I sympathize with the uproar over idiotic or ignorant civilians and their elitist attitudes twords the military but...

About a year ago I (at the SMA's suggestion) began travelling TDY in uniform most of the time.

I will say that after thousands of miles flown, I feel extremely positive about the American people and their relationship to the military. I am constantly stopped and thanked by complete strangers.

I also learned, despite some criticism from those who think soldiers should travel incognito, the SMA was right. Too few people ever get to meet a serving military member. Traveling in uniform has allowed me to share my experiences with lots of people who would never hear firsthand accounts of our current conflicts or what it means to serve. In some cases, like Schmedlap's above, it changes preconceived notions about the type of people in the military.

Just my 0.02.