To those of you who have served our country THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !

From one who didn't serve, I cannot put to words my appreciation for your service to our country. Thanks again.

Jim

 

Amen to those words !

 

You're welcome.

 

This thread is definitely in the wrong forum.

Nothing political about what these men and women do for our Country.

 

That's my bad. Didn't pay attention to what forum I was in when I posted.

The mods can move it, maybe.

And for once Raoul, I completely agree with you!!!!

 

It's moved, and jgger, I thank you too for your kind words and you're welcome.

It's interesting, I'm somewhat uncomfortable when people say, "Thank you for your service" to me. I ran across this link today that seems to explain that discomfort quite well: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012...-received?lite I wonder if any other Vets on this forum have similar feelings?

I used to think it was just my reaction to the very different response we got when we came back from Vietnam compared to today. Now, I don't think that's what it is. I suspect, like MSgt Sanders in the link, I worry that the "thank you" has become sort of "rote", without a sincere feeling to generate it.

Regardless though, I appreciate your thread, jgger - your sincerity comes through loud and clear.

- Jack

 

X2

No matter how it might seems sometimes, there are a ton of us out here who respect what people do for us, and acknowledge their sacrifice.

 

Good article Jack.

What those vets have voiced is exactly why they deserve our thanks. As a nation we are blessed to have people like that to defend us!

 

Yes, those in the Military DO see it as, "Just doing our job." And, we have trouble articulating the emotions we have about the times spent in war to those who have never been.

One emotion that possibly effects all is that of feeling what you do every day is so incredibly important, because if you don't do your job, you might be responsible for the death of one of your buddies. And then, when you come home, no one seems to understand the importance and seriousness of what you left behind. A lot of guys get depressed and want nothing more than to return to that place where every second and every act counted. It's hard to describe how very "alive" you can feel in the midst of constant danger and death.

- Jack

 

/salute

USS San Juan (SSN-751)
EM2/SS 1990 - 1994

 

Thanks Jim! I REALLY appreciate the acknowledgement.

Jack, I see you may have possibly shared some of the same feelings I have over the past decade or so. I too was greeted by less than enthusiastic and thankful citizens when I arrived in airports on the west coast on my way home from sunny Southeast Asia. I soon matriculated onto a university campus to complete my graduate degree, while working third shift at a UPS facility loading and unloading trucks to support myself. I was persona non grata in most classes once it was discovered I was a Vietnam vet. I was no longer proud of the fact that I had served my country. In the past twenty years I have watched the wave of gratitude greet returning servicemen from most every hot spot on the globe. At first, I quietly resented the accolades that were heaped upon them. In 1970 I had witnessed the scorn offered to Vietnam vets and dug deep to understand the reasons.
I finally resigned myself to the fact that what these younger vets were receiving was what I'd thought we all should have received upon our return. I am truly happy this country, for all it's faults and disagreements, finally came to it's senses and honors those who serve, not because the "battle" was popular or unpopular, but because they went, period!

 

I can relate to the article. I tend to keep the fact that I was active Army and currently in the reserves to myself and my family, with the exception of my veteran plate. To me it was and is another job. I usually try to break contact with out seeming rude or ungrateful when it comes to people showing appreciation for my service.

As a kid I grew up reading my dad's Vietnam books, so I "knew" (I used quotes because I don't think I'll ever understand how it really felt) of how receptive the public was of the men coming home. I would like to think that our nation has learned from the past. In the times that I came back from the Middle East there were a lot of Vietnam vets making sure that we received the home coming they didn't and lets not forget the Patriot Guard Riders.

I want to say thank you to those of you that opened the door for me. For those that take the time to thank a Vet, thank you for your support.