Is it usually par for the course that once out of sight out of mind for retirement awards?

Military courtesy is taught throughout a soldier's career, it's a shame that it's forgotten at the end of his career.

Tim: Once a month I look at my bank account and see my retirement award! I did not get one either, and at the end of the day, when I drove out the gate I swore to myself I'd never go back. 11 years Later, I haven't. I miss the kids, the good NCO's and I try to stay in contact with a few select individuals. Other than that, I am a civilian through and through.

I'm sorry to hear it, MSG Tim Gray. There's no accounting for the mindset of some. Although I did get a DMSM, it came in the mail eight months after I was assigned to the Retired Reserve. All it had with was a sticky note saying they were sorry it took so long. I didn't know the person who wrote it and, of course, never even wore it on my uniform.