Are Veterans really appreciated???

[ancient-one]

I really think that things have changed for the better. I have a surprising number of teens thank me for my service and hold the door for me. They didn't just come by that out of the clear blue sky, someone made them think.
I feel a little different than some do about adults thanking one for their service. The majority go out of their way to do it. I will always think that most are sincere. They don't have to do it.

 

[Doug627]

My father was a Korean War veteran. I do not believe veterans of the Korean War are given the thanks they earned. Too bad. Too late for my father. Thank all of you veterans for your service.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I work with great young people everyday and do not fear for the future. Coming from a military family, I do know that those who do the fighting seldom reap even little of the rewards of their sacrifice.

 

[Golddollar]

I really think that things have changed for the better. I have a surprising number of teens thank me for my service and hold the door for me. They didn't just come by that out of the clear blue sky, someone made them think.

Just to preface this story, I was never in the armed forces. My maternal grandfather served in France during World War I.

I was at a fast food restaurant getting coffee and the young man mistook me for a veteran because I was wearing a black rubber bracelet. He offered me a free cup of coffee and I told him that I didn't serve, it was my grandfather who served. if I remember correctly, he thanked me for my grandfather's service and paid for my coffee. I was glad to see this young man's appreciation for those who served.

 

[Univibe]

Appreciated?

Not the ones that were captured!

 

[JJEH]

Appreciated?

Not the ones that were captured!

Well, I need to come back to my prior post;

I think people that are somehow involved with the military, through a spouse, other family member and/or friend do genuinely appreciate them.
All others don't.

All others includes our own Government. As long as we have homeless vets are they really appreciated? My answer is no!

 

[STCM(SW)]

Some of them homeless so called vet's had a BCD.....
As we always said, there's always 10 percent who don't fit........

 

[joe44va]

Took the better half out to dinner at Longhorn on Sunday. Somebody picked up the check to thank me for my service. Don't know who, the waiter was sworn to secrecy. Must have been the hat. Anyway, some folks do.

 

[sigp220.45]

Some of them homeless so called vet's had a BCD.....
As we always said, there's always 10 percent who don't fit........

Amen. I'll give dough to the corner panhandlers, but never the ones claiming to be vets. 90 percent are lying or got the boot. The other 10 percent should walk into the VA and avail themselves of the many programs that are available to them.

Doing an enlistment in the military was never meant to entitle anyone to a lifetime of freebies. Stay in and get a well-deserved retirement after 20. Get out after 3, 4, or 8 (me) years and you still get some bennies, but don't milk it forever.

 

[TennTony]

I am a Vietnam veteran and in my opinion we had it easy compared to the current system. One combat tour and done unless you volunteered to go back. Current troops get sent on multiple deployments to combat zones. I feel that we are somewhat appreciated but our current military corps are being abused by cowardly politicians.

 

[usmc2427765]

This Veterans Day found me in Goliad, Tx visiting the moving Vietnam wall, I had a few friends on the wall I needed to visit. Goliad is the home of my mothers ancestors. This is a rural area in south Texas where folks still wave at you with all of their fingers and veterans are held in high regard.

I went to the table to look up these friends and see what panel they were on. It was the same panel for all of them and I had this young woman take me to the correct panel and since I was using a cane, she offered to help me and then I choked up a little as she was making the rubbing and she put her arms around this old man and stated " it's ok, they are at peace and know that you have visited them.They honor you as you honor them".

The tears then really began to flow as she, now weaping as well, and said " thank you for your service". I thanked her for her assistance and found a bench to rest on where I could still see the panel and composed myself. I departed the park feeling much better about the younger generation, at least in this small town.
____________________________________________________________

USMC "C" Company 1st Tank Bn 1st Marine Divison 01/69 to 08-70

 

[akoda]

my father was in the army for 26 years. Served in WWII, Korea and three tours in Vietnam. He retired as MSGT. I see how troops are welcomed home now and am a little envious? jealous? or just dissapointed that he didn't get the welcome he deserved.

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[Frank46]

My two daughters and wife sometimes give me VietNam War Ball caps with the 3 or 4 medals that were issued or awarded. To tell you the God's Honest truth I've never worn any of them. Why? Darned if I know. And am reticent about my military service even after 52 years. Oh don't get me wrong sometimes I will tell the stories but the current generation just doesn't get it. It was a different time,a violent time. Luckily I got inactive reserve status on my DD214N so basically all I wanted to do is find a job and raise a family. Took awhile but have a good wife, two great daughters and a 90 pound pit bull terrier. the lump is sleeping on my bed as I type this. And like all of you I never recanted my oath of allegiance sworn over a half century ago. I'm what you call a private person and one reason I don't wear anything about my service is this thing about people thanking me for my service.I enlisted in the navy while I was still 17 dad had to sign my enlistment papers. Best thing I ever did. but I like keeping things like that to myself.Besides when I came home off active duty I got spat upon and called baby killer and other names
not fit to print here.. Bitter well maybe but after 52 years it's still hard to let go. Frank