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.
Well if you’re not one, why would you tell someone that you are a young veteran? They can probably tell unless you age backwards like Benjamin Button.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
For what it’s worth, I’m a 39-year-old veteran and also dislike being thanked for my service. I just don’t know how to respond to it. I feel like, “you’re welcome” or, “no problem” is not appropriate. I also don’t know how to respond to most complements.
For a few years now, I’ve replied with “Thank you for your support.” However I think I may start adding something like “You should look up wounded warriors and make a donation, they’re the ones that really need it.” Or some other org for disabled vets.