Retirement Identification Card, How Did It Make You Feel When Issued?

2014-12-29T22:45:57-05:00

I recently obtained my Blue Identification Card(United States Uniformed Services/U.S. Army Retired Identification Card-DD Form 2). It's hard to believe, after 25 years I have one. The NEXT TIME I RENEW IT IS FEBRUARY 28, 2035. Then for LIFE after that. I have had three ID cards in the Army, the ole green/white with the plate on it with your name, the green one/non-CAC similar to the dependent ID card/retirement and the CAC Card. I thank God, Country and Family for the new phase of my life as I go forward in the future.
"Duty Honor Country. Retired But Still Serving"

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" TSgt Hunter Logan CPT Private RallyPoint Member LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan SFC William Swartz Jr SFC A.M. Drake COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSgt Private RallyPoint Member CPT L S SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Private RallyPoint Member CW5 Charlie Poulton 1SG Private RallyPoint Member MSG Floyd Williams CSM Michael J. Uhlig SGM Mikel Dawson CH (MAJ) William Beaver [~305380:CSM Charles Hayden

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 29 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-12-29T22:47:52-05:00

Bittersweet. I wasn't done, but God (and my body) disagreed. How goes the retirement brother?

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Dec 29 at 2014 10:50 PM

2014-12-29T22:50:15-05:00

I'm loving mine.... Feels great.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 11:10 PM

2014-12-29T23:10:22-05:00

I don't want one!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 11:23 PM

2014-12-29T23:23:35-05:00

I had mixed emotions when I received my blue ID card. I was ecstatic that I had finally retired, and sad that I'd no longer get to do all the stuff (esp. the hard stuff) that I loved to do and that I'd no longer lead Soldiers. I was also unsure about retiring, but was relieved when I finally did. So, yeah - big ol' mixed bag...

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 29 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-12-29T23:21:34-05:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I will let you know just as soon as I get my hot little hands on it! I am looking forward to the "retired" license plate. Every time I see one, I think, little closer! I will miss my times in when they are gone though.

Thanks for your service.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Dec 29 at 2014 11:41 PM

2014-12-29T23:41:36-05:00

I have a DAVPERM ID card. For me it was a relief to know I have benefits that I can use when necessary and they can/will improve life for me

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 30 at 2014 12:08 AM

2014-12-30T00:08:40-05:00

You'll like that bad boy even better, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, when you slap it down at the doctor's office!

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Dec 30 at 2014 1:06 AM

2014-12-30T01:06:54-05:00

I'm with SFC Mark Merino. I wasn't done but my body was and DA said if you can't be Infantry anymore you have to go. Just as well. As I have no desire to be anything else. I love mine tho

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Dec 30 at 2014 4:43 AM

2014-12-30T04:43:36-05:00

It was a two stage process... first an immense sense of pride of accomplishment. I agree with TSgt Hall. The INDEF moniker meant something. Something along the lines of, I'm part of this family until I die and no one can take it from me. That's the good.

The less great bit was recognizing the difference in demeanor when I presented my retired ID on base the first few times. ORFs are treated with a weird combination of respect and contempt. You are definitely not a priority customer for base services anymore.

Not complaining...just observing. Overall its great to be an ORF!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:44 AM

2014-12-30T04:44:52-05:00

I wish I knew. I think! lol.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:45 AM

2014-12-30T04:45:49-05:00

I bet you felt amazing and deservingly so...imagine if you had your first one still, you could frame them side by side. Congrats, you earned it

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Dec 30 at 2014 7:12 AM

2014-12-30T07:12:24-05:00

2035.....hell we would all be in heaven by then! Lol!

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Dec 30 at 2014 7:24 AM

2014-12-30T07:24:49-05:00

Congratulations! When I received mine in Oct 2011 it was with a sense of pride and achievement, then a wave of "wow, what am I going to do next" :) I work for the Department of the Navy now and have a CAC once again, so I can use either for access to the base. Depending on how much of a boost I need to hear, "Thank you, MSgt" pretty much decides which one I use :D

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Dec 30 at 2014 7:35 AM

2014-12-30T07:35:52-05:00

Congrats SFC Davis! Got mine over 10 years ago, "Never Leave Home Without it!" - Best card in my wallet! Next to my bronze plated Life Membership to the Special Forces Association and my bronze Legacy VFW Bronze plated card!!!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-12-30T12:31:11-05:00

I'll let you know next year, but after 29 years of active duty I can tell you I am not looking forward to leaving what I love!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-12-30T13:47:42-05:00

You just got it, and you are rubbing it in aint ya :p

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 9 at 2015 11:01 PM

2015-01-09T23:01:09-05:00

Congrats and welcome to the club.

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made Jan 10 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-01-10T12:36:24-05:00

I did not get that blue card. But as part of my separation, the Army gave me the brown card. I'm able to use the MWR for two years. Giving up the CAC card and the uniform was like ripping a scab off, emotionally. The Army was not a job for me, it was my way of life. It was my chosen path. Now, I have a new one.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 9 at 2015 8:26 AM

2015-04-09T08:26:53-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL , first off welcome to the club!

When I got my own blue card I felt like running the base naked screaming "FREE!!!"

In all seriousness it was one of the greatest days of my life. Right up there with getting my DD214, getting married, and the birth of my daughter.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 9 at 2015 10:57 PM

2015-04-09T22:57:57-04:00

Congrats! Long time coming!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 10 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-04-10T17:00:51-04:00

I am looking at something like 325 day, 8 hours, 59 minutes until I convert to the BLUE CARD. I am looking forward to it...but also a bit uneasy as it has been a pretty good life. I just got an offer on my house, so the last few months of my military duty will be housed in my camper. Probably send the wife/daughter ahead and set up advanced camp until I can join them..... of course, now we have to decide WHERE that will be!!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 10 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-04-10T17:38:00-04:00

I was happy and excited when it picked it up. Felt like I'd finished 1st place in a race. Finally, I had made it. Once the dust settled and it dawned on me that the card meant for the Army for real, some of the wind came out of my sail and I was unsettled. I didn't know what to feel.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 10 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-04-10T17:43:43-04:00

I made it, I ran a marathon and finished. I am free........... FREEDOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

Response by SFC Douglas Davis made Apr 10 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-04-10T19:05:35-04:00

It was a bittersweet day knowing that I would no longer lead. But on the other hand my battered body said a huge Thank You. Heading toward my 18th year of retirement I was home for my kids in High School and enjoy everyday.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Apr 10 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-04-10T19:26:53-04:00

Any man or woman who Honorably gives his/her entire life defending our Constitution, therefore protecting our Freedoms.. Should feel DAMN Proud of him or her Self when receiving this Identification Card.. I, for one, sincerely appreciate the sacrifices made for our freedoms, and I know it does NOT come cheap !! Blessings to you SFC Davis Jr.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 10 at 2015 7:33 PM

2015-04-10T19:33:51-04:00

Let me give you a better response. My career became a spiritual journey and it was an important venue to grow with maturity and a sense of right and wrong. It was not easy with 3 deployments in different capacities but the desert was the same. I did what I had to do because it was my job, and one of my jobs was taking care of my soldiers, giving them the best chance to succeed. Maybe even changing their lives or outlook on life and balancing the needs of the army to deeds or misdeeds of the soldiers. My career helped define who I was professionally and personally. It was like marching on sand and juggling glass balls and you can't drop, or telling the truth when it was not the right answer. The career was a marathon for thousands of miles and many years. All these events were swirling within me, but when I retired, it disappeared and I could say I ran the marathon and won in my own way. It became truly a feeling of freedom gives me time to find out how to finish well in my older years, and the satisfaction I did what was right for the army and for the soldiers. Congratulations on your retirement, you earned it.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 10 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-04-10T20:22:09-04:00

Well, I couldn't talk too much smack about old retirees in the commissary anymore...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-04-10T22:39:39-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Congratulations. Receiving the card made me sad...that'll I never have to see another "high and tight" haircut! Truthfully though, I didn't think much of it. My time in service was about serving and leading those with whom I have served. The card represents a passing of the torch, another nameless face that will now focus forward while supporting those that still serve. Enjoy your future; live life on your terms and thank you for your service to this great nation!

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Apr 11 at 2015 1:58 AM

2015-04-11T01:58:45-04:00

I began serving in 1984 as a college student and commissioned into AC in 1986. I transferred from AC to RC in 1995. It was a rough transition, as I went from one job to two. I transferred from Active Reserves to Retired Reserves in 2013. I instantly missed the camaraderie, but gained back much needed family time and began volunteering. I will remain a Retired Reservist until 2024. I admire your situation and wish you and easy transition. Good luck finding enough time to do what you want to do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 5:57 AM

2015-04-11T05:57:14-04:00

Thank you for your serving. Anyone that lasts 20+ deserves kudos.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Apr 11 at 2015 6:30 AM

2015-04-11T06:30:56-04:00

I was more than ready and partly due to the body thing, but mostly because I didn't like the direction the Navy was going at the time. It's less of a Navy than when I had first enlisted.

How did I feel when I got my blue card? To quote the great, immortal Martin Luther King, Jr...

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, free at last!" And I did say that to my wife who rolled her eyes because she wasn't ready for my retirement.

But I did feel very accomplished at the end. I have absolutely no regrets regarding my service other than I would have liked to have been a Marine, but a medical condition disqualified me from that branch of service.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 11 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-04-11T09:47:48-04:00

Congratulations SFC Davis!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-04-11T10:14:11-04:00

I received my "pink" USAR retirement card. Will get my blue one next year. For me it was that bitter/sweat feeling of I've made my goal, now what? I odn't care who you are - Reserve / Active, getting that card really says something!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 11 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-04-11T11:02:16-04:00

Tired. And as always the picture looked the same as the ones you see on the wall in the Post Office.

The one that had me bittersweet was the VA disability determination. I just didn't like the D-Word.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 12 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-04-12T11:29:50-04:00

Odd... Sad... Excited... End of an era, and start of new chapter.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-04-15T15:02:32-04:00

I can't wait will be 24 years in 1 year 7 months and three days. Countdown there's an app for that. This is not the same animal i joins all those years ago. I am a dinasour.

Response by LCDR Robert Turner made Jul 7 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-07-07T22:25:43-04:00

Mine was a right of passage within my family since my father (TSGT USAF with Korean and Vietnam war experience) and my brother (RM1 USCG) holding theirs before me. It garners respect when shown and it feels good knowing the work it took to earn it.

Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Jul 7 at 2015 10:44 PM

2015-07-07T22:44:59-04:00

As ready as I was to retire, it was still a "Wow" moment for me. It was a milestone completing a career I wanted and something I'll never regret. Always will be proud I served.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-07-08T14:42:55-04:00

Finishing a marathon, when at times, accomplishing the goal felt doubtful.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Jul 8 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-07-08T18:46:03-04:00

When I got mine, I felt nervous because this was the last military ID I would have, excited because I am a part of an even smaller percentage of the military, and a little sad

Response by CPO Gregory Smith made Jul 8 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-07-08T19:47:02-04:00

Being in the military isn't just what we do its who we are. Leaving the Navy was one of the hardest things I ever had to do but it was the right decision for my family. I retired in 2013 and it still feels weird. It's a good weird but still weird.

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Jul 8 at 2015 8:16 PM

2015-07-08T20:16:00-04:00

Can't wait to my day comes.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 8 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-07-08T22:05:43-04:00

Old!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 9 at 2015 3:03 AM

2015-07-09T03:03:38-04:00

Substitute DD214 for my blue ID:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKSNpPQlJs8

Getting your DD-214

A great representation of what it feels like when your military contract is up. http://www.gruntstyle.com/

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 9 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-07-09T15:09:05-04:00

Sweet indeed!

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Jul 9 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-07-09T15:11:49-04:00

Nice

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-07-09T15:24:02-04:00

While I am very happy to have my retirement pay and privileges, and proud to be a Soldier for life. I believe that military retirees should retain a CAC card and basic access to AKO/DKO ((or whatever they are going to call it. The main reason is that they are still a component of the military (retired reserve) and subject to mobilization. They should have access to online/correspondence courses. They shouldn't be that expensive to produce. If necessary, they can be vetted with the same basic security check that all people entering the service get. (After 20 honorable years of service that shouldn't be difficult or expensive) As SFC Davis said "retired but still serving"

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Jul 9 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-07-09T19:09:25-04:00

A little useless, believe it or not...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 6 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-12-06T15:03:52-05:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I am still looking forward to actually receiving my retired ID Card which I expect will be issued in october 2016 when I turn 60. Congress did not modify the law which reduces retirement age by 90 days for every 90 days of qualifying mobilization for reserve and NG military personnel from after January 2008. I had been hopeful that those of us who were mobilized soon after 9-11-2001 would have received retirement credit for our service.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Dec 6 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-12-06T15:11:08-05:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Because I went in at such a young age of 17, I was still pretty young after putting in 37 consecutive years, so I've had the "pink" USAR retirement card now since February 2012. I won't get the BLUE one until I hit the age of 60 in October 2017 (had to wait 5 years in the gray area). When that day comes it will be a great thing to have reached the final goal in my military service - My service has been made up of active duty, guard and reserves, along with deplyoments and humaniitarin missions. Now I'm helping veterans and those two things together will be awesome! I will help veterans now for the rest of my days on this earth! Congratulations Joe on your service!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 6 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-12-06T21:04:46-05:00

CONGRATS Brother!! I'm in the middle of getting my retirement package ready to go in. This coming year, I will get myself one of those as well!! I look at myself and I think 60?!! How did I get that old, but somehow I did. Looking forward to get what I worked so hard to get!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-12-06T21:07:54-05:00

Didn't get mine until I was 60. It felt good to be recognized as a real retired person.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 8 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-12-08T14:59:14-05:00

I felt like that soldier on an arduous journey with one knee on the ground an a heavy ruck on my back, looking at the finish line. I had to cross the finish line regardless of my condition.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 5 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-01-05T15:11:58-05:00

At that point in my life great!