Topic: Retirement Date

[Donnie1]

And of course me with my mom and dad.

I'll have a few more from the ceremony later this week. The ones my son took are a little blurry so I'll wait until I get the ones that the base photographer took before I post anymore.

[MoAv]

How wonderful Donnie - That must have been a really emotional ceremony.  The gifts look sooooo special 

[oHIobellboy]

Very nice pix Donnie and thanks again for 22 years of service 

[Donnie1]

Finally got my pics from the base today so I'll post a few more.

The first is a photo layout that the photo lab does. I think it turned out great.

The 2nd is when I presented flowers to Gina. That is my dad in the row behind with the tissue. I think he cried through the whole thing. My mom is beside him and Gina's mom and dad as well.

The third is a gift one of the sections gave me. It was a Home Depot vest and a job offer they had made up. Pretty funny.

[oHIobellboy]

Great pix. That layout you got there is pretty nice and something to be very proud of.

[Donnie1]

The kids received certificates as well. Gina also received certificates from the wing Comander and the Chaiman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They are done up quite well and professional.

The Honor Guard also did a flag folding ceremony and presentation.

[Donnie1]

Great pix. That layout you got there is pretty nice and something to be very proud of.

Thanks OBB. I wish I could say I made it through the ceremony without breaking down but I would be fibbing. It was very emotional for me. I thought being on terminal leave for almost a month prior to the ceremony would help but it didn't. I couldn't even finish my speech and thank you's.

[stephygee]

Congrats on your retirement date, Donnie.  As a recent retiree myself (1 Oct), all I can say is, it's the best thing since sliced bread    Like yourself, the Air Force was all I knew, having enlisted right out of high school.  I had a great time, made great friends, and wouldn't trade my experiences for anything, but you know when it's time to start a new chapter in life.  Sure, it was scary at first, but within a week of starting my new job, all I can say is it's great to be a civilian.  No more deployments, no more 12-hour shifts, and I'm home when the sun is still up.  I'm a contractor for now pulling down $85K (not counting my retirement check) to do the same thing I did in the military (IT networks), but I put in for an IT job at the VA.  Vets are in high demand, so look around for contractors in your area.  You can also check USAJobs and the VA site often, as there are always job openings.  Congratulations again on your retirement, and welcome to the retired ranks 

[Donnie1]

Congrats on your retirement date, Donnie.  As a recent retiree myself (1 Oct), all I can say is, it's the best thing since sliced bread    Like yourself, the Air Force was all I knew, having enlisted right out of high school.  I had a great time, made great friends, and wouldn't trade my experiences for anything, but you know when it's time to start a new chapter in life.  Sure, it was scary at first, but within a week of starting my new job, all I can say is it's great to be a civilian.  No more deployments, no more 12-hour shifts, and I'm home when the sun is still up.  I'm a contractor for now pulling down $85K (not counting my retirement check) to do the same thing I did in the military (IT networks), but I put in for an IT job at the VA.  Vets are in high demand, so look around for contractors in your area.  You can also check USAJobs and the VA site often, as there are always job openings.  Congratulations again on your retirement, and welcome to the retired ranks 

Thanks stephygee. And congrats to you as well on the retirement and for landing a great job. I'm submitting resumes all over but the right one will come along in time. I've got a job at Lowes for now that pays the bills but I'm always looking for something better.