I have just returned from visiting a location where there are a number of Special Ops servicemen. We all went to a rodeo -- and these guys rode the bulls! ($10, and no forms to fill out). Anyway, I took them to dinner afterwards. Yes, I did thank them. And their response is similar to so many servicemen responses I get when I thank them: They brush it off; say it was their job; "did what I was supposed to do"... BUT I do get to see that very wonderful glow in their eyes - it's a flash -- but I thrill to see it. These men and women really do appreciate being thanked. Very, very much.
Out of the very many I've gotten to chat with -- not a single one of these was a braggadocio.