Is there anyone on DU-3 who lived through Vietnam War Era..whose life was changed by the DraftWar?

[AnotherMcIntosh]

40. You undoubtedly mean well.

But that phrase for some is an irritant.

For some, it sounds like a Fox News phrase when they began interviewing the troops in and near Iraq to promote the first Iraq war.

Fox News used it as a patronizing phrase for those who wanted a few minutes of face time on TV. Tell me when Bill O'Reilly served. Tell me when O'Reilly ever had the right to use those who were serving and use them as props for his show.

No one ever got spit on in airports when returning from Viet Nam. Although Sly Stallone (who did not serve) claimed in one of his Rambo movies to have been the recipient of such spit in his make-believe world, just think about it. It would have simply been too dangerous to spit on someone in uniform who could might have PTSD and could easily get a pissed-off attitude. No one was ever spit upon at an airport, but many have been thanked for their service.

Consider trying this. Ask a vet whether they think that vets want to be thanked for their service. Then, I guess, if you really want to thank them, then thank them. Never ask them whether they are heroes. If you are courious at all, ask them who they have known who are heroes. If you really want to thank them, don't patronize them with thank you's.