Startled an Airman

[osokne]

Not trying to jump on the bandwagon... Just a story I had to share...

I was walking thru a parking lot, headed into a department store. Saw a young man, in uniform, walking the opposite way. As we passed, he glanced over at me, briefly. Just the sort of glance to make sure you're not going to bump into someone. I smiled, nodded and said "Thank you". He seemed a little startled and didn't know quite how to respond. He did manage a shy "welcome". Neither of us stopped, it was just that quick and easy to thank a US military serviceman.

So... If the E-4 Senior Airman, that was at the Vacaville Walmart yesterday, around 1600 Hrs, is reading this... sorry if I startled you and thanks again for your service to our country.

[epilepticninja]

I"ve had people come up to me (when in uniform) and thank me for my service. I actually had one lady approach me who told me she wanted to say "thanks" but she was apprehensive due to all my stripes, hehe. (I retired as an E-8.) I know alot of service members that aren't so much embarrased about somebody saying "thanks" as they are about receiving it. Most just feel they are doing a job they chose, abliet the dangers that go along with it.

Thank you for going out of your way to pay your respects to that service member. If they don't seem exactly like they are sure how to responsd, don't feel slighted. Of all the military peeps I know, from the crusty E-9's down to the lowly E-1's, all of them feel humbled when the public recognizes their duty to this country.

[ChuckBooty]

Airmen startle easily...they're best approached silently and from downwind....

[VegasND]

Airmen startle easily...they're best approached silently and from downwind....

You know my son-in-law?

[winnre]

When I flew in uniform I received all sorts of compliments at airports. One elderly gentleman who is an Aeronautics Instructor at Purdue told me about the respect he has had for the military since he was a small boy. We got to talking and he showed me his picture from when he was in WWII. Japanese Army.

[PyroFox79]

Ya I've never felt right when people tell me thank you. I think a real thanks should go to all the people who support us. Like the ammo manufacturers, the body armor makers, FN and Colt to name a few. If it weren't for them we couldn't do our job.

[jigenax]

Weird. When I was in uniform in public, just old timers would come over to talk shop. It wasn't until I came home from Desert Storm did civie strangers say anything. But never had a bible thumper ambush me anywhere. That's pretty weird. ;p