For Military, no matter what branch you're in....what would you do if...

Question

Someone out of the blue came up to you and wanted to shake your hand and tell you, "Thank You for all you do to help us and our Country"?

I saw a Man and a Woman at Target the other day in Military Fatigues (sp?), and they're either from National Guard, or Luke Air Force Base, which I didn't know which one, but anyway, I had the opportunity to tell them both "thank you", but for some reason I became really shy. Besides my shyness, I wasn't sure of how they would react. May be shocked, or in appreciation of my gratitude towards them. I regret not stepping out of my shyness and doing so.

So what would you do if someone outside the Military, comes up to you and wanted to shake your hand and tell you "thank you"?

I would like answers from family members of loved ones who are serving, anyone who is serving, and or has served our Country. Thanks so much.

And....to all those "Thank You". :-)

Answer 1

It always makes me feel uncomfortable.  I never liked receiving attention like that.  It's not that I'm not proud of my service, b/c I'm d**n proud of what I did, but honestly I never thought what I was doing was that big a deal.  I'm an American citizen who signed a contract and was doing what I said I would do.  I didn't ever have a problem getting up in front of large groups of Marines and giving classes, but I dreaded promotion and award ceremonies where I was receiving something.  I was most comfortable in the field with my squad.  Since I've been out when I meet other vets I just say "welcome home" and either bullshit a while or leave it at that.

Answer 2

What do you care thats MY father ok there child is satans spawn ok you just DONT GET HE KNOWS I HATE HER AND THER UGLY CHILD SHE  STOLE MY FATHER AWAY FROM ME YOU DONT UNDERSTAND MY PAST AND WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH WHEN I WENT UP TO VIST HIM MY LIFE WAS h**l OK! YOU DONT UNDERSTAND

Answer 3

i have had this happen to me a few times when i was in the army

in fact, while on my way home on leave from iraq  total strangers hugged me, gave up their first class seats so i could have them, and even anonymously paid my restaurant bill - all this happened at atlanta airport in less than 2 hours.

Answer 4

I'm not military, so forgive me for answering...but I live in a town hugely populated with military bases and I always thank them for their service whenever I see them (which is A LOT).  Don't be shy...They hear so much negativity that a simple  "thank you for your service" from a civilian can mean so much.  For all they do for us, they ask for nothing in return.  Any simple gesture such as a "thank you" or a hug will, from what my military friends tell me, can bring a smile to their face and maybe even make their whole day.  And you know what?  It will make you feel awesome, too.

If you're not sure how to go about it...just approach the service member and say..."I want to thank you so much for your service.  It means so much to me".  And if it feels ok, ask if you can shake their hand or give them a hug.  I'm telling you as a civiilian...there is no better feeling.

Answer 5

Not Military but just do it. I'm sure they wouldn't think your nuts. Although I can understand how you feel but I was at a gas station when a guy in fatigues pulled up and got out and I gave him a casual salute and told him thank you and he smiled and waved.

Answer 6

I do it all the time. It seems that no matter where you are, there's someone in uniform. We are highly visible and under appreciated. Veterans will go out of their way to look after each other. The government has failed us so many different ways. If you want to help more, contact you local DAV office.

Answer 7

You probably would have made there day, to be shown gratitude for what your doing is a reminder of why you do what you do.

I would have said, no, thank you.

Answer 8

every soldier is glad to hear a thank you,so don't be shy!there are a lot a people out there who don't realize what a soldier is true at the job!my wife and  me got it a couple times,and it feels really good!then on the end you have to see that every soldier is serving for people like you!thank you for your help to make us feel better!

and remember:don't be shy,soldier don't bite!

Answer 9

I would thank them for supporting the military (I would say this with emphasis and gratitude as support for the uniformed service hasn't always been the norm in the US).

I would then ask what interests they have, and if I could draw-out that they were involved in any civic activities within the local, state, or national (volunteer or paid) level, I would acknowledge how this helps the US and further thank them for their service to the nation.

Appreciation goes both ways, and the military should never take anything for granted.

Answer 10

Its probrably one of the greatest feelings for anyone who is serving or has served. For example, my father retired after 22 years in the military and some random guy selling hats gives him a military hat for free and told him "thank you." So, I encourage you to thank those in the military or served in the military

Answer 11

I'd say eh, it's nothin ;]

Answer 12

Never be shy about walking up to a Military member., and saying,.

Hey thanks for the good job, we appreciate it. I didn't see it in my

time. Matter of fact, Walking through an Airport in the 60's and 70's

Dressed In Greens and Your SOCOM identification, You had as

much of chance have having a problem there as you did in Viet

Nam. Things have changed. These kids fighting this war today

need to hear this. Its not just the military, its any service related

job, We take these people for granted. Don't. They need to hear

there doing a good job.  

Answer 13

I've had this happen to me more than once.

I'm from Mesa, but active duty Navy. When I visit my family, my Navy uniform gets alot of attention. I've gotten lots of 'thank you', 'welcome home', to having my dinner bought by anonymous people.

I usually respond :Thank you for your support.

Once someone bought my dinner, so I intercepted the waitress and bought their dinner back ;)

I don't really care for it when people try to pay for something for me or when they want to talk a long time (Back when I was in.......)

The Navy does pay me and I might be busy.

But it is always appreciated! There is no reason to be shy, I promise that they will warmly shake your hand, smile, and go on about their day feeling better about what they do for a living.

Answer 14

Respond with you're welcome, and let it go.

Answer 15

When people tell me this I just smile tell them your welcome and they carry on and I carry on.

Though we do occasionally get the one wacko that thinks we are all baby killers.  For that I try to bite my tounge (but I have anger managment issues)

So don't be shy, I'm sure other people would rather hear thank you than people telling them theyre wrong :D