Veteran Major Mark Gieringser's Powerful Message: "Don't Thank Me for My Service

In a striking image shared on social media, Major Mark Gieringser, a retired USAF veteran, delivers a poignant message that resonates deeply with many military personnel and civilians alike. The image features two distinct parts: a compelling text area and a powerful photograph of Major Gieringser himself.

Text Area: The upper section of the image is set against a blue background with bold black text. It reads, "I am a USAF veteran. Please do not tell me 'Thank you for your service,' and then turn around and support a draft-dodging coward who refers to me as a 'sucker and loser' for serving. Major Mark Gieringser, USAF (Retired)."

Photograph: Below the text, a photograph captures Major Gieringser in his military flight suit, standing proudly next to a fighter jet. His short dark hair and wide smile are complemented by various patches on his flight suit, and he holds a helmet under his right arm. The clear blue sky and the insignia on the aircraft add to the visual impact of the image.

Major Gieringser's message has sparked widespread reactions. One user commented, "The fact so many veterans lean so far right is, and will always be, eternally baffling to me." Another user expressed frustration over political rhetoric, saying, "During the debate when he lied (surprise) and said that EVERYONE knows that Biden is the worst president in US history I wanted to hit him in his orange clown face with a brick."

The sentiment of sacrifice over service is echoed by another commenter: "I'd rather have people say something more along the lines of, 'Thank you for your sacrifice,' than 'thank you for your service.' Hind sight being what it is, it isn't service, it is a sacrifice." This highlights the emotional and psychological toll military service can take on individuals.

A fellow veteran shared their agreement with Major Gieringser's sentiments, stating, "F***ing 'A', Brother! I'm right with you. My sentiments exactly, as a fellow veteran! 'Bone spurs' my a**! 'Suckers and losers'... everybody knows he said it. Kelly would never lie about such a thing. Trump and his cronies lie about every g*****n thing like every other person breathes minute by minute. F*** Trump and all his little a** kissing d****** toadie cult members!!! Go ahead... make my day, mother f***ers!!!"

The image and accompanying comments shed light on the complex feelings many veterans hold regarding political leadership and public perception. One user voiced their voting intention: "I’m definitely voting for the true American that served their country, it’s the obvious choice." Another shared their decision to leave the military: "I chose not to reenlist in 2018 because of the general s***tiness of my Commander In Chief. I'm no longer proud to be an American after all of this. This is what actively failing nations do."

Major Gieringser's powerful stance against hypocrisy and his call for genuine respect has struck a chord with many. As one comment summarizes, "Honestly, don't thank me for my service at all. It makes me uncomfy." This image and the resulting discussion emphasize the need for authentic appreciation and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel.

The image of Major Mark Gieringser, standing tall beside a fighter jet, serves as a visual reminder of the courage and commitment of those who serve, as well as the importance of aligning words with actions when it comes to honoring their sacrifices.