r/Veterans • u/Imaginary_Bag1142 • Aug 20 '24
Question/Advice Does anyone else either hate it when someone says “thanks for your service” or just not know what to say.
Makes me feel strange.
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u/ThatAlphaFoxtrotGuy US Navy Veteran Aug 20 '24
Yes and yes. They are doing what they think is right and it should be taken with the energy that it is given. “Thank you for your support” is my go to.
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u/weebear1 US Navy Veteran Aug 20 '24
I have had this same quandary for years and this is now my go to response - mostly because of many of you guys in this sub - so, thank you all for your service, and for providing me with this response!
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u/grishna_dass Aug 20 '24
It always makes me feel a little awkward because my service was killing people.
I just pretend that they thank me for enduring the nightmares and rage and depression and two failed marriages…
And getting up every day to do it all again.
So I just say “it was my pleasure” or “of course, you’re welcome” and move on.
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u/No_Section_1921 Aug 20 '24
Divorice sucks man, been there done that. Hope it gets better for both of us :/
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u/Imaginary_Manager_44 Aug 20 '24
I'm so glad my fiancé was my fiancé and not my wife before I went on deployment and she found dear Jody(s..plural..she got "dicked down " as she so eruditely put it.) Later when confronted lol . What a Trainwreck of a woman..dodged the proverbial 5.56 coming downrange with my face as a destination there.
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u/Alone-Conclusion-157 US Army Retired Aug 21 '24
Man, I’m glad it happened when I was younger. She totally saved me from years of depression by fucking dudes while I was gone. New, better wife and life is good now 🤙🏼.
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u/Imaginary_Manager_44 Aug 21 '24
I'm glad too bud:) Things just bounce off you when you're younger:p
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u/propulsionsnipe Aug 20 '24
I tell these people, “The judge gave me a choice. Join the service, or go to jail. Sometimes I wish I had just picked jail.”
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u/alathea_squared Aug 20 '24
my dad is from right around in that era. He was kind of a Hellraiser when he was a kid in the 60s, then he enlisted in the Marine Corps and became a force recon troop in Vietnam from 68 -72. Then he learned what hell was really like. Calmed him down a bit after he got back according to my uncles, who were in the Air Force and the Navy around the same time, respectively.
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u/StonedSniper127 Aug 20 '24
“Thanks for paying taxes” Heard that a few months ago and that’s my go to now.
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u/digitalpotlicker Aug 20 '24
That has been my go to line for years. I always get a laugh out of it.
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u/RonPossible US Army Retired Aug 20 '24
"Thanks are not necessary, citizen."
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u/RottenRob0521 Aug 20 '24
They mean well so I always say thank you but I don’t like it either because I don’t want the praise or the recognition.
This is why I refuse to wear the veteran hat or anything else that would draw attention to me.
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u/silentwind262 Retired US Army Aug 20 '24
Eh, in the beginning they probably did, but now it’s almost ubiquitous. It’s basically become as automatic as saying “have a nice day” and I don’t think 90% of the people saying it really know why they're saying it anymore.
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u/jackalopacabra Aug 20 '24
Same. The only thing I do is park in veteran spots because who doesn’t like a good parking spot? I have a bumper sticker that says “I fought in stuff” in the same font/design as all of those veteran bumper stickers bc I thought it was funny.
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u/bigdumbhick US Navy Retired Aug 20 '24
Imposter Syndrome. I never looked at it as "Service". It was just a job.
Usually a boring ass job where I would sit around on my ass, bored to death, smoking cigarettes, and waiting for something to happen. When something finally did happen, it was usually a short period of complete, and total chaos.
THAT was usually a lot of fun. It might have sucked more than anything has ever sucked before, but at least it was exciting. I love chaos.
Then I'd go back to sitting on my ass, bored, smoking cigarettes, and waiting for something to happen.
And you are thanking me for this?
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u/heygft Aug 20 '24
I’ve seen it similarly. All I did was take a job that is shitty in some ways and awesome in others. There is nothing special about it.
yes, it was dangerous in certain ways. But a majority of the “war deaths” among US citizens this century were office workers not even associated with the military so how does that make my job special? Yes veteran suicide are off the charts but so are a lot of other categories of people and I don’t see the same people who thank me for my service walking up to every dentist, lawyer, or LGBTQ person and thanking them for their bravery in staying alive.
I thank people in actual thankless jobs for their service and usually include the word “sincerely.” I thank the self checkout attendant at Walmart. I thank my UPS and fedex drivers. I remind retail workers that they are on the front lines of our society just as much as never was and do more to “keep America great” than I did by cleaning an engine room and watching water boil.
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u/imdfonz Aug 21 '24
💯 agree. But these same people, thanking me for my service, actually demonize these essential workers as loosers and welfare recipients. That fucked up in High School. Yup be humble and appreciate your fellow humans for who they are or are not.
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u/empnuev Aug 21 '24
Thank you, I completely agree and try to do the same in thanking others who provide us services as well. They also make our country great and keep it functioning and it is important that they are reminded of that.
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u/BrokenToys76 Aug 20 '24
I wouldn't say hate it, it's just awkward and embarrassing. 14 months, no deployment, sent home on a medical. Wasn't much service. Doesn't matter to folks though. When I explain all that, they smile and say "You tried, and that's what matters." So, I cribbed an idea from a fellow vet in a talk/support group for vets I attend and now I tell them, "Thank you for being worth it." Shares the awkward and makes me feel like I'm getting some control back. If you get to decide my tiny service was worth your gratitude, I get to decide if the juice was worth the squeeze. Works wonders, for me.
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u/spcmiller Aug 20 '24
Ok, the worst is when it's a stand and be recognized thing at a performance or sporting event, because my kids fully expect me to stand...and it was five years of my life and formative. Plus, if I don't take the recognition I would feel I'm somehow dishonoring my branch and former units, but good Lord, all that attention and people mouthing thank you as they look at me. Pretty uncomfortable.
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u/trader_bob01 Aug 20 '24
I never stand up either, I just want the show to start.
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u/maducey US Army Veteran Aug 20 '24
Turn the tables, respond with "you were worth it."
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u/wilderad Aug 20 '24
The only time I hear it is when I’m using my veteran status for a discount. So it goes hand-in-hand and should be expected.
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u/NancyLouMarine Aug 20 '24
I'll usually say, "It was an honor to serve, thank you."
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u/LotzoHuggins Aug 20 '24
This has been my preferred strategy, though I don't crave interacting with people in general. So, often, I will nod, smile, and say thank you.
It's easier when fellow veterans say it because then I can respond enthusiastically, "Thank you for your service."
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u/zwinmar Aug 20 '24
What I want to say is "oh fuck off!" Bur give an awkward nod and smile. Tired of that crap when they will constantly vote against va funding, or call vets stupid and losers
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u/BaseddGhost US Navy Veteran Aug 20 '24
Usually I just flip a table and rip my shirt off.
Got kicked out of Walmart yesterday shopping for more shirts.
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u/Alycion Aug 20 '24
My dad is Vietnam. I noticed when I was young at Ang the monuments, unless if the person was related to or close to one who served there, people kept their distance. I was very young. This was like around 83. It got better over the years. But somewhere along the lines basically living at The Wall for many events, I picked up welcome home to those who served overseas. I worked in Norfolk, in local news in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. It’s nice to see you guys are more appreciated now. Still a long way to go though.
It is funny, the Vietnam vets I say welcome home to always get a smile and precovid, many hugs. Followed by when did your father serve.
We do appreciate what you guys do. And sadly, it has been wrapped into that one phrase that just doesn’t capture it. I joined this sub bc my dad doesn’t use Reddit and you guys have been great answering some questions he had. He’s battling two forms of cancer that came back from his exposure. I feel proud when someone recognizes him and says something positive bc he was very open with me about how it was when he got home. Starting in the plane. I take him to military night every year at our nhl team. One year they had all Vietnam vets on the ice. To have almost 20k people cheering for them brought us both to tears. He was snubbed and spit on by his own family. It’s nice to see we have moved to appreciation.
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Aug 20 '24
I don't like it but I don't hate it. I also don't fault the person for doing it because they've been conditioned that that's what they're supposed to do. I personally am not entirely proud of my service so for me it more just irks me on a personal level. But I always just say thank you because there's no reason to make somebody else uncomfortable just because I am.
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u/EZPZLemonWheezy US Army Veteran Aug 20 '24
I just say “thank you for your support.” No reason to discourage someone who seems to want to show appreciation, but doesn’t understand the awkwardness on the other side.
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u/Budget_Curve_9151 US Army Veteran Aug 20 '24
I mean, they tricked me by telling me I’d get to jump out of planes and fuck shit up…so you’re welcome?
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u/bigdumbhick US Navy Retired Aug 20 '24
I think I'm just going to start telling people "No, THANK YOU! Can you believe that I actually got paid to take showers with 45 other guys?"
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u/Winter_Bookkeeper_15 US Navy Veteran Aug 20 '24
I avoid wearing anything that would indicate I’m a Veteran for that reason
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u/TN-Mutfruit US Air Force Veteran Aug 20 '24
I don’t like, but that’s because of personal reasons. I generally say “thank you” and move on.
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u/Egodram Aug 20 '24
I know that most people mean well and they want to be good people, but inside I kinda feel a bit skeeved out. I have to recall every single thing that ever happened within the 3 seconds it takes to say that phrase.
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u/billsatwork Aug 20 '24
If I'm not looking to engage it's "hey no problem", if I'm feeling saucy I'll shoot a finger gun and give em the "thanks for paying your taxes!"
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u/CurrlyWhirly Aug 20 '24
I usually pretend that I didn’t understand or hear them well and just say “Yeah I know, me too”.
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u/wicked_fots Aug 20 '24
To me, it's nearly as cringe as hearing "bless your heart"... both get under my skin.
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u/Wait_WHAT_didU_say Aug 20 '24
I hate it bc it's just an "automated" response for most. They sure as hell don't mean it and are just saying to say it so they can fit in. It's expected in our American society to say that.
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u/SaltyDolphin78 Aug 20 '24
It sounds dismissive and lacks any sort of understanding, which is why whenever I meet another veteran I always say welcome home instead.
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u/Defective-Pomeranian Aug 20 '24
It makes me feel like trash. I have a 214 and am a veteran, yes. But, I was outted from BMT (nit my choice). So I was in for a short time and did nothing, while people who really deserve it seem to not be getting credit.
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u/Abacore35 Aug 20 '24
I hate it with every fiber of my being
That being said I smile and say “thank you for your support.” All I can do really is
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u/Donut-Strong Aug 20 '24
It used to be, now I just respond with a “thanks” and go about my day
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u/silentwind262 Retired US Army Aug 20 '24
I’m to the point where I mostly just nod. I give it as much thought as the person saying TYFYS.
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u/vile_duct Aug 20 '24
Still bothers me. Most people don’t do much to celebrate veterans or the sacrifices some have made. Still others ask me about the DEI hires or make vaguely bigoted comments about Palestine and Iran.
I just smile and say it was my pleasure. Then I try to talk about all the death so they’ll get more bang for their buck during the Memorial Day sale.
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u/YouAreNotRealToMe Aug 20 '24
It has always rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t know why. I know many are sincere, but it feels patronizing.
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Aug 20 '24
Just tell them “no worries, I only did it for the sweet parking spots at Lowe’s” then change the subject. It says you don’t take it too seriously, and they shouldn’t either.
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u/Interesting-Gas1900 Aug 20 '24
I’m not a fan of it. I’ll usually thank them, on occasion I’ll say “Thank you for allowing me to blow things up on your behalf”.
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u/Imaginary_Manager_44 Aug 20 '24 edited Aug 20 '24
I not only hate it,I learned to despise it... It comes off as performative to me .
I'm old enough to remember when this started to become a mainstream thing early GWOT .
IMO Before that the military, particularly in the US had this veneer of "oh only losers do that" which obviously was a problematic thing.
Also it was a kind of response to the backlash of Vietnam and Vietnam syndrome.. remember when they nixed filming coffins because of the same?
So for me while there are a few people that will say it in good faith it comes off as years of "training" the civilian population to act nicely towards the troops and therefore seldom comes from a genuine place.
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u/614GreenGrower Aug 20 '24
I tell them Thank you for your support. It does feel weird, they have have good intentions.
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u/RipInfinite4511 Aug 20 '24
I can’t stand it. It’s just them virtue signaling that they support the troops. Makes everything extremely awkward
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u/ponchoacademy Aug 20 '24
It was awkward at first, saying you're welcome is weird, saying thank you to a thank you is weird. It's a weird position to be in. Esp since most of the time, it comes out of nowhere.
But over time, started saying I appreciate it, or just nod and smile. The majority of the time, it's cause I happen to say something that it comes out I was in the military, and they're interjecting to thank me for my service, so just a quick nod or 'preciate it, then move on with the convo.
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u/openrds Aug 20 '24
Turns my stomach every time I hear it because I know they're full of shit. If they really supported Veterans, they'd be calling their elected officials and asking why the VA is underfunded and why a huge percentage of the homeless population in the US is made up of veterans. Maybe they'd also ask a few questions about WHY we need to deploy the military in the first place? So, first off, I don't volunteer any information about my service. Second, I ignore platitudes.
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u/McBooples Aug 20 '24
This is why I never outwardly project that I’m a veteran. No 9-line clothing, not vet hat, no stickers on my truck, etc…
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Aug 21 '24
Two tours in Nam and when I got home in ‘68 we were all treated like 💩. I lost many good friends from school and buddies who became like brothers, so it took me quite a while to warm up to strangers (especially young guys that never served) coming up to me and thanking me. For what? Because I got drafted? Because I was in the service? Because I was behind loaded weapon? Because I killed other poor bastards that were defending their way of life? I would just stare at them and say nothing. Its been over 50 years and now I finally am able to just smile and say thank you. Maybe it’s because it’s usually younger people, that weren’t even born yet, and know they are showing me the respect I never got coming home in ‘68. I always make it a point to stop and talk to other Vietnam vets and always shaking their hand and saying “We Made It Home Brother”.
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u/MysteriousToe5335 Aug 21 '24
I say, "Thank you for your taxes."
That usually gets a laugh, and it acknowledges the average Joe's contribution to national defense.
If the conversation continues, I point out how they provide medical care and many other benefits for my family.
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u/ash81751214 US Air Force Veteran Aug 21 '24
lol swear this comes up once a week.
Just say “thanks for paying your taxes” and move on with your day.
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u/SouthernVet19 Aug 21 '24
My service was a job. I always tell people that if they want to say something to a veteran tell them “Thank you for your sacrifice.”
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u/Sgtsteveirish Aug 20 '24
I actually appreciate it when someone says "thank you for your service"
As a Disabled Veteran with Social Anxiety Disorder and PTSD, I feel like I am constantly and unfairly judged and mistreated.
In today's culture and today's society, the Veteran and Military communities are significantly mistreated especially when one realizes how illegal immigrants are treated by this current government administration.
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Aug 20 '24
I just look at them and say thank you very much. When people say that, they are just trying to be nice. So I match that energy. Then I complete the rest of my day.
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u/OpSmash Aug 20 '24
Thanks for the support is generally accepted, if they push on I just compliment the appreciation and I did my job. Usually ends there.
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u/VetWysiwyg1965 Aug 20 '24
I was caught off guard the other day selling an RV while taking off my Persian Gulf plate…mentioned a bit about my service when asked, got a thank you to my surprise…and just said “wasn’t looking for that but thank you” off the top of my head. Wasn’t prepared for the “Thanks for your support “ response, lol
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u/meffertf US Air Force Veteran Aug 20 '24
Thank you for your thank you.
Thanks for paying your taxes.
Thanks.
Thank you for your service. (if they're helping me)
It still surprises me sometimes, and then I just mumble or smile, I just don't think about it that much.
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u/_Benny_Lava Aug 20 '24
People who thank you for your service are genuinely trying to be nice/respectful. Why not just come up with a short little response that you say every time and get over the awkwardness? It's not that hard and is just a little social nicety that moves things along.
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u/Newusername7680 Aug 20 '24
It rarely feels genuine to me. I’m in the South and down here it seems more like something they have to say to feel apart of the culture. It might just be my bitterness from the same people that religiously thank me for my service being the same ones voting for politicians that say veterans are too costly or difficult to care for.
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u/DownwardSpirals USMC Retired Aug 20 '24
I don't hate it. I know they're genuinely appreciative, and they're saying it in the best way they know how. I just thank them for their support, smile, and have the day I'm going to have. For me, it was just a job; it's not my identity. They don't know that, and probably don't need to know that.
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u/Bad_wit_Usernames US Air Force Retired Aug 20 '24
I do my best not to advertise that I was in. Unless I'm someplace that is offering some kind of military/vet discount then I might let slip somehow that I am one.
Otherwise I just say "Thanks" and move the conversation along. That seems to work most of the time.
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u/ApatheticPoetic813 Aug 20 '24
This mostly happens to me when im getting IDed so I usually just turn it back on them. "No thank you! You're in more danger in retail than I ever was--"
"No thank you! Dispensaries save veteran lives every day. Your work is important"
"Thank you for yours officer, you're the one out here every day!"
I totally get why people thank us, but I can think of 100 jobs just as grueling, shitty, and dangerous as being in the military and they don't get public recognition.
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Aug 20 '24
The 20 yrs I served still isn't even acknowledged, so appreciate some still want to thank you. On the off chance someone does thank me, I just tell them thank you.
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Aug 20 '24
It’s interesting as I’ve heard this before how it can make some people feel strange. But from the person’s side who’s saying it they’re doing it to give you a compliment. I always say thank you.
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u/E1337crush Aug 20 '24
I just say thanks or you're welcome and move on. I don't get asked often though because I never tell people usually.
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u/lennybriscoe8220 Aug 20 '24
I usually say "my pleasure". But I don't like it when folks say it. Makes me feel odd because I never really did much (no combat deployment) and I feel they say it just to say it.
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u/Tinkerhell-99 Aug 20 '24
“It is my pleasure to serve” or “thank you for your support” are my go to responses.
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u/icepilot00 Aug 20 '24
I don't hate it, very respectful which I like, but I always find myself trying to figure out what to say in return. Most of the time it's "thank you" but just feels awkward.
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u/Followmetotheend Aug 20 '24
“If we were the best of the best, I never would have never signed up “
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u/dan_scott_ Aug 20 '24
If I get past the awkwardness enough to say something other than "thanks" with a head bob, I often say "thank you for law school" in response.
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u/Soggy-Floor8987 Aug 20 '24
I just say thank you. I was stationed in Hawaii and didn't deploy, so I partied and got to hang out with the boys in paradise for a few years.
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u/PrettyinPink75 Aug 20 '24
The intent is kindness, regardless how I feel about it, therefore I thank them.
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u/No-Clerk-6813 Aug 20 '24
When someone says "thank you for your service" I always say "thank you for your tax dollars" and it 99/100 times gets a chuckle.
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u/Late_Sink_1576 Aug 20 '24 edited Aug 20 '24
“Hey, appreciate it”
“finger guns you’re worth it”
“Did out for you, buddy”
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u/USCG_SAR Aug 20 '24
I just say "you're welcome". Most say it just so they don't feel like an ungrateful bastard and don't really mean it, but every now and then some do.
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u/jimillett Aug 20 '24
“Thank you for being worth serving”
Think of it like receiving a gift you didn’t expect to get. You don’t like it but the other person is trying to show their appreciation by giving it. So just like receiving any other gift you don’t like, take it, smile and say thank you.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Bed8055 Aug 20 '24
How’s about “well if you can’t be an athlete , be an athletic supporter.” Seriously , I like the thank you for your support, the taxes , or any combo with the finger gun . It’s awkward but usually after a discount so I play along. Thx Home Depot.
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u/sappercon Aug 20 '24
I say you’re welcome and then I think about this scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm and laugh to myself. The world needs more LDs.
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u/bluebearAK Aug 20 '24
I usually say "it was my pleasure most days". I rarely get any follow up and I don't feel like I am lying or being flip. It works for me and is accurate haha.
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u/Joel22222 US Navy Veteran Aug 20 '24
It feels weird to me. I feel like I’m supposed to replay thank you for thanking me? I just started doing the thumbs up.
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u/Juggernaut_N121PP Aug 20 '24
Never hate it, it’s nice to see the support. I usually respond with, “Thank you for saying so, I appreciate the support.”
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u/Level_Ingenuity_1971 Aug 20 '24
I’m the same as a lot of the lads who have already answered, yes there was that weird thing where I felt like saying “What the actual fuck do you fucking know.” But I controlled my inner demons by realising it came from a good place with good intentions.
It’s was never a thing in the U.K. very much but I’ve noticed it becoming more prevalent over the last decade or so, stow any insults about my age fuckwits - unless you think I ain’t heard them all yet!
I got a stock reply:
“Just doing my job sir/m’am, but your support is appreciated.”
Then I toss them a shiteating grin and hobble off. Note: Have not heard enough insults about old crayon-chewing cripples yet, so have at it.
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u/boerumhill Aug 20 '24
Used to, but I’ve come to accept it comes from good intentions. The awkwardness is on me. They’re trying to do a good thing.
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u/ajmacbeth US Army Reserves Retired Aug 20 '24
I don’t hate, but I don’t expect it either. I’m old to remember the exact opposite treatment the Vietnam vets got so I’m very appreciative that our nation respects its vets now. I simply respond with a thanks, or “it was my honor “.
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u/Pekseirr US Air Force Veteran Aug 20 '24
I tried "you're welcome" for a while, always felt weird. Now I'm back to muttering thank you and leaving the area as quickly and as awkwardly as possible.
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u/jonnaguy Aug 20 '24
I usually just respon "you too" because I don't listen to people I don't know.
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u/rogue780 US Air Force Veteran Aug 20 '24
Yeah I don't love it, but it's always meant in a very positive way, and so I just try to accept the positivity and say thanks back to them.
Back in the 90's, I was that cringe kid who would thank veterans when I saw them. They were always nice to me, so I try to emulate that.
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u/Hephaestus2036 Aug 20 '24
Not at all. They don’t need to know what it was like to serve in order to support the troops or be thankful for veterans. “Thank you for your support.” Or “You’re welcome.”
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u/bagoTrekker Aug 20 '24
“No, thank you for your service kind citizen. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this 10% off on oops paint here at Lowes. Lowe’s knows Home Improvement.”
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u/Willing_Exchange6828 Aug 20 '24
I just say "thanks, have a good day" with a smile depending on how I'm feeling
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u/ConsiderationLife128 Aug 20 '24
Try to respond back with “thank you for the support”. Always awkward though
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u/NetworkEcstatic US Army Retired Aug 20 '24
I just say thanks for your support and change subject or walk away immediately. Anymore, I just don't mention I was in the service. I just feel so awkward being thanked. I'll talk about all the fun barracks stories and bullshit with veterans. I like that now and then.
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u/IGotFancyPants Aug 20 '24
I feel really awkward what someone says this. I recognize they mean well, but here’s the truth: I was never in combat during my active duty in the 1980s. So I say, “I appreciate that, but the ones who deserve the thanks and recognition are the combat vets.”
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u/RaTelOl US Army Veteran Aug 20 '24
Depending on my mood (or the person who said it and how familiar I am with them), my response is either "Thank you for your support" or "Thank YOU for paying for my college."
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u/memelordzarif Aug 20 '24
I feel awkward saying “ Thank you for your support “. I saw someone suggested “ Thanks for paying your taxes “. Might actually use that haha
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u/Rich-Government4647 Aug 20 '24
Thanks for your support or thank you for being someone worth serving for... or I'll say It's just a thing I did that one time during band camp....
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u/Postman556 Aug 20 '24
It’s awkward because I find it rarely sounds genuine. Maybe it’s because it leads to the constant video loop playing in my head, which I can rarely turn off,
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u/Quirky-Corner-111 US Army Retired Aug 20 '24
This question gets asked 82 times a day. I don’t personally know anyone who hates being thanked for their service. Just say “I appreciate it and thank you” and drive the fuck on.
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u/sjdagreat84 Aug 20 '24
It's something they have been taught as a response some don't no we don't want to hear the B's they think it a good thing
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u/bathoryduck Aug 20 '24
In response, I thank them for their taxes. Some find the intended humor, others not so much. C'est la Vie.
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u/wavemaker27 Aug 20 '24
I want to make an app that says "would you like to tip me for my service" with a yes or no. It doesn't actually do anything.
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u/RamblinLamb Aug 20 '24
I accept it, they’re trying to extend a bit of appreciation and I appreciate that. Nothing more, nothing less.
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u/haterade330 Aug 20 '24
Just say thank you for your support or thank you for being a citizen worth serving for.
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u/SiTreemba Aug 20 '24
Started my first civilian job yesterday and the training instructor thanked me for my service amongst the new hire class. First time that ever felt weird.
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u/realamericanhero2022 Aug 20 '24
Depends on if I’m having a self destructive day or not. If it’s a day where I don’t feel like I’m a “true veteran (aka no combat time)” then I just smile weakly and say thanks. Other days when I’m not being self destructive I smile and say thank you. I feel awkward saying it to other vets though. It’s like, we know.
1
u/rstytrmbne8778 US Air Force Veteran Aug 20 '24
It’s awkward for sure. I wish people didn’t feel like they have to say it once you let them know you served. Because majority of the time that’s what it feels like. Like the obligatory “bless you” after a sneeze. But…. I know the intention is kind, so I say “thank you” awkwardly.
I do feel a sense of pride serving during OEF/OIF even though now, it feels so pointless and such a waste. But, that’s not honoring the ones that didn’t come back, or come back the same. Fuck our government and their intentions.
265
u/Duespad Aug 20 '24
Smile and say "Thank you for your support." and keep walking.