I was taught anyone who has the balls to put on the uniform and do whats expected deserves respect.I have taught all my kids this. My son does Operation Christmas for the Veterans every year since he was 8. He does cans of cookies and candies and toiletries and books. He has so much pride when he is able to meet with them.
It is wonderful when you can meet them. A co-worker's nephew was in Iraq and we would send him huge boxes of stuff, plenty so he could share. Movies, books, snacks, cigars, along with items from a list of "what sort of stuff they need". That was really fun to do. After a few years he came to visit his Aunt and we got to meet him in person. It was excellent.