CoolHandMike

Seems to me (Navy enlisted, '95 - '05) that everybody these days is overcompensating. Like the first words out of anyone's mouth upon hearing that you served are "thanks for your service". It's become an automatic response, and it throws me every single time. On one hand, I'm glad our vets are being honored these days, but otoh, I wish it wasn't such a rote, unthinking response. I'd be interested in your dad's thoughts on this.

That's just the thing. Most of the time, it's not sincere, it's something people say because they think it's appropriate, regardless of the context. Also, it's not like I did anything spectacular whilst in the Navy. I fixed a few radars, a few radios, and that's pretty much it. I'm no god-damned war hero; save your hero worship for those who actually deserve it.

I guess there's no way anyone who didn't know me in the service would know what I did or didn't do, but still. It's not sincere unless you really, really mean it. Otherwise, shut the fuck up. Imho.

I'm assuming it's this one from pbs.com.

I completely agree. Thanks.

Aww, sorry I missed it. Though it's probably already been asked, I'm currently typing this on my smart phone. What does he think of the current state of tech that allows us to carry around phones with more processing power than the Apollo spacecraft in our pockets? Also, does he keep up with the latest tech, and if not, for how long did he? Cheers