When I was in people gave you shit for being in the service. I remember going into the city in the late 70's and being refused service at bars after they saw my haircut. Now they want to go to the other extreme and get all sloppy with it.
When someone says it to me I simply say thank you. Ive encountered people that expected me to say it and get pissed when I dont.
I figure anyone that expects it probably doesnt rate it. I met a young (25) couple at the range. The guy says to me "shes a veteran". She repeats after him "Im a veteran!".
I could tell they were waiting for me to kiss her ass. They were dejected when I refused to play along. Probably some rear echelon pogue that spent the day kissing Officers asses.
Ive met older guys that expect it too. Nope. Not from me pal.
The term "veteran" has a different meaning than when I was in the military. In the late 60s-early 70s being a 'veteran' meant that you had served in a combat zone. I didn't consider myself a 'veteran' until I came back from Vietnam. Now anybody that ever put on a uniform is considered a veteran.
gimpyoldman 23 points 5 months ago
The term "veteran" has a different meaning than when I was in the military. In the late 60s-early 70s being a 'veteran' meant that you had served in a combat zone. I didn't consider myself a 'veteran' until I came back from Vietnam. Now anybody that ever put on a uniform is considered a veteran.