What Do You Think We Did?

What do you think we did? This is a pet peeve of mine and for good reason. As I've stated multiple times before, despite all the good-natured ribbing and what not, if you did your job and did it honorably, then I'm proud of you. I think you're a selfless and heroic individual. There are levels of heroism, but the point is, I'm an adult and despite my inherent Marine Corps ability to adapt and overcome and possibly be John Rambo killing folks with sticks, I really enjoyed the fact that Supply and Logistics got us bullets for our weapons.That being said, what bothers me is when civilians come up and ask details about what we did. Not because I don't want to talk to them about it, I most definitely think we should build those bridges and reintegrate back into society because being a dysfunctional veteran is a f***ing cop out and bullshit when there are literally hundreds of non-profit charities run by veterans to help you get on your feet. Hundreds. I get emails from them all the time. We get it you're grumpy, I'm grumpy too, but I've found a way to enjoy life and if my dumb ass can do it, I believe wholeheartedly my brothers are capable as well.Sorry, got a little sidetracked there, let me clarify the questions I hate being asked. I hate the questions that don't serve any purpose. "Did you kill anyone?" "Did any of your friends die?" "What was the most gruesome thing you saw?" Stupid ass questions that serve one underlying purpose, that purpose is to stroke the ego of the civilian asking it. These questions, unless being asked by a mental health professional are pointless. So what is it to you if I killed folks? So what is it to you if several friends were killed? Why do you need to know what horrible shit I saw?I always look at them and my answer is the same "What the f*** do you think we did?"Because the truth of the matter is this, I know guys in my old battalion that are some amazing Marines, some great Marines who could run and gun with the best of them, they just never got the chance. People asking them questions like that may prompt some guilt like their service was less than. It wasn't, they were there, they did their job and had they gotten the opportunity, right place, right time shit. Dudes would have stacked bodies like they were auditioning for "300".So when you come across a vet and you want to ask them questions. Don't ask those stupid do nothing questions. Engage them in a real conversation about the good things they did. If they want to talk to you about the bad shit, they will...in time when they feel you're ready for it. There are still things I haven't told my brother who served in the Marines during the '90s...When people ask...man...just say "What the f*** you think we did, hand out lollipops and change diapers?"