I was on a plane last month and as I was boarding I walked past a person who was obviously a member of the US military.  I considered thanking him for his service, but didn't becuase I figured he'd rather not be bothered.

Adam, I am a Vietnam Veteran, believe me the thank you's have been few. I do appreciate them. I always say thanks to members of the armed services and I do believe they deserve and appreciate them. Gene

 

Howdy as a vet of both Afghan and Iraq. And currently still in. Myself I find it somewhat embarrassing when people thank me or buy me lunch or whatever, but at the same time I also find that it does make me feel really good and makes the day a little nicer. So yeah tell thanx

Coming home fresh from Iraq in 2004, it was a relief to feel supported by just about everyone you passed while in uniform.

Larry, please give your son a big C3VR thank you on behalf of the team!! 

Adam,

How is it that we have difficulty saying Thank You to someone we know has placed their life in harms way so that ours is not?

Memories of a soldiers return from Vietnam are still fresh in my mind and the lack of respect that was often displayed to those was unacceptable.

This display of respect should be displayed to each of those individuals who protect our quality of life. This should be inclusive of all service people IE: fireman , police, Nat. Guard, Coast Guard, etc...

Adam, I realize you asked this question to active/former Military personel, but I gotta jump in. We have several groups of people that are at the airports here(Dallas/Ft.Worth) EVERY DAY, just to greet returning soldiers/military personel as they deplane. A lot of these soldiers are simply here to catch a connecting flight, some may live in the area. ALL of them are deeply appreciative of the "Thank Yous", and the support shown for their service. I see them on the news most every day, and they just can't get over the show of support that total strangers give them. I never miss an opportunity to thank them when I'm out and about.

Last December, as Mama and I were going to a local mall, there were several uniformed military folks out collecting toys/money for charity. I had to walk up and tell them, "I don't have any spare cash right now, but I do want to thank you guys for your service to our country.". I shook all of their hands, and they were really pleased to hear someone say that to them. When we came back out from shopping, I did put some cash in the pot, but they all remembered us as the ones that were thankful.
I say if you have the chance, take it. They won't bite...

byw...I also thank the police/firefighters that I come in contact with for their service to our communities. Even the ones that stop me, and give me personal invitations to court!!!

As a retired Marine and veteran of Vietnam, I agree with Tux.  It did leave a bitter taste by the way veterans were treated when returning and was very upsetting to say the least.   I am so glad to see the way servicemen and women are treated with respect and are appreciated for their sacrifices today.   Yes, it is very acceptable to thank them for their service.