Let me start by saying, I am a huge advocate for our United States Military. I have more respect for them than probably anyone else in any other profession. They put their lives on the line for our country, to honor and protect its people. When veterans come home, they end up facing disrespect and ridicule from the very people they took an oath to protect. I personally make sure I thank every veteran I come in contact with for their service. But just the other day, while I was at work, I waited on a Veteran and what he said to me totally threw me for a loop.

This is how the conversation went:

A man approaches the counter with his items, and as I began ringing him up I asked him how he was doing. He said good, though he’d be better if he had made more money. At this point, I am unaware that he is a veteran. I finished ringing him up and we continued to talk. He told me it would be nice to be back in the military because the money was good. I mean, I hope for the job the pay would be good. Anyways, I told him that was true, but now the government is starting to cut many of the benefits from the military. He replied that this was true, but that if it wasn’t for the American people, they wouldn’t receive half of the things that they do. Then he proceeded to thank me.

Thank me? Why on earth would he thank me? He’s the one that put his life on the line to protect me and everyone else in the United States. The sincerity in his ‘thank you’ completely knocked me off balance and I choked up a little. Regaining my composure, I quickly replied,"Well I appreciate that, but it is you that deserves the thank you, so thank you."

I’m not entirely sure anyone has ever thanked him for his service before. The expression on his face when I thanked him for his service warmed and broke my heart all at the same time. I wasn’t really sure which of us might lose a couple tears first. With that, he quickly thanked me again and left. I don’t remember his name, but I will always remember that look on his face when I said ‘Thank you for your service.'

So with that being said, I ask all of you to do me a small favor. If you come across a veteran or current military member, thank them for their service. You never know, those two little words could make someone’s day, year or life.