Im really enjoying this thread. Its a good read. The captain is obviously just messing with the FO. The FO is a little butt-hurt and took it the wrong way and is coming on APC to vent. Its very common.

That was a nice gesture to thank servicemen and women. And im glad people here are aware and mature enough to separate the people who serve in the armed force from the people who make the decisions about sending them in to harms way.

In the future if Im on youre airplane, instead of thanking me verbally, just put me in first class