[Joe Marine 76]

I served 20 years, 1 month and 18 days in the Corps and I am also a veteran of The Persian Gulf War (OPS: Desert Shield/Desert Storm). I sometimes wear one of my many “USMC” ball caps out in public, not so much to garner thanks, but in hopes of meeting ANY other veteran and chew the fat.

I have in the past felt uncomfortable when I got a “Thank you for your service,” particularly from non-veterans, but recently discovered that I can return the thanks by saying: “And I thank YOU for your support!” It kind of levels things and the grateful folks seem to feel good about that return of thanks.

[Billthedrill]

I’m stealing that. :-)

[Hoboken]

Me too. Perfect and honest.

[pcpa]

I carry a dog tag with a US serial number on it because I was drafted.

I was not in Nam however I appreciate those who were and had I been sent I would have gladly gone. There were many who ansered the call in Viet Nam and every war from the Revolution up to that one.

Were it not for those who went before me and all the others in all the other wars fought none of us would have had the privilege of growing up in the greatest country of all. We might have been speaking Japaneeese or German.

I remember how veterans were treated after Nam and I make it a point to thank all Veterans and especially active duty and tell them or spouses that someone is thinkging about them and appreciates there service that I can remain free.

The time is coming however when it appears I will have to defend the oath I took upon being drafted and look forward to doing so if necessary for my children and grandchildren to hopefully have the chance to enjoy the freedoms that I have been blessed with during my lifetime.

I am now older so my days are numbered may the Lord give me the strength to do what I must do for my Lord, my Country and Family.

[Secret Agent Man]

I think you’ve determined an excellent way to handle the thank yous.

[Captain Rhino]

“And I thank YOU for your support!”

Great idea...and Semper Fi! (USMC 1967-1990)

[doorgunner69]

"I sometimes wear one of my many “USMC” ball caps out in public, not so much to garner thanks, but in hopes of meeting ANY other veteran and chew the fat."

Sort of why I finally got a "Vietnam Veteran" license plate. Though I admit a secondary goal was to tweak aging hippies/liberals still around that hated the war.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I think most folks are very sincere when they thank our military for their service.

[superfries]

I always respond with “It was my honor”