To preface, I don't have any service. I went to Navy boot camp for 2 weeks, then got separated for suicidal ideation and was sent home.
With today being veterans day, a couple people said it to me (maybe slightly jokingly?) And I've had a few others thank me in the past. Every time it happens, I feel shitty for it. I'm always like "but I don't have any. I'm not a veteran, I screwed up."
Today I ordered an ice cream at work, and my coworker gave me it for free, which I assume was for the veterans day promotional thing we're doing (1 free ice cream for veterans). I did try to hand him my card, but he just said "okay" and walked away.
For the next 10 minutes or so I sat in my car crying because of getting a free ice cream I didn't earn, while eating said ice cream.
I know you might be thinking this is a joke, because of how dumb it sounds, but I do really feel conflicted. Like I'm getting some sort of stolen valor or something.
Edit: I see a lot of people saying that it's okay because I tried my best, and it was out of my control. I want to clarify that it was my fault for going home, they did suggeat pretty strongly that I separate, but they left the decision ultimately up to me whether or not to go home or stay in.
Edit 2: "Why does everyone at your job know that you went to boot camp?" A few reasons,
1) I was told that I have to disclose it in my interview (for tax reasons or something, I don't remember exactly why).
2) There's not too many other interesting things to know about me.
3) I worked with an Army veteran, and it was something non-work related that we could relate on.
4) It's a small place, everyone hears about everything.
5) It gets mentioned in conversation for one reason or another. Like "why'd you start working here?"
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