I had a fascinating talk recently with a long-term vet, a man I did not know, just encountered. I started by thanking him for his service, whereupon he told me when and where he had served, including that he had honorable discharges from the US Army, Navy, and Air Force, surely an unusual collection. While we were talking another vet, also identifiable by his cap, exchanged thanks with the one to whom I was talking.
As the two of us were about to end our chat, he asked if I had served. I replied that, while I had not served in the military, I had served elsewhere as a volunteer firefighter and chief, and as a career chief, and by starting two fire departments. I was very moved when he thanked me for my service.