Being thanked for your service is one of the most difficult things you could ever go through as a veteran. We’re here to help. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Hey Battle Buddy,
Did a civilian just thank you for your service? That’s a damn shame, and I’m sorry that you are having this terribly awkward experience. But don’t worry, we’re here to help guide you through it.
First, understand that when a civilian thanks you for your service, they’re really saying, “I think it’s super cool that you used to blow shit up and kill people.”
Now, keep in mind that civilians are extremely bloodthirsty in nature and spend a remarkable amount of time listening to podcasts about serial killers and watching Netflix shows about people getting gruesomely chopped up back in the 1980s. They love death, and in their twisted minds you’re the embodiment of it, which is exactly why they thank you.
Secondly, it’s important to know that civilians have absolutely no idea that you spent the majority of your military career filling sandbags and masturbating in porta-shitters. In their minds, troops are out there every day fighting valiantly for freedom — i.e., killing. Listen, let them believe that. If you pop that bubble, they might take away Veterans Day. Best to let sleeping dogs lie, because those 10% discounts at Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse are worth it.
So then how should a veteran respond when somebody thanks them for their service? Unfortunately, there is no one bulletproof response that will work 100% of the time. Every situation is different. With that in mind, we came up with 10 expertly crafted responses to “Thank You for Your Service” and compiled them into a convenient list for you here.
Oh, and thank you for your service!
- If approached by a couple, stare at their spouse longingly and say, “I didn’t do it for you. I did it for her.” Hold awkward eye contact until they walk away.
- “Thanks! I’m a third-generation Taliban, believe it or not.” Immediately take off running after this as they’re probably going to call the cops.
- Smile politely and hold out an open hand until they put something of value in it.
- “Thank you! I heard they’re bringing the draft back, though, so let me be the first to thank you for your service, brother!” Then grab some popcorn and watch as they frantically order a one-way ticket to Mexico.
- “You’re welcome.”
- Immediately whip out your phone and say, “They know. Get me the fuck out of here. I’ve been compromised.” Then return to the conversation like nothing happened.
- Express thanks and then stoically recount a really long and boring story from your time in the military. “No shit, there I was, on staff duty …”
- Thank them for whatever it is they do. “No, thank you for selling quality used cars at low low prices, Chip.”
- Say “Annnnnnd?” after they thank you, implying that there are other things that they should be thanking you for. Then wait and see how many compliments you can get out of them before they give up.
- “Thanks, I just shit my pants. Where’s the bathroom?”
Read Next:
Eric Miller is a former Army Combat Medic from Parkersburg, West Virginia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and has worked with homeless populations and veteran services throughout the state. He is an avid outdoorsman and has recently become interested in woodworking.
Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.
Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.
A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.
Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.
For nearly as long as the Army-Navy football rivalry, the academies’ hoofed mascots have stared each other down from the sidelines. Here are their stories.
Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel the weapon was produced by Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries but gave no other details.
Ambushes make for great action scenes. Here are seven of the best to ever grace the big screen.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the launch occurred Wednesday but gave no further details, such as how far the missile flew.
