Thank you for....

Something happened in the US while I was away. It's not bad but it affects me and I have trouble reacting to it.

Not too long ago, actually, it was a long time ago, it just doesn't seem like it, I raised my right hand and swore to "...support and defend the constitution of the United States...". Thus I became a soldier, like my father and step father before me.

I did my enlistment, got my DD214 and an honorable discharge, and then got on with my life. That was the end of it as far as I was concerned.

Germany 1993 - Spot the Californian.

While living my life overseas, my military past was never a item of conversation and if it did come up, it was usually just a simple "Yeah, I was in the Army, did my 4 years and got out". Simple and direct. meanwhile, the US has had transformed on how former military service is acknowledged. 

As I am on the job hunt, my military past comes up often. I am very proud of my service but it was a long time ago. So I am often faced with someone saying "Thank you for your service". I honestly am always at a lost what to say. My service is personal to me, not something I want lauded about. When people say this, and I know it is heartfelt and honest, it makes me uncomfortable. I did serve during a war and almost went, but it was generally just a job for those years. So I feel rather disingenuous with the praise as I don't feel it is that big of a deal. Again, this is only my personal feelings. I know a lot of vets and I only speak for myself here.

However, I smile and say something to the effect of "Oh, thank you but really it was nothing". 

A different country now, better for recognizing veterans, but for me, no need for thanks. I love my country, did what I felt I had to and that was that. Carry on.