A majority of younger veterans said they feel uncomfortable when they are told “thank you for your service,” a new poll found.
Ahead of Veterans Day on Saturday, a survey found disparities between young military members and their older counterparts in how they prefer to be recognized for their service.
Among younger military members and veterans — age 18 to 29 — 70 percent said they feel uncomfortable or awkward when they are thanked for their service. Only 24 percent of older members, 65 years and up, say the same, the Endeavor Analytics and YouGov poll found.
“This data shows that military service members and our veterans want Americans to go beyond small talk to connect with them on a deeper level, including learning more about their service, honoring each veteran’s service in ways in which they feel comfortable talking about it,” Robert F. Whittle Jr., retired Army major general and United Services Automobile Association (USAA) chief of staff, said in a statement.
I feel uncomfortable when people thank me for my service and I wasn’t even in the military. I was a civilian working for the Air Force and it’s on my resume so I’m always thanked at interviews. It’s always so shallow, like a greeting.
“Hi! How’s your day? Thank you for your service!”
“No I didn’t fight. I was a civilian doing engineering work in support.”
Thank you for your service
Thank you for your service
service for your thank you.
No thank you I just had it serviced.
You’ve been served.
Thank you for servicing someone who’s just been served with your service
You’ve been serviced.
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So many people don’t understand how much of the Air Force is civilian engineers. They didn’t serve, they just understand there’s no better job they’re gonna get in Ohio with an engineering degree