Posted on Jul 14, 2014
What does your final orders (retirement) mean to you? When you cross your finish line and take that final knee?
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As told on my final military orders:
You are released from active duty and, on the date following, placed on the
retired list . The people of the United States express their thanks and
gratitude for your faithful service. Your contributions to the defense of the
United States of America are greatly appreciated. On date placed on the retired
list ...............etc,etc
To me I can't describe 25 years of duty but in three words as quoted by the legendary General of the Army Douglas MacArthur " Duty, Honor and Country" my duty to my country. It's what I truly believed in as a Soldier!
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Army/USMA/MacArthur/1962_speech_to_the_Corps.html
You are released from active duty and, on the date following, placed on the
retired list . The people of the United States express their thanks and
gratitude for your faithful service. Your contributions to the defense of the
United States of America are greatly appreciated. On date placed on the retired
list ...............etc,etc
To me I can't describe 25 years of duty but in three words as quoted by the legendary General of the Army Douglas MacArthur " Duty, Honor and Country" my duty to my country. It's what I truly believed in as a Soldier!
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Army/USMA/MacArthur/1962_speech_to_the_Corps.html
Posted in these groups: 
Military service
Military service
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 27
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I look forward to my final orders SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL which should arrive in about six months. Those orders will enable me and my wife to turn in our retired reserve ID cards and be able to have pictures taken for our initial Blue gray retired ID card which will be replaced for the final ID card which is issued at age 65 coincident with the Medicare requirements when we must elect Medicare Part B coverage and move to TRICARE for Life coverage.
[Update 7/7/2017] FYI, I finally retired on 10/9/2016 and received my first DFAS military retirement payment at the end of October 2016.
I was able to get my Blue United States Uniformed Services ID card issued on October 8, 2016 from the Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base which is the home base of the West Virginia Air National Guard 167th Airlift Wing located at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, 4 miles south of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
The Active duty bases would not issue my Retirement ID card or my wife's until the business day after my birthday which would have been October 11, 2016.
If you are reserve or national Guard I recommend you get your retired ID card from a National Guard base since they understand the reserve processes unlike many active duty bases.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC John Shaw LTC John Mohor LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. MSG(P) (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas CPT Gabe Snell SFC William Farrell SGT Michael Thorin SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon SSG William Wall MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher CraynePO2 Harold AshtonMAJ John RolleysonSgt Trevor Barrett
[Update 7/7/2017] FYI, I finally retired on 10/9/2016 and received my first DFAS military retirement payment at the end of October 2016.
I was able to get my Blue United States Uniformed Services ID card issued on October 8, 2016 from the Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base which is the home base of the West Virginia Air National Guard 167th Airlift Wing located at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, 4 miles south of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
The Active duty bases would not issue my Retirement ID card or my wife's until the business day after my birthday which would have been October 11, 2016.
If you are reserve or national Guard I recommend you get your retired ID card from a National Guard base since they understand the reserve processes unlike many active duty bases.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC John Shaw LTC John Mohor LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. MSG(P) (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas CPT Gabe Snell SFC William Farrell SGT Michael Thorin SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon SSG William Wall MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher CraynePO2 Harold AshtonMAJ John RolleysonSgt Trevor Barrett
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Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth - David, there is a form of service called the State Guard. It is authorized by Title 32 of the US Code. About twenty states have active State Guards. The three big ones are NY, TX, and CA. GA also has an active State Guard; I had an Uncle (since passed) who served in it. He was my inspiration.
The State Guard does not pay (except for paid State Orders). The service requirements are one day per month, eight hours, plus a miscellaneous amount of time that totals up to 200 hours per year. I joined the CA State Guard (CASG, formerly known as the CA State Reserve, or CSMR). Because I retired as a Lt Col, they took me in as a (CA) Lt Col. I was subsequently promoted to (CA) [full] Colonel, and finally got to wear eagles. My duties were as the Deputy Commander of a Brigade (AF Wing-level-equivalent) like unit. I served as the acting Commander several times. Hands down, that was the best military assignment I ever had.
I recommend you look into it, in your State.
The State Guard does not pay (except for paid State Orders). The service requirements are one day per month, eight hours, plus a miscellaneous amount of time that totals up to 200 hours per year. I joined the CA State Guard (CASG, formerly known as the CA State Reserve, or CSMR). Because I retired as a Lt Col, they took me in as a (CA) Lt Col. I was subsequently promoted to (CA) [full] Colonel, and finally got to wear eagles. My duties were as the Deputy Commander of a Brigade (AF Wing-level-equivalent) like unit. I served as the acting Commander several times. Hands down, that was the best military assignment I ever had.
I recommend you look into it, in your State.
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CDR Tom Davy
SCPO Morris Ramsey - Please look again, TRICARE for Life (TFL) is our "benefit" once we are eligible for MEDICARE. You will lose most of your medical benefits. TRICARE will cease to be your primary health insurance. You probably won't be able to have your Primary Care Physician at a military medical treatment facility.
There was a time when we truly had medical care for our wife and us for life - those days are gone. By the time we are 65, TFL will be different, so I won't give details except that retirees need to robustly monitor their benefits. There are numerous TFL/MEDICARE supplemental insurance programs from many organizations. I'm a retired Medical Service Corps officer and will do and publish my research with recommendations in the years to come.
There was a time when we truly had medical care for our wife and us for life - those days are gone. By the time we are 65, TFL will be different, so I won't give details except that retirees need to robustly monitor their benefits. There are numerous TFL/MEDICARE supplemental insurance programs from many organizations. I'm a retired Medical Service Corps officer and will do and publish my research with recommendations in the years to come.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
I did not feel like I crossed a finish line or took a knee. I do feel like I reached ORP, but the mission is still active. No wars or battle have been won yet. There is much more in front of me than behind me...God's will be done...and I am excited to see what is still in front of me.
I did not feel like I crossed a finish line or took a knee. I do feel like I reached ORP, but the mission is still active. No wars or battle have been won yet. There is much more in front of me than behind me...God's will be done...and I am excited to see what is still in front of me.
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I can't help. Whenever I see that this picture this is what I am thinking of.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
Every good Christian knows Jesus was a Ranger CPT (Join to see). That's why I used to date exclusively Rangers.
But then I learned that just because they are a Ranger does not mean they are like Jesus.
:)
But then I learned that just because they are a Ranger does not mean they are like Jesus.
:)
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CPT (Join to see)
True. Just like Moses. He was a land nav no-go and never got his tab or made it to the promise land. SSG V. Michelle Woods
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SSG (Join to see)
25 Years of service where some cannot complete one year. SFC Davis outstanding job and it was great serving with you. Multiple deployment and multiple change throughout the army itself. Retiring out the army means being bless by the man above.
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MSG Brad Sand
CPT (Join to see)
As an actual historical fact, Jesus was a Mista'arvim (IDF officer specifically trained to operate undercover, in enemy territory, in order to assassinate or capture wanted terrorists member). He just took his mission to the next level, converting the enemy and making them leaders in the Kingdom. We all should take a page from his FM.
As an actual historical fact, Jesus was a Mista'arvim (IDF officer specifically trained to operate undercover, in enemy territory, in order to assassinate or capture wanted terrorists member). He just took his mission to the next level, converting the enemy and making them leaders in the Kingdom. We all should take a page from his FM.
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That I did my duty for my country, and hopefully helped make it a safer place to live.
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An old question that seems to have popped up again SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL so you'll get my experience. I enlisted on my 17th birthday, too young indeed. I had a lot to learn and I learned some things pretty quickly, a couple miles south of the Korean DMZ and then at 18 in Vietnam. I had originally planned on making active duty a career but after being stationed overseas for two and a half years, stateside duty didn't come easy for me. I couldn't wait to get out. Then i saw an ad for an early release (3 months) to serve a year in the Reserves. I grabbed the opportunity!
I joined a Military Police unit as I was applying for NYPD and figured it would be good experience for me. Once again i thought Id do my required year and get out. My father and future father in law, both WWII vets told me to stay in and I kept on saying no, I'm getting out. I realized I was having so much fun and gaining valuable experiences at meetings and assignments, I kept on reenlisting. Before I knew it i had about 26 years in. I've met some great people, Ive been around the world with the reserves and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. When I received order to the Retired reserve it was bittersweet as I wouldn't have these experiences anymore and then Id still have to wait till I turned 60 to start collecting. Well that time was three years ago and the retirement check is nice. We also live five minutes from Naval Station Newport so my wife and I use the facilities there and I actually worked for the Navy and Air Force on the base for eight years. My only regret was I did not deploy with my Military Police unit to the first gulf war as I had left them when I moved to Rhode Island. I did my best to get activated but it did not happen.
I am a proud soldier and would be happy to serve all over again if they'd let me. There are a few things I would change but thats another story.
I joined a Military Police unit as I was applying for NYPD and figured it would be good experience for me. Once again i thought Id do my required year and get out. My father and future father in law, both WWII vets told me to stay in and I kept on saying no, I'm getting out. I realized I was having so much fun and gaining valuable experiences at meetings and assignments, I kept on reenlisting. Before I knew it i had about 26 years in. I've met some great people, Ive been around the world with the reserves and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. When I received order to the Retired reserve it was bittersweet as I wouldn't have these experiences anymore and then Id still have to wait till I turned 60 to start collecting. Well that time was three years ago and the retirement check is nice. We also live five minutes from Naval Station Newport so my wife and I use the facilities there and I actually worked for the Navy and Air Force on the base for eight years. My only regret was I did not deploy with my Military Police unit to the first gulf war as I had left them when I moved to Rhode Island. I did my best to get activated but it did not happen.
I am a proud soldier and would be happy to serve all over again if they'd let me. There are a few things I would change but thats another story.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC William Farrell thank you for your response, and know I am so glad you have share it with me. I really do appreciate it my friend.
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First thought was a feeling of remorse, I wanted to stay longer in a different role than submarines, however my a secondary to probable herniated nuleus pulposa and a PEB thought differently.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL For me it meant that I made room for others to excel and move up in rank, I completed the mission I set out to achieve, I hung up the uniform for the last time, and now it was time to start a new career in helping veterans for the rest of my life! Respect Brother - always!
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The Only Time that an Enlisted Man will be Rendered Bells and Whistles when departing the Ship. I was Told that there was almost a Knock Down Drag out in 1st Div on who would have the Honor of Ringing CTO1 over the Side. It was something very different. It was a True Honor as "Senior Spook on the Pier" that plenty of the Intel Weenies from the other ships showed up. I ended my Speech with a Radio Check, No Response Received, "Arkansas Out".
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
They rang me over the side just before the ship made it's last cruise before it was Decommissioned. CTO1 and CGN-41 out of the game pretty much at the same time.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel thank you for your honored service. I love Navy Retirements, they are exceptional.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - The Only Time I Did a Radio Check an No One Answered and My Fellow Naval Communicators Knew that Is How I wanted It. I will always be a Naval Communicator and Spook!
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Wow, it really hit me. As a Reserve guy I don't get my retirement until I turn 60 (next month). Last December as I was preparing my packet, it really hit me. But then the end of Feb I got the "official" order and notification of retirement, I tell you, if I'd been at a VFW, I'd have bought the house a round! I looked back and thought about all the crap (not only from the military) I've put up getting to and from drill. All the cold nights I spent sitting in an unheated train stop for hours waiting on a train, the class reunions and family events missed, girl friends getting disappointed because I wouldn't call in sick, all the unpaid hours and weekends I've spend doing Army stuff, the worries about trying to get my business back together after a deployment. I've thought about it all and yes crossing that finish line was FANTASTIC. And yes, if I had to do it all over again, knowing what I know now, yea, I'd do it all over again. All you guys who've crossed that line - know what I mean. To all you guys who are on the line, wondering if you'll continue - GO FOR IT!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGM Mikel Dawson congrats and well deserved. What a arduous journey. It paid off! Thanks for sharing your honored response.
LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan MAJ Ken Landgren CSM Charles Hayden CW5 Charlie Poulton CW5 (Join to see)
LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan MAJ Ken Landgren CSM Charles Hayden CW5 Charlie Poulton CW5 (Join to see)
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CSM Charles Hayden
SGM Mikel Dawson Thank you for your service SGM! The details you described are so familiar. Few people know the real price paid for that 20 year letter and that first paycheck!
TriCare for Life works in Denmark? Chuck
TriCare for Life works in Denmark? Chuck
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SGM Mikel Dawson
CSM Charles Hayden - I won't need TriCare for Life here as I pay taxes and am covered by the Danish healthcare system. I do question myself if I need to register for it, just in case someday I might move back to the States. I am going to look into the prescription part as here I do have to pay for drugs, so the wife and I might as well get something. I'll contact the Embassy (in Norway) and hear what they say.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
CPT L S - No, still U.S., but because I am married to a Dane and PAY LOTS OF TAXES, I get health care. When I first came the "system" was pretty good, but now they are scrambling to find money to keep stuff going. Here a few years ago they went through a round of hospital closures. Now just last week I heard on the radio they are closing another one south of me because the local government can't find the money to keep it open.
About 6 years ago my wife was having back problems. Her doc kept giving her pills instead of really finding out. She had to really push to get an MRI which showed two collapsed disks in her back. They didn't want to send her because of the cost. The system reminds me a lot of the VA in many respects. You get classified in order to get stuff done. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it's real slow. I have no choice as to which doctor I go to, I'm assigned a doc near where I am. I really don't care as i don't use it much.
Everyone is up on the Danish health care during this election. It's like everything else, there's good and bad to all. I've got a customer who's a care giver in the social services system, she's pissed because services are being cut to the older people, yet "they" can give free money, housing to all the immigrants wanting it. We pay for our dental and drugs. I've only used the system a couple times. I had to laugh the last time, i got kicked by a horse and was into the emergency room. When i went to the desk the lady asked me if I'd called in and made an appointment? I looked shocked and replied, "No, the horse made no appointment when he kicked me" The lady had no sense of humor. First time I ever heard of making an appointment for the emergency room.
About 6 years ago my wife was having back problems. Her doc kept giving her pills instead of really finding out. She had to really push to get an MRI which showed two collapsed disks in her back. They didn't want to send her because of the cost. The system reminds me a lot of the VA in many respects. You get classified in order to get stuff done. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it's real slow. I have no choice as to which doctor I go to, I'm assigned a doc near where I am. I really don't care as i don't use it much.
Everyone is up on the Danish health care during this election. It's like everything else, there's good and bad to all. I've got a customer who's a care giver in the social services system, she's pissed because services are being cut to the older people, yet "they" can give free money, housing to all the immigrants wanting it. We pay for our dental and drugs. I've only used the system a couple times. I had to laugh the last time, i got kicked by a horse and was into the emergency room. When i went to the desk the lady asked me if I'd called in and made an appointment? I looked shocked and replied, "No, the horse made no appointment when he kicked me" The lady had no sense of humor. First time I ever heard of making an appointment for the emergency room.
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I have run the race and finished, time to pay back all the sacrifices made for me to finish.
26 years and I our it all to my family who stood behind me
26 years and I our it all to my family who stood behind me
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
I can't wait to experience that other part of me, patiently bleeding for my family after all these years.
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