After 50 years in Defence related 'work' , including 39 years in the RAF, I have only once recieved a message 'thanking me for my service'. Oddly, It came from the US DoD. Maybe because In 81 - I did 6 weeks of 'active service' with the USAF on detachment. I have always found that it's worth asking for military discount in the States.
I doubt that I need to say what sort of response I get to the same questions in U.K. Perhaps the 'recognition' will make things different...but I'm not holding my breath. However, my DDS card did pay for itself on its first use.
pre booked Car Hire .....in Canada!!!