Well, after 22 years, my military retirement is official

[x-g.o.p.er]

I'm done. Out. Finished.

Started as an E-1, finished as an officer. Two combat tours in Afghanistan, friends made, friends lost. It was one hell of a ride, and I loved every minute of it.

And I STILL don't know what I want to do when I grow up, lol.


As the Grateful Dead would say:

"What a long, strange trip it's been."

[Jamastiene]

1. Thank you.

:hug: :)

[NMDemDist2]

2. thank you for your service

:patriot:

and now, on to "NEXT"

:yourock:

[Pierre.Suave]

3. Awesome

Congrats, sounds like you did well while in, glad you made it through.

I also started out as an E-1 and will end as an Officer in the Navy Medical Corp, someday...

[x-g.o.p.er]

5. Good luck to you!

Hope you get to where you want to go!

[Pierre.Suave]

7. I am on my way

Just need to make it through Med School.

[Tom Kitten]

4. Congratulations!

What branch? How did you jump from enlisted man to officer, if you mind my asking? I could ask a ton of questions...

[x-g.o.p.er]

Went from

USAF enlisted to Army warrant officer, then back to Air Force after 10 years to get a commission as a 2nd Lt.

Ask away...

[Tom Kitten]

9. Did you fly choppers?

Is that how you crossed branches? I was in the Air Force and then ANG for 6 years. AF had no warrant officers but ANG still did then...

Did you have to go to OCS to get a commission?

And how are things going for you now? Are you going to pursue aviation?

[x-g.o.p.er]

21. Yes

Yes, flew helicopters for the Army and then the Air Force. Had to go to WOCS for warrant officer and then OTS for Air Force commission.

Things are good. I was fortunate enough to get a govt job, so I'm still getting a paycheck, which in this day and age, is plenty to be thankful for.

Didn't really have a desire to pursue aviation outside of the military. Had an opportunity to fly Air Ambulance stuff, but chose to go in another direction.

[JohnnyLib2]

6. Congratulations!

:toast:

[astonamous]

8. Thank you for your service...well done and congratulations!

Good luck with whatever your future brings. :toast:

[petronius]

10. Congratulations, thank you, welcome back!

As for the growing up - why bother? Just do stuff...

[Inchworm]

11. Thanks man, here's a song for ya

Keep truckin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPNgjA4i6gM

:patriot::hug::loveya::thumbsup::patriot:

[x-g.o.p.er]

22. Fantastic!

Put that on my iPod...had forgotten what a truly great song that is.

Thanks!

[nytemare]

12. Enjoy your retired life.

You surely deserve it.

[denbot]

13. Wecome to civilian life, and thank you for your career service

One hitch in the Navy was all I could do.
:patriot:

[Swede]

14. Well done.

Hope you find something to fill your days.

[leftyclimber]

15. Congratulations and thank you. nt

[old mark]

16. Welcome to "reality".....

Take some time to adjust - it's a little different.
Not a career guy, but did 3 years in Army in the late '60's.

Welcome to DU.

mark

[Callalily]

17. Congrats on your

retirement, and thank you for your service. :patriot:

Now onto the next chapter of your life! But take some time off for yourself and your family.

[GreenPartyVoter]

18. Gratz and thanks for your service. :^)

[Strong Atheist]

19. Congratulations!

:toast:

[av8rdave]

20. Congratulations and Thank You!

Sounds like quite a career. My time in the military was shorter, but it was a valuable experience I will always treasure.

Thanks for your service. This country is a better place for it!

[Parche]

23. awesome

:patriot: :patriot:

and i only made 3years in the air force!!

[femmocrat]

24. Congratulations!

:patriot:

[hack89]

25. Welcome to the other side. nt

[emilyg]

26. Thank you.

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

27. You are a true patriot and I salute you!

:patriot:

Best of luck and all good wishes for your post-military life. May you have Love, Luck and Longevity!