I have all the respect for military guys, and love those stories. My grandfather served in WWII and volunteered at the VA well into his 90s, sometimes caring for guys half his age. Never talked about his service, I always respected the hell out of that.

Last night I met some of the wife's work friends, after a few drinks the "worst thing I've seen" question was asked. I brushed it off and told a funny work story instead to change the subject. I don't feel what you do for a living should define who you are. I guess there are different schools of thought on that, though.