Don’t thank me for my service. I didn’t give it to you. I gave it to my country, my family, and my friends who served beside me; some of whom died in the process.
Don’t thank me for unquestionably obeying orders, injuring and killing other humans, and destroying infrastructure, businesses, homes, and the environment. Don’t thank me when you don’t understand the implications of combat.
I didn’t serve because the government forced me, or because I was inspired by a popular country song, or because I had a divine calling to rid the earth of those with petroleum beneath their soil. I didn’t serve for you or your ill-conceived notions that some foreigner was going to steal your “freedom.” And I certainly didn’t serve to earn your short-sighted and shallow “thank you” on Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day.
I chose military service because it was my best option. I stayed because I was good at it. I fought because it was my job. My time in combat is a cherished life experience. It was simultaneously exhilarating, exhausting, terrifying, traumatic, and joyful. It remains to be a collection of visceral memories that plague my mind daily, and the only thing glorious about it are the people with whom I served.
I’m proud of my service and happy that I chose a military career. I’m not a hero, and my combat missions weren’t on your behalf. Don’t thank veterans for their service. Ask them about it and try to understand what military servicemembers really fight for. Because it isn’t for your gratitude.
