Men/Women serving in armed forces or retired

[Dreamn4GN]

I greatly appreciate what you men and women do and have done for my and our country. Now I have never served but I feel that if I did I would appreciate average Americans or citizens coming up to me and shaking my hand and thanking me for my services and etc. Well the last two times I have did this to men and women in uniform I felt like I was an annoyance to them and felt like it wasn't appreciated on their part. I mean I can't say for myself but how do you feel about being thanked and being shown How much they appreciate what you men and women do and what some people take advantage of. I feel this is the least I can do as a proud American.

 

[rev. 3:11]

I have always appreciated it and I continue to feel pride when people greet my son (a 3rd gen. Marine)
I think many of us are a little humbled by this and don't really know how to react,
especially the younger members of our armed forces.
Even after life as an active duty Marine I have people thank me and it is still very humbling.
It has been MY honor & privilege to serve.
I know I speak for all of us when I say "Thank you" for your kind words and support.
Semper Fi!

D

 

[Red C5]

I appreciate it very much and have quite a few family and friends that have served. I can't imagine they're annoyed with you thanking them, maybe you're just misreading their reaction?

 

[T- Type Tim]

Negative... keep doing it... I served... I always try to say thanks to all my vet brothers and sisters

 

[Dreamn4GN]

I could possible be reading them wrong. But several others smile and say how they appreciate and they enjoy doing what they do for appreciative people like me. One guy just shook my hand as nodded. I dont care though I'm go into continue to do so. As I said before its the least I can do. I even went as far as paying for a group of marines dinner while out to dinner the other night. Some people do it because they feel like its their good deed for the day but I like to think it should just be outta being grateful and appreciative for what they allow me to do day in and day out. Again THANK YOU

 

[Dreamn4GN]

Repost

 

[T- Type Tim]

Well... Thank you!

 

[TurboDave]

It's always appreciated! Not required obviously, but certainly appreciated, even by us OLD retired farts!

 

[WH1_T-Type]

I've asked about this at various duty stations. Now keep in mind that this question is almost always asked of fellow submarines and most of us seem to not see anything special or deserving in what we do. The over all feeling is that most of us don't really know how to reply.

It isn't an annoyance, but more of situation we just don't how to handle. Some said they get uncomfortable because they don't think they deserve it.



Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Dreamn4GN]

I've asked about this at various duty stations. Now keep in mind that this question is almost always asked of fellow submarines and most of us seem to not see anything special or deserving in what we do. The over all feeling is that most of us don't really know how to reply.

It isn't an annoyance, but more of situation we just don't how to handle. Some said they get uncomfortable because they don't think they deserve it.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

Understandable. But everyone has a choice. And they decided to serve and that should be recognized. I just put a hand out and say that's for serving.

 

[groumoutis]

I've asked about this at various duty stations. Now keep in mind that this question is almost always asked of fellow submarines and most of us seem to not see anything special or deserving in what we do. The over all feeling is that most of us don't really know how to reply.

It isn't an annoyance, but more of situation we just don't how to handle. Some said they get uncomfortable because they don't think they deserve it.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

That hits the nail on the head!

On 9/11 I was on recruiting duty in Terre Haute Indiana so I was dealing with the public on a daily basis while in uniform. I would usually just smile and say thanks. I personally don't like the recognition. While at events when they ask the veterans to stand I usually don't if I can get away with it. I tend to feel a little embarrassed and put on the spot. I didn't storm any beaches or shoot at anyone. I just maintained all the creature comforts on the ships I was on. I don't have a problem talking about when I was in the Navy but I don't feel I did anything that deserves special recognition. Some people like it and some don't. It isn't that I am blowing people off when they thank me I just do think I am a war hero that deserves anything special.