Don't thank us, you have a sweet deal, and you EARNED it.
I have a friend who's father is a retired Marine Col. since 1974. He gets like 3x the money now, than he got in 1974. Two wars, and a chest full of medals, he's worth every penny! He is still serving his country daily, in his community. A true American hero, a better American, than most could ever hope to be.