I would like to chime in on this. As an official I don't like wearing anything on my shirts. I go along with it, but I would prefer to leave it off. I just think our plain uniforms look good enough. I especially don't like wearing the middle man, oh I mean IAABO patch.
As a member of the military for 17 years, I'm somewhat annoyed or offended by this - not this thread but the American use of the flag depending on events that happen to Americans. Some things dealing with patriotic behavior and the defense of our country is faddish. After the Gulf War we were popular (the military). Discounts galore and other things. Those things went away until 911. Now we are somewhat popular; not as much because this has been more of a slow grind as opposed to getting in and getting out of the Gulf. I don't think we need to have the red carpet rolled out at every establishment because it is the path we chose - I will not refuse that treatment because we are not getting rich.
However, the up and down popularity thing is something that sort of rubs me the wrong way. I will say I've seen nothing but encouraging words about the military from members of this forum and we all appreciate them!