[Ben]

These days when I see service personnel in a public setting I notice they are approached by appreciative citizens who shake their hands or thank them. I think that’s really nice and well-deserved, but if I were in that situation I can’t help but think it would get tiresome after awhile. Sometimes you just want to get lunch in peace. If I am in a situation where I am alone with a service person who is a stranger to me, should I initiate a handshake or thanks? Is this expected of me?

User Detail :  

Name : Ben, Gender : M, City : Seattle, State : WA, Country : United States, 

[Scott19679]

I think it’s a personal choice. I was in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years. During the first 10 years, those of us in the military were generally ignored (post-Vietnam years), and that was fine with me. My remaining years in the military (post-Desert Storm) were just the opposite. When I was in uniform off-base I was frequently thanked or congratulated for my service. I found this to be embarrassing and off-putting. Of course I’ve known many Squids (what sailors call other sailors) who thoroughly enjoyed the attention. So, I’d say just give it a shot, but don’t feel you HAVE to express your appreciation. Just saying ‘hi’ would be cool.

User Detail :  

Name : Scott19679, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Pagan, Age : 43, City : Long Beach, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : defense technician, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Cathy]

I have thanked many service men and women because I feel very appreciative for their service. I am unable to serve and am grateful for those who do. I am quick with the gratitude and won’t interrupt a conversation to do it. I’ve never seen anyone else do it before, so I’m glad there are those who let these brave people know they are appreciated. It might brighten their day a little to have someone thank them while waiting in a line.

User Detail :  

Name : Cathy, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 42, City : Jacksonville, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : homemaker, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Shella28776]

I’m currently active duty Air Force, and when wearing my uniform in public I’m often approached by people thanking me for what I do. The way I see it, if I don’t want to be approached, I won’t wear my uniform in public. It only really bothers me if people interupt my meal. If I have greasy fingers and a mouthful of cheeseburger, I really dont’ want to shake hands and make small talk. It’s never expected of anyone to thank any service member. If you should feel moved to offer your thanks, it will be appreciated, but it’s never required.

User Detail :  

Name : Shella28776, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 30, City : Lompoc, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : military, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[Chris]

Don’t forget to thank teachers, cops, firemen, paramedics and trash collectors. Also sewer workers, the ConEd guy and the mailman. Vote for people who will protect veterans’ benefits, and provide both funding for the military, and some discretion in how they are deployed. They don’t need your verbal thanks as much as they need to be taken care of like they take care of us.

User Detail :  

Name : Chris, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 37, City : Long Beach, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Med. Tech/Mgr, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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