Thoughts on discounts for vets...do you take advantage?

[JReed]

Steve just remember there is a whole generation that wasnt around then so don't paint all of us with the same brush. I hear where you are coming from heard the same experiences from the men in my family.

[Old Ranger]

Steve,

I too had stuff thrown at me and was spit on after the end of my second tour. A buddy and I once were asked to leave an Am. Legion, when we went to see what it was all about. They said Viet Nam didn't count and they (WW II and Koren War vets were "real vets" so we didn't join their bunch. Now that is about all they have anymore is those vets from out time...I still have no desire to join them though....That said, I also think that there is a lot of PC head rubbing with all the attention being paid now to vets by some folks. But, I would not ever try to take anything away from them. They earned it just like we did. The only difference is that in our time, the people here were in near total civil unrest and no one stood behind the troops. At least now they do. Even if some just "say" they do, at least they're not chunking stuff at them and calling them baby killers. I know, they did it to me as well and I was pretty bitter for years after that...

Now I'm old and still have to work for a living. Sure I get a retirement from the PD, but it is not enough to live on. Saturday I was getting a haircut and in the course of the conversation with the lady barber, she was advised that I was a retired police officer. When I was getting out the wallet, she said that no active duty or retired police officer would pay full price in her shop. I was charged 1/2 price...I thanked her for her kindness and she thanked me for 25 years of my life being in daily jeopordy. I was not upset, but rather proud to be recognized.

Remember, cops are STILL not thought of as being human beings by nearly everyone, and are STILL hated or looked down upon. Now I got over the lousy reception we got comming back from Viet Nam....I can even overlook being thought of as a "Pig" by folks....So.........if someone offeres me a discount for my service, blood spilled, bones broken, blisters, aches and pains from years of hardcore police work..... OR 7 years of my life given to the Army Rangers with everyday going at it 100%, then so be it. I'll smile like I did Saturday and thank them for their kindness....Afterall, I really DID earn it the hard way. Hill 937 was in my old neighborhood across the pond....get an idea where I used to play? 25 on the "job" netted me being shot once. Stabbed twice, and hit by three different cars. My insides have been rebuilt twice. I eat such bland food now it's stupid as I can't digest most stuff now. Being gutshot is not fun. 37 broken bones and no hearing on the right side...I walk with a limp and rise from bed each day in sections, if I got up too fast, I'd fall...but I still work 40+ hrs a week and if someone wishes to give me 10% off, or a half price haircut, so what? I'll take it and be grateful. Don't you think I earned it too? So did you 'bro. So did you.......

Wade

[claybob86]

Wade, your post made me think of this:



Anyway, thanks!