Go beyond saying, “Thank you for your service.”
Don't just stand there and look at me wordless.
How about you ask me, before you throw me a welcome home party.
Dole out the tough love, when necessary, and please don't say sorry.
Ask detailed questions about me, not just the Army.
And Don't ask me if i've killed anybody.
Don't tread gentle around vet’s because you assume everyone of them has experienced trauma.
Don't come around me with any drama.
Don't ask me to put horrendous experiences behind me
Yes I want to, but it's not something I can guarantee.
Don't snap even if I snap.
And please do not clap.
Don't clap for my service.
Because it reminds me of feeling dolorous.
Don't describe my experience for me.
Because you don't know how it feels to be an escapee.
So go beyond saying “Thank you for your service”
You can't just stand there and look at me wordless.