It was like this for private military contractors during the years I was in AFG. I found one news article mention it back home.

I sat drinking at a bar on veteran's day years back and heard a couple of sf operators talking at the end. Ended up hanging out with them that night. They got a weird look from me when they drunkenly told me Happy Veteran's Day! at the end of the evening before cussing me out for not considering myself a veteran (I was a leo, not a serviceman). I've since heard this sentiment echoed a few times by other servicemen and servicewomen. Real recognizing real and all that. Makes one proud to serve their country, despite in what capacity.