What Was Your First Big Purchase After Separating or Retiring?

2022-05-09T18:37:47-04:00

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Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 9 at 2022 6:47 PM

2022-05-09T18:47:05-04:00

My first big purchase was a computer. I separated from Army via Green-to-Gold and needed a high end machine as a college student / ROTC cadet.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made May 9 at 2022 6:57 PM

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A home on acreage in a rural area 40 minutes from OKC

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made May 9 at 2022 7:34 PM

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A used Harley 1200 Sportster.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2022 8:06 PM

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A 1970 GTO!

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made May 9 at 2022 8:27 PM

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The tuition to DeVry University (formerly known as DeVry Institute of Technology when I attended) to kick off my education to get my degree in electronics engineering. That first tri-semester took almost all I saved the last year I was in the Marines. After I got it all going I stashed my GI Bill payments to pay for subsequent tri-mesters.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made May 10 at 2022 10:03 AM

2022-05-10T10:03:30-04:00

First big purchase I made was a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house on 1 3/4 acres for $98,000, 30 minutes from my hometown of Ashland Kentucky. Second big purchase was a new Chevy Express Limited SE conversion van for traveling.

Response by SPC John Tsutsui made May 10 at 2022 5:06 PM

2022-05-10T17:06:31-04:00

A $75,000 home for my family. $75k was the max I could borrow under the terms of the "Cal Vet" Loan Program.

Response by COL Bill Gross made May 11 at 2022 12:25 PM

2022-05-11T12:25:34-04:00

Joined the Army Reserves after Vietnam. One of the officers in our unit relied on his Reserve Pay to cover regular expenses. He failed to keep up with his Mil Education requirements and lost the Reserve job. At that point I had my reserve pay go into my savings account. Built up a nice little amount. When i retired it went to the purchase of a Porsche Boxster.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 4:04 PM

2022-05-11T16:04:09-04:00

My first home... paid $13,500.00 for it in 1972 & sold it for $25,000.00 in 1977. Payments were $112.93 a month... 8% interest rate.

Response by PFC Valerie Butler made May 11 at 2022 5:53 PM

2022-05-11T17:53:53-04:00

My first purchase was a car seat and lots of baby items! I was pregnant with my son.

Response by SPC Sean Neeld made May 11 at 2022 5:55 PM

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A car. Had to get transportation to look for employment and to get to college to use my GI Bill before it ran out.

Response by SSG Troy Frederick made May 11 at 2022 5:56 PM

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Purchased a new home

Response by CW3 Paul Smulian made May 11 at 2022 6:00 PM

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Once I retired from the Army in 1994 I joined the Government workforce as a Government Civilian and I traded in my Ford Festiva (Back seat was optional and I didn't get one) for a brand new Honda Accord Touring edition. It was so nice to finally drive a nice car. I was able to finally not live month to month after 20 years and going out to dinner was now a possibility.

Response by MSgt Chris Pennington made May 11 at 2022 6:02 PM

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A house

Response by PO2 Norma Beasley made May 11 at 2022 6:05 PM

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First big purchase was a house.

Response by Sgt Richard Hammett made May 11 at 2022 6:07 PM

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Brand New fully loaded Quad cab Dodge Ram 1500 Truck. Man I miss that bad boy

Response by PO2 Dan Carlow made May 11 at 2022 6:08 PM

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1st house

Response by PO2 Christine Blackstad made May 11 at 2022 6:08 PM

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A new house.

Response by PO2 Lawrence Smith made May 11 at 2022 6:09 PM

2022-05-11T18:09:04-04:00

My first big purchase was a car which I needed to get to work. A little tough because after 4 years in the Navy I had no credit score. Tough to rent an apartment. Tough to get a minimum amout of furniture., i.e. a bed. Wanted to go back to school but put it off got tired of being spit at and called baby killer. Different times back then.

Response by PO1 Michael Sims made May 11 at 2022 6:16 PM

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New car

Response by PO1 Charles Deitrick made May 11 at 2022 6:18 PM

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A new vehicle

Response by SGT Ramon A. Valentin Torres made May 11 at 2022 6:20 PM

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Pay the Attorney fee for Divorce

Response by SPC David Gibson made May 11 at 2022 6:22 PM

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My first purchase after getting home from Vietnam was a Honda 500cc bike. It was a beauty and took me many places!

Response by CPO Phyllis Moore made May 11 at 2022 6:22 PM

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My first new car. I always could only afford a used one.

Response by PO1 BrendaLee Lennick made May 11 at 2022 6:22 PM

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Coming back to the US to finish retirement paperwork after buying a home sight unseen by myself.

Response by SP5 Michael P made May 11 at 2022 6:22 PM

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Payed off my car.

Response by SSG Archie Martinez made May 11 at 2022 6:23 PM

2022-05-11T18:23:51-04:00

My first big purchase after separating from the military was a house. I had to take advantage of the VA loan benefits, which are to good to pass up.

Response by PFC Charles Saint made May 11 at 2022 6:24 PM

2022-05-11T18:24:27-04:00

First vehicle was given to me by my father. The Santa Fe was my first vehicle I purchased.

Response by CPO Phyllis Moore made May 11 at 2022 6:24 PM

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A brand-new Car! I always was only able to afford a used one.

Response by SSgt Maxx Sabala made May 11 at 2022 6:24 PM

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Wasn't anything too fancy, just a car that own and is my daily driver.

Response by SP5 Carl Morton made May 11 at 2022 6:24 PM

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Got out Jan.19, 1972 in Oakland. Spent a week in San Francisco with my sister then cme home to my parents. Day after I got home I went looking for a car and found a 1967 Red Mustang. Bought it with the money I saved while in Vietnam and I still have it. I also ,while on my second tour, got a letter from my best friend that his uncle wanted to sell 3 acres of land for $900. I had to make a MARS call to get my Mom to use my money and buy the land. I still have the land. I kept $50 a month and sent the rest home. Land and car cost $2150. Not bad for 2 tour in Vietnam.

Response by SA Thomas Thayer made May 11 at 2022 6:28 PM

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car

Response by PV2 Andre Mears made May 11 at 2022 6:30 PM

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THE FIRST THING I DID AFTER RETIRING WAS TO PURCHASE MY FIRST NEW HOOME AND FURNISHED IT AT THE SAME TIME

Response by Cpl Javier Laos made May 11 at 2022 6:31 PM

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The first big purchase was a 2000 BMW 325i. That was a big reward for me after leaving the military

Response by PO3 Philip Sweeting made May 11 at 2022 6:43 PM

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A new house. It cost me $15,000 back in 1972.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 6:46 PM

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Vacations to my island, Puerto Rico

Response by PO1 Herbert Glory made May 11 at 2022 6:49 PM

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Our home.

Response by SSgt Elroy Galvis made May 11 at 2022 6:49 PM

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A fixer upper that we made a home...

Response by PO2 Giavanna Stalling made May 11 at 2022 6:49 PM

2022-05-11T18:49:50-04:00

My first big purchase was used 2009 Mazda, after that a house.

Response by SPC Rob Pineda made May 11 at 2022 6:50 PM

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I bought a Nissan Sentra, brand new. Worst car I ever had!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 6:52 PM

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A bong

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 6:52 PM

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A nice dinner

Response by SP5 Mike Bryant made May 11 at 2022 6:52 PM

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A few years after separation, when I finally secured a decent job and had got married, we were able to purchase our first home together using my GI Bill benefits. I never thought I could be a home owner, but the VA loan with reduced interest rate made it possible!

Response by Maj Shannon Revit made May 11 at 2022 6:53 PM

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A nice array of art supplies so I may encourage myself to spend time articulating emotions onto canvas.

Response by SGT Leonard Goodboe made May 11 at 2022 6:54 PM

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A car

Response by SGT Leonard Goodboe made May 11 at 2022 6:55 PM

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A car

Response by SPC Monico Hernandez made May 11 at 2022 6:55 PM

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I bought my mom a brand new car. She has always been there for me. Her broke down and I didn't want her to spend money knowingly what little money she has. So, I made sure she got a maintenance free vehicle and no or any vehicle payments. She deserves the best.

Response by A1C Amy Anderson made May 11 at 2022 6:56 PM

2022-05-11T18:56:01-04:00

After my separation we were still in Okinawa so nothing. However, when my husband retired we decided to call it quits and be that young couple that retired. We spent $40k on a foreclosure at the lake. Now we spend our days by yelling at people to get off our lawn and going fishing. When we aren't doing that we are volunteering for a disaster relief organization. None of it would have been possible without military retirement.

Response by SFC Lowell Howard made May 11 at 2022 6:56 PM

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House

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 6:57 PM

2022-05-11T18:57:51-04:00

First big purchase was my new build house. Little did I know back in 2019 that having a house would be such a commodity like it is in 2022.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made May 11 at 2022 6:59 PM

2022-05-11T18:59:10-04:00

I bought my House. I looked around for a few years for the best tax breaks And medical.
The job market is is great in this area. I have a relatively good V.A. here and a the Medical university of South Carolina.
I still recommend any one leaving the military to come to Summervile South carolina. The job market is great.

Response by SFC Vernon Williams made May 11 at 2022 6:59 PM

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I brought a new van

Response by SGT Thomas Williams made May 11 at 2022 7:01 PM

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Life sized sex doll

Response by Sgt Michael Tillmon made May 11 at 2022 7:02 PM

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I purchased a 2020 Jeep Wrangler when I retired. It’s was my retirement gift to myself.

Response by SGT Bob Rodenblstt made May 11 at 2022 7:03 PM

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1972 Mustang Grande

Response by PV2 Candace Hull made May 11 at 2022 7:03 PM

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I purchased a dell laptop computer.

Response by CPL Chris De Aguiar made May 11 at 2022 7:04 PM

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A toolbox and a bunch of tools to work for a transportation company as a trailer mechanic.

Response by Sgt Michael Tillmon made May 11 at 2022 7:04 PM

2022-05-11T19:04:49-04:00

I purchased a 2020 Jeep Wrangler when I retired. It was my retirement gift to myself.

Response by SFC Matthew McDonald made May 11 at 2022 7:05 PM

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I purchased a home and BMW for the wife.

Response by TSgt Ken Compton made May 11 at 2022 7:06 PM

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First major purchace after retiring was an F150 Supercab

Response by MSgt Stanley Harrell made May 11 at 2022 7:06 PM

2022-05-11T19:06:28-04:00

I bought a new home, 228 Coliss Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. I lived there for forty years. I moved to the Armed Forces Retirement Home - Washington. I now call home The Armed Forces Retirement Home - Gulfport.

Response by PV2 Danny Brown made May 11 at 2022 7:08 PM

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car & house v.a. home loan

Response by PO2 Richard Vieira made May 11 at 2022 7:08 PM

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I bought a 2nd vehicle so that my wife wouldn't be stuck at home while i traveled to seek employment.

Response by PV2 Danny Brown made May 11 at 2022 7:09 PM

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house & car was my biggest purchase

Response by CN Autumn Bridgman made May 11 at 2022 7:11 PM

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A car for my family

Response by PO3 Matt Smith made May 11 at 2022 7:11 PM

2022-05-11T19:11:19-04:00

A move across the country. I was on a 6 month Med Cruise then we headed to England. I was a few weeks from being discharged. And could have gone back to home port, but like the military often does, they made life interesting and flew me from Heathrow airport in London to Philly. Then two days later, I was discharged, used some leave and flew me back home. I packed up my truck and moved across the country to start my new life.

Response by SPC Cederick Hudson made May 11 at 2022 7:17 PM

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A 2010 Chevey Impala

Response by PO1 James Goldie made May 11 at 2022 7:17 PM

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A house to settle down in. No more deployments! :)

Response by SPC Ruben VonTalge made May 11 at 2022 7:17 PM

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I bought a brand new blue VW..
Unfortunately, 6 months after I got it, it was stolen in the parking lot of a shopping center.

Response by PO2 Jasmire Thomas-White made May 11 at 2022 7:18 PM

2022-05-11T19:18:41-04:00

I bought a house for me and my daughter.

Response by SP5 Craig Hicks made May 11 at 2022 7:22 PM

2022-05-11T19:22:01-04:00

A house, a buddy from the Army & I bought a house.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 7:23 PM

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I lifted truck to attempt to start a new business

Response by SPC Sierra Ybarra made May 11 at 2022 7:25 PM

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A personal loan to rent a Uhaul to move all of my stuff from Washington to Texas. Hotel stays and food expenses.

Response by SPC Gil Valiente made May 11 at 2022 7:28 PM

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While I waited a few years for the right moment I purchased a townhome.

Response by SGT George Ragsdale made May 11 at 2022 7:30 PM

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The first large purchase I made was a trip to Niagara Falls Canada. That was the best way I could relax enjoy life after getting hurt at the USDB prison as a guard and then getting black listed by COC and finally pushed out while on my prime. It did make me feel better at the time but looking back almost twenty years now I would have done things differently. I would have put that money spent on that trip on a house or a vehicle and just relaxed we’re I wanted to be. Way to much money spent wasted and regretted about spending decades later lol.

Response by SPC Jon Wolfe made May 11 at 2022 7:32 PM

2022-05-11T19:32:04-04:00

I got out and immediately purchased a home. No job and over extended for a $160,000 house. But doing much better now.

Response by SPC Lana Puskarich made May 11 at 2022 7:35 PM

2022-05-11T19:35:24-04:00

My first MAJOR purchase after separating from the Army was a Dyson Ball Vacuum cleaner. It costs nearly $1000.00 on SALE!!

I remember thinking how stoked i was to have the top of the line vacuum!!

A bit of a clean freak!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 7:39 PM

2022-05-11T19:39:30-04:00

I purchased a tool kit while going to an automotive tech school to start my career as an automotive technician. Who knew years later I’d still be buying tools and building on my tool bill!!

Response by SP5 Tonya Ramsey-Chandler made May 11 at 2022 7:40 PM

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A mobile home

Response by SGT Nick Lathrom made May 11 at 2022 7:43 PM

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I bought a queen sized tempur pedic bed. I wasn’t playing around with sleeping uncomfortably after separating right after getting back from my second deployment.

Response by SSG Barbara Amey made May 11 at 2022 7:44 PM

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My home, Mar 2004.

Response by LCpl Kenneth O'Day made May 11 at 2022 7:47 PM

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JC Penney stereo system on a brand dandy new JC Penney credit card ...

Response by SFC Emma Gilbert made May 11 at 2022 7:47 PM

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I purchased a 2018 Honda Civic

Response by PV2 Jessica Manning made May 11 at 2022 7:47 PM

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A bed

Response by PFC Kevin Walsh made May 11 at 2022 7:48 PM

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A brand new automobile

Response by PFC Timothy Atreides made May 11 at 2022 7:52 PM

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After I retired, I bought a Ford Fusion

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 7:54 PM

2022-05-11T19:54:41-04:00

I actually didn't make any big purchases after I separated, I couldn't afford anything. It was another 3 years before I bought a new cell phone, laptop, and tablet for school. Of course, my old laptop was almost breaking in half - literally, I had tried to close the lid and forgot I had a pen resting in the joint - at that point, and it was well over 5 years old. I (we) also bought my kids new beds, since we ditched their old beds when we moved to Colorado.

Response by SGT Ary Otero made May 11 at 2022 7:55 PM

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A house and a Suzuki 750

Response by SCPO Karen Lloyd made May 11 at 2022 7:56 PM

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New house in a new state!

Response by PO3 Gw Senteney made May 11 at 2022 7:58 PM

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1966 MGB

Response by SrA Stephanie Coins made May 11 at 2022 7:58 PM

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A house.

Response by PO1 Mike ORourke made May 11 at 2022 8:01 PM

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A used car

Response by PO2 KIm Kay McCarty Martin made May 11 at 2022 8:02 PM

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A car

Response by SGT Terry Smith made May 11 at 2022 8:06 PM

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A TV AND STEREO AS MINE WERE STOLEN IN SHIPMENT FROM VENCENZIA TO MY HOMETOWN.

Response by PO3 Edward-George Rich-Dare II made May 11 at 2022 8:08 PM

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Hahahaaha,,, about 41 years ago, when I stepped off the gangplank to head for my Aunt's car, whom had come from Michigan, to bring me back home and have a short "vacation" stopping along the way at Niagara Fall,s well, the first purchase,, gas, at $1.14 a gallon, !! Was a good day!

Response by LTC Mary Morehouse made May 11 at 2022 8:09 PM

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A new house

Response by LTC Mary Morehouse made May 11 at 2022 8:09 PM

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a new home

Response by SMSgt William Lefebvre Sr. made May 11 at 2022 8:10 PM

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My first big purchase after separating on October 31st 2004 was a full size amateur boxing ring that was 14 ft by 14 ft with three ropes. This was for my new business that I always wanted to do as I started my own Boxing Club after retiring from the Air Force with 32 years. So I named my boxing Club Bantam boxing club and soon became world famous drawing in members from around the world including Japan Canada and Mexico.

Response by SrA George Allen made May 11 at 2022 8:11 PM

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Bought a house

Response by SPC Robin Lucas made May 11 at 2022 8:12 PM

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A house

Response by SFC Jimmy Tavarez made May 11 at 2022 8:13 PM

2022-05-11T20:13:08-04:00

My first big purchase after retirement was our current home.

Response by PVT Sheldon Edwards made May 11 at 2022 8:14 PM

2022-05-11T20:14:02-04:00

Truck

Response by SSgt Steve Pantazis made May 11 at 2022 8:14 PM

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A pet-friendly hotel room to go househunting while starting my first civilian job out of the service. My dog and I got to stay together while I searched for a house to rent. It was my first big expenditure, and I was proud I could afford it.

Response by SN Ryan Kennard made May 11 at 2022 8:15 PM

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A crazy sweet gaming laptop. It's been a great resource for school

Response by SPC Duke Doudna made May 11 at 2022 8:16 PM

2022-05-11T20:16:31-04:00

Tuition to Leeward Community College.

Response by CPT Loren Farmer made May 11 at 2022 8:20 PM

2022-05-11T20:20:06-04:00

My first big purchase was a brand new car all paid for 100% cash as it is hard to spend money in the Middle East!

Response by Sgt Luis Vela made May 11 at 2022 8:21 PM

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I bought a car and rented an apartment

Response by SMSgt Pamela Freed made May 11 at 2022 8:23 PM

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I moved and bought a new house.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 8:26 PM

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A home

Response by Cpl Anthony Dietzler made May 11 at 2022 8:28 PM

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My first big purchase was a divorce lol, followed by movers to move my stuff across the country, and my plane ticket. Worth every penny.

Response by SrA Sherry Dwyer made May 11 at 2022 8:29 PM

2022-05-11T20:29:02-04:00

After I got out of the AF, I bought my first house in Minot, North Dakota. It was an older house in a rural area, but it was mine!

Response by TSgt Teresa Adams made May 11 at 2022 8:32 PM

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a house

Response by SPC Leroy Knox made May 11 at 2022 8:33 PM

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A brand new car!!

Response by TSgt Matthew Brown made May 11 at 2022 8:33 PM

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Bought our first house

Response by A1C Gerald McRorie made May 11 at 2022 8:36 PM

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A college education. Of course, I was married at the time I was discharged and had a wife and son to take care of so I worked full time for the post office. Had four children, a degree and three sons by graduation as well as a job as editor of a weekly newspaper.

Response by CPL Thomas Marcelain made May 11 at 2022 8:36 PM

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A big screen tv and xbox for the kids and I.

Response by Capt Duane Barker made May 11 at 2022 8:38 PM

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A house in Boulder Creek, CA. It had a great view of the valley below and I enjoyed every minute I lived in that home. I got a job at Lockheed Missiles and Space Systems and commutted to Sunnyvale. The beach was close at Santa Cruz and the 200 foot redwoods were closer. A paradise.

Response by Cpl Efren Castillo made May 11 at 2022 8:40 PM

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Kitchenware

Response by PFC Vic Kurzawski made May 11 at 2022 8:40 PM

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A Home in 1986...we did it Pops

Response by SPC Kayla Harmon made May 11 at 2022 8:41 PM

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A car without a job or anything. Big mistake..

Response by LCpl Edward Escobar made May 11 at 2022 8:42 PM

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Used 1970 Chevt Pickup truck.

Response by SP5 Frank M Martinez made May 11 at 2022 8:44 PM

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Specialist 5 Frank M Martinez

When I came back from Vietnam and got out on a early out I went to A&W and bought a Big Grease Burger and ate it in my newly purchased Toyota Corrolla. The Burger finished off my savings I had from Vietnam.

Response by CDR Michelle Webber made May 11 at 2022 8:45 PM

2022-05-11T20:45:56-04:00

Food for the retirement party.

Response by CAPT Gary Cole made May 11 at 2022 8:46 PM

2022-05-11T20:46:27-04:00

We built a house along with RV Garage and car lift.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 8:51 PM

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I bought my first home because I did not want to retire and waste any more money on rent.

Response by PO1 David Bertram made May 11 at 2022 8:51 PM

2022-05-11T20:51:50-04:00

Furniture was needed

Response by SP5 Steven Shimmin made May 11 at 2022 8:54 PM

2022-05-11T20:54:33-04:00

Big Time... A trip to Bogota' Colombia

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 8:56 PM

2022-05-11T20:56:04-04:00

I retired from the military on 3/31/2019 and on 04/01/2019, I closed escrow on a house purchased at $1,250,000. That's a pretty big purchase! It's the best purchase I've ever made, especially since I could no longer qualify for it on the day I closed settlement. Donna Dosik [login to see]

Response by CWO2 Jeff Lehman made May 11 at 2022 8:58 PM

2022-05-11T20:58:16-04:00

I retired as a CWO2 from the Marine Corps in 1998 after 20 years. The first thing I did was purchase 10 acres of land in beautiful southern Indiana, and then built a log home for my wife, daughter and myself. We're still living in it, and just had it restored (20+ years of weathering, insect, and woodpecker damage).

Response by CPL Jason Blackwood made May 11 at 2022 9:00 PM

2022-05-11T21:00:32-04:00

This question was easy. I bought a house with my sign on bonus!

Response by PO2 Alexandra Smith Tussing made May 11 at 2022 9:03 PM

2022-05-11T21:03:01-04:00

A Siberian Husky Puppy

Response by LT Steven Sterry made May 11 at 2022 9:03 PM

2022-05-11T21:03:05-04:00

My first big purchase after discharge from the Navy was a 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible for $3,641.00. It's color was Vermillion, and it came with an 351 Cubic Inch Cleveland Engine. I still have that car and drive it around town. I also have the original build sheet from the factory.

Response by PO2 Todd Russell made May 11 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-05-11T21:04:43-04:00

Bought a used Toyota to drive back to my hometown!

Response by PO3 Duane Bue made May 11 at 2022 9:08 PM

2022-05-11T21:08:05-04:00

A 65’ Catalina convertible

Response by LT Steven Sterry made May 11 at 2022 9:10 PM

2022-05-11T21:10:12-04:00

My first big purchase after my service in the Navy was a 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible. The color of the car is Vermillion, and it sports a Cleveland 351 Cubic Inch Engine. I still have this car in my garage and was able to obtain the original factory build sheet from Ford. I drive the car weekly.

Response by AN Thomas Jones made May 11 at 2022 9:10 PM

2022-05-11T21:10:37-04:00

The first big thing I purchased was some tattoos totalling 2100$

Response by SN Ted Green made May 11 at 2022 9:18 PM

2022-05-11T21:18:02-04:00

A house.

Response by SPC Cynthia Rogers made May 11 at 2022 9:24 PM

2022-05-11T21:24:52-04:00

My husband and I purchased our first house.

Response by GySgt Troy Wiltshire made May 11 at 2022 9:25 PM

2022-05-11T21:25:08-04:00

A new motorhome.

Response by SPC Anthony Neal made May 11 at 2022 9:25 PM

2022-05-11T21:25:25-04:00

Thank you.

Response by SFC Kevin Strakal made May 11 at 2022 9:25 PM

2022-05-11T21:25:52-04:00

My first big purchase was a franchise selling cruises. The price was okay but it was a lot. The reason why it was a big purchase was because I paid cash for the entire franchise. Unfortunately after a few years, the actual company I purchased the franchise from was sited with a court case because they didn't have the legal permission to sell franchises in the state I was in so they had to give me my money back. Oh well, live and learn!

Response by SSG Tami Brosious made May 11 at 2022 9:26 PM

2022-05-11T21:26:24-04:00

The first thing I purchased was a new vehicle!

Response by Cpl Zebulun Evridge made May 11 at 2022 9:28 PM

2022-05-11T21:28:22-04:00

My first big purchase was my college education with the GI Bill I started in Nursing. I also got my first apartment by myself with no military BAH.

Response by MSgt Deb Krall made May 11 at 2022 9:33 PM

2022-05-11T21:33:24-04:00

Trip to Vegas

Response by Capt Eugene Stoudenmire made May 11 at 2022 9:33 PM

2022-05-11T21:33:51-04:00

First purchase was tuition to Old Dominion University.. Returned home from final assignment on a Sunday evening, started school the next morning. Started out using credit cards and eventually used GI Bill.

Response by SN Daniel Combs made May 11 at 2022 9:35 PM

2022-05-11T21:35:12-04:00

It was my road bike.

Response by PO3 James Hutchins made May 11 at 2022 9:35 PM

2022-05-11T21:35:50-04:00

a wedding

Response by CPL Don Allen made May 11 at 2022 9:35 PM

2022-05-11T21:35:56-04:00

I saved a lot of money being in the field 20-days out of the month. My first major purchase (in 1981), was a 1974 Chevy Impala, a BBQ grill, bed, 4 spoons, 4 forks, 4 plates, 4 cups, a twin bed, a chest, and a lot of hangers. My first apartment (age 19).

Response by CPL Don Allen made May 11 at 2022 9:36 PM

2022-05-11T21:36:08-04:00

Response by SPC Mickey Keaton made May 11 at 2022 9:39 PM

2022-05-11T21:39:23-04:00

Engagement ring

Response by SSG Tony Vongnaraj made May 11 at 2022 9:40 PM

2022-05-11T21:40:09-04:00

I purchased a house and a car for my family

Response by SGT Michaline Morrison made May 11 at 2022 9:41 PM

2022-05-11T21:41:14-04:00

When my then-husband and I separated from the Army, we settled near my family and started looking for work. We had a second-hand Ford my ex's Dad had let us have cheap, but we needed 2 cars for 2 jobs and babysitter care in Southern California. We went to the Dodge dealer (they were advertising a big sale) and picked out a new compact. After some discussion, we discussed the monthly payment and asked what we had to put down to get payments under $150/month. The man said "$2,000.00 should do it" and I pulled out our checkbook. The salesman was flabbergasted! We had saved our entire last year to have a large checking cache available for "settling in" to civilian life, and this was our first major purchase.

Response by PO3 John McCartney made May 11 at 2022 9:42 PM

2022-05-11T21:42:31-04:00

Big for me at the time, it was a backpacking pack. $180, but in 1979 that was not cheap.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made May 11 at 2022 9:45 PM

2022-05-11T21:45:20-04:00

Bought an 8000$ pickup truck . the salesman took the check like it was a piece of dirty paper . it cleared by Monday . I still laugh about his face .

Response by SGT Lynnea C made May 11 at 2022 9:45 PM

2022-05-11T21:45:36-04:00

My first big purchase was a home. We used the VA Homeloan and I 100% encourage all SM to educate themselves on the use of it especially in todays market. It’ll really save you as far as interest rates and competition.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 9:51 PM

2022-05-11T21:51:20-04:00

A Toyota RAV4

Response by TSgt William Myers made May 11 at 2022 9:59 PM

2022-05-11T21:59:13-04:00

39J Providence Motor Home to get away from my evil, mean and nasty wife. My dog concurred.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 10:00 PM

2022-05-11T22:00:42-04:00

Buying a house

Response by Lt Col Linda Richardson made May 11 at 2022 10:00 PM

2022-05-11T22:00:53-04:00

A very nice horse

Response by SSG Sharon Davis made May 11 at 2022 10:01 PM

2022-05-11T22:01:22-04:00

4 beautiful horses that eat more than my retirement

Response by Lt Col Nicholas Parisi made May 11 at 2022 10:02 PM

2022-05-11T22:02:56-04:00

I bought and 60' Buick Lasaber jet black and many small tools.

Response by SFC Eric Stafslien made May 11 at 2022 10:04 PM

2022-05-11T22:04:29-04:00

A house

Response by SGT Shaina Bibbs made May 11 at 2022 10:05 PM

2022-05-11T22:05:08-04:00

My first big purchase I made after medically retiring was a new house.

Response by SPC Daniel Askew made May 11 at 2022 10:08 PM

2022-05-11T22:08:59-04:00

Furniture

Response by SGT Michael Brand made May 11 at 2022 10:09 PM

2022-05-11T22:09:16-04:00

My tuition at Indiana University for my B.A. & M.A. degrees (but, fortunately, my VEAP helped out quite a bit).

Response by SSG Joshua Batres made May 11 at 2022 10:13 PM

2022-05-11T22:13:02-04:00

A fly fishing rod!

Response by PFC Lee Cameron made May 11 at 2022 10:13 PM

2022-05-11T22:13:37-04:00

My first purchase was furniture. I had just gotten married and we bought a house...

Response by SGT David Parker made May 11 at 2022 10:13 PM

2022-05-11T22:13:57-04:00

A home

Response by CPO Tom Coulter made May 11 at 2022 10:14 PM

2022-05-11T22:14:01-04:00

First college after separating from active duty, and then 25 years later after retiring from the reserves, my private & instrument pilot ratings!

Response by 1SG Michael Vickery made May 11 at 2022 10:14 PM

2022-05-11T22:14:02-04:00

My first big purchase was a pontoon boat

Response by Sgt Randy Morrow made May 11 at 2022 10:14 PM

2022-05-11T22:14:46-04:00

A 1984 Z28 Camaro. Traded in my 78 Z28 that had broken down on the way home from Texas after my discharge.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 10:15 PM

2022-05-11T22:15:21-04:00

I bought a used car in cash.

Response by TSgt Robert Przybylak made May 11 at 2022 10:16 PM

2022-05-11T22:16:48-04:00

Tricked out Ford Econoline Van

Response by SGM Jason Miller made May 11 at 2022 10:16 PM

2022-05-11T22:16:56-04:00

My first large purchase was a truck, my retirement gift to myself.

Response by SGT Chuck Newcomb made May 11 at 2022 10:18 PM

2022-05-11T22:18:04-04:00

My first big purchase was a car followed closely by furniture for a new apartrmennt

Response by SSG Airborne Mama made May 11 at 2022 10:18 PM

2022-05-11T22:18:52-04:00

4 beautiful horses that eat more than my retirement

Response by SrA Trisha Marie made May 11 at 2022 10:24 PM

2022-05-11T22:24:27-04:00

College.

Response by MSG James Reynolds made May 11 at 2022 10:26 PM

2022-05-11T22:26:01-04:00

After 33 years of military service for the Army, I threw a party for 50 of my closest friends and expressed my breast my sincere admiration and appreciation for their unwavering dedication to me, my family, And the memories we made to defend those who were unable to defend themselves. It was awesome.

Response by SPC Jesse Lubben made May 11 at 2022 10:27 PM

2022-05-11T22:27:09-04:00

A gaming laptop. I needed something capable for both education and recreation.

Response by SGT Michael McCrary made May 11 at 2022 10:31 PM

2022-05-11T22:31:47-04:00

944 turbo '89
It's a economy car. 4 cylinder 5 speed

Response by A1C Toya Michelle made May 11 at 2022 10:35 PM

2022-05-11T22:35:13-04:00

My first house <3 followed by a new water heater

Response by LTC Linda Harkness made May 11 at 2022 10:35 PM

2022-05-11T22:35:32-04:00

I purchased my first house, by myself; no help from anyone. I have always lived on base during my 30 year career in the USA. I cared for and raised two wonderful kids as a single mom and counted on wonderful base housing privileges often. Kids grew up, I retired, moved into a beautiful "A-Frame in the woods and am living happily ever after!

Response by SP5 Samuel Campbell made May 11 at 2022 10:36 PM

2022-05-11T22:36:18-04:00

Wedding rings-got married 3 weeks later

Response by CPL Doug Borushaski made May 11 at 2022 10:39 PM

2022-05-11T22:39:27-04:00

Vehicle

Response by SFC Tamaki Lee made May 11 at 2022 10:41 PM

2022-05-11T22:41:04-04:00

My first big purchase after retirement was our new home; along with extended patios and walkway.

Response by CPT Jerome Sapiro, Jr. made May 11 at 2022 10:41 PM

2022-05-11T22:41:07-04:00

1968 Oldsmobile Cutlassr @ $3,200

Response by PO3 Lisa O'Brien made May 11 at 2022 10:44 PM

2022-05-11T22:44:48-04:00

My first big purchase was a 1979 white Ford Thunderbird Elan. I still miss that car . . .

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 10:45 PM

2022-05-11T22:45:54-04:00

My first big purchase was my house after I was medically dischared. I did this so that my kids may have a room each yard to pkay in and a quiet neighborhood

Response by SSgt Curt Johnson made May 11 at 2022 10:48 PM

2022-05-11T22:48:52-04:00

I took a six week hitchhiking trip around Europe, Great Britain, and Norway.

Response by CA Arthur Savage made May 11 at 2022 10:49 PM

2022-05-11T22:49:32-04:00

A tandy 1000SX for over $1000.

Response by CPO Ronald Fitzgerald made May 11 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-05-11T22:52:16-04:00

I had to sell my Jeep when I transferred to Spain. Once I retired, I purchased a new Jeep Unlimited within a month.

Response by CPL Steve Laughton made May 11 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-05-11T22:52:36-04:00

An automobile

Response by PO3 Audra Wilder made May 11 at 2022 10:55 PM

2022-05-11T22:55:17-04:00

A place to live.

Response by Maj Iwone Golden made May 11 at 2022 10:59 PM

2022-05-11T22:59:34-04:00

An Alaskan cruise with my husband and son. Never been to Alaska, this was a perfect gift to both me and my husband as we both retired within a year of each other.

Response by PO2 Marianne Ruiz made May 11 at 2022 11:04 PM

2022-05-11T23:04:19-04:00

A four inch lift, set of 35 inch tires and wheels for my Jeep. Ohh and I paid off my Jeep as well.

Response by SGT Michael Allen made May 11 at 2022 11:06 PM

2022-05-11T23:06:38-04:00

A 2016 Challenger Scat Pack and a move across the US

Response by Cpl Robert Miliano made May 11 at 2022 11:08 PM

2022-05-11T23:08:39-04:00

A new vehicle

Response by LTC Douglas Erdley made May 11 at 2022 11:10 PM

2022-05-11T23:10:00-04:00

A garage for my RV

Response by PFC Todd Albert made May 11 at 2022 11:16 PM

2022-05-11T23:16:13-04:00

First major purchase was a 1985 Subaru Wagon, the first of 14!!!!

Response by CA Dennis Wilson made May 11 at 2022 11:20 PM

2022-05-11T23:20:33-04:00

I had to sell my tv the day I moved because I didn’t have room on the plane. I bought a brand new tv the minute I got all my stuff home

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 11:21 PM

2022-05-11T23:21:38-04:00

A pontoon boat!

Response by PO2 Frank Kostelac made May 11 at 2022 11:22 PM

2022-05-11T23:22:27-04:00

A wife!

Response by SSG James Meyer made May 11 at 2022 11:23 PM

2022-05-11T23:23:34-04:00

My 2015 Jeep Wrangler

Response by 1SG Avant Pearson made May 11 at 2022 11:30 PM

2022-05-11T23:30:52-04:00

A home

Response by SP5 Jerry Hipp made May 11 at 2022 11:31 PM

2022-05-11T23:31:51-04:00

I ordered a '72 Z28 Camaro while still in Viet Nam. It arrived about 3 days after I returned home.

Response by PO2 Khuzema Savai made May 11 at 2022 11:36 PM

2022-05-11T23:36:19-04:00

My first BIG purchase after separating from the U.S. Armed Forces was to buy a USED car.

Response by SMSgt Robert Johnson made May 11 at 2022 11:37 PM

2022-05-11T23:37:39-04:00

First house which we lived in for the next twenty years.

Response by MSgt Elizabeth Dyer made May 11 at 2022 11:40 PM

2022-05-11T23:40:09-04:00

Keep Grand Cherokee

Response by SSgt Scott Boyd made May 11 at 2022 11:41 PM

2022-05-11T23:41:08-04:00

To pay for College Tuition. First a community College and then a State University and also a car since I had to drive 35 miles to class.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 11:44 PM

2022-05-11T23:44:17-04:00

A desk

Response by SPC TanyaJames Sirten made May 11 at 2022 11:47 PM

2022-05-11T23:47:09-04:00

A house and a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Response by Pvt Rob Leanna made May 11 at 2022 11:55 PM

2022-05-11T23:55:49-04:00

clothing

Response by CPL Majid Sharif made May 11 at 2022 11:59 PM

2022-05-11T23:59:40-04:00

Persuit of college dgree

Response by SGT Daniel Ramirez made May 12 at 2022 12:05 AM

2022-05-12T00:05:20-04:00

Me and my wife bought our first home together

Response by SGT David Xiong made May 12 at 2022 12:22 AM

2022-05-12T00:22:57-04:00

My big purchase was a Kawasaki Ninja 600 ZX-R.

Response by SP5 Juan Canizales made May 12 at 2022 12:32 AM

2022-05-12T00:32:19-04:00

My first real big purchase after 3 yr Army military service was a 1964, Canary Yellow, Hard top Chevy Impala. Fell inlove at first sight! LOVED IT!

Response by PO2 Tiffany Otero made May 12 at 2022 12:40 AM

2022-05-12T00:40:27-04:00

My first bug purchase was a laptop computer so I could write papers for school

Response by SGT Bryan Hempel made May 12 at 2022 12:43 AM

2022-05-12T00:43:46-04:00

House

Response by MCPO Thomas Psuik made May 12 at 2022 12:44 AM

2022-05-12T00:44:01-04:00

A Las Vegas vacay & helicopter tour of the area Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam & a lot more areas we flew over,..Great!

Response by CA Jonathan Mann made May 12 at 2022 12:45 AM

2022-05-12T00:45:59-04:00

Onne third of an acre in WA State for $2,000

Response by SPC Dewayne Jackson made May 12 at 2022 12:49 AM

2022-05-12T00:49:24-04:00

My big purchase was a ticket out of Bragg.

Response by Cpl Elizabeth Davis made May 12 at 2022 12:53 AM

2022-05-12T00:53:31-04:00

A new car

Response by PO3 Christian Watts made May 12 at 2022 12:59 AM

2022-05-12T00:59:37-04:00

A new Dodge Challenger, my dream car

Response by SPC Steve Dufek made May 12 at 2022 1:00 AM

2022-05-12T01:00:48-04:00

Car , 1973 ford maverick

Response by SSG Stewart Ritchey made May 12 at 2022 1:03 AM

2022-05-12T01:03:01-04:00

A 1952 Plymouth 4-door sedan, in 1959.

Response by SP5 Delphis Kaczowski made May 12 at 2022 1:05 AM

2022-05-12T01:05:24-04:00

As an ex-Medical Corpsman I needed a white coat, tie, white shoes, scrubs, a stethoscope, a registered medical assistant license, a California X-ray technician license, etc. A Ford Mustang convertible rounded out my job hunting tools. First civilian job was at VA hospital in Long Beach, California.

Response by Sgt Frank Novak made May 12 at 2022 1:15 AM

2022-05-12T01:15:34-04:00

A house

Response by LCpl Frank Gregory made May 12 at 2022 1:15 AM

2022-05-12T01:15:40-04:00

1968 plymouth roadrunner

Response by SGT Dan Knispel made May 12 at 2022 1:39 AM

2022-05-12T01:39:21-04:00

After leaving the regular army my biggest purchase was my home, on a VA loan too I might add. After finally retiring my biggest purchase was my new (to me) car.

Response by PO3 David Banks made May 12 at 2022 1:52 AM

2022-05-12T01:52:32-04:00

My first major purchase was relocating back home paying for moving truck and furnishing our home.

Response by Sgt Bob Wrenn made May 12 at 2022 1:57 AM

2022-05-12T01:57:09-04:00

A car, several years after discharge.

Response by SPC Timothy Marlow made May 12 at 2022 2:03 AM

2022-05-12T02:03:08-04:00

Yamaha Turbo Seca.

Response by PO3 Kasey Christensen made May 12 at 2022 2:20 AM

2022-05-12T02:20:05-04:00

Handicap accessible van

Response by Cpl Gerry Craft made May 12 at 2022 2:28 AM

2022-05-12T02:28:48-04:00

A house! Honestly, though, my wife (who agrees with me now) and I should have pulled that trigger a long time ago. We would have much more equity than we do right now. We currently pay the same for a mortgage as we were for rent. We got a ridiculous stupidly low rate just before the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were issued. It is better that it goes back into our own pockets as equity than into some corporation or someone I don't know.

Response by Cpl Gerry Craft made May 12 at 2022 2:35 AM

2022-05-12T02:35:01-04:00

A house!

Honestly, though, my wife (who agrees with me now) and I should have pulled that trigger a long time ago. We would have much more equity than we do right now. We currently pay the same for a mortgage as we were for rent. We got a ridiculous stupidly low rate just before the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were issued. The money we were (and continue to) paying to have a roof over our heads now goes back into our own pockets as equity, which is always better than going to someone else as their profit.

Response by LCDR Joseph Richter made May 12 at 2022 2:35 AM

2022-05-12T02:35:10-04:00

After I got out of the Navy, I purchased a used car for $19,000.

Response by PVT Jeff Wiseman made May 12 at 2022 3:21 AM

2022-05-12T03:21:43-04:00

Car

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 4:14 AM

2022-05-12T04:14:43-04:00

Brand new 2 story house. A place I can finally call home after 20 year..

Response by SPC John Glaab made May 12 at 2022 4:37 AM

2022-05-12T04:37:46-04:00

My first big purchase was a set of vehicle mechanics tools to start a job as a vehicle mechanic in the civilian life.

Response by PO3 Leslie Broussard made May 12 at 2022 5:16 AM

2022-05-12T05:16:31-04:00

A car Grand Prix...

Response by PV2 David Wilhelm made May 12 at 2022 5:27 AM

2022-05-12T05:27:16-04:00

A car.

Response by SSgt David M. made May 12 at 2022 5:40 AM

2022-05-12T05:40:09-04:00

A new house was the first big purchase after retirement.

Response by PO2 Jim Morrison made May 12 at 2022 5:44 AM

2022-05-12T05:44:25-04:00

1963and a half ford falcon

Response by Sgt Joshua Estes made May 12 at 2022 5:59 AM

2022-05-12T05:59:51-04:00

Had to be a brand new Silverado 1500 that I ended up getting for half price.

Response by SP5 James Filhart made May 12 at 2022 6:12 AM

2022-05-12T06:12:51-04:00

With my separation pay, I bought browning .22 rifle, a new suit and a new Gibson guitar.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 6:14 AM

2022-05-12T06:14:21-04:00

I bought my forever home

Response by PO2 Bob Penrod made May 12 at 2022 6:28 AM

2022-05-12T06:28:31-04:00

Due to such a loss in income we purchased a small mobile home.

Response by CPL Meka Smaw made May 12 at 2022 6:37 AM

2022-05-12T06:37:36-04:00

My first big purchase was a home.

Response by SP5 Evan Brown made May 12 at 2022 6:54 AM

2022-05-12T06:54:26-04:00

A foreclosed house in the college town that I was attending. The people who but houses to rent them out wouldn't even touch this house, and it sat unoccupied for 2 1/2 years before we bought it. It needed A LOT of work- all electrical, new gas line, plumbing in and out, drywall, floors (redone), ceilings, exterior siding, new roof, and gutters. Thankfully, a large hail storm went though after we bought it and I didn't have to reside or pay for a new roof and gutters. 10 years later, it is about 79% finished (it's hard to remodel when you have 20 years of stuff in the same living space you are trying to work on...).

Response by COL Martin Thomas made May 12 at 2022 7:00 AM

2022-05-12T07:00:28-04:00

The first major purchase was to completely redo the exterior of our home so that I would be set for the long hall with no problems. Best to catch problems early and redo when they are small jobs.

Response by CPO Joe Parker made May 12 at 2022 7:09 AM

2022-05-12T07:09:20-04:00

The first thing my family and I purchased after retirement was a house in our new town. It was an important event as it marked the separation between being constantly mobile and being able to settle down and establish roots in a wonderful community.

Response by PO2 Gerald Howard made May 12 at 2022 7:10 AM

2022-05-12T07:10:01-04:00

Bought our first house

Response by SPC Kevin Cook made May 12 at 2022 7:10 AM

2022-05-12T07:10:34-04:00

College

Response by SN Vincent Ogan made May 12 at 2022 7:17 AM

2022-05-12T07:17:33-04:00

A used car (I had a car in the service, but sold it before flying home).

Response by SFC Randolph Bufkin made May 12 at 2022 7:20 AM

2022-05-12T07:20:24-04:00

I purchased a mobile home, to get out of the in-law's house

Response by SPC Patrick Carrasquillo made May 12 at 2022 7:25 AM

2022-05-12T07:25:18-04:00

A house after saving from 3 combat deployments.

Response by SGT Jose De la barra made May 12 at 2022 7:25 AM

2022-05-12T07:25:22-04:00

My first big purchase after I got out was a condo in Germantown, MD, as I had to find a place to live

Response by SGT Jose De la barra made May 12 at 2022 7:25 AM

2022-05-12T07:25:56-04:00

My first big purchase after I got out, was a condo in Germantown, MD, as I had to find a place to llive

Response by MSgt Drew Pushart made May 12 at 2022 7:31 AM

2022-05-12T07:31:51-04:00

had to find a new place to live after I found a job-so I bought a condo on the beach :) retired in June 94-not sure why it shows as veteran above?

Response by CW4 Butch Haberer made May 12 at 2022 7:37 AM

2022-05-12T07:37:16-04:00

My first big purchase was a house.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 7:41 AM

2022-05-12T07:41:54-04:00

My first big purchase was buying a heat press, a Cricut machine, and some extra supplies and inventory. I started my own shirt business!

Response by SSgt Austin Autry made May 12 at 2022 7:43 AM

2022-05-12T07:43:43-04:00

Plane tickets to Germany

Response by SFC Travis Jenkins made May 12 at 2022 7:44 AM

2022-05-12T07:44:25-04:00

Purchased a new boat, not only for personal reasons but also for the start of a new profession.

Response by SPC Jamie S. made May 12 at 2022 7:53 AM

2022-05-12T07:53:22-04:00

A new car. It was my first car, actually.

Response by SCPO Edo Forsythe made May 12 at 2022 8:01 AM

2022-05-12T08:01:04-04:00

The biggest purchase at first was a used car to use after relocating from the East coast to northern Japan. Then all of the little purchases to set up my household to live here permanently--they added up to a HUGE amount over time :-)! After being established here, I treated myself to a Jeep Wrangler TJ for a pretty penny here in Japan, but it's been totally worth it as I romp around the mountains!

Response by A1C Cindy Robertson made May 12 at 2022 8:02 AM

2022-05-12T08:02:39-04:00

I purchased my first home. I was super excited to get to decorate it with any colors that I wanted. I made a play area for my children and was content to know I didn’t have to move again!

Response by Cpl Tyrece NoelWebster made May 12 at 2022 8:02 AM

2022-05-12T08:02:46-04:00

A car.

Response by 1LT Curtis Williams made May 12 at 2022 8:07 AM

2022-05-12T08:07:24-04:00

Paid off the mortgage on my house

Response by SSG Andrew Messmer made May 12 at 2022 8:13 AM

2022-05-12T08:13:25-04:00

Tattoos!

Response by SPC Justin Meyers made May 12 at 2022 8:22 AM

2022-05-12T08:22:20-04:00

A Mac Pro desktop computer for editing video.

Response by SPC Scott Cain made May 12 at 2022 8:27 AM

2022-05-12T08:27:28-04:00

I bought a house.

Response by CPL Warren Maxwell made May 12 at 2022 8:29 AM

2022-05-12T08:29:42-04:00

A car

Response by LT Sean Mokler made May 12 at 2022 8:31 AM

2022-05-12T08:31:42-04:00

A small sailboat to fix up and sail. Turned out to be a much bigger project than I could handle, but I had fun attempting to restore it.

Response by SSG LaVaine Lovelace made May 12 at 2022 8:44 AM

2022-05-12T08:44:17-04:00

Car

Response by SSG LaVaine Lovelace made May 12 at 2022 8:45 AM

2022-05-12T08:45:17-04:00

Car

Response by PFC Annette Ott-Barnett made May 12 at 2022 8:49 AM

2022-05-12T08:49:39-04:00

A baby. Well, okay, not an immediate purchase per se, but my son, born only a couple months after I left the Army was far more expensive then some of the other items previously listed. Diapers, formula, clothes, a crib, and so much more. It was worth every penny and a pleasure to see how that "purchase" has suceeded through the years.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 8:59 AM

2022-05-12T08:59:07-04:00

I bought my first house. It was an old home with no updates and I had plans to renovate it. My plans exceeded my skills or my budget. That was now 10 homes ago. I've learned a lot more about home renovation. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't take on that project.

Response by LCDR Paul Haddock made May 12 at 2022 9:02 AM

2022-05-12T09:02:23-04:00

A cruise for the family.

Response by Sharon Garcia made May 12 at 2022 9:02 AM

2022-05-12T09:02:36-04:00

Two days into retirement, my bathtub stopped up. Turned out I had a broken sewer line, cracked foundation and leaking shower pan. So needless to say, even though I had insurance to cover many of the issues, I put out a lot of money for bathroom remodel, etc. I went back to work a year later working two jobs!

Response by SFC Joyce Lane made May 12 at 2022 9:05 AM

2022-05-12T09:05:01-04:00

I brought a car

Response by Sharon Garcia made May 12 at 2022 9:05 AM

2022-05-12T09:05:42-04:00

Two days into retirement I had a sink back up. Turned out I had a broken sewer line, cracked foundation and leaking shower pan. Although I had insurance to cover some of the issues, I had to put out a lot of money to cover the additional costs of bathroom remodel, etc. I returned to work a year later.

Response by A1C Pam Peterson made May 12 at 2022 9:08 AM

2022-05-12T09:08:23-04:00

A car

Response by PV2 Robert Leith made May 12 at 2022 9:09 AM

2022-05-12T09:09:18-04:00

Golf clubs

Response by PO1 Charles A Hover made May 12 at 2022 9:14 AM

2022-05-12T09:14:24-04:00

I ordered a nrw gmc senoma

Response by SSgt W Taylor made May 12 at 2022 9:22 AM

2022-05-12T09:22:13-04:00

Once separated from the AF, was remarried and purchased a new home.

Response by SFC Matthew Fearing made May 12 at 2022 9:23 AM

2022-05-12T09:23:21-04:00

I bought a Harley Ultra Classic which I used to just get away and unwind when I started feeling stressed. It really helped.

Response by Cpl Bradley Engebretson made May 12 at 2022 9:24 AM

2022-05-12T09:24:17-04:00

House

Response by SFC Robert Mc Knight made May 12 at 2022 9:27 AM

2022-05-12T09:27:20-04:00

Not Sure but i think it was a car, Army Retired 1995

Response by Sgt Jim Thomason made May 12 at 2022 9:27 AM

2022-05-12T09:27:55-04:00

Home in 1987 interest rate was crazy 9% and that was through the VA

Response by SPC Faleisha Ferguson made May 12 at 2022 9:36 AM

2022-05-12T09:36:45-04:00

Car

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made May 12 at 2022 9:43 AM

2022-05-12T09:43:55-04:00

In 1972 after leaving service I help my dad and then my to soon be father in law finish up his spring planting. A week later I got married and spent $1,000 on a 54 day 13 state honeymoon. We got back just in time to purchase a mobile home that I put $3,000 down of the $5,000 purchase price and then went to MSU on the GI bill.

Response by CPL Kelly Jenerou made May 12 at 2022 9:44 AM

2022-05-12T09:44:55-04:00

everything to furnish an empty apartment.

Response by SGT Darryl Green made May 12 at 2022 9:53 AM

2022-05-12T09:53:51-04:00

My first home.

Response by CH (COL) Michael Metcalf made May 12 at 2022 9:54 AM

2022-05-12T09:54:51-04:00

A Suzuki Boulevard 750 motorcycle. It was a beauty

Response by Cpl Juan Rendon Jr made May 12 at 2022 9:55 AM

2022-05-12T09:55:33-04:00

A car

Response by LTC Harold Knudsen made May 12 at 2022 9:58 AM

2022-05-12T09:58:17-04:00

A new Ford Fusion to replace the aging car I bought a decade earlier. It was a nice reward upon retirement to have a brand new car.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 9:58 AM

2022-05-12T09:58:41-04:00

Vehicle: Dodge Journey

Response by PO2 Neil Paulus made May 12 at 2022 10:09 AM

2022-05-12T10:09:39-04:00

airline tickets to fly to Denmark,
I was in love with my Scandinavian wife...

Response by SFC James Woods made May 12 at 2022 10:10 AM

2022-05-12T10:10:35-04:00

Civilian clothes

Response by Sgt Keith Miller made May 12 at 2022 10:11 AM

2022-05-12T10:11:21-04:00

I bought a house in 1997.

Response by COL Tom Monahan made May 12 at 2022 10:13 AM

2022-05-12T10:13:49-04:00

I bought a new vehicle for the 1st time at the age of 54 - a Class B RV!

Response by PO2 Rob Williams made May 12 at 2022 10:20 AM

2022-05-12T10:20:18-04:00

A house

Response by SSgt Cindy Pacheco made May 12 at 2022 10:21 AM

2022-05-12T10:21:56-04:00

I would have to say an Automobile would be my biggest purchase.

Response by PO3 Shane Reich made May 12 at 2022 10:23 AM

2022-05-12T10:23:36-04:00

The biggest for me was my tuition for school at the University of Wisconsin

Response by SSgt Robert Conn made May 12 at 2022 10:28 AM

2022-05-12T10:28:42-04:00

Car

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Wall made May 12 at 2022 10:30 AM

2022-05-12T10:30:16-04:00

Our first "big" purchase was a new (used) vehicle.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made May 12 at 2022 10:31 AM

2022-05-12T10:31:39-04:00

A 1970 Chevy Camera was the first item purchased after my return from Vietnam

Response by Sgt Mike Williams made May 12 at 2022 10:32 AM

2022-05-12T10:32:23-04:00

1967 used Dodge Polara. That car took me to college and work every day for 3 years. Fond memories! Purchased in 1970 for $1400.00.

Response by SGT Frederico Garcia made May 12 at 2022 10:41 AM

2022-05-12T10:41:53-04:00

We bought a manufactured home.

Response by SGT Michael Frazier made May 12 at 2022 10:47 AM

2022-05-12T10:47:47-04:00

I became a contractor with kbr and made enough money to pay off my home

Response by SSG Curtis Jackson made May 12 at 2022 10:49 AM

2022-05-12T10:49:51-04:00

I bought a brand new 2014 Saturn View 5 speed SUV with 22 miles For cash.

Response by PO2 Joseph Casim made May 12 at 2022 10:49 AM

2022-05-12T10:49:57-04:00

A home! I utilized my VA Home Lone through Navy Federal Credit Union. I’m so thankful to have served this great country

Response by PO2 Shelly D made May 12 at 2022 10:50 AM

2022-05-12T10:50:44-04:00

I took a trip across the US and the Iberian Peninsula. I visited friends across the Mainland and then completed the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and northern Spain. I spent a little time in Andorra, too, just because I could.

Response by SGT Donise Johnson made May 12 at 2022 11:07 AM

2022-05-12T11:07:17-04:00

My first big purchase after separating from the Army was a iMac to pursue my entrepreneurial journey in owning a videography/editing business.

Response by SPC Lindy Cash made May 12 at 2022 11:08 AM

2022-05-12T11:08:29-04:00

2004 Saturn.. its been so long ago, I can't even remember what model

Response by SSG Frank Wright made May 12 at 2022 11:16 AM

2022-05-12T11:16:06-04:00

Purchased a new car

Response by SFC Luvonne Holloway made May 12 at 2022 11:19 AM

2022-05-12T11:19:50-04:00

The first big purchase after retiring from the ARMY after 22 years was the purchase of my retirement home. I utilized the Veteran Loan Available.

Response by SSgt Jacqueline Talbott made May 12 at 2022 11:22 AM

2022-05-12T11:22:15-04:00

The house I live in now.

Response by SGT Scotty Keohaname made May 12 at 2022 11:27 AM

2022-05-12T11:27:40-04:00

Midwife/birthing center for my first born.

Response by SN Angel Otero made May 12 at 2022 11:32 AM

2022-05-12T11:32:59-04:00

A Car

Response by CPL Christina Wade made May 12 at 2022 11:35 AM

2022-05-12T11:35:25-04:00

A car

Response by LCpl Charles Roseberry made May 12 at 2022 11:42 AM

2022-05-12T11:42:30-04:00

Probably my first big purchase was my first wifes wedding ring from the Marine Corps Exchange in KBay Hawaii. I was excited to get married and with no tax and good price it was the best way to go on this wise investment. We now have two wonderful grown sons and are great friends even today.

Response by SGT William Vincent made May 12 at 2022 11:48 AM

2022-05-12T11:48:13-04:00

New car

Response by SSG Frank Wright made May 12 at 2022 11:57 AM

2022-05-12T11:57:47-04:00

New car

Response by SPC Paul Adams made May 12 at 2022 11:59 AM

2022-05-12T11:59:51-04:00

I separated from the Army just as the housing market burst in 2008, so with all of my savings and no job yet, I purchased a house with cash. It took me a few days to get the bank to understand that I wasn't trying to apply for a mortgage. Once they figured out I was wanting to just buy one of their repo homes they moved the paperwork along rather quickly.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 12:13 PM

2022-05-12T12:13:51-04:00

I purchased a new car.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made May 12 at 2022 12:15 PM

2022-05-12T12:15:18-04:00

I did two things with my Seps pay. I paid off a lot of the bills my ex ran up while I was overseas, and then bought a Stereo. I was having a party and I didn't want to just have a small boom box.

Response by SPC Elaine English made May 12 at 2022 12:22 PM

2022-05-12T12:22:03-04:00

MY first big purchase was a car. Which got stolen the week after.

Response by SP5 Peter Faris made May 12 at 2022 12:22 PM

2022-05-12T12:22:08-04:00

Tuition to Graduate School at University of Colorado.

Response by SGT Kue Lee made May 12 at 2022 12:30 PM

2022-05-12T12:30:58-04:00

Paid off my truck. Didn't need that debt hanging over me.

Response by LT Ann Sledfe made May 12 at 2022 12:37 PM

2022-05-12T12:37:42-04:00

New vehicle.

Response by MSgt Anthony Kimlinger made May 12 at 2022 12:41 PM

2022-05-12T12:41:38-04:00

Hot tub

Response by A1C Gena Lipscomb made May 12 at 2022 12:42 PM

2022-05-12T12:42:50-04:00

First big purchase was my 1st home. I was so proud. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, 3 story townhouse. The mortgage pmnt back then seemed so high but in today's market it's nothing... funny how life changes

Response by SPC Adrea Benedetti made May 12 at 2022 12:48 PM

2022-05-12T12:48:11-04:00

Rent for my room in an apartment shared with two other complete strangers... lol

Response by SFC Neena Gifay made May 12 at 2022 12:49 PM

2022-05-12T12:49:07-04:00

A Treadmill. To stay in shape.

Response by Amn Donald Tucker made May 12 at 2022 12:52 PM

2022-05-12T12:52:34-04:00

After seperation in 1981 I was able to finance a new pick-up in 1988.

Response by PO3 Craig Bird made May 12 at 2022 12:56 PM

2022-05-12T12:56:14-04:00

I purchased a $300 black lab from the SPCA that I named Hooli after my breaching tool.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 1:00 PM

2022-05-12T13:00:10-04:00

2022 Chevy Tahoe

Response by TSgt Mike Young made May 12 at 2022 1:01 PM

2022-05-12T13:01:13-04:00

A new 1972 Ford Mustang!

Response by PVT Anthony Calderon made May 12 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-05-12T13:07:47-04:00

New car

Response by HN Ronald Bryars made May 12 at 2022 1:08 PM

2022-05-12T13:08:24-04:00

Electronics

Response by PVT Anthony Calderon made May 12 at 2022 1:08 PM

2022-05-12T13:08:37-04:00

New car

Response by LTC George Clarke made May 12 at 2022 1:13 PM

2022-05-12T13:13:40-04:00

A retirement home in New Hampshire.

Response by LTC George Clarke made May 12 at 2022 1:14 PM

2022-05-12T13:14:26-04:00

A retirement home in New Hampshire.

Response by SFC Shane Spacek made May 12 at 2022 1:16 PM

2022-05-12T13:16:47-04:00

Paying for college to become a pharmacist and purchasing a large house for the family.

Response by SSG Karen Moses made May 12 at 2022 1:18 PM

2022-05-12T13:18:04-04:00

Washer and Dryer

Response by CPL Raymond Campbell made May 12 at 2022 1:29 PM

2022-05-12T13:29:13-04:00

Our first home.

Response by 1LT Perry Beckham made May 12 at 2022 1:34 PM

2022-05-12T13:34:36-04:00

new car

Response by 1LT Perry Beckham made May 12 at 2022 1:35 PM

2022-05-12T13:35:19-04:00

new car

Response by 1SG John A. made May 12 at 2022 1:43 PM

2022-05-12T13:43:18-04:00

I bought a pick-up, then an Airstream trailer so I can take advantage of not having to work so much.

Response by SSG Jesse Raake made May 12 at 2022 1:43 PM

2022-05-12T13:43:50-04:00

A house by my family.

Response by SPC Larry Jansen made May 12 at 2022 1:52 PM

2022-05-12T13:52:33-04:00

1971 mercury comet GT

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 1:54 PM

2022-05-12T13:54:20-04:00

Retired from Navy April 1, 2021 and bought a house in December when I finally figured out where to live and all that.

Response by PO3 Rick Smith made May 12 at 2022 2:00 PM

2022-05-12T14:00:41-04:00

A house

Response by SP6 James Olson made May 12 at 2022 2:04 PM

2022-05-12T14:04:58-04:00

i bought a Ford Raptor

Response by SFC Rick Aguayo made May 12 at 2022 2:09 PM

2022-05-12T14:09:51-04:00

A non running 1949 Chevy 3100 1/2 Pick-up, with original 216 cubic inch straight six, with 3-on the tree manual transmission. After completing the home chores it would keep me out of trouble and busy. After cleaning/rebuilding the carburetor, changing plugs, wires, cap and points, oil change, new battery, new coolant fluid, cleaning out the gas tank, repainting the interior cab, lubing all what seemed as 50 grease points, and putting on new brake shoes and drums, it was time for the magic moment for the 1st start. A surprise to get her running after 9-months of working on her. I enjoy taking her to work and various car shows or just out for dinner.

Response by SFC Victor M Cabassa-Rodriguez made May 12 at 2022 2:45 PM

2022-05-12T14:45:01-04:00

I retired from the Army in October 1996 from Ft. Eustis VA. I signe out in the morning. The same day at 2:00PM my wife and I closed on our brand new home. For years every time I received a military pay race, we save it. So we were able to put a nice down payment even after using my VA Home loan benefits.

Response by PO2 Gary Lopez made May 12 at 2022 2:52 PM

2022-05-12T14:52:25-04:00

The first thing I bought after separating was a House.

Response by SPC Mervel McDonald made May 12 at 2022 3:00 PM

2022-05-12T15:00:17-04:00

Bought a 92 S10 pickup.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 3:08 PM

2022-05-12T15:08:43-04:00

A House

Response by PO3 Elizabeth Dodge made May 12 at 2022 3:41 PM

2022-05-12T15:41:10-04:00

I bought a home

Response by PO3 Elizabeth Dodge made May 12 at 2022 3:42 PM

2022-05-12T15:42:35-04:00

I bought a house for my family

Response by SP5 D Loren made May 12 at 2022 3:45 PM

2022-05-12T15:45:29-04:00

I bought a house.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 4:03 PM

2022-05-12T16:03:36-04:00

A new f150 after wrecking my old one due to icy conditions

Response by TSgt David Gibbs made May 12 at 2022 5:31 PM

2022-05-12T17:31:11-04:00

A new car

Response by SGT Frank Torres made May 12 at 2022 5:55 PM

2022-05-12T17:55:20-04:00

It was a Toyota Tacoma truck after separating. I loved that truck. I was so proud of myself.

Response by PO1 Owen Mir made May 12 at 2022 6:20 PM

2022-05-12T18:20:10-04:00

I bought a hundred and some year old house.

Response by SP6 Willie Howard made May 12 at 2022 6:59 PM

2022-05-12T18:59:32-04:00

house

Response by PO3 Larry Parker made May 12 at 2022 7:00 PM

2022-05-12T19:00:49-04:00

1969 chevy camero

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 7:27 PM

2022-05-12T19:27:10-04:00

My husband and I started the process of replacing the windows in our home. I retired a few months after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. We needed more energy efficiency and to correct some leaks. An ounce of prevention...

Response by SPC Jose Canales Matos made May 12 at 2022 7:53 PM

2022-05-12T19:53:12-04:00

So far I have not been able to buy anything. Because I'm studying. But I would like to buy some land and start growing fruit trees and plants.

Response by CPT Brandy Reagan made May 12 at 2022 8:15 PM

2022-05-12T20:15:46-04:00

I paid for my first semester of Physical Therapy school before my GI Bill kicked in while on terminal leave.

Response by Sgt Luis Gonzalez made May 12 at 2022 8:21 PM

2022-05-12T20:21:27-04:00

The first big purchase after separating from the Marines in 2008 (the day I got home from Camp Pendleton) was 2 suits to prepare for scheduled interviews.

Response by Sgt Angela Berasa-Owens made May 12 at 2022 9:05 PM

2022-05-12T21:05:09-04:00

There were no big splurges for me upon separation. I was expecting my first child, alone. And her "father" decided to not pay child support. So it was hand to mouth for quite a while. Happy to say that baby is all grown up and an awesome woman today! Coincidentally, she is getting married next Saturday! Blessed me with my first grandbaby 5 months ago and life couldn't be sweeter! I am graduating next summer with my Bachelor's and hope to have my Doctorate in Child Psychology in the next few years! ♥

Response by Cpl Jason Jackson made May 12 at 2022 9:10 PM

2022-05-12T21:10:31-04:00

My own place to live

Response by Daniel Ochoa made May 12 at 2022 9:29 PM

2022-05-12T21:29:01-04:00

Not sure if this counts, but I guess you can say a whole new transmission/clutch because my car broke down on the road trip back home

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 9:49 PM

2022-05-12T21:49:42-04:00

Great

Response by SFC Sonia Robinson made May 12 at 2022 10:20 PM

2022-05-12T22:20:29-04:00

My current home in 2005. I find it so ironic that I am in a similar situation as in 2005 before the housing bubble burst. I am looking to relocate to NC at such a time as this, home prices are yielding a record high. This question could very well be the answer to my prayers.

Response by TSgt Michael Bolin made May 12 at 2022 11:35 PM

2022-05-12T23:35:18-04:00

Our first big purchase was a house. I had just turned 40 and never owned a home. We had always rented or lived in base housing.

Response by 2LT Tychzette Fryer made May 12 at 2022 11:44 PM

2022-05-12T23:44:10-04:00

A house

Response by SP6 Winfried Renken made May 13 at 2022 12:15 AM

2022-05-13T00:15:02-04:00

A brand new dodge ram

Response by SP6 Winfried Renken made May 13 at 2022 12:15 AM

2022-05-13T00:15:36-04:00

Brand new Dodge Ram

Response by LCDR Jesse Howell III made May 13 at 2022 1:17 AM

2022-05-13T01:17:06-04:00

After my retirement, I got a BMW 1150RT Sport/Cruiser bike.

Response by SP5 David Solis made May 13 at 2022 8:27 AM

2022-05-13T08:27:50-04:00

The first thing I did went to college to get all the paperwork ready for my college tuition.

Response by PO2 Shelly Huiett made May 13 at 2022 9:02 AM

2022-05-13T09:02:46-04:00

New clothes for my civilian job!

Response by SSgt Nevio Lustica made May 13 at 2022 9:05 AM

2022-05-13T09:05:00-04:00

A car!!

Response by HN Rickey Boyd made May 13 at 2022 9:23 AM

2022-05-13T09:23:59-04:00

A car

Response by SGT Richard Walter made May 13 at 2022 9:24 AM

2022-05-13T09:24:20-04:00

Got out in 2015 and bought my first ever new car, a 2015 BMW 535d almost fully loaded. Awesome car and I still have it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2022 9:35 AM

2022-05-13T09:35:07-04:00

Just yesterday! I bought a new dishwasher and had it installed. For my entire time in the Army, I only bought appliances and other big purchases secondhand. I treated myself to a nice dishwasher; I guess that's how I know I've matured? Ha!

Response by LTC Debi Wong made May 13 at 2022 9:47 AM

2022-05-13T09:47:31-04:00

A swimming pool. It's pretty hot in Texas and I wanted to relax in the cooling temps of the water.

Response by PO3 Michael Bavaro made May 13 at 2022 9:56 AM

2022-05-13T09:56:42-04:00

I bought a 1967 Oldsmobile 442 in 1971

Response by CPL Stephanie Hale made May 13 at 2022 10:40 AM

2022-05-13T10:40:02-04:00

My first big purchase was to buy my mother a car so she didn't have to worry about a car payment. She sacrificed so much for all the children and she deserved that and so much more.

Response by LCDR Brookie Keen made May 13 at 2022 10:52 AM

2022-05-13T10:52:21-04:00

Vehicle

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2022 12:43 PM

2022-05-13T12:43:01-04:00

I replaced ALL of the furniture that had been moved for my 6 PCS's around the world. It was all beat up and mismatched. Found out that an entire house of furniture is expensive but at least it all matches now. Special bonus is that it fits perfect in our home!

Response by CPO Paul Wood made May 13 at 2022 12:54 PM

2022-05-13T12:54:42-04:00

A suit.

Response by CPO Robert Throckmorton made May 13 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-05-13T13:07:12-04:00

Retired April 30th and upcoming is much new shoes (tires) for my truck.

Response by Capt Ron Morales made May 13 at 2022 2:00 PM

2022-05-13T14:00:52-04:00

I purchased a home in New Orleans, LA after separating from the service and rejoining civilian life. I moved from my PCS base Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ to New Orleans, LA. It was the only job I was offered so I had to take it with a wife and two children. I was an Applied Research & Development Engineer with Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical in Chalmette, LA.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2022 2:54 PM

2022-05-13T14:54:35-04:00

My house

Response by SCPO Robert Taylor made May 13 at 2022 3:07 PM

2022-05-13T15:07:41-04:00

Tuition for San Jose State College

Response by CPL Gerald Cunningham made May 13 at 2022 3:14 PM

2022-05-13T15:14:18-04:00

I brought a jeep and signing up to go back to school at University of Maryland Global

Response by SSgt Michael Meier made May 13 at 2022 3:42 PM

2022-05-13T15:42:05-04:00

Bought a home

Response by SSgt Rickey Baugh made May 13 at 2022 3:44 PM

2022-05-13T15:44:22-04:00

We bought four major appliances with our separation bonus.

Response by SSgt Rickey Baugh made May 13 at 2022 3:45 PM

2022-05-13T15:45:49-04:00

We bought our four major appliances...stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer with our separation bonus.

Response by SSgt Rickey Baugh made May 13 at 2022 3:47 PM

2022-05-13T15:47:13-04:00

I saw people consulted for financial difficulties that didn't have to happen.

Response by MAJ Alice LeDoux-Abraham made May 13 at 2022 4:11 PM

2022-05-13T16:11:44-04:00

A retirement thank you cruise. I waited until after I was officially retired as I had an issue before and my retirement was extended. My sweet husband and I agreed and we provided a three hour cruise (food, music, children's area) on a river in Germany for friends, colleagues, and those who cared for our children, business associates, etc. It was an amazing day and well worth the money we spent. This provided an opportunity to thank everyone for making it possible for me to continue in the military until retirement and a chance or many to visit from other cities.

Response by PO2 Gennail Clark-Owens made May 13 at 2022 4:25 PM

2022-05-13T16:25:13-04:00

House

Response by 1SG Kathryn May-Benjamin made May 13 at 2022 7:24 PM

2022-05-13T19:24:20-04:00

A new bedroom set for my granddaughter and a Washer& Dryer for myself

Response by AN Chris Margle made May 13 at 2022 8:00 PM

2022-05-13T20:00:37-04:00

A car to find a job.

Response by Sgt Brian Kulesz made May 13 at 2022 8:15 PM

2022-05-13T20:15:23-04:00

A car - a Geo Metro.

Response by Sgt Brian Kulesz made May 13 at 2022 8:15 PM

2022-05-13T20:15:52-04:00

A car - a Geo Metro.

Response by PO3 Johnny Graham made May 13 at 2022 8:28 PM

2022-05-13T20:28:25-04:00

i bought a lot of furnitutre after separating from the Nayv

Response by SFC Cj Hunter made May 13 at 2022 10:41 PM

2022-05-13T22:41:18-04:00

My first big purchase after retiring was a 2007 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide. I had been kicking around the ideal of learning to ride and with us being empty nesters, the time was right. I started working with Military Sales out of Japan (I was stationed at the Embassy in Australia) and a lot of back & forth got the motorcycle purchase, stateside pickup location and Riders Edge course squared away. I took the Riders Edge course at the Smithfield H-D one weekend and the very next weekend, I picked up my first ever motorcycle, the H-D Wide Glide, from Cape Fear H-D in Fayetteville, NC. Fast forward to today and 65K miles later and I still have that Wide Glide. I have also owned a 2013 Street Glide (traded in for the 18) and a 2018 Anniversary Street Glide (totaled due to it being involved in an accident). Don't know what model will replace the Street Glide but the Wide Glide will always be in the garage because she was first. Keep the rubber side down.

Response by TSgt Michael Bishop made May 14 at 2022 12:38 AM

2022-05-14T00:38:32-04:00

Retired as a Tech Sargeant so instead of the Lamborghini I went with a used Honda Element.

Response by A1C Carolyn Howard made May 14 at 2022 4:49 AM

2022-05-14T04:49:44-04:00

My first major purchase after separating from the Air Force was a home.

Response by A1C Philip Parker made May 14 at 2022 5:33 AM

2022-05-14T05:33:42-04:00

car

Response by A1C Philip Parker made May 14 at 2022 5:40 AM

2022-05-14T05:40:25-04:00

car

Response by PV2 Giuseppe Monaco made May 14 at 2022 6:47 AM

2022-05-14T06:47:18-04:00

College

Response by PFC John Nelson made May 14 at 2022 8:33 AM

2022-05-14T08:33:41-04:00

1969 GTO ram air convertible

Response by SPC Robert Williams made May 14 at 2022 9:45 AM

2022-05-14T09:45:34-04:00

A brand new 1966 VW Beatle.

Response by PO3 Mickey Miranda made May 14 at 2022 11:50 AM

2022-05-14T11:50:34-04:00

My first home purchased.

Response by MAJ Nl King made May 14 at 2022 12:50 PM

2022-05-14T12:50:17-04:00

i road tripped to iowa and bought a puppy golden retriever....yes it was a big purchase....the road trip from Texas to Iowa..........and $350 for the beautiful boy..

Response by Cpl Karl Narasky made May 14 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-05-14T13:07:16-04:00

My 1st brand new car. A 1969 Pontiac GTO

Response by PO2 Jonathan Moen made May 14 at 2022 2:11 PM

2022-05-14T14:11:04-04:00

I bought a trailer (mobile home) in late 1984

Response by CPL George Rosenblatt made May 14 at 2022 2:32 PM

2022-05-14T14:32:58-04:00

first big purchase while leaving the u.s. army at fort hood texas was a 1956 100-4 austin-healy sports car which we drove back to brooklyn n.y. in 1962

Response by SPC Christopher Rothwell made May 14 at 2022 3:01 PM

2022-05-14T15:01:29-04:00

A house

Response by SPC Beverly Fintch made May 14 at 2022 3:39 PM

2022-05-14T15:39:07-04:00

My first big purchase was vehicle for traveling to work.

Response by TSgt Jessica Gregory made May 14 at 2022 6:21 PM

2022-05-14T18:21:21-04:00

I purchased my first house with my new husband.

Response by Maj Scott Maddox made May 14 at 2022 7:46 PM

2022-05-14T19:46:13-04:00

When I came back to the states and separated in the fall of 1980 I paid cash for a Dodge Colt. I'd saved the money via an allotment ! Mind you, that vehicle was a stripped down economy car that cost me $5200 in 1980!!!

Response by PO1 Terry Scott made May 14 at 2022 9:33 PM

2022-05-14T21:33:01-04:00

A Wife. My first one was tired of base housing and being a Navy wife she said. Sadly after getting out meet a number of folks told me their ex spouse said the same thing. Just a heads up.

Response by SP5 Sheldon Behensky made May 14 at 2022 9:55 PM

2022-05-14T21:55:51-04:00

My biggest purchase after coming back from Vietnam and finishing my tour back in the states was to buy a new car after going back to work at my old job at western electric and enrolling at night classes

Response by LCpl Gerald C made May 15 at 2022 7:11 AM

2022-05-15T07:11:31-04:00

What was my first big purchase after separating? Well, my biggest expense was rent. After that, keeping my used car in running condition. To be honest money was really tight. I didn't have the luxury of making big purchases. Trading in my car for a newer one was the biggest purchase. But that was 6 or 9 months down the road after I had found work. That old car was on it's last leg. And I didn't get the car I wanted, I had to settle for an economy car to get to work and back. That car turned out to be a good car though. When I bought it, it had 35,000 miles. When I finally got rid of it several years later it had 267,000 miles. So, I guess I got my moneys worth out of it.
Not a very glamourous excitement-filled story I have to say but I'm a simple guy and I prefer an uncomplicated lifestyle. Although I am rut susceptible, so I have to keep things interesting. I remember a quote I once read, it said, "There's dignity in simplicity." I think I agree with that.
Carry on Marines.

Response by SPC Amanda Fico made May 15 at 2022 9:07 AM

2022-05-15T09:07:50-04:00

A new car

Response by SPC Edward Abney made May 15 at 2022 9:53 AM

2022-05-15T09:53:36-04:00

After finishing a three-year enlistment in the Army, I bought a brand new 1965 Triumph Spitfire rag and joined the sports car click. I thought I was a hot stuff driver, until I took a corner way too fast, and rolled it. Shortly after I totaled my Spitfire, I got married and moved on to the Station Wagon gang.

Response by SP5 Tom McCabe made May 15 at 2022 10:02 AM

2022-05-15T10:02:59-04:00

1967 Fiat 850 Spider

Response by SPC Darryl Perkins made May 15 at 2022 12:53 PM

2022-05-15T12:53:51-04:00

I brought a car

Response by SPC Rick Price made May 15 at 2022 2:02 PM

2022-05-15T14:02:26-04:00

My first house!

Response by Cpl Robert Williams made May 15 at 2022 8:59 PM

2022-05-15T20:59:42-04:00

After separating from the Marine Corps, the first major purchase I made was some years later, which was a house.

Response by TSgt Heather Taylor made May 16 at 2022 7:10 PM

2022-05-16T19:10:01-04:00

New HVAC system for my home

Response by AA Alexander Timashkov made May 16 at 2022 9:31 PM

2022-05-16T21:31:26-04:00

After separating from the USN I decided to stay in San Diego instead of going back to NYC, I met a lot of people in the “industry” and me and my partner invested in a party bus company. My first big purchase was a beat up bus which we then turned into a beautiful pimped out party bus and started ikonix entertainment! It was good while it lasted

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made May 17 at 2022 2:12 AM

2022-05-17T02:12:00-04:00

We bought our second-ever home after I retired.

Response by SPC Lillie Johnson made May 17 at 2022 3:22 AM

2022-05-17T03:22:03-04:00

Truck then house

Response by Capt Tom Johnson made May 17 at 2022 8:53 AM

2022-05-17T08:53:25-04:00

A house.

Response by TSgt Paul Pascoe made May 17 at 2022 2:30 PM

2022-05-17T14:30:56-04:00

@ brand new vehicles at the same time.

Response by PO2 Peter Hervin made May 17 at 2022 6:44 PM

2022-05-17T18:44:02-04:00

I bought an almost new car.

Response by PO2 Peter Hervin made May 17 at 2022 6:44 PM

2022-05-17T18:44:46-04:00

I purchased an almost new car.

Response by SGT Frank Hewes made May 17 at 2022 8:23 PM

2022-05-17T20:23:12-04:00

First purchase after getting off active duty was a car. But, when my wife and I got done with our ARNG enlistments, we bought a house.

Response by 1LT Fred Wuerthele made May 17 at 2022 11:28 PM

2022-05-17T23:28:15-04:00

Had a new car waiting for me when I came back from Vietnam and left the service.

Response by SGT Rhonda Arnesen made May 18 at 2022 11:29 AM

2022-05-18T11:29:08-04:00

A house. Finally found the home I wanted after years of searching, and bought it after my medical retirement. Good timing.

Response by SP5 Thomas Palos made May 18 at 2022 12:37 PM

2022-05-18T12:37:39-04:00

Car

Response by SMSgt Paul Brandt made May 18 at 2022 5:55 PM

2022-05-18T17:55:24-04:00

New Home

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 6:01 PM

2022-05-18T18:01:30-04:00

A new truck

Response by CW3 Paul Smulian made May 18 at 2022 6:03 PM

2022-05-18T18:03:55-04:00

I bought myself a Luxury speedster. An Acura TL.

Response by CW3 Paul Smulian made May 18 at 2022 6:04 PM

2022-05-18T18:04:19-04:00

When I retired I bought an Acura TL.

Response by Sgt Sandra Cimorelli made May 18 at 2022 6:12 PM

2022-05-18T18:12:20-04:00

Went back to school

Response by MAJ Michelle Goodnight made May 18 at 2022 6:15 PM

2022-05-18T18:15:23-04:00

Our farm. Followed by lots of rescue animals- horse, donkey, pigs, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and a few more.

Response by PO3 Roderick Rogers made May 18 at 2022 6:16 PM

2022-05-18T18:16:03-04:00

Insurance

Response by PO2 Butch Robbins made May 18 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-05-18T18:18:29-04:00

Bought a new Ford Mustang in the Phillipine Islands, 1972. Was waiting for me when I got out.

Response by SPC Larry Wilson made May 18 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-05-18T18:18:35-04:00

Purchased a home for my family.

Response by PO2 Charles Maletich made May 18 at 2022 6:29 PM

2022-05-18T18:29:17-04:00

a new car

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 6:29 PM

2022-05-18T18:29:27-04:00

a house

Response by SSG Kevin Elliott made May 18 at 2022 6:32 PM

2022-05-18T18:32:00-04:00

My very first new car

Response by 1stSgt Giselle Calliste made May 18 at 2022 6:35 PM

2022-05-18T18:35:41-04:00

My first big purchase was a four-level townhouse!

Response by CDR Wendell Mansel made May 18 at 2022 6:36 PM

2022-05-18T18:36:19-04:00

A refrigerator.

Response by SGT Joseph Adams made May 18 at 2022 6:42 PM

2022-05-18T18:42:03-04:00

After retiring medically after 13 years active, I bought a house with my wife and settled down with the VA loan.

Response by CMC Tom Scoggins made May 18 at 2022 6:55 PM

2022-05-18T18:55:32-04:00

A new house

Response by SMSgt David Dillon made May 18 at 2022 6:55 PM

2022-05-18T18:55:57-04:00

Getting my A&P licenses

Response by CMC Tom Scoggins made May 18 at 2022 6:56 PM

2022-05-18T18:56:02-04:00

A new house in a new state.

Response by PO3 David Q Smith made May 18 at 2022 7:00 PM

2022-05-18T19:00:07-04:00

I left immediately for the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.. where I’d applied a year before separation and got accepted. Had to take my final payment upon arrival.

Response by FN Betsy Moore made May 18 at 2022 7:01 PM

2022-05-18T19:01:41-04:00

Car

Response by CPL Jerome Mitchell made May 18 at 2022 7:05 PM

2022-05-18T19:05:34-04:00

2005 Dodge Ram in Fort Knox, KY with the money i saved from 1 deployment.

Response by SPC Kenan Lepic made May 18 at 2022 7:05 PM

2022-05-18T19:05:55-04:00

When I came home I bought a Cadillac CTS and a bunch of tattoos

Response by Capt Russell Metcalf made May 18 at 2022 7:07 PM

2022-05-18T19:07:47-04:00

New home in California

Response by CPO Leatrice Dawkins made May 18 at 2022 7:08 PM

2022-05-18T19:08:22-04:00

My first big purchase was a Porsche Macan Sport for my wife. She held down our household for eight deployments and countless detachments. So I felt like she deserved it for allowing me to serve 25 years stress free.

Response by CPO Lonnie Porter made May 18 at 2022 7:08 PM

2022-05-18T19:08:36-04:00

55 Acres of land to build our home.

Response by PFC Sean Buckmaster made May 18 at 2022 7:14 PM

2022-05-18T19:14:44-04:00

Signed up for heath care at Bay Pines VA

Response by SrA Crystal Parker made May 18 at 2022 7:16 PM

2022-05-18T19:16:46-04:00

I bought a house in Texas

Response by MSgt Christopher Russo made May 18 at 2022 7:19 PM

2022-05-18T19:19:22-04:00

After separating, my big purchase was a trail mountain bike which i use to get away from the monotony of life and to get more in touch with nature and inner being. It has already helped me in being more active and getting that vitamin D!!! Thanks for reading!

Response by SGT Evan McIntire made May 18 at 2022 7:24 PM

2022-05-18T19:24:26-04:00

1967 Camaro

Response by CMSgt Don Kostyal made May 18 at 2022 7:26 PM

2022-05-18T19:26:03-04:00

I left active duty on terminal leave prior to my retirement. I was going to work for a large airline in management and was required to wear a corporate uniform--suits and ties. My first big purchase was several suits and sport coats and slacks, ties, shirts, and shoes. That was the fall of 1997 and I spent around $3000 total. I did not imagine the stress having to match shirts and ties etc as well as wondering when I wore something last or to what event. It was a bit of a change after nearly 28 years active duty.

Response by SSG David George made May 18 at 2022 7:27 PM

2022-05-18T19:27:02-04:00

My first big purchase after separating from the military was a home in Florida. And it ties in with my being offered a 3 night stay at a top resort in Florida as part of a time share presentation. That led to multiple visits to various parts of Florida and my eventual decision to move to Florida. Curiously I somehow connected with a real estate agent in Florida via email and she offered to show me some homes including the one I finally decided on. That was one of the best decisions I've ever made and it's my first home with a quarter acre of land which I have since filled up with all kinds of trees and shrubs

Response by FA Robert Pospisil made May 18 at 2022 7:29 PM

2022-05-18T19:29:31-04:00

I got a VA loan to buy my 1st home

Response by SGT Evan McIntire made May 18 at 2022 7:30 PM

2022-05-18T19:30:48-04:00

My first big purchase after seperation was a 1967 Camaro

Response by TSgt Bruce Bratton made May 18 at 2022 7:31 PM

2022-05-18T19:31:12-04:00

House

Response by SGT Miles Keller made May 18 at 2022 7:31 PM

2022-05-18T19:31:34-04:00

2 one way tickets to Philippines.

Response by SPC Dawn Ash made May 18 at 2022 7:31 PM

2022-05-18T19:31:42-04:00

I paid off my car

Response by SPC Terry Donaldson made May 18 at 2022 7:38 PM

2022-05-18T19:38:24-04:00

september return from VN 1969 bought my life long dream a 426 hemi roadrunner all white 4 speed super scat pact

Response by GySgt Juan J. Reyes made May 18 at 2022 7:39 PM

2022-05-18T19:39:05-04:00

I bought a 2011 GMC Denali and moved my family to Tucson AZ where I began my civilian job as an instructor for the DoD.

Response by PVT T Vito Vitrano made May 18 at 2022 7:42 PM

2022-05-18T19:42:48-04:00

A new microwave oven

Response by Sgt Leon Kulesza made May 18 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-05-18T19:43:31-04:00

A CAR, NATURALLY

Response by MAJ Andrew Smith made May 18 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-05-18T19:43:51-04:00

Invested $80,000 to start my own insurance agency.

Response by PO2 Michael Jarboe made May 18 at 2022 7:44 PM

2022-05-18T19:44:26-04:00

When I got home after separation from active duty, the first thing I had to get was a car to get me back and forth to the job I had waiting for me. I bought a well used 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA for $500 which pretty much wiped out what I had left from my Navy pay. September of 1972 back in the Bluegrass State where I grew up. Now I live in Colorado but I never forget my roots and my experiences serving in the US Navy.

Response by PFC Kevin Ferguson made May 18 at 2022 7:55 PM

2022-05-18T19:55:46-04:00

Auto

Response by LCpl Graham Dorsey made May 18 at 2022 7:59 PM

2022-05-18T19:59:02-04:00

A new car to fit my new born son in it

Response by A1C Dave Baxter made May 18 at 2022 8:01 PM

2022-05-18T20:01:20-04:00

A car; the week of my separation from the military, my car was stolen.

Response by PFC Zeke Abrams made May 18 at 2022 8:02 PM

2022-05-18T20:02:57-04:00

I purchased a new 1961 Chevrolet, two-door hard top.

Response by SSG Joseph Ellis made May 18 at 2022 8:13 PM

2022-05-18T20:13:08-04:00

A tiny little diamond ring to propose with.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Autry made May 18 at 2022 8:25 PM

2022-05-18T20:25:19-04:00

What was a big purchase was a home for me and my wife and children. This made me feel important and started me on the right track to be part of a civilian lifestyle and help my community that I loved after a military career.

Response by PV2 Jay Carlson made May 18 at 2022 8:28 PM

2022-05-18T20:28:36-04:00

A used car for a buddy that ets'd the same day

Response by 1SG Christine Goetz made May 18 at 2022 8:32 PM

2022-05-18T20:32:14-04:00

The first big expense I bought after retiring may not seem like much to most folks these days, but I was elated to purchase a brand new kitchen faucet as well as a brand new bathroom faucet.
1SG Christine Goetz

Response by A1C Michael Merle made May 18 at 2022 8:34 PM

2022-05-18T20:34:03-04:00

I had to get a car to leave. A 72 Plymouth Duster 3 on a tree. Florida to California. I put every state we passed through a state sticker on my visor.

Response by SN David Gardener made May 18 at 2022 8:35 PM

2022-05-18T20:35:16-04:00

Upon receiving an early out from my Vietnam service in 1970 I purchased a 1961 Chevrolet Step Van that was originally a bread company delivery truck in Chicago but was converted to sleep 7. The bunks reminded me of the stacked "racks" we slept on in our Deck Division forward compartment on the USS Hunterdon County LST 838 traversing the rivers of the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

I think the truck cost me around a thousand dollars. My plan was to get a bunch of hippies and head west but the Chicago winter arrived before I could gather my tribe and driving that truck on snowy streets was an accident waiting to happen. I sold it and got an Oldsmobile 98 land yacht. What a gas guzzler!

I finally made it to CA in 1976 in a much smaller '67 Ford Econoline van.

Response by CMSgt Caryn Chipman made May 18 at 2022 8:41 PM

2022-05-18T20:41:06-04:00

Post retirement my husband and I purchased a 36’ fifth wheel trailer. We ended up living in it for 4 months and sold it and bought a house with a guest suite. Loving retirement life … in place. lol

Response by SFC Kenneth Johnson made May 18 at 2022 8:45 PM

2022-05-18T20:45:15-04:00

My wardrobe consisted of BDU's so my first purchase was $2000 worth of suits, shirts, ties, and shoes to look professional at my new job.

Response by Lt Col Dennis OHara made May 18 at 2022 8:46 PM

2022-05-18T20:46:22-04:00

A new home in Kirkland, WA. Just across Lake Washington from the University of Washington where i got a second degree in Building Construction

Response by PO1 Ramona Fricke made May 18 at 2022 8:47 PM

2022-05-18T20:47:59-04:00

I finished Paying for my Bachelor's degree. That was the most important thing at the time. :)

Response by SFC James Bright made May 18 at 2022 8:48 PM

2022-05-18T20:48:08-04:00

Civilian clothes to wear during job interviews and while I am at work. I had plenty of uniforms while I was in the military, I needed business attire, which I never wore while I was in the military

Response by PO2 Angela Mckinney made May 18 at 2022 8:57 PM

2022-05-18T20:57:10-04:00

We purchased a house

Response by PO3 Laura Lee Sutherland made May 18 at 2022 8:59 PM

2022-05-18T20:59:37-04:00

My home that I reside in today.

Response by SGT Lisa Mayne made May 18 at 2022 8:59 PM

2022-05-18T20:59:38-04:00

MY OWN PLACE,

Response by PFC Ighor Rodrigues made May 18 at 2022 9:00 PM

2022-05-18T21:00:02-04:00

First big purchase after separating was paying off the POV I was saddled with during enlisted service. Aside from that, entirely purchased and paid past enlistment I would say it was for a course/class on the Comptia Security+ certification. After committing the classic mistake of buying a pov as a private I now try to only buy things I see as an investment.

Response by PO2 Lorena Eilts made May 18 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-05-18T21:04:05-04:00

My wife

Response by SSG Danielle Martinez made May 18 at 2022 9:10 PM

2022-05-18T21:10:55-04:00

IMac computer

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 9:17 PM

2022-05-18T21:17:00-04:00

Construction of my house

Response by SPC Rodolfo Bautista made May 18 at 2022 9:18 PM

2022-05-18T21:18:30-04:00

An electric bass guitar, a case, a bass amp, and 2 bass cabinets. I joined a band!

Response by SGT Jon Goldsberry made May 18 at 2022 9:19 PM

2022-05-18T21:19:56-04:00

Used ford f150 then a house

Response by PO2 Michelle Bruessard made May 18 at 2022 9:22 PM

2022-05-18T21:22:59-04:00

A new car

Response by PO2 C Shearer made May 18 at 2022 9:33 PM

2022-05-18T21:33:41-04:00

Fancy speakers and radio/cd player for my car :)

Response by Megan Salisbury made May 18 at 2022 9:43 PM

2022-05-18T21:43:21-04:00

My first big purchase after I got out…diamond earrings for my fiancé

Response by PFC Latoya Harris made May 18 at 2022 9:44 PM

2022-05-18T21:44:22-04:00

car 1st big purchase

Response by PFC Kathy Stansberry made May 18 at 2022 9:52 PM

2022-05-18T21:52:42-04:00

We got a new bed, coach, chair, and refridigator, as it was much needed

Response by LTC Emory "Hank" Adams made May 18 at 2022 9:54 PM

2022-05-18T21:54:24-04:00

We purchased a new Jeep Grand Cherokee for my wife.

Response by PO2 Alex Oneto made May 18 at 2022 9:56 PM

2022-05-18T21:56:35-04:00

HM2 A J Oneto - Separated from Active Duty Aug 1972, Enrolled in College and then purchased my First Car ever - 1968 Ford thunderbird - I believe it was around $ 1850.00 !!

Response by SPC Dale Wilken made May 18 at 2022 10:02 PM

2022-05-18T22:02:42-04:00

My house for my family.

Response by LCpl George Gocheff made May 18 at 2022 10:02 PM

2022-05-18T22:02:52-04:00

After my tour in the Marine Corps and 19 years of working my six off in banking, and eventually my own management consulting business, I retired (the first time) at age 40. I purchased; a new $32,000 Cadillac, a new $16,000 bass boat and $12,000 in fishing equipment. I also invested $14,000 in five new custom pistols then spent the next six years bass fishing and, when not fishing a bass tournament somewhere in the U.S., I was shooting sanctioned pistol matches. Bottom line, although expensive, I was good enough at fishing and shooting that the winnings pretty much paid for my "vices".

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made May 18 at 2022 10:11 PM

2022-05-18T22:11:52-04:00

Tuition for Central College. I couldn't have done it without the GI Bill.

Response by PVT Michael Brouillette made May 18 at 2022 10:15 PM

2022-05-18T22:15:23-04:00

My Harleys

Response by SP5 J Coleman made May 18 at 2022 10:22 PM

2022-05-18T22:22:21-04:00

After deployment my husband and I were expecting our first baby and our home to raise our family was the biggest purchase we made after I separated.

Response by Sgt Ken Turmel made May 18 at 2022 10:23 PM

2022-05-18T22:23:41-04:00

Buying some land and hiring a builder to construct a home that I designed from the ground up.
Happily married now to a lovely, caring wife, together we have six kids, 20 grandkids, 3 great grandkids. We still live here in the same house safe & sound.
(Of course,... My wife and I are empty nesters these days!)

Stay Safe out there, fellow veterans.
God Bless.

~ Ken Turmel U.S.A.F./Disabled Vietnam War Era Soldier Veteran

Response by Sgt Bernadette Graham made May 18 at 2022 10:24 PM

2022-05-18T22:24:44-04:00

A desktop computer

Response by Sgt Bernadette Graham made May 18 at 2022 10:26 PM

2022-05-18T22:26:35-04:00

I was a full time student and needed to research and write papers

Response by Sgt Ken Turmel made May 18 at 2022 10:26 PM

2022-05-18T22:26:37-04:00

Buying some land and hiring a builder to construct a home I designed from the ground up.
Happily married now to a lovely, caring wife for 34 years and together we have six children, 20 grandkids, and 3 great-grandkids. We still live here in the same house safe & sound.
Home Sweet Home!
(Of course,... My wife and I are empty nesters these days!)

Stay Safe out there, fellow veterans.
God Bless.

~ Ken Turmel U.S.A.F./Disabled Vietnam War Era Soldier Veteran

Response by SSgt Stephen Wilson made May 18 at 2022 10:28 PM

2022-05-18T22:28:58-04:00

Separated in May of '73 with over 500 combat flight hours in SE Asia. The first thing I bought was Junkyard parts and a new "Off Road Racing Chassis" ...? This became my senior design project at Cal State Sacramento. It all came together as a "2 Cylinder 2 Passenger Urban Commute vehicle" The $2500 I took from saving all of my VA College money, went along way in opening doors for job interviews. I landed my dream job at Lawrence Livermore National Lab in 1976 and stayed for 35 of the most challenging Mechanical Engineering work ever!!!!!

Response by LTJG Caesar Hill made May 18 at 2022 10:32 PM

2022-05-18T22:32:55-04:00

I had to replace my civilian clothing which had become to large for me due to the weight loss zi experienced during my service years (1977-1983). I had saved up money for this, and went on a shopping spree. The clothing was in place, but adjustment to civilian life would take longer.

Response by SSgt Teddi English made May 18 at 2022 10:35 PM

2022-05-18T22:35:43-04:00

We bought a car

Response by Sgt Ken Turmel made May 18 at 2022 10:40 PM

2022-05-18T22:40:51-04:00

Buying some land and hiring a builder to construct a home I designed from the ground up.
Happily married now to a lovely, caring wife, together we have six kids, 20 grandkids, and 3 great grandkids. We still live here in the same house safe & sound... in our Home Sweet Home in Oklahoma City.
(Of course,... My wife and I are empty nesters these days!)

Stay Safe out there, fellow Veterans.
God Bless.

Ken Turmel ~ U.S.A.F./Disabled Vietnam War Era Soldier Veteran

Response by CPL Elven Escobar made May 18 at 2022 10:41 PM

2022-05-18T22:41:39-04:00

70 inch big sceen tv

Response by 1st Lt Lorie Myers made May 18 at 2022 10:44 PM

2022-05-18T22:44:10-04:00

A house!

Response by PO2 Lance Whitworth made May 18 at 2022 10:44 PM

2022-05-18T22:44:29-04:00

Bought a new car.

Response by CPO John Greenwell made May 18 at 2022 10:50 PM

2022-05-18T22:50:11-04:00

Home

Response by LCpl Nicholas Ackerson made May 18 at 2022 10:51 PM

2022-05-18T22:51:37-04:00

My first big purchase after separation was a new extended cab Ford Ranger that I planned on driving home.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-05-18T22:52:22-04:00

I will let you know in 34 months, at my 24 year mark. Lol

Response by 1SG Adam Pitler made May 18 at 2022 10:53 PM

2022-05-18T22:53:18-04:00

A family vacation!

Response by SPC George Feeser made May 18 at 2022 10:55 PM

2022-05-18T22:55:16-04:00

In 1968 I purchased a 1867 Ford Maverick after returning form Vietnam

Response by SPC Tina Kennedy made May 18 at 2022 11:04 PM

2022-05-18T23:04:25-04:00

A mattress! The most simple of things when you have to start over!

Response by SP6 Romalyn Aaron made May 18 at 2022 11:12 PM

2022-05-18T23:12:41-04:00

Land and house!

Response by CPL John Elliott made May 18 at 2022 11:13 PM

2022-05-18T23:13:10-04:00

A Volkswagen…

Response by SPC Chris Nelson made May 18 at 2022 11:22 PM

2022-05-18T23:22:34-04:00

Bose speakers at the PX

Response by PV2 Jessica Thompson made May 18 at 2022 11:23 PM

2022-05-18T23:23:08-04:00

A crib

Response by PV2 Barbara-Jo Scherer made May 18 at 2022 11:30 PM

2022-05-18T23:30:51-04:00

Airline tickets from Germany to US and then a computer, auto and apartment rental for one year.

Response by Sgt Dj Lytle made May 18 at 2022 11:31 PM

2022-05-18T23:31:05-04:00

Purchased an auto in 72 to drive to college under gi bill in chgo. After rrturn from Vietnam.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 11:40 PM

2022-05-18T23:40:42-04:00

Education. After I fulfilled my active duty commitment I went back to MIT and got my BS in civil engineering, which led to a 45 year career in the profession.

Response by SMSgt Lindsay Cunningham made May 18 at 2022 11:42 PM

2022-05-18T23:42:39-04:00

A vacation to Dominican Republic.

Response by SPC Jim M. made May 18 at 2022 11:46 PM

2022-05-18T23:46:20-04:00

I purchased 10A of wooded land in PA.

Response by MSG Bill Barnes made May 18 at 2022 11:52 PM

2022-05-18T23:52:38-04:00

MSG William E. Barnes: Retired 2007 and bought my dream car. A 2004 Mint Green Retro Thunderbird. I still have it and drive it during the summer

Response by Sgt Francisco Grijalva made May 19 at 2022 12:00 AM

2022-05-19T00:00:16-04:00

I bought my house.

Response by PO1 Michael Faas made May 19 at 2022 12:02 AM

2022-05-19T00:02:15-04:00

a
A house.

Response by GySgt Eugene O'Dea made May 19 at 2022 12:07 AM

2022-05-19T00:07:14-04:00

I bought a new car to get back and forth to college. I had one but I needed something much better on gas. It was a SMART purchase! (the car was a SMART ForTwo Cabriolet)

Response by PO2 Richard Jones made May 19 at 2022 12:11 AM

2022-05-19T00:11:06-04:00

A brand new car upon separation from the Navy as a welcome to the civilian world after having served with Task Force 199 at the South Pole station.

Response by CPT Mic Robertson made May 19 at 2022 12:14 AM

2022-05-19T00:14:56-04:00

Bought a beautiful house!

Response by SPC Richard Estrada made May 19 at 2022 12:17 AM

2022-05-19T00:17:21-04:00

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Response by SP6 Dori Jordan made May 19 at 2022 12:36 AM

2022-05-19T00:36:17-04:00

New furniture.

Response by SPC Terrance Hill made May 19 at 2022 12:36 AM

2022-05-19T00:36:46-04:00

A new Dodge Charger

Response by PO2 Maurice Watson made May 19 at 2022 12:43 AM

2022-05-19T00:43:17-04:00

My first big purchase after I retired was a new laptop and wardrobe (civilian seabag). It was time to transition my military attire into civilian attire one, then it was off to school for Pharmacy Technician and Automotive Technician (UTI) certifications!
Full Speed Ahead!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 12:51 AM

2022-05-19T00:51:13-04:00

A new home for my children, hubby and I to live peacefully in the country. Sadly the neighbors aren’t the most accepting of mixed people.

Response by PFC Kim Lange made May 19 at 2022 1:20 AM

2022-05-19T01:20:53-04:00

A car so I had somewhere to sleep

Response by LCDR Rex Schildhouse made May 19 at 2022 1:30 AM

2022-05-19T01:30:00-04:00

My first big purchase after retiring from the Navy was a name brand suit in the four digit range. While I loved it, I regret the purchase.

Response by LCpl Rob DiGiacomo made May 19 at 2022 1:57 AM

2022-05-19T01:57:02-04:00

Another vehicle

Response by Sgt Jeremiah Mckenna made May 19 at 2022 1:58 AM

2022-05-19T01:58:31-04:00

We bought a house in N.J. It was a 3 bedroom, 1 bath on half an acre. That was a big decision, because we were living with my wife's parents when I EAS'd, and it was taxing on all of us. Then, shortly after we closed on the house and moved in, I was approached by the Corps, since I was still on IRR. I wasn't sure if I would have been able to afford the payments if I was recalled. Then I tried to get hired on at the Secret Service, and knew I would have had to relocate to DC or somewhere else, and sell the house we had only been in for less than a year. Talk about stressful.

Response by LT Paul Schleier made May 19 at 2022 2:05 AM

2022-05-19T02:05:55-04:00

I purchased a high-end, best available Dell laptop computer before starting my MBA at the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business.

Response by SGT Laura Dewey made May 19 at 2022 2:52 AM

2022-05-19T02:52:42-04:00

My first big purchase after retiring from the Army Reserves was my home! I am a single woman who has been strong and independent my whole life and after retirement I took a giant leap and decided that I could do this on my own as well. I have been in my home for ten years and will never go back to apartment life.

Response by CPO Roger Davis made May 19 at 2022 2:53 AM

2022-05-19T02:53:30-04:00

First I bought a 95 F150 then a house in Oregon.

Response by PO2 Lawrence Moody made May 19 at 2022 4:07 AM

2022-05-19T04:07:55-04:00

A house

Response by CMSgt Richard Sanderson made May 19 at 2022 4:10 AM

2022-05-19T04:10:00-04:00

When we retired from the Air Force in November of 1977, we moved from Bellevue, Nebraska, Offutt AFB, to New Hampton, New Hampshire. There we purchased a 1790s era home which had once been a tavern and the first post office in the area. Due to a divorce by the previous owners, it had been undergoing a modernization - but we restored the old house to its previous glory and saved it from a terrible fate. The Olde Kelley Tavern.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Baker made May 19 at 2022 4:21 AM

2022-05-19T04:21:05-04:00

Buying a truck.

Response by LCpl Frances Moya made May 19 at 2022 4:29 AM

2022-05-19T04:29:22-04:00

My first big purchase was a flight ticket to go to Puerto Rico with my son (10 months at the time). He was able to meet three of his great-grandparents. It was the best investment and well deserved vacation.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made May 19 at 2022 4:55 AM

2022-05-19T04:55:22-04:00

I bought a pair of very comfortable Clarks brown and black dress shoes, and a nice sports coat.

Response by SSG Carl Simpson made May 19 at 2022 5:49 AM

2022-05-19T05:49:34-04:00

After returning from Vietnam and out of the service I purchased a 1969 Chevy Impala with a three barrel carburetor. I don’t remember the displacement or horsepower. I believe the cost was $2800.

Response by SGT Whitney Pucci made May 19 at 2022 5:49 AM

2022-05-19T05:49:58-04:00

A car

Response by SFC Douglas Schmitt made May 19 at 2022 6:14 AM

2022-05-19T06:14:29-04:00

I bought a SawStop table saw for my woodshed when I retired.

Response by Lt Col Benny Bailey made May 19 at 2022 6:34 AM

2022-05-19T06:34:09-04:00

New Home

Response by Sgt David Hyatt made May 19 at 2022 6:47 AM

2022-05-19T06:47:30-04:00

A new (to me) lime green 1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Response by Col Lewis Brewer made May 19 at 2022 6:53 AM

2022-05-19T06:53:13-04:00

A home where we raised our 2 children that were born while on active duty.

Response by SGT John Tritz made May 19 at 2022 7:04 AM

2022-05-19T07:04:17-04:00

The first thing I bought when I had completed my service honorably was the first time I ever purchased golf clubs at full price. They were nice clubs and looking back now, I am really glad I didn’t pay much due to the fact that the brand name was a brand I wouldn’t be caught on any course playing. Twenty years later and I still remember playing with them and it did not help my game lol; only now do I play much better but I also use more expensive clubs and have had a lesson or two through the VOC, aka: Veterans On Course located in Utah but open to all veterans regardless of Branch of Service.

Response by MSG Katherine Whitley made May 19 at 2022 7:10 AM

2022-05-19T07:10:17-04:00

An Oversized COMFORTABLE "Granny" Rocking Chair

Response by Cpl Zoran Mundisev made May 19 at 2022 7:15 AM

2022-05-19T07:15:48-04:00

i got out in 2001 and bought a new truck.

Response by LCpl Rondell Hickman made May 19 at 2022 7:44 AM

2022-05-19T07:44:51-04:00

My first big purchase was a 1981 Volvo DL for 6,000.00

Response by SN Ricardo Morales made May 19 at 2022 7:48 AM

2022-05-19T07:48:18-04:00

A manufactured home in Florida.

Response by SGT Cordelia Jones made May 19 at 2022 8:03 AM

2022-05-19T08:03:10-04:00

House

Response by SSgt Angelo Fuentes made May 19 at 2022 8:11 AM

2022-05-19T08:11:09-04:00

My family and I went on an overseas trip to the Republic of Panama to celebrate my retirement
from the military. We had a great time visiting several locations throughout the country and
visiting family. Thank you to our Lord Jesus Christ providing this wonderful experience.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 8:23 AM

2022-05-19T08:23:34-04:00

First thing I bought was a washer and dryer!

Response by PO1 James Beasley made May 19 at 2022 8:27 AM

2022-05-19T08:27:34-04:00

I bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Response by 1LT Michael Contos made May 19 at 2022 8:28 AM

2022-05-19T08:28:16-04:00

I paid the rental fee for an apartment for a 30-day deposit to move my wife of one year out of my parents' home and into a private facility so that we could get on with our lives after I returned from the Vietnam War in 1971. I can't remember the date of our marriage. It was what I considered "war fever." I was 20 she was 19.
She had gotten a job with the telephone company. I got accepted into a community college and continued to use my parents' address for the next two years until completing the requirement for an AA degree under the GI Bill. We moved out of the third-floor apartment complex and into a two-story house that required no deposit. We eventually came up with the down payment for a single-family home years later.
I feel that the initial deposit was well worth it upon my return after serving as a combat infantry platoon leader at the age of 21.

Response by PO2 Tom Vezzosi made May 19 at 2022 8:40 AM

2022-05-19T08:40:00-04:00

When I separated in Port Hueneme California. I waited for my Buddy to get separated so we could follow each other back to Philadelphia, Pa.
My car made it to Joplin. Missouri , my brother would not let me junk the Car, so my first purchase was a Tow Bar and he towed me from Joplin to Philadelphia Pa.
I miss Him.

Response by SGT Richard Mullins made May 19 at 2022 8:41 AM

2022-05-19T08:41:24-04:00

My first big purchase after retiring was all my tools needed to start my new carrer. Wouldnt change it for the world. TruTech Tools Complete Vacuum, Recovery, and Commissioning Kit with Fieldpiece, Accutools, and Appion

Response by CPO Leo Yelle made May 19 at 2022 8:54 AM

2022-05-19T08:54:04-04:00

My home we had built in St. Augustine, Fl and we are still living there and working everyday since. to make it what we've always wanted.

Response by SPC Neil Christenson made May 19 at 2022 9:11 AM

2022-05-19T09:11:23-04:00

Bought a house!

Response by SFC Sandra Sommer made May 19 at 2022 9:13 AM

2022-05-19T09:13:53-04:00

Lasik eye surgery. The heat in Kuwait was so intense and to wear glasses was such a hassle. Then I couldn't wear the Wiley's issued because I couldn't see. I had to wear the tinted goggles over my glasses. When I got back in '06 I looked into Lasik, found a reputable doctor and went for it. Never regretted it!

Response by PO1 Jose Rivera made May 19 at 2022 9:35 AM

2022-05-19T09:35:20-04:00

Buying a house and moving to Puerto Rico after retiring from Navy. After doing all the paper work and thinking I had the house they told me a still needed to come up with $1000.00. That was the last of my savings at that point. I managed to survive.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 9:49 AM

2022-05-19T09:49:11-04:00

Laptop for school. Less than 4 years out, & I just graduated last week!

Response by SCPO Jack Carlsen made May 19 at 2022 9:55 AM

2022-05-19T09:55:02-04:00

Three years before I retired in 2011 I started looking at the housing market in the area I planned on retiring (of course I picked up a second career but, that's a different story). I saw a house that I really liked, on a hill, with a view, on 4 acres in the country. Closest neighbor was another 4 acres to the north, a farm across the street to the East, another farm to the West and looking South nothing but a corn/soybean field. Pictures of a nice sized house (not too big not to small), a garden, barn, and plenty of room do do whatever I want. I watched the house for three years, two duty stations, and one deployment. I thought for sure it would be sold and off the market by the time I retired. We looked at the house two separate times but, it was priced a little high and we looked else where. One evening while we were living at my parents house about for about 5 months, we got a call that the seller was motivated to sell the house to us because I was a veteran, met our price and demands. One loan fight approval fight with Navy Federal (I won) later, and we had the house. Kids are graduated and living on their own and all is pretty much like I imagined it would be, my wife and I in our just right sized home, enjoying the view.

Response by TSgt Tracy Waller made May 19 at 2022 9:55 AM

2022-05-19T09:55:34-04:00

I bought a house, no more base housing.......

Response by COL Teresa Parsons made May 19 at 2022 10:04 AM

2022-05-19T10:04:03-04:00

After 30 years on Active Duty, I invested in a complete new wardrobe to transition to a professional in business and academia.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 10:06 AM

2022-05-19T10:06:11-04:00

Travel trailer

Response by CPL James Bullock made May 19 at 2022 10:10 AM

2022-05-19T10:10:37-04:00

A car

Response by SGT Brooke Newman made May 19 at 2022 10:16 AM

2022-05-19T10:16:14-04:00

I bought a really nice bicycle so that I could stay in shape by commuting by bike but not kills my damaged body. Best money I ever spent

Response by SPC Alberto E Puig made May 19 at 2022 10:18 AM

2022-05-19T10:18:36-04:00

My first personal Home.

Response by SPC Shawn Mazlum made May 19 at 2022 10:19 AM

2022-05-19T10:19:57-04:00

a car nearly took all my savings, and lasted me for 5 yrs.

Response by TSgt Erick Scroggins made May 19 at 2022 10:23 AM

2022-05-19T10:23:56-04:00

I bought a new pickup to move from the base I retired from to near another military base where I had been hired as a contractor. It was also my daily driver to work and back.

Response by SGT Ray Peregoy made May 19 at 2022 10:30 AM

2022-05-19T10:30:03-04:00

A new home.

Response by SPC Alberto E Puig made May 19 at 2022 10:48 AM

2022-05-19T10:48:34-04:00

My first home and I invested on my bachelor degree at University of PR, CAAM campus.

Response by Sgt Cynthea Rockwell made May 19 at 2022 10:54 AM

2022-05-19T10:54:34-04:00

My first big purchase was Furniture especially for my children's room because we are no longer going to be moving we were in one spot

Response by SPC William Holley made May 19 at 2022 11:07 AM

2022-05-19T11:07:47-04:00

My first big purchase was a small fishing boat. I had a new son and I wanted to be able to teach him how to fish and give a flounder.

Response by PO2 Terry Baars made May 19 at 2022 11:28 AM

2022-05-19T11:28:53-04:00

My first new truck, but because of job loss it was reprocessed.

Response by MAJ Juan Molina made May 19 at 2022 11:30 AM

2022-05-19T11:30:17-04:00

House

Response by MAJ Juan Molina made May 19 at 2022 11:35 AM

2022-05-19T11:35:36-04:00

house

Response by MSgt James Flowers made May 19 at 2022 11:35 AM

2022-05-19T11:35:38-04:00

New truck

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made May 19 at 2022 11:38 AM

2022-05-19T11:38:11-04:00

I used a good chunk of my Seps pay to pay down my debt accrued during my divorce. I wanted to start off my second life with better credit.

Response by MSgt James Flowers made May 19 at 2022 11:38 AM

2022-05-19T11:38:14-04:00

New Truck

Response by PFC Mike Golden made May 19 at 2022 11:42 AM

2022-05-19T11:42:57-04:00

GSXR 750

Response by MSgt James Flowers made May 19 at 2022 11:48 AM

2022-05-19T11:48:41-04:00

New Truck.

Response by PO3 Kimberly Williams made May 19 at 2022 11:58 AM

2022-05-19T11:58:29-04:00

My first "big" purchase was a new car! Well, new to me. It was an old 1970(something) Chevy Monza. I bought it for about $700 with part of the driver floorboard missing. Yes, you could actually see the street under you. Nothing a nice car mat couldn't handle, though.

Response by Maj Henry Thomas made May 19 at 2022 12:01 PM

2022-05-19T12:01:43-04:00

We bought an amazing house in Escondido CA... all 2300 sq feet of space for my bride and I with a line of sight as you enter the main entrance that looks out into a mountain side full of avocado orchards and a golf course fairway. You feel like you are somewhere in Italy with surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. It is truly a blessing to have finally purchased a home after PCS move to PCS move renting across the fruited plains of America. This Airman has landed his plane in Escondido, California.

Response by CPO Karhleen McDanel made May 19 at 2022 12:26 PM

2022-05-19T12:26:11-04:00

A new TV.

Response by SP5 Peter Faris made May 19 at 2022 12:29 PM

2022-05-19T12:29:01-04:00

My first big purchase/expense after getting out of the army was Graduate School at the University of Colorado. Later, after retiring from my civilian career my first and highest priority purchase was a snow blower. If you live in Colorado you get that.

Response by PO3 Donald Coles made May 19 at 2022 12:31 PM

2022-05-19T12:31:34-04:00

A used car.

Response by A1C Tylor Evick made May 19 at 2022 12:48 PM

2022-05-19T12:48:30-04:00

My dog Zeus!

Response by SGT Dawn Stamp made May 19 at 2022 1:06 PM

2022-05-19T13:06:24-04:00

My first real home

Response by PO1 Jason Caldon made May 19 at 2022 1:06 PM

2022-05-19T13:06:42-04:00

A house in New Hampshire

Response by PO1 Jason Caldon made May 19 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-05-19T13:07:06-04:00

A house in New Hampshire

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 1:11 PM

2022-05-19T13:11:25-04:00

Tuition to college! Although, soon after I was able to utilize my GI Bill. Fast forward to a bachelors and masters degree...I would say it was well worth the funds and service!

Response by LTJG Barbara Coupe made May 19 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-05-19T13:15:30-04:00

A trip to backpack through Europe. I visited Amsterdam, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italy; Innsbruck Austria, and Munich Germany. It was amazing and started me with a travel bug.

Response by CW4 Donald Bricker made May 19 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-05-19T13:15:50-04:00

I was medically retired and my first big purchase was a 1969 Mercury Cougar. And my 2nd big purchase was a 1970 Mercury Cougar convertible. I may be old enough to retire but those cars make me feel young again.

Response by PO2 Tiffany Bidet made May 19 at 2022 1:26 PM

2022-05-19T13:26:37-04:00

Mine was a new car!

Response by Sgt Ray Baxter made May 19 at 2022 1:26 PM

2022-05-19T13:26:44-04:00

I bought a 1972 Plymouth Duster. Sky blue with white interior. Loved it as it was brand new off the lot in Corpus Christi, Texas. Made my drive to the NASA tracking station in Flour Bluff enjoyable. Worked as a security guard for a short while there.

Response by CW3 Lynwood Summerlin Jr made May 19 at 2022 1:30 PM

2022-05-19T13:30:17-04:00

I purchased a Texas 529 educational savings plan so I could start investing for my son's college so he won't have to join the Army like I did.

Response by PO3 Rick Smith made May 19 at 2022 1:36 PM

2022-05-19T13:36:14-04:00

Car

Response by PO3 Rick Smith made May 19 at 2022 1:37 PM

2022-05-19T13:37:54-04:00

A house

Response by CPL Jennifer Mulch made May 19 at 2022 1:49 PM

2022-05-19T13:49:52-04:00

My first big purchase was new kitchen appliances, a fridge and stove.

Response by MSgt Joy McNabb made May 19 at 2022 2:22 PM

2022-05-19T14:22:30-04:00

I actually seperated 5 different times, one time my big purchase was on tuition. A few years after I retired, I bought a car, got married, and bought a house.

Response by PO3 Zach Reuther made May 19 at 2022 2:24 PM

2022-05-19T14:24:15-04:00

An engagement ring. It took 4 months to save up and another four months to get it. She was worth it.

Response by FA Marisol Rosa made May 19 at 2022 2:44 PM

2022-05-19T14:44:53-04:00

Bought a house

Response by SP5 Hung Wu made May 19 at 2022 2:55 PM

2022-05-19T14:55:32-04:00

A 2002 Ford Explorer, lasted me 16 years.

Response by SrA Mary Cheatle made May 19 at 2022 3:11 PM

2022-05-19T15:11:21-04:00

A house

Response by SrA Mary Cheatle made May 19 at 2022 3:12 PM

2022-05-19T15:12:40-04:00

A house(with my husband)

Response by SrA Lacey Berumen made May 19 at 2022 3:32 PM

2022-05-19T15:32:09-04:00

I bought a used older honda as my car was in a head on crash 4 days before I reported for duty to be sent overseas . May car was totalled by the insurance company while I was in Germany. I had to fight the drunk driver that hit me in small claims court to have him pay off the remainder of my car note as I was on the hook for that. I also was without a car now. Luckily being a conflict zone I was able to save money so I could manage both upon my return.

Response by Sgt Bill Stockham made May 19 at 2022 3:46 PM

2022-05-19T15:46:39-04:00

We bought a house in Cleveland Tn. big enough for some of our family to move in to take care of me.
William M. Stockham

Response by SPC Quintin-Xavier Smith made May 19 at 2022 3:54 PM

2022-05-19T15:54:53-04:00

My first big purchase was a laptop and a train ticket to Virginia to explore the scenery

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2022 5:08 PM

2022-05-19T17:08:57-04:00

When I got back from deployment I bought my crosstrek and I've had it for 8 years now. Almost at 100k miles.

Response by PV2 Teresa Davis made May 19 at 2022 5:59 PM

2022-05-19T17:59:22-04:00

A living room suite

Response by SPC Manuel Saldana made May 19 at 2022 6:19 PM

2022-05-19T18:19:37-04:00

Camping gear. I wanted to see the beautiful country that my brothers and sisters in uniform and myself fought to protect.

Response by PO1 Ren Kauffman made May 19 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-05-19T19:43:36-04:00

A brand new wardrobe from Nordstrom to wear Job hunting.

Response by SP5 James Freelove made May 19 at 2022 7:59 PM

2022-05-19T19:59:04-04:00

Bought my wife a new chevy trailblazer.

Response by LT Cecil Tune made May 19 at 2022 8:16 PM

2022-05-19T20:16:33-04:00

House for primary residence

Response by CPL Sean Stephens made May 19 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-05-19T21:04:01-04:00

In 2010 the first thing I purchased was a 48inch flat screen from Best Buy.

Response by SPC David Davis made May 19 at 2022 9:57 PM

2022-05-19T21:57:58-04:00

My first large purchase was groceries.

Response by LCpl Ricky Chaney made May 19 at 2022 10:05 PM

2022-05-19T22:05:41-04:00

My first big purchase was a Dodge Avenger. I purchased at auction, and installed after factory parts. I then installed a new engine and finished with a fresh paint job.

Response by LCpl Sonia Toppin Dupuy made May 19 at 2022 10:28 PM

2022-05-19T22:28:37-04:00

My first big purchase was a car. How I miss the gas prices of long ago.

Response by PO3 Benjamin DeFrance made May 19 at 2022 11:37 PM

2022-05-19T23:37:18-04:00

My first big purchase after separating was getting a new sound system for my big drive home. I was stationed in Florida and was driving back to California for the first time ever. I went to an audio installation place and had a major audio system upgrade installed so that I can keep myself wide awake for the next 4 days of driving I was preparing for.

Response by PO3 Devon Bivens made May 19 at 2022 11:59 PM

2022-05-19T23:59:01-04:00

I purchased a house that has been repossessed and damaged. I paid a guy to fix the damage and later put a new metal roof on it with my Step Dad and his brother. We went through a Tornado in it, the roof held. And we lived there for 7 years.

Response by SrA Latasha Hudson - Adams made May 20 at 2022 7:30 AM

2022-05-20T07:30:41-04:00

Car

Response by PO2 Paul Reeve made May 20 at 2022 8:44 AM

2022-05-20T08:44:03-04:00

It took some years after seperating that I was able to buy a house. Thanks to the VA loan system.

Response by Sgt Gary Gomez made May 20 at 2022 9:07 AM

2022-05-20T09:07:37-04:00

A house

Response by SMSgt Terry LLoyd made May 20 at 2022 10:22 AM

2022-05-20T10:22:54-04:00

Our house!

Response by PO1 John Sanders made May 20 at 2022 11:59 AM

2022-05-20T11:59:42-04:00

My first home.

Response by Cpl Mark Oresko made May 20 at 2022 1:54 PM

2022-05-20T13:54:39-04:00

When I got out I needed something to get me around. A car that says this is the kind of guy that I can trust to take out my daughter. The kind of ride that turns heads and people say, “Now that guy is going somewhere.” I’m talking about a champagne colored 97 Chevy Lumina. It was a government owned vehicle and I even found a handful of live 9mm hollow point rounds in the crack of the backseat. I paid $1200 cash and she lasted me three good years. I even landed my future wife and mother of my two daughters with that car. 15 years this August.

Response by TSgt Donna Herbison made May 20 at 2022 4:05 PM

2022-05-20T16:05:30-04:00

A college education. I served during the period of the worst GI bill in history so I graduated with my 4 year nursing with tons of student debt. What irks me is the call for cancelling today's student debt. It wouldn't be cancelled, just transferred to those of us who either paid our own debt or those who never got the opportunity to go to college in the first place.

Response by SPC Chris Huling made May 20 at 2022 4:09 PM

2022-05-20T16:09:22-04:00

Brand new Harley Davidson Wide Glide and rode it back home to Alaska.

Response by SP6 Christine Cater made May 20 at 2022 6:04 PM

2022-05-20T18:04:22-04:00

My Associate of Arts Degree

Response by SPC Jason Hayes made May 21 at 2022 10:43 AM

2022-05-21T10:43:29-04:00

A house

Response by CPL Ashley Wright made May 22 at 2022 4:10 AM

2022-05-22T04:10:50-04:00

my first big purchase after separation from the Army was a truck. traded in the sports car for a working class pickup truck.

Response by CPL James Sayre made May 22 at 2022 7:05 AM

2022-05-22T07:05:31-04:00

My first major purchase was a good used car. I had sold my car to a friend when I got my orders for VN. When I got back in 67 I had no wheels.

Response by PVT Jack Koenig made May 22 at 2022 11:38 AM

2022-05-22T11:38:48-04:00

Retired in June, 2002. In July i bought a house and 3 1/2 acres in Georgia.

Response by SSgt Tiffani Perez made May 22 at 2022 11:53 AM

2022-05-22T11:53:10-04:00

My first home less than a year after dicharge

Response by SCPO Patricia Dosdall made May 23 at 2022 5:34 AM

2022-05-23T05:34:45-04:00

A motorcycle. Buell Blast.

Response by SGT Ronald Green made May 23 at 2022 10:25 AM

2022-05-23T10:25:50-04:00

went pay for a new ford f150

Response by PFC Edward Anderson made May 23 at 2022 2:58 PM

2022-05-23T14:58:57-04:00

bough a home

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made May 24 at 2022 11:44 AM

2022-05-24T11:44:30-04:00

My first home for $19,500, still living there.

Response by SFC Louis Cass made May 24 at 2022 11:59 AM

2022-05-24T11:59:23-04:00

After retirement, deployed to Iraq (Contractor) and purchased an Ultra Classic Harley-Davidson from Military Sales. Saved over $2500 buying it through Military Sales.
Side note: This was the first "NEW" vehicle I bought for myself at the age of 45+...my loving spouse ALWAYS chooses new.

Response by SPC Wilhelm Franken made May 24 at 2022 3:20 PM

2022-05-24T15:20:05-04:00

Purchasing a condo, after receiving 5 years retroactive pay for VA Disability at 90%

Response by PO1 William Russell made May 24 at 2022 6:06 PM

2022-05-24T18:06:53-04:00

We had been living in base housing for most of my career, so when I retired we bought a house.

Response by Sgt Tee Font made May 25 at 2022 7:40 AM

2022-05-25T07:40:48-04:00

Not really a purchase but I used my leave pay out to pay off my pioneer loan

Response by SrA Mary Cheatle made May 26 at 2022 3:08 PM

2022-05-26T15:08:09-04:00

A house

Response by PO3 Tyrone Ogletree made May 26 at 2022 8:18 PM

2022-05-26T20:18:43-04:00

BMW 325

Response by SPC William Cornwell made May 27 at 2022 12:06 PM

2022-05-27T12:06:46-04:00

A New Vehicle.

Response by Cpl John Hollis made May 27 at 2022 5:49 PM

2022-05-27T17:49:56-04:00

1990 Eddie Bauer Red Ford Bronco

Response by PO1 Brad Daniels made May 27 at 2022 7:50 PM

2022-05-27T19:50:17-04:00

My home. Got it for $59,000. Paid it off in 2011. Today the value is #211,000. It was brand new construction that the builder ran out of money as he built 7 houses. mine was the first built on an acre of land and nothing was wrong with it. can't say the same for the others except my immediate neighbor. Bought it in November 1982 and moved in February 1983. Still in it and still comfortable. it's even withstood a direct hit by a EF3 tornado in 2015. Suffered minor external damage but the house itself stood its ground. Praise the Lord!

Response by SPC Rick Price made May 27 at 2022 10:26 PM

2022-05-27T22:26:43-04:00

Car

Response by PO1 Tris Scheer made May 28 at 2022 1:04 PM

2022-05-28T13:04:27-04:00

A House

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made May 28 at 2022 3:20 PM

2022-05-28T15:20:35-04:00

I went back to school poste haste! Studied. Made good grades. Now, working arse off.
Over

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2022 7:16 PM

2022-05-28T19:16:25-04:00

I bought a slightly used hybrid car to maximize gas mileage on my 600 mile weekly round trip for work. Now that gas prices are crazy high, it is really looking like an amazing decision.

Response by SSG Kevin Rogers made May 28 at 2022 10:56 PM

2022-05-28T22:56:25-04:00

New house that I had built

Response by PO2 Germaine Hall made May 30 at 2022 1:11 AM

2022-05-30T01:11:24-04:00

A car

Response by SP6 Joseph Fields made May 31 at 2022 8:18 PM

2022-05-31T20:18:20-04:00

Bought a new home for my wife and children

Response by CPL Flower Kawana made May 31 at 2022 10:33 PM

2022-05-31T22:33:41-04:00

A car! Toyota Corolla

Response by RallyPoint News made Jun 3 at 2022 4:11 PM

2022-06-03T16:11:40-04:00

Congratulations to Maj Robert Thornton, CPL George Rosenblatt, SFC Rick Aguayo, CWO2 Jeff Lehman, and SP5 Sheldon Behensky.

You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared!

Response by Cpl Daniel Tatum made Jun 8 at 2022 1:00 PM

2022-06-08T13:00:36-04:00

Used Car: 2001 Honda Accord (Black)

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jun 9 at 2022 9:21 AM

2022-06-09T09:21:25-04:00

A house for 60K in Salt Lake City; wish I still had it now worth over 3/4 of a million.

Response by SSG Louis Swift made Jun 15 at 2022 1:44 PM

2022-06-15T13:44:09-04:00

69 plymouth road runner in 1969

Response by PO1 Romualdo Ramirez made Jun 15 at 2022 10:07 PM

2022-06-15T22:07:18-04:00

A new vehicle

Response by SGT Daniel Myers made Jun 18 at 2022 6:02 PM

2022-06-18T18:02:27-04:00

I got out in March of 1976, had a wonderful gathering of welcoming folks waiting to welcome me and others home at the airport. My first purchase was a maroon 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix and it was gorgeous! Roomy on the inside too! Good thing too as three short weeks after returning home, my mother and stepfather entered my room at 0200hrs and asked me to pack up my clothes and leave their home as they were afraid of what the military had taught me and what I'd been through that I might turn on them after all the years that they abused me. I quietly packed my things, loaded all my clothes and supplies into my car, and found a secure bridge to sleep under where I felt safe. My first experience with homelessness as a veteran.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2022 10:36 AM

2022-06-28T10:36:40-04:00

Mountain bike

Response by PO2 David F. made Jun 28 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-06-28T13:07:08-04:00

Out after 4 years-HM2, 1970. Had little money, took 3 years to buy a house.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Jul 2 at 2022 4:53 AM

2022-07-02T04:53:30-04:00

A trip to London

Response by PO3 Duane Bue made Jul 2 at 2022 12:06 PM

2022-07-02T12:06:16-04:00

1965 Catalina convertible!

Response by SSG Rafael R. Rodriguez Sr. made Nov 13 at 2022 3:10 PM

2022-11-13T15:10:38-05:00

Purchased 10 Cases of MRE's. Especially the ones that had the tortillas and the Mexican entrees.