did not....but I try to stifle that impulse as they are usually strangers, and I do not know them.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 12:48 PM

2013-11-10T12:48:59-05:00

I say either thank you or thank you for your appreciation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 2:48 PM

2013-11-10T14:48:45-05:00

I have often thought about this. Despite having been in the reserves for the past 5 years, I have not yet deployed, and I always feel humbled and unsure of the best way to respond. I usually smile and say something to the effect of it's an honor, but seeing the responses in here has given me some insights into what everyone else says and thinks about this. Thanks for the post!

Response by CPL Andrew Green made Nov 10 at 2013 5:18 PM

2013-11-10T17:18:38-05:00

I simply smile and say thank you for your support.

Response by MAJ John Ludiker made Nov 10 at 2013 9:57 PM

2013-11-10T21:57:06-05:00

I agree with everything stated so graciously and elegantly by others who've already posted here; the greater difficulty comes with a grateful public wanting to thank ALL veterans and current serving Service members on Memorial Day, when all thanks on that day are reserved for those Service members revered for having given their lives in defense of-and service to-our nation, and as unfortunate and uncomfortable as it is in that circumstance, those people must be corrected and told that that day is not for thanking the living, but for remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the dead.

Response by SGT(P) Kyle B. made Nov 10 at 2013 11:51 PM

2013-11-10T23:51:08-05:00

I always respond with thanking them back.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Nov 11 at 2013 12:17 AM

2013-11-11T00:17:24-05:00

I tell them you are welcome, it was my honor to serve. This has always worked well for me. If the other person is a veteran I offer thanks for their service also.

Response by SFC Keith Bailey made Nov 11 at 2013 8:01 AM

2013-11-11T08:01:29-05:00

My response is " Thank you for your support "

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:04 AM

2013-11-11T08:04:24-05:00

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

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:19 AM

2013-11-11T08:19:22-05:00

When I first came in, I always felt it to be awkward and always felt out of place and never knew what to say. Now that I have been in for a few years and passing by the Fort Hood "Hug Lady" put my perspective in a whole different light. I now say thank you right back to them and hold out my hand to give a handshake or if I know them to be a past veteran I have even given a salute.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 9:26 AM

2013-11-11T09:26:51-05:00

Yes, it does feel strange Sir, but my response is always "My honor/pleasure and thank you for your support." Not to mention a lil older lady's hug makes the world brighter!!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2013 6:57 AM

2013-11-12T06:57:51-05:00

I usually end up saying something along the lines of, "Thank you for the support" or "It's my pleasure, I'm proud to serve". 21 years and still going strong.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2013 8:39 AM

2013-11-12T08:39:05-05:00

I always follow-up with a smile, nod and say "Thank you for your support!"

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Nov 12 at 2013 10:32 PM

2013-11-12T22:32:41-05:00

I, like others, say "thank you for your support". What is awkward for me is when a WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc Vet shakes my hand and thanks me for my service when I know they have sacrificed much more than I have. I shake their hand even more vigorously and thank them for their commendable service.

Response by Sgt Nicholas Chappell made Nov 12 at 2013 10:40 PM

2013-11-12T22:40:49-05:00

Well when it is a civilian I say the typical "Thank you for your support." However, when it is a older vet I say "No, Thank you for your service. If you hadn't served then I wouldn't have had the opportunity."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 10:01 AM

2013-11-16T10:01:13-05:00

I explain that my service has been an honor for me and thank them for supporting the troops. Civilian support of Veterans and military members currently service is critical for the moral of those individuals.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Nov 16 at 2013 1:37 PM

2013-11-16T13:37:07-05:00

Just accept their sentiment within the spirit in which it offered. Those who haven't served have no idea but, at least, they're making an effort to acknowledge the sacrifice of military service.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 26 at 2013 4:40 PM

2013-11-26T16:40:15-05:00

I normally just say "Thank you. It's an honor to serve."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 2:47 PM

2013-11-28T14:47:33-05:00

I travel in uniform often on TDY for my current position and my usual reply is "Thank you for your support"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 3:03 PM

2013-11-28T15:03:58-05:00

Thank you, and thank you for your support.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 3:40 PM

2013-11-28T15:40:50-05:00

"You're welcome."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 4:03 PM

2013-11-28T16:03:01-05:00

"I appreciate your support."

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Nov 28 at 2013 10:11 PM

2013-11-28T22:11:39-05:00

You're welcome, it's been my honor to serve for over_____years now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:41 PM

2013-11-28T22:41:28-05:00

Thank you for supporting us

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:58 PM

2013-11-28T22:58:10-05:00

I have always had a hard time with that one. Most of the time it tell them there is no thanks needed and I love what I do.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 28 at 2013 11:32 PM

2013-11-28T23:32:08-05:00

Thank you and thank you for the support...I love what I do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 11:49 AM

2013-11-29T11:49:02-05:00

I just learned not too long ago to say "Thank you for your support." I really didn't know what to say and when I heard this one line I liked it.

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Nov 29 at 2013 1:54 PM

2013-11-29T13:54:06-05:00

I just say Thank you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 3:15 PM

2013-12-07T15:15:15-05:00

I'm another one in the "Thank you for your support" camp...

I slow down and make sure to look them in the eye, and give them a firm but warm handshake to be as sincere as possible

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 8:57 AM

2013-12-09T08:57:11-05:00

For a while I used to reply with Thank-you also...now-a-days I just reply with 'I chose this path and thanks for the support'

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 9 at 2013 9:10 AM

2013-12-09T09:10:10-05:00

Yer welcome, but it's not necessary as I had the time of my life - I should be thanking YOU!

Response by SSG Brian Hart made Dec 9 at 2013 7:29 PM

2013-12-09T19:29:28-05:00

I thank them for recognizing my service.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 7:31 PM

2013-12-09T19:31:37-05:00

One of the worst things you can do is rebuff a compliment but you can humbly say, "you're welcome'.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 7:34 PM

2013-12-09T19:34:23-05:00

People these days have a need for heroes and while you may not feel you are, it is okay just go with your heart.

Contrast that to Vietnam when my dad was called baby killer and the abuse I heard about when I first went in, in the 70s. I would much rather have respect than that, any day,

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 9 at 2013 7:34 PM

2013-12-09T19:34:53-05:00

I look them straight in their eyes and grab their hands and say
thank you for your prayers and support.

If this person is a fellow veteran. I go to attention and stop and salute and thank them for serving before me

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 8:27 PM

2013-12-09T20:27:20-05:00

First of all let me start by saying that it's wonderful that this is a phenomenon...that is, people walking up to a soldier on the street and saying "thank you for your service". Not too long ago this almost never happened and even a little farther back quite the opposite happened with soldiers being spit. This was a sad time in our society with the citizenry openly denigrating soldiers for political viewpoints. Thankfully, we have moved beyond that rather neanderthal mentality and have experienced honest and heart-felt thankfulness from the citizenry. With that said, I usually say something like thank you for your support or i appreciate your thanks, etc.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 8:03 AM

2013-12-10T08:03:13-05:00

I always say that "it is a privilege to serve, that being said, you're welcome."

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 8:10 AM

2013-12-10T08:10:38-05:00

No, Thank You (!), I love my job.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Dec 10 at 2013 9:12 AM

2013-12-10T09:12:13-05:00

I always say "Thank You for Your Support" and if it comes from a service member "Thank You for Your Service and Taking the Lead"

Response by PO1 Willis Mur'rel Wright Jr made Dec 10 at 2013 9:11 PM

2013-12-10T21:11:10-05:00

Thanks for leading me to the sea,been military since I was 15,Merchant Marine it was a Sailors life..thanks again

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:45 PM

2013-12-10T21:45:00-05:00

"My pleasure, I Enjoy what I do"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 10:20 PM

2013-12-10T22:20:05-05:00

I feel awkward saying "Thank you" back to them right after they said thank you to me... so my usual response is Thank you for your support and move on! Personally I do not like to make a spectacle out of myself but it is nice when people show their support.

Response by CWO2 B. Sean Fairburn made Dec 11 at 2013 12:26 AM

2013-12-11T00:26:40-05:00

When someone takes the time to thank me for my service, I smile look at them to insure they feel the words I am about to say and respond with

"I did it for you".

CWO2 B. Sean Fairburn USMC

DS/DS 91 OIF 03

Response by Sgt Collin Marchant made Dec 11 at 2013 12:34 AM

2013-12-11T00:34:28-05:00

My father was thanked for the first time in his life ten years ago and he was a Vietnam Vet. Ive been thanked nonstop since 2001. I thank other veterans for their service. all I can say is what I say to everyone who thanks me…I reach for their hand and say no sir/maam thank you. If it werent for you I would not of had the experiences that I had.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 12:52 AM

2013-12-11T00:52:09-05:00

I say thank you, smile and shake their hand if offered.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 6:38 AM

2013-12-11T06:38:59-05:00

I always Smile....Say Thank You!....and Thank them for their support....and lastly shake their hand!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 6:50 AM

2013-12-11T06:50:31-05:00

Thank you for your Support.

Response by TSgt John Lyda made Dec 11 at 2013 11:12 AM

2013-12-11T11:12:05-05:00

I say "Thank you, it was an honor and a privilege"

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 11 at 2013 11:39 AM

2013-12-11T11:39:41-05:00

Just like everyone else, I thank them for their support and try to remind them that we need support beyond just the war zone. Never hurts to remind people of the issues we face during and after we transition to the civilian sector.

The one question I have is has any one come across a Veteran saying they don't deserve a thank you? I ran into one and they feel because they didn't lose a body part or wounded in any other way they don't deserve it. I tell them regardless of injury they still deserve it because they raised their right hand and successfully completed the challenges we all faced that the general public will never face.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Dec 11 at 2013 1:34 PM

2013-12-11T13:34:18-05:00

I tell them Thank You and add "It was an honor to defend your freedom"

Response by SFC Lawrence Hayward made Dec 11 at 2013 4:24 PM

2013-12-11T16:24:29-05:00

I say thank you. The world can use a few more pleasantries.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 4:37 PM

2013-12-11T16:37:30-05:00

I always thank those I see in Uniform being retired for a few years I've blended into the community so with a beard and shirt and tie they see another business manager on travel. I loved my time in the Navy and serving my country was a rewarding career surrounded my friends (Shipmates) that will be life long family. The service these young men and women provide our country is outstanding not the Navy I left but each generation brings our service forward with strength, honor, courage, and commitment that those that serve would buckle under the microscope our service men and women work under.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Dec 11 at 2013 6:51 PM

2013-12-11T18:51:40-05:00

Thanks for paying taxes.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Dec 11 at 2013 10:34 PM

2013-12-11T22:34:02-05:00

Isay Thank you and thank you for your support.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Dec 11 at 2013 10:35 PM

2013-12-11T22:35:31-05:00

I say thank you and thank you for your support. I also thank everyone for their service when I meet them for the first time.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey S. made Dec 12 at 2013 5:57 AM

2013-12-12T05:57:44-05:00

I like it when they say that to me. I thank them and I try to start a small conversation with them. I tell them what I do for the veterans community and they tell me about their family members who are and have served.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 12 at 2013 6:51 AM

2013-12-12T06:51:42-05:00

My response to that simple comment is usually surprise. Most times, when I am out, I am with my husband who wears a ball cap with USMC on it. Instead of the hat, I have a "Bird, Ball, and Hook" necklace that I wear.

LOTS of people come up to my husband and thank him for his service, and always, he mentions that I am also a retired Marine. Most people blink slowly, they slide their eyes over to me, and I know its coming. "You served too?" they ask, and I nod, and people usually give a nervous little grin, "Oh... well, thank you too."
Even in this day and age, most people are surprised to meet a woman veteran, and when they do, they give this 'Blink... stare... nervous smile.'

I am sorry to say, that once, when faced with this, I gave a sweet smile back, "I'm almost house trained now..."

I appreciate it when someone says thank you, honestly I do, but those comments are very far between for women, as most people still don't realize that women veterans can look like any other woman, because its still unique enough to surprise, even in this day and age.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 12 at 2013 7:39 AM

2013-12-12T07:39:23-05:00

Thankfully since growing a beard and a belly....it doesn't happen very often anymore. lol. Prior, my first response was generally to simply say, "thank you" and move on. Children, other vets, or those actually sincere got a more thought out response.

Response by COL James Stevens Roach made Dec 12 at 2013 7:42 AM

2013-12-12T07:42:10-05:00

Sometimes, the situation doesn't allow for anything except a 'you're welcome' - but when I have the opportunity I like to respond: I have spent 20 years of my working life, overseas, mostly in third world countries. Many of our fellow citizens in this great country don't understand that what we (and our ancestors) have developed here in the United States of America. Our culture and our country is unique - the very best deal for the common man. So I believe that my military service to this country has also served the interest of humanity. The USA is the last and best hope of humanity, and we need to perserve it for our children and grand children.

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Dec 12 at 2013 8:36 AM

2013-12-12T08:36:04-05:00

I tell all vets I meet, thank you for your service... When they thank me, I reply with, "I was just doing my job, it was the least I could do."

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Dec 12 at 2013 8:38 AM

2013-12-12T08:38:31-05:00

I like to tell them (in my best Elvis voice) Thank you... Thank you very much.

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Dec 12 at 2013 8:41 AM

2013-12-12T08:41:48-05:00

I like to have a few responses at the ready... like a magazine full of ammo...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 5:05 PM

2013-12-12T17:05:46-05:00

I keep it short an simple. You are welcome and thanks for the support.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 5:17 PM

2013-12-12T17:17:07-05:00

I tell them that they are welcome and it has been my pleasure to serve in the best military in the world.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 5:18 PM

2013-12-12T17:18:17-05:00

I say, "you're welcome and it has been my pleasure to serve in the greatest military in the world"!

Response by PO2 Heather Ashby made Dec 12 at 2013 6:29 PM

2013-12-12T18:29:50-05:00

I love it. I feel a bit guilty since I actually do more for the troops, vets, families, etc. today than I did on active duty. But, as a military novelist, I engage them in conversation and they usually have a family member of some kind who has served, so I thank them back. Since I donate half my author royalties to Fisher House Foundation - Helping Military Families - I feel comfortable sharing my books with them. Heatherashby.com

Response by CPT Don Buzzelli made Dec 12 at 2013 7:30 PM

2013-12-12T19:30:58-05:00

My typical response is "It Was my Honor" and I mean that from the bottom of my heart as Vietnam was not a popular home coming.

Response by CPT Don Buzzelli made Dec 12 at 2013 7:33 PM

2013-12-12T19:33:45-05:00

What I typically say is "it was my Honor" and that comes from the bottom of my heart, as when I returned from Vietnam we were not appreciated.

Response by SPC Thomas Morrissey made Dec 13 at 2013 7:56 PM

2013-12-13T19:56:24-05:00

Thank you for your support

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 11:59 AM

2014-03-17T11:59:29-04:00

I generally tell them Thank you for your support as well as it is my pleasure to serve. In the end its not about us as individuals...they are truly thanking the uniform we wear...not the person wearing it.

Response by PO2 William Ingram Jr made Apr 20 at 2014 3:36 AM

2014-04-20T03:36:48-04:00

I tell them, Thank you for letting me serve.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 26 at 2014 6:31 PM

2014-04-26T18:31:02-04:00

I thank them for their prayers and support.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 29 at 2014 10:16 PM

2014-04-29T22:16:00-04:00

I always thank them for their continued support and ask them to thank and shake the hands of other service members when they see them too.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 10:30 AM

2014-05-23T10:30:16-04:00

Simply "Thank you for your support".

Response by SMSgt Brian Millington made Aug 25 at 2014 2:35 PM

2014-08-25T14:35:57-04:00

I always respond "it was my pleasure, and thank you for your support of the troops".

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-08-25T20:46:48-04:00

My response is always the same. I thank them back.

"Thank you for paying taxes and allowing me to do what I love for a living."

I flew Blackhawks for eight years and it NEVER felt like work.

THANK YOU TAXPAYERS! I'M STILL GREATFUL!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 7:19 PM

2014-08-26T19:19:44-04:00

An appropriate response is, "Thanks for your support."

Response by SGT James S. made Aug 27 at 2014 8:58 AM

2014-08-27T08:58:46-04:00

I usually respond, "It was an honor to serve, thank you for your support."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 27 at 2014 7:13 PM

2014-08-27T19:13:39-04:00

I always thanked them for their support. Now that I'm retired, I still shake the hands of everyone I see in uniform. I never mention my service because because it is about rendering honor to those still serving, unless they ask me. I see our vets wearing their hats and shirts and thank them for their service as if they were wearing their fatigues. They are still in uniform, albeit civilian clothes now. If I'm really lucky, I get to hear about a story that they are willing to share. I get to hear about how different we were as a country "back in the day". I've met people who built the roads in Alaska, I met several POW's, and I've met Waves and WACs. I've had a meal bought for my entire family when I was still in, I've left thank you notes on vehicles. We are all family. We are all Americans. We are all God's children.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Aug 27 at 2014 7:41 PM

2014-08-27T19:41:19-04:00

For a long time it stunned me speechless, as I never heard it. I had to remember what hat I was wearing (Mobile 1 or Marine Veteran). I just say
"you're welcome" My new hometown I hear it often.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Aug 27 at 2014 9:11 PM

2014-08-27T21:11:47-04:00

I usually just respond that it was an honor to serve.

Response by CPL Jesse Richards made Aug 28 at 2014 12:33 AM

2014-08-28T00:33:19-04:00

good question! i feel the same way about this

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 12:38 PM

2014-08-29T12:38:29-04:00

If I have my wits about me, I try to respond with "it's my pleasure!"

And if it's another veteran I go with "thank you for paving the way!"

As others have stated, they aren't thanking me per se, but all of us. It always makes me squirm a little, as I see this as my calling more than anything.

Great question, CPT.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 2:19 PM

2014-08-29T14:19:42-04:00

CPT Brian Hughes Col Private RallyPoint Member - Happened to me just two days ago at Walmart, and the guy was calling for me and ran up to me when I turned around to see who was yelling. (his dad WWII) and I said, "Your're Welcome". I was a little on the spot but then I have mixed emotions here. Coming in at the end of the Vietnam War and we never got that treatment.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Aug 29 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-08-29T15:14:44-04:00

Without going through the thread of this post, I shall regurgitate the line I took from a past conversation on RP. I simply answer "thank you for your support".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 3:36 PM

2014-08-29T15:36:48-04:00

Most of the time I say "Thanks for the support". At first when i was thanked and didn't realize that it would happen as frequently, "Thanks", "Your welcome", or just a smile was the first thing that came into mind, but sometimes people speed walk to catch me in places like Walmart where I am quick to get in and out. They clearly go out of the way to thank all of us, so then I thought the best thing to do was to not only just say a quick your welcome, but in a way, thank them for stopping and "showing support". To me that shows the person recognizes the sacrifices our military has made for the USA.

Response by PO2 Arnold Mungin made Aug 29 at 2014 6:46 PM

2014-08-29T18:46:11-04:00

I once felt a little strange as well when people would thank me for my service. I went ahead and put a little speech together which seems to make civilians smile and convey my gratitude to the people we defend and serve. I simply reply with "No, thank you for allowing me the pleasure and honor of serving you and our country"

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Aug 30 at 2014 9:15 AM

2014-08-30T09:15:47-04:00

I just respond "thank you for acknowledging it, we could not do it if it was not for the support of the American People; keep it up"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-02-05T20:26:51-05:00

I tell them I am honored to serve.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-02-17T23:54:39-05:00

I always respond with "it's my pleasure to serve Ma'am/Sir" If they linger and tell me about their service, I thank them for their service. Especially Vietnam era Veterans as they didn't hear it at all when they should have.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:00 AM

2015-02-18T00:00:47-05:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:08 AM

2015-02-18T00:08:20-05:00

A hearty, "You're welcome!", a smile, and a handshake (sometimes). Some are civilians, but a few are older vets from previous service, and often with a story to tell (which I'm grateful to listen to).

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Feb 18 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-02-18T22:10:10-05:00

I just say thanks

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Feb 26 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-02-26T09:40:24-05:00

I generally thank them for their support in return.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 26 at 2018 10:37 AM

2018-02-26T10:37:14-05:00

Throw him to the ground, step on his throat and yell, SO WHERE WERE YOU, WORM!