Thank you for your service…
That’s an expression that has now become as embedded in our culture as “Have a nice day,” whether or not we like it. According to the New York Times, that unbiased authority on all things important in the heartland, there are young veterans who don’t. Some NYT reporter apparently found two younger veterans who were so offended by the harmless phrase widely adopted by the American public to convey in a brief and passing way that they are grateful to the sheepdogs who protect the flock that they were willing to go on record and make themselves look like the churlish ingrates they are.
You can’t imagine how badly I wish it were possible for young warriors who share these shortsighted sentiments to be able to travel back to the time, when the veterans of my war returned to a less than grateful nation. There was no spontaneous applause at airport gates or messages from the aircraft captain noting that we had returning troops on board, much less upgrades to first class. No one ever quietly paid my restaurant tab to show his gratitude that I had gone into harm’s way on his behalf. There were no veteran discounts extended by any businesses that I frequented upon my return from Vietnam. There was mostly just wary acceptance of my presence, as if folks somehow weren’t quite sure whether they had a Fourth of July rocket or a live hand grenade in the room.
The mood of the nation was very different then. I wish the veterans of today could get but a small taste of it so as to make them appreciate the value of having their nation squarely supporting them and their mission rather than being angrily confrontational, disparaging their service as dishonorable at the least and criminal at the worst. I’ve heard many tales of returning Vietnam vets being spat upon, but I’ve never met a single one to whom it actually happened, so I tend to disregard such tales as apocryphal. But the reality of our reception back into society was grim enough – an experience never shared by other American troops returning from a foreign war, before or since.
I wear my 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne ball caps from time to time, so I get these “Thank you for your service” sentiments occasionally. My response is always a quiet and simple “Thank you.” No big deal, and I don’t lose sleep over whether or not the sentiment is genuine or self-gratifying, as apparently the two veterans a NYT reporter could dig up to support what I suspect was a planned narrative do. If some young fools want to get their skivvies in a twist because they distrust the motives of grateful citizens, more power to them. That silly spite shows they learned little from their military experiences.
My only opportunity to show my personal gratitude to a current veteran came in an encounter in the waiting line at a Walgreens liquor department in our little New Mexico ski town. I glanced over my shoulder and saw this very buff, ski-burned young man and his pretty companion behind me. He was carrying a twelve-pack in his good arm and cradling a half-gallon of Wild Turkey under his prosthetic arm. I said, “Here, let me hold that for you.” And then, gesturing to his now empty prosthesis, I said, “Get that in the Sand Box?” He grinned, looking at my Airborne cap, sizing up my age, and said nothing more than “Yeah.” When I got to the register, I included his Turkey on my bill and handed it back to him, saying, “Have a few on me.” His one-word response was a simple “Thanks.” And that’s all that was necessary in a simple exchange between a young warrior who’d sacrificed a forearm on behalf of his nation and an old warrior who was grateful that he had not.
That’s the way it should be. And if it involves only a simple “Thanks for your service,” so be it.
Crossposted at American Thinker
Category: Politics
Well said.
And if you ever find yourself in the Verde Valley region of Arizona, drop me an e-mail, I’ll pour you a couple of shots in thanks, myself.
Stop by VFW 7400 on Monday 3 – 5 and I will stand a couple myself.
I’m a civilian and never served in the military. That said I do appreciate those in the military and truly mean it when I say thank you for your service when I encounter a veteran or service member.
Thank you Poetrooper and well said. I do not wear any military insignias, caps or anything which identifies me as a veteran. Yet when I see one, especially on uniform I do take the time to shake their hand and say, “Thank you for your service to our country sir”. I have never had my words received in anything but an response of welcome and appreciation. Yet I apparently have only met humble, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. Not anyone like these two tools who are looking for sympathy for their service and not gratitude.
People with anger issues will find a way to express that anger. They also go to great lengths to upset others. I worked with a doctor many years ago who took great offense to the phrase “Good Morning.” He’d go into a rant about the fact that that person didn’t know what kind of morning he was having, and as a matter of fact, his morning was none of their business, etc.
To put it simply, he was being an asshole — and so are any veterans who act like this. But you know something? I don’t think there are that many who act like this. I think this is an attempt by the New York Times to stir shit just to make it stink.
If one is determined to push a particular point, in this case, about veterans, and goes in search of that point of view, there’s no doubt that one will find it.
Now, knowing the NYT, I’d give the odds of that reporter(?) actually finding and talking to a veteran or two as being slim, at best.
I always appreciate someone thanking me for my service. I have to admit though, when the person thanking me is of a certain age and wearing a WWII Vet ballcap, I feel like I should be thanking them.
+1
The fact that people treated veterans of past like shit, does not make someones discomfort invalid. I don’t like it. I think it is often a way for people who couldn’t find Afghanistan on a map (but are real up to date on Dancing With the Stars) to pay their lip service and be absolved for not giving a shit. It continues a trend of vets as props for ball games and beer ads, or victims to be pitied, and it encourages posers looking for that free drink, and slap on the back. The fact that many if not most people are genuinely trying to be kind, and maybe want to understand enough if they are not accomplishing that, doesn’t give you or anybody else a right to tell me how to feel. Nor does my feeling that way entitle me to be rude to someone who is most likely trying to be nice. I’ll shake an offered hand and honestly say “It was my pleasure”, but I will feel how I damn well feel about it.
One thing that never ceases to piss me off is when I fly and I see guys in uniform trying to get in a civilian flight. Regulations only let us flight in uniform when going to or coming back from a deployment.
These guys in the plane in uniform, especially the ones without a combat patch, are just going home on leave from their CONUS station, and wear the uniform to get freebies and preferential treatment from the clueless civilians at the airport, from a free upgrade to a first class seat to a free drink.
And they are always E-4 and below.
Back in the day when the war was for real, we used to get a 15 to 18 days R&R leave during the 12 to 18 months deployment, and there was a reason to see guys in uniform at the airport, but since 2012 all deployments have been 9 months deployment with no R&R, so the only excuse to flight in uniform is emergency leave.
Air Force is authorized to travel via commercial transportation in uniform if travelling for official purposes.
I was referring to the Army. I have no idea of the other services rules and regulations.
Army travels in uniform on official duty too, to and from schools or whatever. I see new recruits leaving Ft Benning with orders to follow on training or first duty station and they are following orders. I have been instructed to do so several times, but I wouldn’t just throw on the uniform in hopes of getting perks or handshakes.
Where is the edit buttom so I can fix all my spelling mistakes?
Right next to the “Like” button. (We have neither)
I could hardly go anywhere as a Recruiter in Baton Rouge without someone thanking me for my service. I’d quietly thank them back despite thinking that they may feel differently if I were to knock on their door to interview their son or daughter.
When not on duty, I don’t advertise. I bought a bunch of Ranger Up shirts while in Afghanistan, which are almost never worn unless covered by a jacket or overalls. When I buy alcohol off-post I use my civilian ID (as we are supposed to) and the military ID only comes out at Lowes or Home Depot (10% off is a nice discount). A low fade replaced the high and tight years ago, and 9 times out of 10 I’ll wear one of my old mechanic jackets or a sweatshirt from my neighbor’s electrical company if it’s cold out. Hell, I’ve only had one Veterans Day free meal in my lifetime (wanted to see how it worked, so I got to Chili’s as soon as they opened and tipped the waitress what I would have paid for the food). About the only outward signs I’m military are some dirty out-of-state Old Guard tags that were put on my truck almost 8 years ago and a faded DoD decal.
I’m glad that Americans as a whole support us these days–even if it’s a simple “thank you” and a yellow ribbon sticker on their car–but when my military career is behind me I don’t plan to scream “VETERAN” in my wardrobe, appearance, or mannerisms. I appreciate being appreciated, but have done little more than fire a few rounds in battle and bury too many true heroes in Arlington.
Odd how the reporter knew the guy was a vet, though. The former Marine probably proudly displays his service, waiting for someone to thank him and ruin his day…
“I’ve heard many tales of returning Vietnam vets being spat upon, but I’ve never met a single one to whom it actually happened, so I tend to disregard such tales as apocryphal.”
If you ever find yourself in southwest Michigan, drop me an email. I will tell you about being spat on, it happened to me. Seattle airport, I think it was 1973, traveling from Alaska to Michigan in greens on emergency leave – I think the trip was because my Grandmother was dying – leaving the D-concourse into the uncontrolled area. It is not a pretty memory.
Before you ask, I was not a returning Vietnam vet, just an E4 in a Class A uniform.
I hope you decked the putz. If you didn’t, you should have.
I did not. I was 20-some years old, probably my third time on an airplane (I have since cured that little shortcoming), by myself, and so completely stunned that I just walked to a bathroom and cleaned up my uniform. Shortly thereafter, my command advised us that we should not go out in public in uniform – as if that made any difference with our haircuts. I was assigned to the 172d Inf Bde US Army Alaska. Alaska mostly loved the troops so it was only an issue when we went Outside.
I still wouldn’t punch them. I wouldn’t kick a dog for peeing on a bush, they’re just being a dog. I shouldn’t punch an asshole for spewing shit, they’re just being an asshole. Besides, I would get arrested and they win. On second thought, if they get close enough maybe I would.
Richard, Where were you in 1974 in the 172’nd? That’s where I served, at Ft. Wainwright, Co A, 4/9 Inf.
There aren’t a whole hell of a lot of us out there so That’s why I am asking.
Thanks.
Richard, see my below comment. I mention SeaTac. Thank you for your service!
Richard, what the hell is it with Seattle?
I was there in ’71 and got spit at (and missed) by a hippie chick. She even called me the obligatory baby killer.
Pinto – it was a woman, so I couldn’t hit her.
OC
OC, you are clearly a gentleman of the old school. And I was raised by a lady, to be a lady. However. I would disabuse you of clinging to those quaint notions in today’s society. If she acts like a lady — treat her like one. If she acts like a skank — feel free to adjust her attitude. No woman has any more right to invade YOUR space because you’re a man, with their spit or anything else, than the other way ’round.
Roger that Pinto Nag, roger that.
OC
Well said Poetrooper, really well said. I didn’t respond to the original posting then saw yours and thought I needed too. It is my prayer that whatever happened to us may never ever happen again to any Veteran in this country. My group patients and I went to Bragg to welcome home the 82nd when they jumped back in from Desert Storm. At first a couple of my guys didn’t want to go stating that they only fought for 100 hours etc. I gave a speech to them and the others saying that’s the same crap we heard when we got back. “We didn’t really fight in a war. We only fought untrained villagers. All we fought was women and children. We were ONLY gone a year.” I told them it was up to us, and us only, the Vietnam Veteran, to make sure we welcome home and thank all future servicemen and women. They got the message. The CO of the 82nd at the time was a Vietnam Vet, or at least Era, and stated his boys weren’t coming back through the back door like we did. When wearing my Purple Heart ball cap I get many thank you’s for my service and it always warms my heart. I blush. I do the same to young and old and living with MCRD PI, MCAS Beaufort, and the Naval Hospital, I have plenty of opportunity to thank these young people for their service. All seemed humbled that an old Vietnam Vet would do that and they usually say at least “thank you sir” and many add, “it was nothing like you did.” I always say, “bullshit young man/woman, anytime you’re in a war, it’s the same. No, I can honestly say I was never spit on or at, but when we were at Ft. Lewis coming home they told us there were demonstrations and people were throwing flaming bags of dog shit over the fences. They told us to be careful at SeaTac and we were authorized to wear civvies. Hell, who had those. Welcome home to all veterans on… Read more »
Thanks Cav. A little known fact of WWII is that most of the combat arms units that fought in Europe did do for less than a year. D-Day was June 6, 1944 and VE Day was May 5, 1945. And many of those divisions did not enter France until well after D-Day.
We all tend to picture WWII as a long slog while in fact for the American forces it was a very short war. I never realized this brevity of actual combat until I researched my father-in-law’s unit history prior to taking him to Washington, DC to visit the newly opened WWII memorial.
The war in Europe was a long slog only for the European countries involved. As far as actual time in combat, it was the Germans, followed closely by the Russians.
The Pacific war was a different situation where some of the troops were engaged in sporadic combat from 1942 until VJ Day, August 15, 1945.
Something like 75% of the casualties were on the Eastern Front – if you count civilians 30,000,000 altogether. We have no comprehension whatsoever of the impact of the war there.
Actually, D-Day happened fairly late in the game. American ground operations in the European Theater began in late 1942 in North Africa followed by the invasion of Sicily, and then the Italian mainland in late 1943.
Meanwhile, you had bomber groups in Southern England running daylight raids into Germany. Something to ponder is that in the Summer of 1943, prior to the introduction of the P-51 for long-range fighter support, the chances of a B-17 crew actually making it through 25 missions was about 50-50.
Also meanwhile, you had a bunch of people involved in shipping stuff to Murmansk so that the Russians could, say, drive Studebaker trucks. And the German wolfpacks were nobody’s idea of a joke.
Personally, I would be the last person to downplay the effort it took in the Pacific, but it’s not as if a bunch of people in Europe were sitting around waiting to save Private Ryan or whatever.
Perry, I hope you noticed my weasel word “most.” The invasion of North Africa did in fact take place in November 1942 and some of those units like the 1st ID, the 3d ID and the 9th ID also took part in the Normandy Invasion. Others like the 82d Abn had units that fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy before taking part in the Normandy Invasion.
But my main point was that the majority of American ground troops in Europe fought the Germans for less than a year.
Hang on there Poe,
My uncle Joe Zigary was in North Africa and Anzio. He NEVER talked about Anzio – not even to his kids. After he died I found out that he was a Military Policeman. The local AL post fired the salute at his funeral, I cried.
I went to jr. high and high school with a kid named Paul Mann. His mother was a nurse Lieutenant. She served in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany from 1942 until 1946. She earned 8 battle stars.
For some it was more than months.
Poe, You are correct. They did a study on this as the original 12 months and your home was initiated to lower combat fatigue suffered by WWII and Korea Vets. They thought if you knew you would only be there 12 months it would help. What happened was that most boonie rats went into the field and barely got a break for those 12 months causing more stress. I forget the exact statistic now, I guess it’s findable, but the average WWII vet spent like a total of 3-4 months in actual combat. Certainly more time in theater but less time in actual combat. Now, don’t everyone jump on me as I’m not saying that for ALL, and I’m trying to remember the statistic, so it could be more, but just making the point that they saw less combat then we all thought. My dad was in the Pacific for almost 4 years but was “lucky” to only see combat on the Canal, and then for “only” a couple of months.
I never was spit at when I came back. Just the verbal bullshit I encountered in the airport in Hawaii, I spoke of previously.
What I remember most, when I came home was most people’s disconnect with Vietnam war. “How are things over there anyway” seemed to be the comment I remember most.
Dec 1975, Arrived at Travis AFB, from Udorn (yes we turned the lights off)
Patti Hearst on trial at the time…for referrence. Stopped at a bar at the SF airport for a drink. Checker at the door said no can do, not in uniforms. We needed to change into civvies. Didn’t want us to upset the other people in the bar. I don’t know if it was meant to piss us off, but I left. Changed into some old ragged clothes that had been packed away for a year, just didn’t like the stares. Didn’t feel welcomed home. I’m still hesitant about wearing anything that would show I’m a veteran from that time. License plate holder on the car is enough, even thinking about taking that off. Proud to have served, just don’t feel right to display it. Never wore a uniform off base after that. Times have changed, but it seems like yesterday to me.
Jim, it took me danged near 30 years to get that taste out of my mouth. Like you I was proud of my service but didn’t want people putting me down. I wear veteran stuff occasionally now. When someone thanks me I usually say “You’re welcome.”
OC
I grew up with a Vietnam Vet father…never spoke a word about his time there or service….He does now on occasion and he still looks down when people say thank you to him….
I have the exact opposite…Both me and my husband served..(he’s still serving), so on “those” days, folks always thank him and never me even though they know I served as well… kind of disheartening to realize that people forget or don’t care that we females served and still serve but aren’t worthy of any acknowledgement…
Welcome home to all of you who were “There” and Thank you to all of you for defending our Country.
All you can do is educate them, TC. And make it your business to acknowledge female soldiers/vets. The couple I’ve talked with seemed to appreciate it.
TC:
This lady was my neighbor, I went to school with her son.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Wandrey
She was a holy terror – my dad was afraid of her. Google her, several interesting bits.
You have my respect and my thanks.
Toastie………I think your father, like most of us, took off the uniform, put it in the closet and never talked about it. For some of us it took decades, to even talk about that time in our lives.
I was drafted after my junior year of college. I was a baseball player during that time. I was used to fans cheering me and the team. Then it was off to Vietnam. When I came back, I was twenty-three years and six months old. I was used to being liked and slapped on the back from my baseball days. It was really hard for me to try to understand people. Who thought less of me, because I was a Vietnam vet. Now when people thank me for my service. It brings tears to my eyes. I’d be less than honest if I said I did not appreciate it. I do. For so many years we were thought of in such a negative light.
As for you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service. “You done good!
The first time I ever wore anything that indicated I was a Vietnam veteran was on July 2003 at a parade honoring “The Moving Wall.” At the end of the parade a young woman approached me and asked if I was a Vietnam Vet. I replied Yes. In a very sincere manner she said “thank you for your service.” That caught me totally off guard, never heard that expression before.
I instantly teared up and couldn’t speak. I turned away, tried to dry my eyes and regain my composure. Eventually I was able to thank her and the tears came back. She said, I think you’re going to make me cry too and gave me a hug. After a few moments we both got over our tears and back to normal mode.
On Memorial Day 2007 my friend bought me a ball cap with a small “Native Veteran” logo. On occasion someone will say; thank you for your service. I simply say thank you and move on. I will never forget that first time back in 2003.
Last summer I was at the Redding, CA Air Tanker Base. A pilot I was talking to asked if I was a VN vet and thanked me for my service. He said he was a recently retired Air Force COL and flew C-130’s. He was the Real deal. His C-130 was behind him being being loaded with fire retardant. He flies for Coulson Air Tankers. Right now he’s in Australia supporting their fire suppression efforts.
Unlike “Hollywood” the cheese slayer wannabe C-130 driver!
When I am thanked, I say, “it is (was) an honor to serve my country.”
When my uniform is complimented, I say, “this is a uniform of the US Navy and I have the high privilege to be its custodian.”.
I have nothin’ else on this subject.
I live in a very liberal part of a very liberal state (MD). I have a U.S. Army retired sticker on the back of my truck. Several people have come up to me and thanked me for my service. If we have time to chat I usually discover they have some connection with the military. A spouse, or relative has served. There are a lot of bases in the D.C. Metro area so there is a large military presence. How do I feel about it? Usually just surprised and a little embarrassed. I don’t think I did anything special.
If somebody ever tried to thank Bernasty, the non-CPO, he’d probably try to figure out some way to sue them. Oh, that’s right, he’s also a non-attorney too!
Legend has it you don’t thank Bernath, Bernath thanks you. But that was just something I heard many moons ago.
I’ll go out of my way to thank any and all who’ve served, but usually just tell ’em that I’m proud to have a daughter who did 8 years in the US Navy. Don’t always mention that I was US Army.
Let’s not forget these girls, who were there ’cause they wanted to be.
http://emilydd.com/
Rob J 11Bravo AlphaCo,4th/47th,9thInfDiv RVN ’68
@ INBRED REDNECK, Et Alii:
As I’m typing this, I’m chowing down on my computer inspired supper, i.e., spam and cookies!
When you were in the old Republic of Viet Nam, I was in Germany.
After you left Viet Nam, that’s when I went there, serving with the 1st Signal Brigade in Saigon, and later, with the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in Northern I Corps.
Oh, yes, I do fondly remember those attractive round-eye American Red Cross “Doughnut Dollies” visiting us with cookies and Kool-Aid.
My stepmother, who currently resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina at Heritage Place, will see her ninety-eighth (98) birthday on the Twenty-Sixth of next month.
At the commencement of the Second World War, when the United States Army began allowing females to serve, she was the 104th woman to enlist in the newly created Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), which would later become the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), which no longer exists.
Here is the URL where you can read her story:
http://writesong.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-stepmother-alma-capps-mallernee.html
I notice that you were in the same outfit as Forrest Gump, Bubba Blue, and Lieutenant Dan.
Thank you for YOUR service, for going where others would not go, and for doing what others refused to do.
http://youtu.be/IErqWFylzTs
I got spit on once in O’Hare in 75 coming home on leave.
It was after that I made sure to travel and look as civilian as possible.
I got an upgrade to First Class during the United Strike and some guy in the bar in Minneapolis bought me at least 5 drinks, I don’t remember much after that except that I had one hell of a hangover when I got off the plane in Cedar Rapids…
I have a Veteran card on my nametag at Walmart, I get thanked a lot there. I simply say that it was an honor to serve.
I didn’t think so at the time, but I see now as fellow Veterans come and go there, at the Houston VA that it really was an honor.
I say welcome home to all of you that served in that country known as Vietnam, you all gave a lot to the rest of us. Welcome home and thank you for your service.
I know a man who served and he was never properly recognized for the sacrifice that he made. So, without further ado, I would like to thank Paul K. Wickre for serving…. His time in the Montgomery County Maryland Correctional Facility.
#BringElaineRicciHome
What the fuck is the big deal.ONE OF MY KIDS gave me a ball cap that has Vietnam Veteran on it and from time to time I were it. When someone comes up to me and says thank you for your service I just smile and nod my head. I realy dont like the way it makes me feel but so what it no big deal.Its better them when I came home in 69 no one spit at or on me it would have been the last person they spit on. So like the man said be happy dont worrie its all right.