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Sorry, I didn't read the article yet, but I was a contractor out in Iraq. When I tell people that they often thank me for my service. I tell them not to thank me, but thank those who served in the military, or are serving. If you really want to show your support, send them care packages, or write your state senators and reps that you would like for enlisted military personnell to receive pay increases.
As far as being labeled a hero. The military personnell and contractors who live on base, well, they are certainly no heroes, but do not be afraid to thank them for their service. It's the ones who leave the wire on a regular basis knowing that at any moment a road-side bomb could take out their vehicle that are the heroes. Either way, I still feel awkward when people thank me for my "service", but I appreciate it. So, don't hold back thanking a service member because someone complains about feeling awkward. It's still tough to be thousands of miles away from home, family and friends.
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