I Want To Say About The Military Folks

[Just_Alex]

Us older combat vets an just look at each other nod and smile and we know, without saying anything...in this town anyway. Probably more military vets per capita per square inch than in the nation as a whole. It's a good feeling to be surrounded by your own kind.


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[BigDog48]

4506517--
You should understand that your service, while different, is indeed service to your fellow citizens. My son is active duty, and he and his friends feel the same way you do, because they've yet to see dangerous action, although like many of us their jobs have required them to do things that are dangerous, and bad for their health. Like the 16 service members who went down in the Mississippi plane crash, they (and you) just were doing their jobs. But their jobs provide a service to others and that's what life is all about!

 

[Walkingwolf]

Around here you will be saying thank you until your voice is gone, but there is nothing wrong with it no matter who you are thanking. And when I am thanked for carrying I always give a smile, and a your welcome, just be polite. As for free meals be careful with that, my department strictly forbid it. Though sometimes there was not much you could do about it.

There are a lot of other people to thank that have dangerous jobs that take them away from their family. Our country could not run without them, truckers, linemen, even the guy cutting down the trees for our homes. These guys by statistics have more dangerous jobs than LEO's, yet get no thanks. Also don't forget your firefighter, s/he will rush into flames to save you or your loved one.

I have served both as soldier, and LEO, but you would never tell it by my looks. I look more like a member of ZZ top, just much older.

 

[ExcitableBoy]

If the person giving thanks for a vet's service is truly sincere (Yes, you can tell.), I return an equally sincere "You are quite welcome.", and give them a smile. But at least half of the "thank yous" have become trite and robotic, almost to the point of the god-awful, ubiquitous, "Have a nice day". Parallel to my reactions, many of my vet friends and acquaintances feel much the same. Most of us have the same kind of radar.

People who have not served in the military just do not, and cannot, understand how we feel or think, active duty, retired, or those who've just done a hitch, or two, and have slid sideways back into civilian life. A service member is changed forever, having worn a uniform and has given a significant portion of his life to this country. Civilians don't have the faintest clue.

Vets, especially combat vets, rarely talk about specific incidents during their time of service with someone outside of The Brotherhood. Sure, there are hundreds of books written in the first person by combat veterans, but most of them I view as valuable therapy for the writer. Exorcising the demons, if you will. Beyond those books, memoirs, your average man on the street would have a tough time prying anything from the authors in a one-on-one verbal exchange. Of course, there are exceptions, but most of us don't have that kind of ego.

Plus, I believe that, buried in a vet's mind, there is a modicum of resentment, and jealousy, of having given up a part of their life proudly and selflessly, when those whom they have protected have contributed nothing substantial toward the well being of this great country, yet have enjoyed what all members of the military have afforded them.

So, 4506517, do not be mystified by the reactions of those two combat vets. You, too, sir, are giving service to our country in much the same way.

Thank you.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy 4506517,

When somebody says, "Thank you for your service," I feel like some of the others here. I don't know what to say. I feel uncomfortable. I would appreciate a "Hi," some other friendly greeting, or simply being asked what I did in the service (that in my mind is a more genuine acknowledgement of my service than what's become the cliché TYFYS -- sounds like a disease, doesn't it?).

I take offense at a salute, simple as that. I just turned 65 so I try not to be offended by "sir" anymore; I just smile (and grind another layer of enamel off my teeth).

I started wearing my Air Force Chief's hat after having a table at the Memorial Day gun show in Riverton, Wyo., because I'd seen a score of Navy hats, several Marine covers, a few Army hats and one Air Force logo'd hat on a guy who said, "I didn't serve. It's just a hat." I guess he was a mind reader 'cause he left my table at the rabbit's race pace.

My service was my choice, sort of. Had I not joined the 'Force in '72 I would have been in an Army uniform (draft No. 7). I retired in 2000 because it was my choice. I don't expect to be thanked for my service, and I don't like it. I speak for myself, no one else.

So... with all that said, I don't despise or disrespect you (or anyone else) for wanting to acknowledge me for my service, but keep in mind how you feel about being thanked for your service. Apply your personal, internal LEO feelings to those of us who did military service. Like others here, I don't see much difference. Apply the Golden Rule: do to me as you would have me do to you.

Slàinte,

Bob

 

[Skeet 028]

Not a vet as such but did work in SEA as a civilian. Military guys had it tough. Everybody had it tough at times..Just being away from home and family was a rough thing. Getting shot at is not something I would recommend. With the rules they way they are today I don't know how anyone would even want to be in the places we have our military. There are folks that find out I was a firefighter for a long time that want to thank me for that. Makes me uncomfortable. Don't know what I am trying to say...but I hold those fellows(and ladies also) that help protect us every day in very high regard. Our military protects our country and people. I do thank them for that

 

[usmc2427765]

My return home from 21 months in Vietnam was about what I expected. It was August 1970 and the anti-war activities were at their peak and all I wanted to do was forget the war and get on with my life. The block that I grew up on was, for the most part, totally indifferent to me and my service to the point that I felt like a pariah. Fast forward to the present and we find a totally different attitude about our service members and, finally, we got it right. Pay it forward whenever possible.

That is just my opinion.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Nothing wrong with thanking people, whether it's for good service and food at a restaurant-or military or other service. I recall a letter I saw in one of the advice columns from a nurse in a nursing home, she noted they function as family to their charges and appreciate it when they are recognized as such.
And those of us who have served have met our share of career people who weren't worth the proverbial two cents.

 

[Danby]

I generally say "Thanks for what you do" in passing. It covers everything and everybody in uniform including police or emergency responders. At the end of the day each person in the populous has a job to do whether it's working in a heavy duty shop, picking up a rifle to fight, or pressing suits for the business person. Many former military personnel that I work with prefer to not be praised for their services.. and many don't take advantage of military discounts at places. Everybody is different I suppose, but it probably doesn't hurt to at least say thanks in passing.

 

[dben002]

All I can say is that as a 71 year old vet (US Army - US Army Security Agency) with 2 Nam tours I can appreciate LEO service as much as military service. You guys are on the line every day you go to work for as long as you are in service. We when in harms way we are in harms way, but we don't spend every working hour of every working day in harms way .... you guys do.......

Nuff said.....

 

[amazingflapjack]

A mild form of "survivors guilt" affects many folks that did not serve, and those that did. It's like" I really didn't do anything, it's those other guys that deserve the thanks." Folks that seek these kinds of compliments, or are "all shot in the butt" over them, so to speak, are the ones who have a problem. Just thank them and drop it, if anything at all, would be my counsel. Regards.

 

[4506517]

Everyone,

Thank you so much for all the feedback/input. I really appreciate it.

I've tried to take all the suggestions and figure it out. I passed a guy in uniform yesterday (about my age) at the same convenience store. I couldn't resist, so I just said "Hey bud....thanks". He looked at me and said "Thank you for doing what you do". For once I didn't feel like a complete dud and it actually put a smile on my face. We both parted ways wearing smiles. It really made me feel super.

 

[pmanton]

Years ago. long after I had retired from the military and many years after I had left Viet Nam a chap noticed the RVN service ribbon bumper sticker on my truck. He said to me "Welcome home".
That really made my day.

 

[yaktamer]

Probably overthinking it, but I get it. I was sitting on the curb a couple of years ago waiting for the local Veteran's Day parade to start when a guy wearing a VFW or American Legion cap (don't remember which -- I'm guessing he was Korea or Vietnam vet) walks up and thanks me for my service. I'm thinking, "What the heck is he talking about?" when I realize I'm wearing a US Army baseball cap. I return the thanks, feeling silly since I was a peacetime (Cold War) vet.

But don't discount what you do. Never having deployed in the Army, my odds of seeing "combat" were higher when I was a civilian LEO than when I was in the military.

 

[TheLastBoyScout]

When I was pretty new to my unit I was talking to my team leader after the first time that I was thanked for my service. I mentioned to my team leader that even though I took it graciously it made me feel uneasy because I felt like I had not done anything to deserve it yet. My fire team leader told me that he still feels that way. Him saying that caught me off guard because he had been in combat and I thought of him as a hero. Most people in the military tend to be humble about their own service because they know of servicemen who have been through worse than they have. For me being thanked for my service is a really solemn and humbling thing and every time I say "thank you for your support" I feel as though it is not just me that is being thanked but rather everyone who has worn the uniform; many of whom were never welcomed home or even got a chance to come home.

 

[yaktamer]

I've only saluted a fellow vet once. About fifteen or twenty years ago I was driving near downtown Phoenix when I spot a car up ahead in the next lane with a Medal of Honor license plate. I pull up alongside and this guy is driving:

Silvestre Herrera, Medal of Honor

He looks over and I just instinctively saluted. He seemed a little surprised but returned the salute. Wish he was still around so I could do it again.

 

[Rastoff]

I guess what I'm saying is this. Almost to a person, I've never met any military person in uniform that has been anything other than polite and courteous.

You haven't met enough military people.

People everywhere are just people. The majority of them are courteous and respectful. Even so, there are plenty of disrespectful and mean people out there. Some have found their way into the military. The truly bad ones got out through a dishonorable discharge and deserve no respect for their service.

Also, understand that many of us are embarrassed by the thanks we receive. We're not embarrassed by our service, it's just that we feel the same as you; we were just doing a job.

Most of the people who join the USAF (can't speak for the other services) didn't join out of a sense of patriotism. They joined because they wanted the free schooling, experience or were just plain running from something in civilian life. Of course some do join out of patriotism.

I spent 5 years and a few months on active duty and the last 28 years as a civilian working for the Air Force. I've spent almost all of it in a lab. I've never seen combat or even been close to it. Done plenty of exercises though. I can tell you from first hand experience, fighting in the gear they're required to wear is exhausting. I really do appreciate the guys that do it.

I fully understand my position in the USAF. I understand how what I do makes it better for the guys in the field. But you see more "combat" than the vast majority of military members. You deal with the lowest life forms every day. At least we have a safe home to come to because of you and your coworkers.

Keep up the good work officer, but more importantly, keep the good attitude. It's easy to view civilians as all terrible when you deal with the scum every day. When we have to deal with them, we usually get to blow them up. When you deal with them, you have to use restraint and not just shoot them.

Thank you for your service.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The long road to patriotism

I resurrect this not-quite dinosaur or zombie thread because the subject has become an issue for me, again.

If you're willing to read my four-page story I'd enjoy knowing your thoughts. My healing came from putting this into print. If this helps anyone else, so much the better.

Thanks,

Bob

ps: I see the pdf as a black rectangle, but the file opens when I click on it.

 

[Bullzaye]

I resurrect this not-quite dinosaur or zombie thread because the subject has become an issue for me, again.

If you're willing to read my four-page story I'd enjoy knowing your thoughts. My healing came from putting this into print. If this helps anyone else, so much the better.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob,

I enjoyed reading your story. It makes a lot of sense to me.

I was a bit different. I grew up hearing my Father talk about his experiences in WWII. He wasn't a front-line soldier, but he drove a jeep all over England, France, Belgium, and Germany...delivering orders from HQ to various units. He landed on Utah beach on D-Day (in his jeep), was in and around Bastogne when the Battle of the Bulge began (though he left, he said the guys from the 101st were moving into their billets as they were moving out). He carried a Thompson sub, and got into a few scrapes and had some chilling and amusing war-stories.

I began to read military histories and the like very early on. My brother went into the Army in 1970, but luckily was sent to West Germany for his entire hitch, after training, of course. Obviously, like you...I grew up watching the evening news, with the daily stories and film of Vietnam.

Even though my Father and brother had been in the Army, and I had various Uncles and a Grandfather who had been in the Army and Navy, and one Uncle who was a Marine...I had become enamored of the Air Force. So, three weeks after I graduated H.S. in the late '70s, I was off to Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX, at the ripe old age of 17. I had decided before I finished my Technical Training that I was going to make a career out of the USAF.

I always felt that I had joined out of patriotism...but it's also true that the job situation wasn't that great in the Rust Belt in the late '70s.

I remember the night of the failed rescue attempt of the U.S. hostages in Iran. It was late at night, or very early in the morning. I was stationed at Griffiss AFB, and almost simultaneously with hearing the news, we watched the alert B-52s and KC-135s do their "elephant walk"...and then they all took off. Didn't know if we were about to go to war, if nukes were going to fly, or what. It was a bit disconcerting.

I was in Iceland when Iraq invaded Kuwait. A bunch of us volunteered to go to Saudi Arabia, or wherever they were going to deploy to, to be a part of the operation to liberate Kuwait. We were told that *no one* would be deploying from Iceland, because it was of vital strategic importance. A couple months later, I PCS'ed to Bitburg, Germany.

While flying back from Iceland to the U.S., for 30 days leave before I went on to Germany, I was in for a shock. I realize I never experienced the horrible treatment that Vietnam-era vets got, but the military was still viewed not-so-favorably in the late '70s and through the '80s. For the first 10 years or more of my military service, I never heard anyone say, "Thanks", or really ever heard any positive comments. I had heard plenty of negative, and even threatening, comments. But walking through the airport in my uniform upon arriving from Iceland...people were friendly! People smiled at me, gave the thumbs up, were generally positive. What the heck? I had only been away for 13 months...how did things change so drastically?

When I got to Bitburg, I learned that my shop had already deployed people to Saudi, and I was told that I was #1 on the list to go if they needed anyone else there. Had my uniforms, chem gear, and everything else in a bag just inside the front door of my apartment, but never got the call. I was disappointed by that...until reports started coming back of the health issues some G.I.s were experiencing from the fires, and whatever else may have been in the air over there. Not sure how many AF guys were exposed to any of that...probably mostly Army or Marines "on the ground" in Kuwait. Part of me still wishes I could have gone...the practical side of me says I'm probably lucky that I didn't. The reality is that my shop at Bitburg did more work on the "black boxes" from the F-15s that were in the war, than our guys in Saudi did. So...I like to believe I did my part.

While in Germany, my parents came over to visit. I took a month off, and we just toured around Europe seeing the sights. We went to a couple "Battle of the Bulge" museums in Belgium. In one museum, my Dad was explaining something from one of the displays to my Mom and I, and two women came up to us. One of them, the older one, asked my Dad..."You were here, yes? During the war?" He said he was, and she very gratefully thanked him. She said she was just a girl then, but she remembered all of it. My Dad said that he didn't really do anything...the guys who were buried all over Europe were the ones who deserved the thanks. She, and I believe the other woman was her daughter, both hugged my Dad, and we were all on the verge of tears. Then they asked if I was his son, and if I was stationed there, and then they thanked me.

I knew they meant well, and I was proud of my Father...but I kind of felt small, and undeserving of any "thanks". I mean...my tour in Germany was practically a European vacation.

Well, anyway...now that I've written all of this I'm not sure how to wrap it up. But I guess I better before it gets any longer. I guess I'll just say that I like to believe I did my part. I went where I was told, and did what I was ordered to do. I may not have gone in harm's way, and at times that makes my contributions seem pretty trivial...

Tim

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I too greatly admire and appreciate our military people.I grew up around mi.itary people and I guess it was expected that we ( my self and siblings )would serve also. A serious car against tractor trailer accident killed that option for me when I was 17 .Since then I have learned that there are many ways to serve here at home .Give your money to groups like wounded warriors ect who help support our vets and their families.Give to your local VFW most of these guys have all kinds of fu d raisers to directly help veterans and their families .Volunteer and help local first responders and police officers as yes you guys are our last line of defense against any kind of threat .As far as your personal question goes in my opinion it takes a lot of guts to put on a uniform in America today .My dad had 32 years of police duty he told me before he passed 2 years ago there wasn't a city or state that had enough money to hire him in this climate of hatred to protect and serve he said these young officers certainly aren't in it for the money .So yes you deserve this ( thank you for your service ) .Also while I'm into this I would like to say thanks to the support troops or guys who joined the military but maybe never even went near a combat zone .This is the deal we have a volunteer military and the enimies of our country know that .The fact that they know you guys and girls are willing and ready not because you have to but because you love this country is one heck of a psychological deterrent so yes the Navy Seal he is important and the Pilots are important ,but you know what the fellas cleaning up the mess hall while maybe not featured in a movie or writing a book well there service is important also because the enemies of freedom they know you are there because if you weren't that Seal wouldn't be there either .The tip of the spear is important but it needs a great handle to reach out and get its job done .