Posted on May 31, 2022
When I retired, my squadron was in between splitting into two sections and nothing much was done for Retirees. How can I get an MSM?
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I never got the Recognition for 24 years of service n I’d like to get an MSM award retroactive for my dedication to the USAF. How or who can authorize an MSM Award?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Awards
Retirement Awards
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 5
That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. Retirement, PCS and ETS awards, according to the Army, are not automatic. The Air Force probably has the same thing going on.
If you went thru a retirement ceremony but never received an award for retirement, then your last command is at the core of this. Depending on WHEN you retired, no one you served with may even be in the unit....and possibly retired as well.
For the Army, the approving authority for an MSM is the first General Officer within the Chain of Command. The AF may have the same rules but you should look into the AFI for awards.
Also, there is no way you could write up your own retroactive retirement award and submit it for approval. That dog just won't hunt. That dog wouldn't even be able to get off the porch.
If you went thru a retirement ceremony but never received an award for retirement, then your last command is at the core of this. Depending on WHEN you retired, no one you served with may even be in the unit....and possibly retired as well.
For the Army, the approving authority for an MSM is the first General Officer within the Chain of Command. The AF may have the same rules but you should look into the AFI for awards.
Also, there is no way you could write up your own retroactive retirement award and submit it for approval. That dog just won't hunt. That dog wouldn't even be able to get off the porch.
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LTC Stephen Conway
This is different than an upgrade of a combat award from a bronze star to Silver Star two distinguished service cross? In the past they race them for African-Americans and minorities who were ripped off in the Korean War and World War II. Would this be a presidential commission or the Pentagon review? I haven't followed how those were upgraded over the years? I know it's unrelated to this person wanting a meritorious service medal. I put mine in 6 months before I retired and it had to be edited by my G3 a couple times before the general would sign it. Thank you for letting us know what the procedure is
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LTC Stephen Conway
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
Yes, this was a total different topic. I just wanted to know for my own knowledge. I don't have a combat award but I was just trying to figure out who is the adjudicating authority would be other than let's say the president of the United States who commissions of panel to review cases?
Yes, this was a total different topic. I just wanted to know for my own knowledge. I don't have a combat award but I was just trying to figure out who is the adjudicating authority would be other than let's say the president of the United States who commissions of panel to review cases?
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MSG (Join to see)
LTC Stephen Conway - Normally, it is the SECDEF for reviewing/approving retroactive awards/badges. I'm paraphrasing/thinking, that is. I'd have to dig into 600-8-22 for detailed clarification.
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Did you get ANY award? Or did you receive a Commendation Medal and just don't like it?
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MSG (Join to see)
Thinking the OP feels the given award that was downgraded was not right and should have been given an MSM.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
MSG (Join to see) - Hell, I feel like my MSM should have been an LOM, but awards don't run on feelings... /SHRUG
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MSG (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun - Hell, it only took me 3-4 units (two of which I was the Detachment Sergeant) and 2 deployments to finally get my 1st MSM out of 3 attempts.
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Sad that some Chiefs don’t like to write Awards or if you’re not one of their favorites you can’t get an MSM. That was my case as I had back surgery during my last few years in the AF before I retired. So I was out of work a lot n wasn’t into doing Squadron things like being on the Commander Soft Ball Team. Anyway I had ask for an MSM but the Old Chief said no and down graded it to an Accommodation Award telling me that just serving in the AF for 24 years , and he didn’t take into account my clean record , he said MSM are not given out like that.
Once I retired I’ve meet up with a lot of AF retirees that got MSM.
Who can I get to change my Accommodation to a MSM?
Once I retired I’ve meet up with a lot of AF retirees that got MSM.
Who can I get to change my Accommodation to a MSM?
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SMSgt Anil Heendeniya
MSgt Robert Brengle
You're a senior NCO and you don't know that what you have is called an "Air Force Commendation Medal"? (Hint: READ your certificate and citation!). Then again, it may really be an accomodation for your whining. It all just comes off as sour grapes and a lack of knowledge about the process and the requirements for an MSM. Your lack of understanding about awards and decs is unbecoming and disappointing for a "senior" NCO.
Walk away and be happy you "served".
You're a senior NCO and you don't know that what you have is called an "Air Force Commendation Medal"? (Hint: READ your certificate and citation!). Then again, it may really be an accomodation for your whining. It all just comes off as sour grapes and a lack of knowledge about the process and the requirements for an MSM. Your lack of understanding about awards and decs is unbecoming and disappointing for a "senior" NCO.
Walk away and be happy you "served".
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