Bismarck | 04 Aug 2015 9:01 a.m. PST |
The significant other and I were doing errands this morning. I had on my old standby OD USMC utility cover. Another old timer greeted me with a "Semper Fi". He had on a Navy themed cap as well as a tee shirt. I first replied Semper Fi, then thought about it and said "Anchors Aweigh". Made me stop and think. Just how do you greet another veteran who served in a different branch of service. I am talking service appropriate by branch, not just the simple thank you for your service. Would love to hear your input. This would be for somebody you dont know, so the old standbys for those you do know and can rib wouldnt be appropriate. |
pzivh43 | 04 Aug 2015 9:05 a.m. PST |
I think your second try was the right one---acknowledges their service! |
RavenscraftCybernetics | 04 Aug 2015 9:51 a.m. PST |
Always try to acknowledge the other persons service, unless they are Air Force; then just try not to laugh. |
Ed Mohrmann | 04 Aug 2015 10:03 a.m. PST |
Gee Ravenscraft, guess you may not have been swift enough to cut the mustard as a Zoomie….mere speculation upon my part of course…. I always acknowledge another Veteran's service by doing as Bismarck did, should the vet in question be wearing something which ID's his/her branch of service… |
Bismarck | 04 Aug 2015 10:38 a.m. PST |
my main question was terminology or saying.. of course we have our Semper Fi. certainly the Navy has Anchors Aweigh what about the Air Force or Army "off we go into the wild blue yonder" is too long and could be interpreted wrongly, as Ed used the term Zoomie not sure how a former airman would appreciate its use from a non airman. and even with the rivalry between the Corps and Army Doggie just wont cut it and i doubt "as those caissons go rolling along" is still in vogue. And as to those "flyboys,jet jockeys, air pogues and our own swing with the wingers…you sure did cover our tails back in the day. Love to know if someone ever did a calculation on just how many lives were saved by air missions during Vietnam. oh well, i digress. still looking for appropriate replies other than the one i used for the old salt. |
Mardaddy | 04 Aug 2015 11:13 a.m. PST |
Googling, "US Army Motto," the first page gives, "This We'll Defend." Recheck as, "Official US Army Motto," that's it. For USAF, the motto is officially "Aim High… Fly, Fight, Win." I'd go with just, "Aim High." |
Dye4minis | 04 Aug 2015 11:18 a.m. PST |
A simple, "Hi, Airman" or "Hi, Soldier" should be sufficient. AF Doctrine Document 2, page "x" (10 of the intro) states that the USAF is composed of Airmen- officers and enlisted personnel from the regular AF, ANG, AFR components as well as Department of the Air Force Civilian who are sworn to support and defend the US Constitution as a member of the US Air Force. Just as the USMC member will always be a "Marine", Navy a "Sailor" and an Army "Soldier", the Air Force member is an Airman. Rank has nada to do with it on this level. It's the respect we have for each other that counts. |
Bismarck | 04 Aug 2015 11:20 a.m. PST |
who else, but a retired Marine Staff NCO would come through with the answers! Semper Fi Rich! And thank you as well as all our staff ncos for their leadership and guidance. Had some tough ones, but never served under a bad one. |
Bismarck | 04 Aug 2015 11:23 a.m. PST |
Thanks for your input, Tom. Hope you are well. Sure miss your Minifigs USA days. |
Saber6 | 04 Aug 2015 11:48 a.m. PST |
ARMY: Hooah Air Farce: Up in the air Junior Birdmen |
79thPA | 04 Aug 2015 11:49 a.m. PST |
I don't wear anything that would identify my service. If I wore an army hat and someone said, "This We'll Defend" I would think they were a goof ball. I say something like, "Howyadoin'." Personally, I find the service motto greeting to be silly. |
Dye4minis | 04 Aug 2015 11:55 a.m. PST |
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Ed Mohrmann | 04 Aug 2015 3:09 p.m. PST |
Bismarck, this 'zoomie' never minded being referred to as such, although any aircraft in which I ever served certainly didn't 'zoom' ! Mardaddy's is a good suggestion for Airmen, of any rank. and could equally apply to Navy, Marine and USCG aviators and to US Army pilots and aircrew. |
Ed Mohrmann | 04 Aug 2015 3:10 p.m. PST |
Bismarck, this 'zoomie' never minded being referred to as such, although any aircraft in which I ever served certainly didn't 'zoom' ! Mardaddy's is a good suggestion for Airmen, of any rank, and could equally apply to Navy, Marine and USCG aviators and to US Army pilots and aircrew. |
etotheipi | 04 Aug 2015 3:56 p.m. PST |
My standard greeting to … … a US Marine: "How's it going Devil Dog?" … another sailor: " ya squid " … Army guy: "Hoooah" … an airman: "So, did you ever consider joining the military?" One time, walking down a hallway, I was able to greet a line of a French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Canadian officers waiting in line for a conference room to open up by saying, in sequence, "Bonjour" "Tag" "Konnichiwa" "Dobrei Den" "How's it going, eh?" |
Ucalegos | 04 Aug 2015 10:20 p.m. PST |
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COL Scott ret | 05 Aug 2015 3:57 a.m. PST |
Thank you for your service. And if I am thanked I reply: "It is an honor to serve a grateful nation." I feel that this responds to them gaciously and lets them feel a part. |
Bismarck | 05 Aug 2015 8:07 a.m. PST |
COL Scott, I have often wondered as to how to reply when thanked for my service by a civilian or non veteran. usually its been an awkward…you're welcome, or a "welcome home" when thanked by a veteran of my own generation. your reply is perfect. and thank you for YOUR service, Sir. Sam |
Sergeant Crunch | 06 Aug 2015 1:44 p.m. PST |
I usually just say "Hi, I'm <insert name>." when greeting a fellow vet I haven't met. |