A tad bitter? Me? Hell yeah.
There is one service member I know who, when some civilian gives him the supercilious, "Thank you for your service", nods, says aloud, "Thank you." Under his breath he is saying, "Fuck You!"
Yes, I know, some people are sincere in their appreciation. Most are thinking, "Thank God I'm not you." If not, more than 1-2 % of the population would want to serve.
I graduated from high school in 1961. I never doubted I would serve. In my "community" it was expected. Vietnam heated up after I was out. By 1971, people, against the war, gleefully pissed on those who did go. I once hired a 173rd vet, for a minimum wage job, because he demanded it.
"Glenn," I said, "I'm embarrassed to hire someone with your qualifications for a minimum wage entry level driving job."
"Damn it", he replied, "I need a damn job. Any job!"
He did well with the company and replaced me in a few months. Ended up making a career with them.
There were far too many Glenns. I suspect today those leaving the service face hidden obstacles being hired. Let me make this plain. Those mealy mouthed chicken shits making the hiring decisions don't want people around them that remind them of their true nature; gutless wonders.
The people who have my sympathy are those who want to serve and can't.
November 11th might not be the best day for this rant. So be it.
I'm not going to be part of the hypocritical crowd with their phony one day of honoring veterans and the rest of the year pissing on them.
As always, your mileage may differ.
14 comments:
Preach the fire, Reverend!!! ;-) I'm never comfortable with the "Thank you for your service" nor a welcome home except from another vet. There are a few exceptions but only a few......Most of those that address me like that the biggest thing that pops into my head is, don't use me to help you ease your guilt.
When I was finally able to enter the workforce, it didn't take me long to figure out NOT to put my military service on the jobs applications. At the least, if I did,, I didn't make any references to being a Vietnam Vet.
When I spent all that time in the hospital, one night, members from a local VFW in Ayre Mass. Came in and gave us all a free year membership to the VFW. I came home and was turned away from two. They said they didn't want a Vietnam Vet in their chapter.
If there was really a concern why is it taking disabled vets years to get the awards they deserve and need so badly from the VA? When are the politicians going to stop using the VA system in their districts as cash cows. And why is it only vets seem to notice this!
And....I refuse to stand in some line to get a free meal someplace!
Thank you for your comment, especially, "don't use me to help you ease your guilt."
I pay dues to the American Legion Post where I attended high school in support of a close friend who has been active, and effective, at the local, state, and national level. Among other things, he has helped make sure all local Veteran graves have a marker including some from the civil war.
The last time I was in Post was over forty years ago where I listened to several drunk "Greatest Generaton" talking about how the "kids" were losing the Vietnam War. Fuck'em.
Since several of my friends and family are Vietnam Era vets and I saw how they were treated when they got home, I too have a problem with the bandwagon since Sept. 11, 2000. I used to fly the American flag every day, year around. I no longer do since Sept. 11th because of the bandwagon. That doesn't make me less of an American or thankful for the military services. We have many veterans (alive & dead) in our family along with currently serving. I continue to pray for them and their families. That is my contribution and as my brother says "your mileage may vary".
Sisty
Drive On!!!!!
Regarding the "Not wanting Vietnam vets". when their posts were having to close because of not enough members, they started "reaching out" to the Vietnam vets and welcomed with open arms the Gulf War vets.
Re employment, they are going through the same things we did WSF... sigh... And thanks for remembering and the honest comments!
Your welcome. I'm sure you understand the sentiment behind the rant. Hiring the 173rd vet didn't go down well with my superiors. They got an earful from me.
Someone sent me this video today. I brought me to my knees!
http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Mansions.htm
Outstanding!
Yep, don't blame you either...
One of the many times in my life that I wasn't "wise'. Damn bunch of college frat boys going along to get along. Happy day when I moved on from that company.
A little late to the party here. Hell of a week.
What does one say to a vet if not 'thank you'? I truly appreciate what they did and continue to do... go where they're told, do what they're told to do by 'leadership' and commanding officers and a series of commanders in chief... and I don't want to fail to acknowledge my appreciation. In addition, I have a brother in uniform, and I could not be more proud of him, although there are tons of reasons I love him that have nothing to do with his service.
So what does a person say to acknowledge their appreciation?
Good question? Thank you for your service has become trite. Perhaps, "I/we appreciate what you do".
The "Thank you for your service" comment has become as routine as saying hello when passing someone in the hallway. The difference is knowing when someone truly means it. Those with a firm hand shake and that look you in the eye are typically speaking from their heart. Sitting at dinner one evening with my soldier (who happened to be in his PT uniform), we were approached by an elderly gentleman who had suffered from a stroke but was trying so hard to communicate with us. His dining companions (they were a party of 4), came over and translated for us that he was excited to see a fellow soldier - he had served and retired from the Army and he wanted to say thank you and then find out what we were eating. His companion said that the two men in the party were retired army (enlisted) and that once a month the two women picked them up and they all went to dinner. As the gentleman went to walk away, he stopped and saluted my soldier then walked away to enjoy his dinner. It's encounters like that that make us proud to be serving and protecting the citizens of this nation. The rest of them can go suck rocks as far as we're concerned. They can turn to their "Man behind the Emerald Curtain" to protect them when the shit hits the fan. We will look out for our own!
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