Ever been called a "hero" directly to your face?

[bshaw52]

I find it unnerving now, when people thank me for my service. It seems to me, they feel they need to, and it strikes me as cliche, they act like it was so cool and ask what it was like. I usually just smile and shrug and think to myself how, in Gods name, could I possible explain something like that to someone who has never known anything but comfort.

I appreciate the sentiment but feel it's contrived and it makes me feel awkward.

I'm not talking about you folks just the people I run into in my daily life.

Thanks and your welcome

bshaw

Sorry if I'm sounding a bit morose, I'm drinking Bourbon again tonight. I like Bourbon

[4424u]

Coming back from overseas in 1970 the reception was not warm except for my family. No one spoke of my service. I hope we never do this again. The soldiers do not make the politcal decisions that get us involved in conflicts. They serve and are comitted to our values as a country. I personally take the time to thanks every service member I meet, at the range, in airports, on the street or the supermaket for thier service. Please allow me to thank you as well for your service to all of us and our country.
Stingray

First off Thanks to all the Miltary Service personal--you're right Vietnam vets didn't get the best reception on there return. Most Miltary people do tough jobs in service to their country and should be treated with respect for the job they have done and continue to do.

[Simple Man]

I was at Wal-mart (not my favorite place) just getting a few things and was in line waiting to checkout. I'm standing there, minding my own business, haven't shaved for 3 days, still have a very short haircut but am wearing a black and white, very well worn, Springfield XD hat (pure coincidence) and this older gentleman says to me from behind, "excuse me sir". I turn to look at him half expecting him to ask to jump line and there is this 9 or 10 year old girl standing next to him. I look at him and then look at her and she sheepishly looks at me and says, "sir, you're my hero". In a flash I'm wondering where the hell this is coming from and then remember I'm wearing my red, USCG Law Enforcement instructor polo shirt. I look at her and say "thank you" and the older gentleman (grandfather I assume) shakes my hand and thanks me and gets back into his place in line.

How do you react to something like that? I felt so unworthy...I'm no hero just because I did 4 years in the Coast Guard. What better compliment can you receive here on Earth from a complete stranger?

Thank you for you service sir!

[Simple Man]

I find it unnerving now, when people thank me for my service. It seems to me, they feel they need to, and it strikes me as cliche, they act like it was so cool and ask what it was like. I usually just smile and shrug and think to myself how, in Gods name, could I possible explain something like that to someone who has never known anything but comfort.

I appreciate the sentiment but feel it's contrived and it makes me feel awkward.

I'm not talking about you folks just the people I run into in my daily life.

Thanks and your welcome

bshaw

Sorry if I'm sounding a bit morose, I'm drinking Bourbon again tonight. I like Bourbon

When I was 18-19 many moons ago ,any Vietnam vet I met either at work or other places I would shake their hand and thank them for their service because of all the BS they dealt with coming home, from piss ants that didnt serve. You served your country. People are proud of you.

[Jamesb74]

Hmmm forum is acting goofy tonight.

Usually to change a title you hit "edit post" then hit "go advanced" and it will take youto a board that will let you edit it.

I saw where Angsniper did edit it but it wasnt showing up in the main title just in the post title.
I tried to do it and it wouldnt. So had to do it through the admin board. Unusual but it is changed.

Also, Thank you for your service!!

[Team Helotes]

It is not the same but I feel weird when people thank me when I am in uniform, fireman.

[HillbillyStyle]

And you Vietnam veterans deserved (and deserve, present tense) much better. My dad is a Vietnam vet as well. Thanks to you.

Agreed, they fought a tough war.

[t_ridl]

I have and it's very humbling

I have a well. I don't take myself as one but its very humbling.

[BittenbytheBug]

I am always awkward and uncomfortalbe when someone thanks me for my service, even when it is sincere. The first time I was called a hero I about lost it. I sometimes mumble something about thanking those who are curently serving in harms way.

[LocoGringo]

First, thanks for changing the title for me mods. I tried and succeeded with the first post title, but not the thread subject title.

Second, thank you to all of the veterans and public servants who put themselves in harm's way.

Third, I did not post this experience to solicit gratitude, but to share an experience and maybe come up with some more graceful way to handle situations like this than how I handled it so clumsily. It's good to know I'm not the only one though. It is humbling.