My spouse works his tail end off for his country, not to mention risking his life and leaving his family behind for months at a time. So it’s pretty great when people who are not in the military recognize his service. He finds it a little embarrassing, but sometimes I secretly plot ways for us to run errands right after he gets off work and before he has time to change out of his uniform just so that I can hear people thank him for his service. It’s heartwarming.
And then there are the little kids. Even in a town with a huge military population like this one, you still run across awe-struck kiddos who think being a soldier is the coolest thing on planet earth. I love seeing them stare while they say to their parents “look, it’s a SOLDIER!”
Servicemembers and military spouses sometime complain that America is not grateful enough for their service. Other times we question the way civilians express their gratefulness.
But I wonder if poorly expressed thanks (or no thanks at all) is at least partially due to a lack of knowledge. Like being invited to a party with no idea what to bring the birthday boy, they buy the best thing they can think of. And sometimes it just isn’t right.
So we’re here to give a little guidance. Dear civilians, here are some of our top military appreciation ideas:
Skip the sympathy — give gratitude. Military members don’t want you to feel sorry for them. We chose this life and we are happy to serve. So instead of saying “I’m sorry,” say “Thank you!” Encouraging words make us beam with pride.
If your business offers a discount, publicize it. Even though we aren’t looking for handouts, we understand that many businesses want to say “thank you” by giving us a percentage off our purchase. That’s fabulous – thank you! If it’s a secret discount, however, that only some military members know about it feels more like an advertising gimmick than anything else. Why not let all your cliental know that you appreciate the military? Consider posting a sign. Not only will you be spreading the appreciation love, but more military members will have a chance to find out about the discount and use it.
Hey Hollywood! How about a good story once in awhile? Instead of making movies and producing shows that make us look pitiful, why not produce more movies like “Act of Valor” that make our jobs look really, really cool?
Give a military spouse a hand. Know any deployed military families? Think about doing something nice for the spouse of a deployed servicemember. An offer to babysit, mow that insanely out of control lawn, drop off a meal or pick a child up from school one afternoon so his exhausted mom can take a nap would all be very appreciated. Little gestures of kindness say “thank you” in big ways.
Got any military appreciation tips for our civilian friends? Share them below.
About Amy Bushatz
Comments
If I am in a restaurant, and I see a military person, the check is on me, and I say "Thank you" on the way out. I was not in the military, but my dad is a 92 year old WW II veteran. When I take him to a parade and the current military personnel go by and salute him, it brings a tear to my eye. At a veteran function we attend every year (I am a photographer and provide free photo's to the veterans) The current military personnel always thank him for his service. Military family in my studio? Their portrait in on the house. I think we are all under the impression that the "government" takes care of veterans and military personnel, and they do, but their job is to protect US, so don't pass it all off to the government, don't hesitate, as a protected citizen, to say "Thank you", or do some small thing to show your gratitude.
It's great how much people have changed about the military and those who serve now. My husband is a Vietnam vet and just the opposite happen when he would wear his uniform in the late 60's. Especially in the airports or train stations. He now belongs to a local VVA chapter and finally getting the recongization that those guys deserved a long time ago.
Great article Amy! I love it!!!
My only thing I could add to this is when you are in a town with a large military population and you see a spouse in a store with her kids throwing a fit and she is a mess, instead of shaking your head and making that nasty comment about her… keep your comment to yourself, smile at her, and if you can let her go in front of you for the register. I remember the day after my husband deployed I was a mess and in Walmart with three very unhappy children. A lady did this for me, not even knowing my story, and it was one of the kindest moments I can pinpoint in society!
See, we are not that type of military family. Yes, my husband has served this country for 20 years, yes he has deployed 3 times and yes he loves his job. BUT, never in a million years would he, or we expect anyone to say anything to him. And I know he feels odd about wearing his uniform anywhere when he isn't working, so it is a VERY rare occasion he is seen off post going anywhere except the grocery to pick up something after work. When people have shown gratitude it's nice, but I know he nor I would ever go out "looking" for it. Do you say thanks to every cop or firefighter you see? Really? I mean no disrespect to the one who wrote this, but I am afraid this is that new "entitlement" generation coming out.
Although a civilian, I am a Veteran and recognize the sacrifices of not only our military but their families as well. I am a Patriot Guard Rider, the Retired Ohio State Captain, and have found it overwhelming when we do a Welcome Home Mission, or Mission of Respect and see the towns folk come out holding flags and their hands over their hearts or saluting. I thank all in uniform I meet, and driving truck over the road now, I meet many enroute to my destinations. I also thank Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters, because they too, risk their very lives for us. It is a special person to serve others, it is a special family that supports those that serve others. Serving during Viet Nam, it is a healing process to see Soldiers thanked and honored the way they should be. When you honor and respect one serviceman or servicewoman, you honor all that serve with them and before them. THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR US. Never be afraid to hold your hand out and say THANK YOU to anyone in uniform, it brings the biggest smiles to their faces and makes their day. To some, it reminds them of why they serve in the first place. They sure don't hear it near enough.