Thank you for your service

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Derek Harris
  • 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Daddy, do you know that man?"

"No, son, I don't."

"Why do people always come up to you and say thank you?"

This is a conversation that occurred between my son and I as we were leaving our last base. We were staying in a hotel off base because lodging was full, and periodically people would see me in uniform and say "Thank you for your service." Of course, I would smile graciously and thank them in return, but it wasn't until this conversation with my son occurred that I realized the significance of a simple "Thank you."

A simple "Thank you" from someone can say many things. It could say thank you for upholding the high standards and moral values that we the public has placed upon you. It could say, thank you for putting yourself in harm's way to allow us the freedoms and liberties we have come to enjoy and love. It could say, thank you for saving someone's life. It could say thank you for dedicating your life to the defense of our nation or it could simply say thank you for the sacrifice.

In my mind, when someone comes up and says "thank you for your service" it means all of the statements above and more. This is the answer I gave my son when he asked me the question and the look on his face after I explained that to him will stick with me forever. It was a look of awe and surprise followed by a look of pride. Later that day, I thought to myself how this would be a good story to tell at my next Airmen's call when we discussed the reason why we serve.

A few weeks passed, we PCS'd from Ellsworth Air Force Base to Travis and amongst all the packing, traveling and multiple bathroom breaks along the road, the conversation between my son and I had slipped to the back of my mind. It wasn't until two days ago as my wife and I were out to lunch that I was reminded of this conversation.

We were ordering food at one of the local eating establishments when I felt a slight tug on my sleeve. I turned around to be greeted by the smile of an elderly woman who looked up at me and said "Thank you for your service." Again, I smiled and graciously said thank you in return only to have her look at me and say "No, we are the ones who should be thanking you." At that moment, I was reminded of my son's conversation and my intention to share this story with our Airmen.

Thank you. Eight letters, two words that mean so much and so many things. As simple as these gestures and acts may be, they have a huge impact on us as service members. It's moments like this that make you proud to serve in the greatest Air Force in the world, protecting the greatest nation in the world. So, to all the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and veterans who may read this article, thank you for your service.

Hopefully you will feel the same pride I do when someone says these two words to you or when you explain to your son or daughter why a complete stranger comes up to you and says "Thank you for your service."