What is the correct response to "thank you for your service" if...

[unblock]

You were a military contractor, not actually in the armed forces?

I once worked as a computer consultant on a darpa project involving "hunt for red october stuff". During the 2 year contract, I participated in 2 navy sea tests, and for one of them I sailed on the USS Cushing. During the 3 weeks, I worked every waking hour, never getting more than 3 and a half hours of consecutive sleep (the testing schedule demanded this). I threw up once during a cat 5 storm and slept in supply berthing with 58 sweaty men. Ostensibly I had "rank and privileges of lieutenant commander" but that never got me much.

So now I proudly wear my USS Cushing ball cap and remember that time of my career with pride, and also with great respect for the navy personnel I worked closely with.

But every so often, someone notices that cap and says "thank you for your service". I feel awkward because I figure they assume I was actually in the navy when I was not.

Mrs. Unblock thinks I should just not wear the cap.

If they hang around long enough, I explain that my "service" was all of 3 weeks as a contractor. But often it is a quick walk-by and they are gone.

I certainly don't want to make people think I'm something I'm not; on the other hand, I certainly feel I earned that ball cap and the right to wear it.

What do you think, particularly people actually in or formerly in the armed forces?

[Oubaas]

1. I See Nothing Wrong...

I'm retired from the U. S. Navy, having been 100% permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. I'm a life member of the VFW, the DAV, and a member of IAVA.

You went to sea on the Cushing? Wear the hat if you like it. You don't have to explain your life to everyone. If somebody asks you, "Were you in the Navy?" just explain to them that you were a Defense contractor who worked with the Navy and spent some time at sea on the Cushing.

If someone passes by and says, "Thank you for your service!" just reply, "My pleasure," or whatever. Hell, you were out there contributing to the effort. There's no reason to worry about it.

That's my take. Don't get rid of the hat if you like it. Wear it.

[unblock]

2. Thanks for your supportive thoughts

And thank you for *your* service!

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Wear the cap all you want. You earned it.

I was in the Navy back in the sixties. I never made much of it. I served. I got out. I occasionally discussed it or shared sea stories with other vets, but mostly, I was quiet about it. Maybe fifteen years ago, I started to be more open about having served. This past January, at the Women's March, while my wife wore a pussy hat, I wore a ball cap that said Navy Veteran. I found myself surprised and a bit embarrassed by the many well meaning "thank you for your service" I got from people.

I don't wear the hat very much any more.