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I've considered doing this, but I've always wondered how it would be received. Any veterans/service folks care to comment?

• DanielBMarkham 17y ago
  As both a veteran and somebody who does it, I will. It's really tough, I won't lie to you. Walking up to a total stranger and saying something from the heart, to me at least, is very unnatural. Usually I ask them a bit about where they are stationed, what they've been doing, whether or not they've been deployed. Just small talk. But before I leave I try to make physical contact -- patting them on the shoulder usually -- and say something like "Hey, I just wanted to say thank you. You guys are doing an awesome job." Every time I've done it I get the weirdest reaction. At first they're totally convinced I am going to say something ugly right afterwards. Then they look confused for a couple of seconds. Then it's like the sun opens up from behind clouds: it's really, really cool. Makes you feel good the rest of the day (and I'm sure it makes their day as well)