Military types, what's an appropriate show of respect?

mndsm wrote: Question for the military types as an aside- do you consider what you do to be outside the realm of "normal"? I don't ask to be a douche, please don't take it that way. I ask simply because at least the way i'm wired, I consider anything I do to be "normal" and everyone should simply operate on that level, and I'm never going above and beyond or performing an extraordinary service. I'm not in the military, nor have I ever been (I've physically disqualified myself multiple times on multiple limbs) but I get that sometimes in my every day life. My wife seems to think i'm exemplary, and I've gotten it from other people before when I do stuff like...install an intake in a parking lot with the tools I happen to have with me, because it was there and I could do it. I don't think that strange, but the guy I did it for was blown away.

I can't speak for anyone other than myself …

no … I don't consider what I did to be outside the realm of "normal" …. when I came along it was get drafted or join …

but neither do I consider it outside the realm of "normal" now (with the all volunteer service) …

A simple "Thank you" is more than sufficient. It is a little uncomfortable when people come up to me and say or do something but if I have to be out in uniform I just consider it part of doing business. As far as stories go I personally like talking with WW 2 and Korean war vets, and as long as time permits sharing stories with others is fine.

I really do not consider serving to be outside the norm. Just because someone joined the military does not mean they are somehow a cut above everyone else. In my 18 years in the Army I have met many people that would be considered shiny happy people no matter where they worked. I just happened to be lucky enough to pass all of the requirements to be able to get my college paid for.

Speaking for myself this is how I look at serving. I am just a regular guy that does not have to worry about picking out what to wear to work every day.

When someone finds out I'm a veteran, I usually get the "thank you for your service", which I say thank you. I don't know what I'd do if someone saluted me??? But I'd really appreciate the Isaac. Just saying.