Being addressed/addressing others by rank after retirement

My CO is still Capt. Even though he retired ad a Col.

All on a case by case basis/situational.

If I respect you and you like to be called by your rank, then I call you by rank.

If I don't respect you, then its Bob.

If i really don't like you then it's Mr/Mrs whatever.

If you have made it to retirement, it is a privilege to continue using your rank. It is my privilege and honor to recognize you by the rank you achieved. I have a lot of respect for those who achieved that milestone and gave that much to our country. My father, for example, is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. He will always be Chief Crabtree to me (as well as Dad). Some people have a hangup about it, but it seems they either did not serve until they were retirement eligible or feel inadequate. If you feel like you did not give it your all, I can understand your reluctance to use your rank. I don't have that problem.

Especially in Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine watering holes such as the Legion or VFW. BUT, for some reason, I don't care enough to find out about, when somebody from the VA says, it's like fingernails on a chalkboard. It seems derogatory sometimes.

Had an Army retiree used to come in where I worked. Nice guy, clearly (rightfully) proud of his service. When he was leaving after I helped him I just said, "Thanks for coming in today Top". Old fellow, and his wife's faces, just lit up.

Problem is political pull with non service experienced supervisors. It means be silent and transfer or you might be slapped with a form 8, Title 18 202, or change shift every week. I have to be told every day how the military ruined my7 life and why non veterans are more important. Defense logistics agency has a lot of these people. Even with SUPPLY FORWARD a non Veteran said he was more qualified as a GS 15 and military service was a hinderance.

USAA always addresses me with my retirement rank even after 50 years of membership.

I ran into a former 1st Sgt of mine recently and out of respect I still called him "top." I had a retired Colonel in my Anger Management group at the VA and everyone called him "sir" until he reiterated his name was Chris. It's a show of respect. I know it always makes an old timers day when I valet park for them at the VA and I address them by their old rank. It's part of the fraternitas we all share as Veterans.

On many occasions, including friend Vets, I don't know their rank. We've discussed deployments & duty stations. For the most part, neither I nor my friends are all caught up in rank, awards, badges, etc. It was an experience.

There are a few people I call by rank. When I worked as an AmeriCorps contractor for the Washington Department of Veterans Affaires I met an old crusty Sgt. Maj. who was also a Master Guns before he switched from Marines to Army. Another is the founder of our local veterans court and a retired Army Col. and judge. If I ever run into my old commander on the street I will call Gen Web general also.