tanesha windom

I know what you mean about civilians and the game playing. I have avoided telling people that I served, because of the reactions I see, both on their faces and in the actions. Having been a teenager when Vietnam Vets came home, I saw how civilians reacted to them. Even recently I saw a similiar reaction when my husband who is retired Navy was walking around with his "Retired Navy" hat. The stare and repulsion the a store clerk, made my husband's skin crawl. And brought back memories of a shake thrown on him in O'Hare airport. What I love is the reaction when he tells them that he is retired, and they make the stupid comment, "so why are you working?" His eyes roll, just like our daughter's did when she was younger. Or better yet, when they make the comment that the military get their uniforms for free. Having been in the Navy myself, and having my husband retire, we do our best to dis-spell this myth.
Will it get better, I don't have an answer. The public reaction is fickled and cyclical. I hope that you find a group of considerate citizens that treat you with the respect and dignity for someone who has served this nation.

You need to be a member of Navy Veterans to add comments!

Join Navy Veterans

Comments

Martha (Vezina) Hanner October 31, 2010 at 3:26pm

I know what you mean about civilians and the game playing. I have avoided telling people that I served, because of the reactions I see, both on their faces and in the actions. Having been a teenager when Vietnam Vets came home, I saw how civilians reacted to them. Even recently I saw a similiar reaction when my husband who is retired Navy was walking around with his "Retired Navy" hat. The stare and repulsion the a store clerk, made my husband's skin crawl. And brought back memories of a shake thrown on him in O'Hare airport. What I love is the reaction when he tells them that he is retired, and they make the stupid comment, "so why are you working?" His eyes roll, just like our daughter's did when she was younger. Or better yet, when they make the comment that the military get their uniforms for free. Having been in the Navy myself, and having my husband retire, we do our best to dis-spell this myth.
Will it get better, I don't have an answer. The public reaction is fickled and cyclical. I hope that you find a group of considerate citizens that treat you with the respect and dignity for someone who has served this nation.

This reply was deleted.