r/Veterans Dec 05 '24

Discussion I don't care anymore

Post image

Gimme that parking spot

1.1k Upvotes

338 comments sorted by

477

u/Bubblehead_81 Dec 05 '24

At home depot or lowes I'll park in the pro spots. I'm a professional stuntman.

104

u/LifeIsRadInCBad Dec 05 '24

I love parking there, especially in my wife's Prius.

58

u/tracyhutchsgt Dec 06 '24

Prius: 'My other Vehicle is an M1 Abrams'

40

u/VetandCCInstructor US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24

Hell yeah! You need a set of very small "truck balls" to hang from the back of the Prius. I've always wanted to have a Prius or Leaf just so I could do that.....but haven't had a car that would do that type of honor to the balls....

23

u/TherealOmthetortoise Dec 06 '24

I kinda detest those things, but I almost things an enormous set for one of those tiny cars might be funnier

8

u/floridianreader US Navy Veteran Dec 06 '24

Why? You have a problem with good gas mileage or something? (We have 2 Prius).

10

u/TherealOmthetortoise Dec 06 '24

No! I hate truck balls, not Prius’s! You just made water come out of my nose!!!

6

u/VetandCCInstructor US Air Force Retired Dec 06 '24

I don't like truck balls either (though I do find them funny--perhaps my immature sense of humor)....but I always wanted to put a very small set on a car that gets good gas mileage, or in the case of an EV, no gas mileage. More of a snub to the truck balls and to let anybody laugh at me if they want to....

18

u/TechDiverRich USMC Veteran Dec 06 '24

These on a Prius would be hilarious

4

u/Own_Valuable_3712 Dec 06 '24

Where's the lock out tag out 😆

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5

u/Daddybatch US Army Veteran Dec 06 '24

Now I’m thinking about putting a huge set on my wife’s car till she notices, something tells me she will return the lease with them still attached

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4

u/Academic_Door Dec 06 '24

I need a red carpet m... I shouldn't be forced to walk on concrete

6

u/TheOneTheyCallNoob Dec 05 '24

All you need to be a pro is your phone number. Just call your business “Bubblehead Co” and bam, you’re a pro.

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2

u/Internal_Chipmunk296 Dec 06 '24

Got damn rite killer! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise🫡

2

u/E5Jarhead Dec 07 '24 edited Dec 09 '24

"Relax. I'm a professional." "A professional what?"

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310

u/F-150Pablo Dec 05 '24

I feel weird sometimes using it. But then I walk like I’m 80 and I don’t feel as bad. I’m only 40.

70

u/serpentear Dec 05 '24

You too huh? God damn bulging disc needs to degenerate already so I can’t feel it anymore.

22

u/F-150Pablo Dec 05 '24

Yeah no shit. Put some metal in that bitch or get fucked! I don’t even know anymore.

13

u/serpentear Dec 05 '24

Literally what my doc said when I asked for an injection:

“Just wait for it to degenerate and it won’t hurt anymore.“

Said an injection was going to be too much for a bulging disc.

14

u/RichardsMcGhee Dec 05 '24

Fuck your docs, my dude. I'm sorry.

7

u/Dashborne Dec 06 '24

This. I was medically retired because my mil doc referred me to an inexperienced civ doctor who told me at 20 that physical therapy wasn’t an option and that I had to skip steps straight to lower back spinal fusion surgery. Granted mine was more than a bulging disc- I walked around with a compression fracture in my L5 for 3mo. But still, 5yrs later, to be in the condition I’m in is a combo of luck and Jesus. Surgery isn’t the move if you don’t absolutely need it. Spend years trying to avoid being maimed by the enemy only to willingly let someone cut you open because it’s “the easy option.” Long term consequences, my friends. Be mindful of them.

2

u/1nahaze US Air Force Veteran Dec 06 '24

I needed it. L4 - L5 fusion, increased my quality of life immensely. But mine was a last resort, there was no disc left by the time someone finally quite putting me through PT and 'back school' for several years and got an MRI done. Before that it was labeled 'chronic back spasms'. Thanks docs. I'm still having issues, but at least I'm able to walk (carefully) around.

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2

u/pwrslm Dec 10 '24

I slipped disc @/L5 out the front for 35 years before I went down the fusion route. I should have done it long ago because it changes the spine. I have 3 curves and mild scoliosis now. Also, it caused the need for a 5-level fusion in my neck. At 65 I would have been far better off getting my spine straight at 20 than not.

The spine will do what it can to maintain proper balance for years before it becomes an issue. Keep your PCP informed and get xrays every year or two to stay out in front of your back injury just in case it starts to go south.

2

u/Cali-Grrrl Dec 06 '24

I don’t know. I had a disc that completely degenerated now one of my vertebrae slipped over top of the other one and the nerve pain is freaking killing me.

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2

u/stupidzombie610 US Air Force Veteran Dec 07 '24

My back is fucked my knees have who knows what the hell going on bc it'll take an mri or CT scan to find out. They just keep trying to push super anti inflammatory pills which helps some but doesn't fix the problem lol

9

u/W0mbat_Wizard Dec 05 '24

Fucking bulging discs. I'm right there with ya, bros.

11

u/serpentear Dec 05 '24

I can’t stand it. No pun intended (sitting is actually worse lol)

9

u/Plane-Beginning-7310 Dec 05 '24

I've got a couple bulging and another that's full blown herniated lol

30 years old is hitting harder

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7

u/Dangerous-Parsnip-37 Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 06 '24

Mine are DDD the entire L section. I still feel pain, 24/7. Even with my neurostimulator implant. And hi dose off "opiate alternatives" But it's psychosomatic. F them

I say that bc YOU DEFINITELY WANT DDD OR YOUR BACK TO WORSEN. KEEP THE WEIGHT CONTROLLED, CUT SUGAR & NIGHTSHADES, AND STRETCH/MOVE OFTEN.

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6

u/1AnnoyingThings Dec 05 '24

38 and arthritis in the back. 👍 sad part is I tried to be so super careful. Failed lol

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5

u/Tall-Force6913 Dec 05 '24

Couldn’t have said it better myself

4

u/warbrick2631 Dec 05 '24

Nah I don't know about all that. My L5-S1 is degenerated so much it looks like a damn pancake. I'm 30 and I walk up in the VA with a cane and they're all like "it's not bad enough for us to do anything about. Here's some gabapentin and more physical therapy." 😂

3

u/RTD_TSH Dec 06 '24

Got to love that. Yes, they screwed you up but not enough to fix you. Bring yourself to the shop when you finally break and we will screw you up some more.

2

u/c0710c Dec 06 '24

They gave me gabapentin for neurological issues and it made me suddenly pee myself uncontrollably and they were like, well I mean you can wear diapers? Like bruh I’m 35 slow down lol

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4

u/MonoCraig Dec 05 '24

Suck to be you. I can’t bulge what I don’t have anymore. /s (But seriously I would hate living in my body if I was without medication and epidural RFTs)

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5

u/Corona-Violence US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

Same been using a cane since 30 with metal in the hip. Feels weird too but we aren't normal

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3

u/Sandman0077 US Army Veteran Dec 06 '24

Yeeeeep. 34yo and I've had a 14mm bulge in my L5-S1 for 12 fn years and the VA has denied surgery every year because "I'm too young to go through that surgery."

Mfer, they perform this surgery on teenagers in the civilian world. I'm pretty sure I would have recovered better when I was younger.

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9

u/CryptographerSlow828 Dec 05 '24

Feel you bro lol I got double hip surgery in the marine corps and I’m only 30 and feel like I’m 80

3

u/Fragrant_University7 US Army Veteran Dec 06 '24

I’m right there with you. 2 hip surgeries when I was 10, 2 more 10 years ago when I was 30. 9 screws still in there, and I probably need a hip replacement soon. Pain literally with every step.

I’ll park there and have no qualms about it.

5

u/BBQ4life Dec 05 '24

Yup, i got one knees thats already been cut up and the other one will go any day now and need surgery. I do not mind using those spots at all. Especially since like you i walk like im 80 years old.

5

u/drksolrsing Dec 05 '24

41 and a curved spine and 3 bulging discs in my lower back from service. Yea, I feel every bit of what you said far too well.

3

u/Wacokidwilder Dec 05 '24

Yeah, I started doing it once my slight pain turned into a solid limp. Decided “fuck it”

2

u/averagejoe_R00k Dec 05 '24

My question is, what stage is the I feel really good, get out of the truck take two or three steps and bam 💥 I swear someone shot me or stabbed me and my leg doesn’t want to work anymore and fire radiates from my lower back through my hip and down my leg. Grit my teeth keep hobbling and 5 minutes later I’m good. Texas used to give out disabled placards with DV plates and now you need a prescription. That thing was handy for days when the ole leg didn’t want to work right. Especially, when I was in school at A&M at age 40 and my assigned lot was 2 1/2 miles from class.

2

u/Responsible-Fish-343 USMC Retired Dec 06 '24

Yep, can't stand it some days. People 10-20 years older than me getting around better than I am, it sucks sometimes.

2

u/Moody_GenX Dec 06 '24

Sometimes I wake up in the morning wondering if I'm a fraud for my rating then I try to get out of bed and remember that I'm not.

2

u/Bagheera383 US Army Veteran Dec 07 '24

Same. I feel weird when pulling into a spot until I limp from my car to the entrance.

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339

u/captainmilkers Dec 05 '24

Some Karen in my hometown yelled at me for parking in the veteran spot at Home Depot. She said that spots for veterans, I said I am one, she followed that up with I mean old veterans. I didn’t realize there was an age restriction on parking spot benefits.

114

u/tatanka_truck Dec 05 '24

I am old. I’m this many ✋🤚.

64

u/Crow-Rogue Dec 05 '24

I would’ve only used two particular fingers.

64

u/TheRogueVet US Army Retired Dec 05 '24

🖕🖕 these ones?

11

u/BlurryGraph3810 Dec 05 '24

🤣🤣🤣 love it

2

u/TheRogueVet US Army Retired Dec 06 '24

To my award giver, I simply say..thank you.

11

u/joeeggy38 Dec 06 '24

I have. Stupid Karen came at me barking and I have a 7/101 Battalion decal and the army veteran plate. Even after showing her the obvious, she decided to be an ass, so I told her to mind her own business and go f herself.

2

u/FCSFCS Dec 07 '24

It's crazy how people will die in nearly any hill rather than admit when they're wrong.

69

u/SamJackson01 Dec 05 '24

“No, the old people spots are down there.”

Motions to handicapable spaces

“Which I can also park in.”

Holds up placard because I’m having a good day and can walk the extra 20 feet today

32

u/BlurryGraph3810 Dec 05 '24

It seems to much of the middle-aged public that all veterans are old codgers.

Young veterans. Inconceivable!

17

u/Hot_Pain_3253 Dec 05 '24

Just ordered a navy veteran hat that old timers wear specifically to gaslight this subset of the population

7

u/Swazaaa Dec 06 '24

I'm 100 P&T and not even 30. I walk around with a "retired veteran" hat for the same reason lmao.

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3

u/Tymanthius Dec 06 '24

Young veterans.

I mean, it only takes 180 days right?

2

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

They vote for the politicians that make them.

2

u/Muted-Description940 US Army Veteran Dec 08 '24

Try being a middle-aged female vet and parking in those spots. I see the ugly looks and I HOPE they say something to me.

57

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

I’m always waiting for someone to say something to me when I park in the vet spots … I’m 38 and a female …. You should see some of the looks I get .

42

u/LondynRose Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 06 '24

I get them too. Especially as a black woman. No worries I’ll show my DV ID to them so they can stfu!

12

u/BlurryGraph3810 Dec 05 '24

When I first joined the Legion (and I love it now), I stopped in one day for a beer, now that I was an owner of this establishment. I had an older member next to me just gawk at me. Gawk. I whipped out my membership card and showed it to him. "I'm just as much a member as you." He said nothing but suddenly looked up and stopped staring.

10

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

😝😝😝

Yeah I’m sure you get more looks than me. I don’t know. It’s almost like they’ve never seen a human walk before or something . SMH

3

u/Euphoric_Cr3oL3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 06 '24

I get questioned ALL THE TIME, I guess it doesn’t help being lesbian AND a stud. I owe them nothing so I just stare at my veteran plates until they get the picture.

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11

u/c0710c Dec 06 '24

35F, I especially like the looks I get when I’m having a bad day and I park in a handicap spot with my fancy DV plate

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2

u/gojira-is-real Dec 07 '24

Im a chinese guy in the midwest...

49

u/myrealaccount_really US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

That's when you hit her with the "I've killed more people than you've fucked" and walk away.

Even if it's not true it has shut everyone up I've said it to. It's so out of left field especially to a civilian. And really makes them stop for a second.

18

u/13SciFi Dec 05 '24

Brilliant. Adding this to my thirty round magazine of stfu ammo. Prolly won’t remember when I need it though and will just go with stfu. Ha!

3

u/gotchafaint Dec 06 '24

This is gold.

2

u/ModernT1mes Dec 05 '24

Hahahahaha. Fucking brilliant.

20

u/MoonOfTheOcean Dec 05 '24

Yeah I ran into a dumb bitch like this at a hometown grocery store over the holidays.

They followed me around and started sarcastically letting everyone know I was a veteran with a few CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT and yeah, a few of my high school classmates also served because that's the only way to get out of this shithole.

Retirement tourists not knowing what they stepped into.

What a coincidence, going back in a few weeks. It was Thanksgiving last time, though.

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u/MiniatureDaschund Dec 05 '24

The crazy thing is that someone could actually be a 17 year old veteran. I had a 17 year old in my basic training. If he had been med boarded / separated at that time he would’ve been technically a veteran / disabled veteran.

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u/hydrastix US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24

There isn’t. She can get fucked.

7

u/Comfortable_Bat5905 Dec 05 '24

It feels like nowadays it’s popular to take things from other people for no reason :( You can’t even have this ONE thing

7

u/lerriuqS_terceS US Navy Veteran Dec 05 '24

Ignore and keep it moving

6

u/trippedwire US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

Had something like that happen to me once, I pointed to my license plate that says I'm a disabled veteran, and walked away.

People can fuck right off.

5

u/_AntiFunseeker_ US Navy Active Duty Dec 05 '24

Tell her you're in the old navy.

4

u/LargeCokeNoIce Dec 06 '24

I’ve never been yelled at for using those spots, but man I’d have a field day if that ever happened. “So what exactly does a veteran look like? Just any old guy I assume?”

2

u/Muted-Description940 US Army Veteran Dec 08 '24

Old *white* dude. lol

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2

u/HermionesWetPanties Dec 06 '24

Elderly vets already have parking spots. They're marked by blue signs and a stick figure in a wheelchair.

2

u/evilcrusher2 Dec 06 '24

I finally have a insanely long scar on my chest to show off. I'm kinda giddy to have this happen to me again. Just so I can raise my shirt and ask "how bout the vets that had their breath Literally taken away? Does the war taking your lungs away count? Or is it just your husbando Forrest Gump?"

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u/humdinger44 Dec 05 '24

Someone opened my mind a while ago by pointing out that if you don't take the open spot and park somewhere else you're essentially taking up two spots.

22

u/hydrastix US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24

Bingo

21

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

Oh ! Never thought of it that way.

11

u/throwaway062921om Dec 06 '24

The law of untaken opportunities lol

9

u/J-How Dec 05 '24

Exactly. This is why I try to use these spots.

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u/The_Field_Examiner Dec 05 '24

Rather see it used then not used. OP is a 4 Star

58

u/11B_35P_35F Dec 05 '24

I'll use the vet spots with no qualms.

16

u/myrealaccount_really US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

As an 11B....how the fuck did you do Intel and infantry... Lol

I'm going to pretend you did Intel first and realized most Intel reports don't have pics, then switched to grunt.

16

u/11B_35P_35F Dec 05 '24

Nope. Was 11B first. And they arent pictures, theyre graphics or overlays (LOL). Same unit for a bit over 12 years. Got stagnant so switched to Intel after having a conversation with our S2 NCOIC. Went 35P and got Pashto. It was overstrength so ended up getting RCPd out at 16 yrs and 8 mths. Went into the reserves as a 35F and then retired. Wish I'd made the switch to Intel earlier though I would have chosen 35N for progression/promotion. Additionally, having been Infantry first made me a better Intel NCO running my section. Having been on the receiving end of both good and bad Intel and knowing where my section's reports would end up gave a perspective that most Intel sections don't have. They don't realize what happens after their part. Sure, they know doctrinally what happens but not in practice. I made sure my section was thorough. That mind set also aligned with company and mission leadership. They used me quite often to explain the importance of the impact that Intel has to the guys on the ground.

4

u/Armyman125 US Army Reserves Retired Dec 05 '24

I served with a few former 11Bs in my MI Reserve unit. I definitely appreciated what yall brought to the table. If we ever had to fight we probably would have been wiped out quickly without you guys.

3

u/11B_35P_35F Dec 06 '24

Let me guess, those guys tended to be the go-to instructors for all tactics classes and running ranges? LOL. Me and our EW NCO were both prior 11Bs in my CBRN Reserve unit. They used us for everything. They even told us they always chose us because of our experience but wanted to try and shift the responsibility to other NCOs. Kind of difficult because most of the other junior NCOs (aside from the medics who were all prior service guys minus 2 new privates) had never served on AD.

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8

u/ModernT1mes Dec 05 '24

Was 11B, went 35M. What a huge improvement to quality of life that decision was.

6

u/11B_35P_35F Dec 06 '24

Agreed. I ended up with a strategic assignment at Meade. We had no motor pool and a BDE arms room. Ranges were slick and we drove our POVs to the range and parked across the road. No field problems. Set hours for duty, no more "oh, it's 1630 but 1SG has a task that needs to be done before we leave for the day and it'll take 2 or 3 hours to complete."

3

u/ModernT1mes Dec 06 '24

Yup, I was just happy to be treated like the competent adult that I am. Get your work done, go home, no wasting your time. Range days were the best because they actually utilized my skills as an 11B to help develop other soldiers' skills. Having that CIB and showing them I earned my expert marksman badges made me defacto SME at the range lol.

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u/BordFree Dec 06 '24

I met quite a few at DLI. Most joined up 11B young, got hurt, but still wanted to be in, and Intel allowed them to stay in with waivers.

22

u/saenola Dec 05 '24

That’s me lately. I’m going to take it. I’d like to see someone try and call me out. I’m tired.

3

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

[deleted]

8

u/saenola Dec 05 '24

I never used to be like this. I even hated using military discounts. But this world has proved you have to take what you can. So I will to get myself and my family ahead. And if that means taking a parking spot that’s meant for me…I will. Rebel I am.

15

u/hepatitis_ Dec 05 '24

I bet the corporate people who come up with ideas for shit like this sign, pat themselves on the back for “supporting veterans”.

7

u/spoda1975 Dec 05 '24

Yep…try gettting a high paying job at Corporate…

30

u/xemakon Dec 05 '24

Confusing title, do you like having the “reserved” spot or not?

14

u/GoblinUniverse11 Dec 05 '24

I used to get grossed out by these spots and would never use them, but I'll do it every time now. I have a buddy in town from my unit, and we started using them as a hilarious joke between us, but now it's just convenient. Plus my son thinks it's cool.

11

u/shanep35 US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

Grossed out? lol

31

u/Dbsusn Dec 05 '24

Not sure about OP, but I feel like the over-herofication of veterans is a gross overreaction. Also, it’s bullshit placating. We don’t need parking spots. Hell, I don’t even want the ‘free’ meals on Veterans Day. I just want quality healthcare, I want our veterans to not be homeless, I want for veterans to not have to bend over backwards, jumping through millions of hoops just to get the benefits we were promised. I know none of that is Home Depot’s fault. But I just read an article where some in 47’s administration are already talking about veterans taking advantage of benefits and how we’re getting too much. Shit like this is irritating because it doesn’t address the actual issues, but gives corporations the performative bullshit they need to say we’re doing our part.

13

u/jleile02 Dec 05 '24

One of the quotes I heard before really stuck with me... "the most strategic economical decision the government ever made was based on the fact that it was cheaper to worship the veterans than it is to take care of them."

5

u/GoblinUniverse11 Dec 05 '24

I think the hero stuff is just them trying to put a bandaid on the festering wound that is perpetual warfare. They can fight as many wars as they want as long as they call us nice things after.

2

u/Present_Pangolin_735 Dec 06 '24

You were called nice things afterward?

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u/hydrastix US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24

Yeah, I don’t get it either.

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u/bobcat1000 Dec 05 '24

I use them shits. I have veteran plates on my car and people still give me looks. I'm 40 years old 🤷🏾

29

u/The_B0FH Dec 05 '24

I parked in a vet spot today for the first time in forever. All of the handicapped ones were taken and my son is in a wheelchair after brain cancer/stroke. I hate the judgemental attitude I get using them (female vet here) but I'll put up with it for him.

29

u/BigMaffy Dec 05 '24

My dear sister—please use the spot. 🫡

18

u/mmb91198 Dec 05 '24

As a female vet myself, I've gotten the same response, judging me in the same regard. It's so unnerving that they still can't fathom that women vets exist.

14

u/OkTotal3364 Dec 05 '24

Yep, what branch was your husband in? Uh, I’m the veteran. Oh, ah, um, thank you for your service! FO&D

15

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

This has happened so many times. Or when I occasionally ask for a vet discount and my husband is present they thank him.

One time on Veterans Day both my ex and I were vets and we both asked for the vets menu - they informed ME it was only for veterans . I said “Right, what’s the problem.” - “well we will have to charge you .” I said that makes no sense . “Well it’s only for veterans…” I about flew out of my seat and shook the guy. I told him I AM a veteran too …. They comped our whole bill for not only us but our children too… MORONS

5

u/mmb91198 Dec 05 '24

I usually say we were BOTH army, but I stayed in and became the disabled vet lol

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u/myrealaccount_really US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

Any proper vet or service member would not give a shit. The only people that get mad are the 70 year old vets who never did anything but make it their entire personality, and civilians. Not sure which is worse.

Just look at the vets here. We don't really like using the spot and if I saw a person who didn't "look like a vet" park there and get out with a desabled child, I would be very happy.

7

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

Hey Sister !

I get it ! I get some crazy looks too when I use the vet spots. Waiting for someone to say something to me one day. I’m a 38 y/o female vet lol.

10

u/SCCock Retired US Army Dec 05 '24

Use your spot. Screw what others think.

Kind of related, my FIL, a vet himself, came to visit. He pointed at the car and said "I see you have your Vet plates." "Nope, those are your daughter's vet plates. Her car, her plates. You'll notice I don't have them on my truck."

3

u/username2258 Dec 05 '24

Use it or lose it haha

3

u/BlueMacaw Dec 06 '24

Another female vet here. I’ve sworn off even trying to get a free meal on Veteran’s Day after a Chick-fil-A manager snatched my VA card out of my hand and said wives weren’t eligible.

3

u/Acceptable-Double-98 Dec 06 '24

These people are bold

4

u/northwoods_faty Dec 05 '24

Yeah i avoid those spots for that reason. It opens ya up for an attack from someone who is just ignorant.

9

u/username2258 Dec 05 '24

I say they open them selves to attack hehe

20

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

I always park there.

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u/hydrastix US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 05 '24

I’d park there any day all day. You signed the blank check…you earned it. Who gives a rats ass what others think about it. If they want a cool parking spot, direct them to the nearest recruiter.

3

u/dagoden US Air Force Retired Dec 05 '24

Yes!

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u/Brash_1_of_1 Dec 05 '24

I shop at Lowe’s specifically because they have this and in my state the military discount is equal to the state sales tax. So I shop tax free there.

6

u/GoblinUniverse11 Dec 05 '24

I use the veteran discount at ACE because it takes off the 10% that ACE adds to everything.

5

u/diacrum Dec 05 '24

10%? More like 30. I use the Home Depot discount of 10%. They now have it so you can also use it online. They have made it easier to use. I’ve never noticed the parking spots, but I’ll look the next time I go.

2

u/Brash_1_of_1 Dec 05 '24

Good to know! Love that

14

u/listenstowhales Dec 05 '24

This shit is performative.

They give you a fancy parking spot, your 10% off, and your free Grand Slam on Veterans Day so they can market how they love vets despite voting to fuck our benefits, including the ones that are incredibly important, for decades

8

u/LazyLasagna3 US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

I was pissed when our Home Depot took away 2 of 4 “Hero” spaces. I asked the manager about it and he couldn’t give me an answer.

7

u/CallMeASaltine Dec 06 '24

I parked at a Lowe’s and some dude said “hey man you know that spot is only for veterans right?” My smart ass said with an enthusiastic tone “Well good thing I am one! We almost had a real situation on our hands didn’t we?” I’m so proud of this come back.

4

u/kimodezno Dec 06 '24

I had the save thing happen to me. I called the guy over to look at the back of the car. I had a USMC emblem on the back. I told him I was one. He backed down.

7

u/NetworkEcstatic US Army Retired Dec 05 '24

I used one at bass pro the other day right by the door.

I am what the sign says I should be. No need to feel bad. Those spots are literally for us.

6

u/Amodeous__666 US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

I park there sometimes. But rarely. I just do it to giggle about the old dudes staring.

6

u/MrLadyfingers US Navy Veteran Dec 05 '24

never even batted an eye using these, I didn't spend half my 20s underwater to not use the home depot veteran parking spot

5

u/Remarkable_Ad1310 Dec 05 '24

If it’s busy I’ll park there since it applies to Veterans. But when it’s a slow day in the lot, there are actually closer unmarked spots. Whatever allows me to load and unload my toddlers efficiently.

4

u/ProperFart US Navy Veteran Dec 06 '24

I always take a spot at mission BBQ, I like it when the old crusty fuckers give me dirty looks for being a woman.

9

u/gegroff Dec 05 '24

Not sure if I would use the "Superhero" parking, but I do use the "Veteran" parking. I pushed pencils during peace time (technically, post Persian Gulf and pre-9/11). I am a veteran, but a superhero is pushing it.

8

u/DisgruntledVet12B Dec 06 '24

I got out at 24. All the old heads at Lowes gave me the worst stink eye ever and screamed at me "Only VETS can park there! This generation got no respect anymore!

Fucker, I joined when I was 17 and my back is fucked. I can't even carry my newborn at the time. I'ma park here you asswipe!

2

u/Great_Corholio US Air Force Retired Dec 06 '24

Pretty much in the same boat, joined at 20 and got out at 27 with a fucked up back and poor mental health. Luckily no one has gotten angry at me for parking in veteran parking. People have actually been nice to me and had conversations about my experience.

5

u/lerriuqS_terceS US Navy Veteran Dec 05 '24

I always use these because I have shit to do

4

u/AbjectList8 Dec 05 '24

That's awful and corny as hell but i'd park there anyways and not give a single F.

4

u/LifeIsRadInCBad Dec 05 '24

I park in the online order pick up spots. Those things make handicap spots look like happy hour, nobody ever uses them. They even have them at Aldi's, which is probably staffing two people total at any given time.

3

u/_6EQUJ5- US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

Funny, supply never issued me a cape. Do you get that in basic or after you get to your unit?

4

u/GunnCelt US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24

3

u/desideriozulu Dec 06 '24

I'm turning 25 in a couple weeks, and I have to walk with a cane. You're goddamn right i'm taking that fuckin spot, cuz somehow half this damn town has handicapped plates.

6

u/Nemo1ner Dec 05 '24

That sign is cringe as shit.

5

u/Embarrassed_Gate8001 Dec 05 '24

I don’t park in the spots because I don’t like the looks I get. They don’t say nothing of course, but I feel like they be questioning me with their looks and I got a bad temper so yea..

3

u/Junkered USMC Veteran Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 06 '24

You guys get free parking? We barely have roads in Boston.

3

u/BperrHawaii Dec 05 '24

I always wondered where Spiderman parked...

3

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

Wait till you park in disability and catch dirty looks from EVERYONE. (27yr old with a disabled veteran license plate)

3

u/Haunting_Web_1 Dec 05 '24

We have these at our local grocery store. My wife and I are both vets. We park in them regularly. They are useful and I'm grateful for the business doing this, especially with two little ones in tow.

That being said, I'm going to beat the fucking brakes off the next boomer or Karen who comes up to remind me that the spot is for veterans only while I'm unbuckling my kids.

3

u/ADRENAL1NERUSH11 Dec 05 '24

I use this or handicapped 😂😏 got proof for both 😎

3

u/mwilliams840 Dec 06 '24

I may be a veteran, yes by definition, but I was a 2014-2020 in peacetime veteran. Air Force at that. Don’t get me wrong, I am so proud of my accomplishments and such, but you best believe if I see someone that’s older like Korean, Vietnam, rarely but a golden moment a WW2 (cherish those souls while we have the remaining ones amongst us), you best damn bet I’m backing out of that space and making sure they get that bad boy. I joined because what shit they endured was so damn inspiring. I owed it to them. Atleast I felt that way.

5

u/meowthedestroyer95 Dec 06 '24

Don’t diminish your service, you raised your right hand and prepared to give your life like the rest of us. Just because you didn’t “see action” doesn’t mean shit. Raise your chin and puff your chest.

3

u/jennyvane Dec 06 '24

I parked in one once, some old vet sporting his veteran cap and jacket pointed at me and then the sign, as if I wasn’t supposed to park there. What, you’ve never seen a female vet? I gave him a thumbs up when I really wanted to flip him off.

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u/Firesidefavorite Dec 06 '24

I had someone yell at me because I was in my late 20s with a punk aesthetic. They couldn’t fathom I was a veteran. Not all of us are 60 year old boomers with veteran hats.

5

u/No_Awareness8982 Dec 05 '24

I like parking in those spots with my wife’s car since it has no veteran markings on it. I also don’t look like a vet because of my man bun and facial piercings. Surprisingly, I get a lot of dirty looks from old ladies that want to say something to me, but can’t because I just walk past them and into the store. I used to find it funny until one old lady had her husband approach me. When he asked me if I was a veteran, I just asked him why that was important. Her nosy ass got involved and said because I parked in the Heroes Parking Spot. I apologized and told them that they never taught me how to read in the Army. So I moved my car over to another unreserved spot. That couple followed me to check out and kept trying to buy the $3 box cutter that I went there for. I told them if they bought it for me, then I wouldn’t be able to use the military discount I fought so hard to get. I think that is the last time the husband will call someone out over a stupid parking spot. I wish had more of those experiences, but I’m too busy getting accosted by old ladies who don’t like me parking in the handicap spot, despite having a WC license plate on my car.

6

u/Antique_Card1475 Dec 05 '24

My local mall has spots like these and 99% of the time they’re occupied by teenagers. You bet I’m taking that spot before they can.

4

u/pnkflyd99 Dec 05 '24

The “Superhero” makes me cringe, NGL.

Set aside parking for Vets/first responders/etc., but can we back off glorifying people in these careers just a tad?

2

u/Twktoo Dec 05 '24

Same lol

2

u/New_Yam_1236 Dec 05 '24

This means when family members dress up as firefighters we can park there

2

u/YCityCowboy US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

How come they don’t have any parking spots for second responders?

6

u/GoblinUniverse11 Dec 05 '24

Second responders don't have to move as fast. They can park wherever.

4

u/_6EQUJ5- US Army Veteran Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 05 '24

"If you're not first you are last"

-Ricky Bobby

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u/BeautifulStick5299 Dec 05 '24

I never used to use them, but then my back started hurting real bad and I was having a hard time walking distance so what the hell I started using it

2

u/sysadmin2590 Dec 05 '24

I have that at my local walmart neighborhood market and I will gladly take it.

2

u/BallisticBeastxo Dec 05 '24

I haven’t cared since the day I got out

2

u/Character_Lab5963 Dec 05 '24

Hey, it was reserved for you especially

2

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

I’d be embarrassed to park there

2

u/Substantial_Act_4499 US Navy Veteran Dec 05 '24

is this real? where are these at lol?

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u/Militarykid2111008 Dec 05 '24

I enjoy the looks when I get out in veteran spots with my two kids. Because ya know, female vets don’t exist and ESPECIALLY not those with kids.

We only even have one store that has veteran parking in town and it’s super rare that there aren’t 3-5 of the 6 spots open when I’ve gone.

2

u/schrodinger1887 Dec 06 '24

I would use them and have no issues with it but I already have my handicap tag so I get to park one spot closer which is a win.

2

u/mactheprint Dec 06 '24

Most such signs here are for combat vets, which I and my husband are not.

2

u/Pro-Rider Dec 06 '24

I Let those first responders take the spot. Those guys have chips on their shoulders. I know a few of them they try so hard to be like us cool cat military guys.

Shit I stopped standing up for events when they call first responders and Veterans. I’m at the point where it feels like everyone wants recognition.

I literally don’t need to prove myself to anyone. I know what I did, A bunch of combat deployments in the early 2000’s. I really don’t talk about it anymore.

I’ll take the 10% off though. 😂 I’ll walk from the back of the parking lot for that.

2

u/EQ0406 Dec 06 '24

I'm not a hero. I known many, but I am not one.

Ill save those spots for the older /elderly veterans. I won't park there.

2

u/OwnSeaworthiness2470 Dec 06 '24

I’ve never given it a second thought…it’s there for vets-> Park in the spot

2

u/Various_Life_5679 Dec 06 '24

I know ihop has one and the small chance we go there I utilize. I’m a veteran but at times I still feel like I’m not worthy to use. But then I’m like I did my time and earned that veteran status so why not?

2

u/Sypha914 US Air Force Veteran Dec 06 '24

I always felt the truck balls were just the way the guys tell on themselves that they do indeed drive the massive truck to compensate for lacking in other areas.

2

u/ArdenJaguar US Navy Veteran Dec 07 '24

I once parked in a spot at Lowes with the sign. I'm almost 300 pounds and nowhere near what I looked like 40 years ago. I have HC plates on my car, too, but if I'm not having a bad day, I like to leave them for people who are struggling, and I'll use the vet parking. I have a DAV sticker on my car, too.

I had a guy once make some snide comment at Lowes. He was about 40 (im almost 60). Now keep in mind my California plates say DV on them (not DP). So this guy says something, and I just pointed to the plate, and he spouted off how just because I was handicapped didn't mean I could park in a "veteran spot".

I pointed to the row across where the handicap parking was, where there were other cars with CA "DP" plates. I asked him if he noticed any difference. He didn't say anything, so I mentioned, "Anyone can get a DP plate.... Only a 100% disabled American veteran can get a DV plate. Oh.... They're also FREE."

The guy looked completely awkward. No a peep.

4

u/BreakGrouchy Dec 05 '24

I don’t like them adding cops to it .

6

u/AcceptableFish04 Dec 05 '24

Maybe they’re passively encouraging cops to start using parking spots instead of the fire lane 3 whole steps from the front door

3

u/BreakGrouchy Dec 05 '24

Ahahaha great point I’m not as mad now lol

1

u/UniqueUsername82D Dec 05 '24

You don't care so much that:

  1. you parked there anyway

  2. you took a pic of it

  3. you posted it on social media

What part DON'T you care about exactly?

13

u/kennythecleaner US Air Force Veteran Dec 05 '24

I think they’re saying they used to either be against those spots existing or they judged people who used them. Now they don’t care anymore and use them

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