Yes, as some of you may have suspected by this time I am home and safe. The Army decided to grant my retirement based on family hardship (which I can’t go into detail here but Capt Bob knows about it) which is almost unheard of during a deployment.
I must say that retirement has been the most disappointing part of my career. No good byes, no out processing, no handshake and a “thank you for your service”. None of that, just a ride home and orders to wait 10 days for more orders. My retirement orders came by mail.
I am glad to be home and with the family. At least I have that. The Dixie D RR is a mess, I’ll get her cleaned up and refreshed, post some photos when I get a chance. Now’s the time for some upgrades me thinks…[;)]
We are all proud and gratefull for your service to this nation.
Now its time to take some time to get yourself back into civilian mode.
Then start enjoying your free time by keeping yourself busy with projects, it might take a little time to get used to enjoying your free time, I figure about a week.
TJ, glad you are back safe and sound. As far as the act of retiring being a downer, I know very well. My retirement back in 89 was quite a let down. Got off the airplane from REFORGER, turned in my rifle, picked up my clearance papers, and hit the road a week later. A word of warning to you and your wife. about 63% of Military retirees get divorced within 3 years, ~70% get remarried (to the same spouse) within 5 years after going through the culture shock of adjusting to civilian life. Adjusting to the new life style is hard.
Welcome back and thank for your service. Take some time to get back in touch with non-military life. You have undoubtably changed some and so have family. Now the most important thing in your life is them and friends. I retired in late 2006 after 34 years in the National Guard, of which, 24 years were AGR (active duty). The times you were not able to spend with your loved ones, due to service, are gone but don’t let any more slip away. Enjoy, there is life after the military. Thanks from a fellow Vet.
Thank you for your service to the Country. May your transition back to civilian be smooth.
My retirement from the service was also very unceremonious. HOWEVER, The real joy of retirement is the steady income and MEDICAL BENEFITS the rest of my life.
Like all the rest, I want to thank you for your service to the flag.
My son-in-law was discharged after coming home from Iraq last year. He’s not settling in well; saw some ruff stuff. Be cool, stay calm and smile a lot: you made it!
Tom- I understand only I didn’t get any paperwork nor have I cleared supply, PAC or security. God only knows where my stuff is, floating around Burundi is my guess. I have lots of issues to resolve after the fact, and I am up against the red tape machine. Sooner or later it’ll all work out but for now it’s like getting pecked to death by a duck.
Ratsun- Patriot rider eh? I always knew you were a man of fine taste and exquisite breeding.
Hoofe116- I’ll keep your son in law in my prayers. I’ve seen some things also, but each of us deals with it in our own way. He’ll do fine, just let him work it out himself.
The oddest thing so far is that everyone is nice to me now. Nobody is yelling or uptight. I also can’t figure out what to wear in the mornings. No more MRE holiday meals, no more mandatory fun days, no more 9 hour training meetings with HQ. Gee, life is good!
Welcome back! As the old song goes " it’s good to have you back where you belong" (Louis Armstrong, I think). I’ll add my “thanks for your service and sacrifice” to all the others.
Looks like retirement from the military is something like leaving a civilian organization (after 32 years), good luck and remember to drop in when you can’t stay too long.
With your education and experience you’ll be on top again in no time at all.
Keep us posted on your progress as you get back to work on the railway.