Soldiers in public

I treat them the same way I treat police, firemen, teachers, and anyone else. I don't interupt whatever they are doing. If they look like they some help with something (arems full, opening up a door, for example), I offer to help. Otherwise, I assume they basically are people who do a job, which, difficult though it is at times, they trained for.

I can't wait for the hate mail:  BUT...

I have mad respect for those in the military and PD/FDP...  But it's repsect, not hero worship. 

I'm a little over treating people that happened to make that career choice as national treasures/protectors etc.

I could just as easily become a soldier, but I became an engineer instead.  My mom is a nurse, dad a minister, wife's parents are teachers.  We all are important in our own way, and do our part in society.

If there is an easy opportunity, I might say thanks for serving - but couldn't THEY just as easily say thanks for designing the roads I drive on or bringing them fresh water, or taking care of them in the hospital, or giving spiritual guidance or educating them?

Again, I'm pro military and proud of our guys/gals, but I'm not going to run accross an airport to thank them or shake their hand.  They do their job like they chose and got trained to do.

I am about 8 miles from Fort Lee.  We have hosted soldiers who are posted there on holidays and can't go home for Christmas dinner for starters/  Always show them the respect they deserve and thank them.

I always go out of my way to try and give them something or buy their lunch.  I don't run into uniformed people very often so it's not very common.  I'm also a Navy Vet and I remember when people did the same to me and it was always a great feeling.

This also reminds me of one of the more touching things I've seen.  It was Mid 2002 and I was sitting in the airport and there were a group of 5 or 6 soldiers walking together through the airport.  Everyone in the airport stood up and started clapping and cheering as they walked through and people were shoving money in their pockets.

It was a really special moment.

And Kido, you didn't say anything deserving of hate, but I think the admiration is more towards picking a career field that puts your life on the line and requires a lot of sacrifice.  This is where generally police, fire, military fall into the category of getting a lot of appreciation versus me the IT guy who now fixes somebodies computer.

I think it runs the gammit.  You can't generalize like that.  I know people that truely wanted to serve in their hearts.  I know others served because they didn't want to go to college, or just wanted money FOR school, or may just wanted to join up with an outfit that gave them room and board and let them shoot guns...

I know smart guys in the military and I also know some dumb guys that basically their only option to succeed was the military.

I'm not convinced that EVERY guy/gal in uniform is puting country before themselves and should be honored for it.  At the same time, there are plenty of civilians/people (like ME) that WOULD put country before myself.  That was not my career path, but if called up in a draft?  I would be there, putting my life on the line just like my father did in Vietnam and my grandparents in WWII.

I also said I do repsect and appreciate them AND support them if you need to read my post again.  I'm just saying, I'm not going to run across the airport, interupt their dinner, or even stop them as they walk by to say thanks.  If I'm sitting next to someone in uniform and strike up a conversation anyway.  For sure.

I haven't done much in the past except look them in the eye and give a sincere smile and nod in passing. I figure, at a place like the airport or what not, they have places to be, too.

Almost every time I've been at something like an airport bar, people around me will pick up men/women in uniform's tabs discretely. It's very touching, and anonymous. I'd like to do that next time I have the opportunity.

At 17 I wanted to be Maverick, fly jets, see the world, and get the heck out of Iowa.  The Navy was my ticket out of town.

It wasn't until I actually got into the Navy that I realized what it really meant.  So, I kind of agree with you about people joining the military in that many don't join to serve, but once they get in it changes for the vast majority and when you're sitting in harms way it doesn't matter "why" you joined, it matters that you "did" join.

**Edit

Oh, and btw I totally respect your opinion and am not trying to get you to change your mind.  I'm just trying to explain why I (and others) feel the duty and honor to bless our service members.  

x2

No hate mail.  I don't really do anything.  Been there, done that.  But my "service" was so much more "unconventional".  No war, just dealing with Hezbollah.  No one did anything special for me.  It was just a job and I did it.

Being a former military guy and living near (and now working on) 4 big military installations, I don't do a whole lot anymore.  I was always embarrassed whenever anyone would say anything or do anything for me when I was in uniform too.

Those serving will always have my utmost respect, but I don't feel anything else is warranted.

No hate from me Kido.  I was in the Marine Corps, and I've wanted to be a Police Officer since I was a very young boy.  In fact, I don't ever remember wanting to be anything else.  I don't want to be thanked......and I don't want anything for free or any special treatment.  I do what I do because it's what I wanted.  I do it with and without thanks, makes me no difference.

After 25 years, I still look forward to going to work every single day.....I've got a front row seat to life.  I suppose I'll call it quits in a few years, but I'll sure miss dealing with people every day. 

Thank YOU!

Similar, but Hamas and PLO rather then Hizbollah.

This is what I will do when traveling on buisnees. I try and not to bother them because they might not have to much free time left but want to show my appreciation. Funny thing is the looks you get from the waitress when you do this outside the country.