Thanks guys. When I first joined the Navy in 1979 people weren't very kind to servicemen. There were signs on some people's lawns in Norfolk that read; "Dogs and Sailors Keep Off the Grass". And, I was twice refused service in restaurants because I was in uniform.
Even though the Cold War was raging and we were often in harms way, (although I am still sworn to secrecy about it), the country didn't appreciate us very much and kept cutting our benefits over the next 10 years. It wasn't until they NEEDED people for their follies in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, etc. that they suddenly reinstated benefits and gave raises in pay.
So, it is really nice now when people thank me for my 36 years of service.
