Wear uniform with pride, respect

Whenever I see someone in uniform -- be it police, fire, or military -- I do what I can to take a moment and thank them for their service. At the very least, I get a polite and gracious "Thank you." Sunday night, however, something happened which is making me rethink this practice.

I was at the Mukilteo QFC when I saw a service member in uniform. I beckoned her over to say "thank you" as I always do -- only to be dismissed with a contemptuous wave of the hand accompanied by the obligatory "whatever," and then told that I just wasted five seconds of her life. Needless to say, I was more than just a little bit shocked; I will even admit that I was a little offended by her reaction.

As a vet myself, we were taught in basic training that when in uniform in public to wear it with pride, as we were essentially "ambassadors" of the U.S. military. If this person is so offended by people thanking her for her service, then I strongly suggest that she remove that uniform and never put it back on. I saw absolutely no pride whatsoever; all I saw was an excellent example of "conduct unbecoming."

John S. Paul
Mukilteo