Would it be more appropriate for the VA or anyone else to say "Thank You For Your Soul", instead of "Service"?

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 20:41:23 -0400

Its not like someone was served coffee at Starbucks and the emotions behind it and the results of it.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 1 at 2019 8:53 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 20:53:23 -0400

I am uncomfortable with the thanks for your service line. It is, however, preferable to thanks for your soul. The second sounds like I just made a deal with the devil

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 9:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 21:40:44 -0400

I vote ‘yes’

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 12:04 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:04:26 -0400

No. I would think someone was a creep that would say that.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 12:15 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:15:02 -0400

Yea, that's not creepy at all.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Jun 2 at 2019 8:49 AM

SPC Angela Burnham — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 08:49:26 -0400

That's an interesting idea. I'm not sure how people would interpret a random stranger walking up to them and saying "Thanks for your Soul!" however. Also, on a different point, not all veterans believe in the existence of a soul. I feel like those individuals would be kinda left out by that statement, even if it were well meaning.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jun 3 at 2019 10:48 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 10:48:33 -0400

Ha! No...frankly, the whole, "TYFYS" thing weirds me out enough as it is. I mean, just the other day, I was talking with someone at the range, and brought up an experience from my time in the Military as an example... the guy suddenly goes all "respectful", and says, "Hey, man... thanks for your service", and I'm just like, "Ummm-yeah...thanks...but I thought we were discussing whether or not the Barksa is a crap red-dot compared to an Aimpoint".

Response by SSG Dale London made Jun 3 at 2019 11:03 PM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 23:03:00 -0400

I have to deal with the elephant in the room first. If you feel the Navy has stolen your soul, wait while I get my "Padre" hat on, and I'll be glad to help you reclaim it. There is nothing so sure in the service than that it changes us forever. How we deal with that... well that is a choice we make. You can continue to blame the Navy for making you who you are now, or you can own it and -- if necessary --change it. (Okay, I'm taking the "Padre" hat off now).
If anyone were to say "Thank you for your soul" to me in reference to my service, I would more than likely give them a funny look just before I crossed the street to avoid him.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jun 4 at 2019 8:47 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:47:47 -0400

Get some help, bro.