Things People Say to Veterans.

[Reb]

I found this video entertaining. It's more regarded for OEF and OIF Veterans  60% of the comments  on here I've been asked by total strangers while in uniform

crap Civilians Say to Veterans	powered by Aeva

NOT INTENDED TO INSULT ANY CIVILIANS WHO HAVE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS TO A SERVICE MEMBERS.

[junior]

i got one for you............ does the navy really issue soap on the rope in boot camp ?

[usmc1142]

Pretty funny, and unfortunately more true than not

[junior]

ahhhh the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0:08 i had to do that when ever i marched around base.............freaking great lakes.........lol

[old2soon]

Came home on leave in northern Illinois in January with a tropical suntan. Not a lot of comments but some "hard" looks. At that time in my life i was meaner and tougher than the A-holes tryin to look mean. Those comments in the vid and those i got in the 60s proved something-most folks out of uniform DO NOT HAVE A CLUE. To all who have served-THANK YOU. RIDE SAFE.

[Stormrider65]

Wow. Amazing what some people think of our military.  The one about IUD really got me.  I have been  asked a few things, especially have I killed anybody question.  When I find out a person is or was a veteran, I like to thank them for their service, shake their hand and welcome them home.  To all my fellow veterans, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Walt

[Reb]

The oddest thing anyone has said to me. I was just out of boot, had a flight from great lakes RTC headed to my A-school in Pensacola FL. I had a lay over at Atlanta airport. I stopped at a ATM in the terminal to get some cash, when I heard someone yell, "How many kids have you killed you baby killer!." Definitely  not the greeting I was expecting. In about 2 seconds I saw 4 civilians stand up ready to bash this guy's head in. It didn't take long for this feller to achieve silence. Great memory though!

[FloridaValkRyder]

Wow. Amazing what some people think of our military.  The one about IUD really got me.  I have been  asked a few things, especially have I killed anybody question.  When I find out a person is or was a veteran, I like to thank them for their service, shake their hand and welcome them home.  To all my fellow veterans, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Walt

I listen to Mark Levin's radio show. The other night a Vet called in and asked that people thank them for "defending our country" not "thanks for your service" which he related to thanking a waitress or sales clerk. He didn't say it was offensive just better to say something else.  I had never thought of it that way before, but that's what I now say.
So, to all you Vets out there "Thank you for defending our Country"!

P.S. : As most of you know, we are losing our WWII Vets at quite a clip. If you get the chance to talk to one, I get the honor quite often, as many live here in the Orlando area (Big Navy/Air Force retirement area). Spend some time listening to them talk. Their stories are always both heartwarming and tragic at the same time. I get "misty" every time. All too quickly they will all be gone.

[Chattanooga Mark]

One of my favorite ways to honor our vets is to go on a Patriot Guard mission. There are likely many in your area.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

All the best,

Mark

[The Anvil]

Wow. Amazing what some people think of our military.  The one about IUD really got me.  I have been  asked a few things, especially have I killed anybody question.  When I find out a person is or was a veteran, I like to thank them for their service, shake their hand and welcome them home.  To all my fellow veterans, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Walt

I listen to Mark Levin's radio show. The other night a Vet called in and asked that people thank them for "defending our country" not "thanks for your service" which he related to thanking a waitress or sales clerk. He didn't say it was offensive just better to say something else.  I had never thought of it that way before, but that's what I now say.
So, to all you Vets out there "Thank you for defending our Country"!

P.S. : As most of you know, we are losing our WWII Vets at quite a clip. If you get the chance to talk to one, I get the honor quite often, as many live here in the Orlando area (Big Navy/Air Force retirement area). Spend some time listening to them talk. Their stories are always both heartwarming and tragic at the same time. I get "misty" every time. All too quickly they will all be gone.

Eh, one of the terms I hear vets say (and I know a lot of them) is; "I served my country". I don't think they have any problem with that and I think they understand the difference between thanking waitstaff and thanking someone for putting their ass on the line.

But a lot of them have also confided in me that if they're in uniform it gets kind of old to constantly have people stopping you and thanking you. Not that they don't appreciate the sentiment but it makes it hard to go about your day and most of these guys don't do it for the accolades or attention so they're a little embarrassed by it. Now I just see the uniform, nod and smile.

[rmrc51]

One of my favorite ways to honor our vets is to go on a Patriot Guard mission. There are likely many in your area.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

All the best,

Mark

Yes!! The PGR is a great way to show your respect.

On another note, it's really amazing and thankfully so, how much has changed towards our servicemen and women since Vietnam. I clearly remember being told "NOT" not wear my uniform when I went on liberty because of all the protests going on at the time. Being spit on and having things like eggs being thrown at you were common. At least now, things are as they should be regarding the respect we should all have for our troops!

[Dubsvalk]

After arriving at the San Francisco airport from Vietnam in 1969 I was spat on as we walked out of the terminal.  I suppose the broken and bloody noses have since healed.
Dubs

[designer]

I think most people read way too much into what the person is saying to the vet, unless it negative I don't really have a reason to ask myself... "What did they mean”?  Since I still wear my uniform monthly I get alot comments.  At one point it almost became embarrassing to go out and garner all this attention for what I felt was my duty.  Finally, an old 1SG make it all make sense... Its not about me, it’s about them feeling good that they were able to support us in some way.  So I give them a simple thank you and go on.

But I define my military service as not what I do but who I am. 

@Dubsvalk.... I feel bad for the Vietnam vets; it was an era that the population couldn't distinguish between the political and governmental policies and the men and women doing their will.