Got to say that guy had quite possibly the best response I've ever heard of with the hat. I'd like to buy him a beer.
I have a mixed view of my own service. I'm proud of it, and I was kept busy overseas with a few harrowing moments in my time, but nothing like the new post 9/11 generation of service. I don't hesitate to talk about my service and I enjoy swapping sea stories and intrafamilial insults with fellow vets, but I feel uncomfortable asking for things like veterans discounts, and I am often surprised when they are offered to me as a result of my credit union card. I think that if something similar happened to me as happened to you, I'd probably consider that one of the best rewards I've had for my service.