I just nod and say Thank YOU!
Have found that mostly women, middle age and younger, a lot of teens with the ‘Thank you for serving’, and Vets including those in my age range (we are getting thinner in ranks) will come up with ‘Welcome Home’ and if recognizable by hat or license or stickers etc, a nod or ‘short wave’ (semi salute) while passing etc etc..
WE are still a small community and I believe that the greater majority of those that seek one out and ‘thank’ at least rate a ‘You’re Welcome’ or like I just say ‘Thank You’.
Also, as someone indicated, if one approaches you, you must have something on or about you that indicates you were/are Military, SO, if it ‘bothers’ you, don’t advertise.
Somewhat like the guy with a ‘Honk if you love Jesus’ bumper stickers giving one the finger if honked at.
HERE IS ALL YOU EVER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS TRIVIAL AND OVERUSED PHRASE - WANNA KNOW WHO STARTED IT?
I WILL TELL YOU. I WAS AN ACTIVE DUTY OFFICER WATCHING ON LIVE TV WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS OF MY STAFF THE NEWLY INAUGURATED PRESIDENT-RAPIST SHAKING HANDS WITH GREETERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOLLOWING HIS INAUGURATION EARLY IN THE MORNING IN JANUARY 1993.
WHEN SEVERAL PORTLY CLEARLY OVERWEIGHT FEMALE UNIFORMED PERSONNEL CAME THROUGH THE LINE TO SHAKE HIS HAND -
*THE RAPIST* TOLD EACH ONE OF THEM “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE”.
THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD EVER IN MY LIFE HEARD SOMEONE SAY THAT TO AN ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIER(OR VETERAN).
NOW I HEAR IT ALL-THE-FREAKING TIME WHEN I TELL SOMEONE I AM A VET.
AND EVERY TIME I THINK OF THAT G-D, M-F, SOB, COCAINE SNIFFING, RAPING, BRIBE-TAKING, WITNESS-THREATENING, JUSTICE-OBSTRUCTING, WAR CRIMINAL SUBHUMAN.
But, its OK. You know why? Cause he lived too long. He lived long enough for EVERYONE to realize what and who he is.
And now he can’t show his cocaine-atrophied nose in public without someone calling him out on it.
Revenge is sweet....
... and that, folks, is THE REST OF THE STORY!!! ;>)