What was your military retirement ceremony like?

2015-07-17T13:59:52-04:00

Did you get to attend your own military retirement ceremony? If so, what was it like? How did you feel?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 17 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-07-17T14:01:14-04:00

I didn't have one! Unless you count meeting up with one of my fellow First Classes for lunch one Saturday afternoon, LOL.

Response by 1SG Charles Gault made Jul 17 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-07-17T14:04:01-04:00

I didn't have a retirement Ceremony. I had a civilian Job waiting on me at that time.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 17 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-07-17T14:12:36-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver Honestly it was wonderful. I, like many, did not want to have one; I just wanted to fade away. I asked all of my General Officer mentors, and they all agreed I needed to have one. It was not really for me, it was for my family. I think it really mattered to them; really mattered. I am glad we did it, and am glad my mentor LTG David Quantock could be there. My son made an awesome video, that actually made me well up, that chronicled my 33 years in Army, my life before the Army, and our lives as an Army Family. Then, I had to get up and speak to packed auditorium, knowing it was my last time... that really hit me then... 33 years is long time.... and try and keep it together...

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jul 17 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-07-17T14:26:08-04:00

Airplane ride from Germany to Charleston, SC to get my car, was not there yet so wife,kids and the 2 dogs and I rented a van to get back to KY.

Response by CPO Eugene Gillam made Jul 17 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-07-17T15:45:16-04:00

Like others here I didn't want one but was persuaded to let it happen. I dreaded it because I was afraid to retire - I was 17 when I enlisted and the Navy had been my life for 28 years and I didn't want my emotions to show - but try as I might there was no way to control the tears.

As it turned out, leaving wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I got out on Friday and started a new career as a Govt contractor on Monday working with the Navy.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 17 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-07-17T16:10:02-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver It was just like a military ball. It was conducted the same evening after a change of command ceremony during the day. We had an open house for the Brigade Headquarters where my family, co-workers, and friends got a tour of the three story (former two-Star Marine Headquarters) building that I took over when I moved the 89th SUS BDE to Belton, MO from Wichita, KS. I had about 250 people that came from the Brigade, family, work, and friends. We had live music afterwards just like a military ball, we had the "Grog Bowl" ceremony, receiving line, awards, video of my entire 37 year career spanning back to 1975, and my guest speaker was 2-Star General at my Higher Command (MG Visot) - the whole shebang!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 18 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-07-18T09:58:28-04:00

Mine will be a glass of Jamison. Well, maybe not just one.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 19 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-07-19T11:07:42-04:00

Fort Gordon did a mass ceremony for the people like me who didn't want or care for one just for them. It was alright, felt weird to be retired at 24 though.

Response by SGT Douglas Blackwood made Jul 19 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-07-19T15:53:30-04:00

I received my paperwork, checked out of all "S" shops, returned all gear, and went home. I served with Honor and Respect and chose to retire quietly.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-07-23T18:54:23-04:00

Short and sweet.

Response by MAJ Steven Szymurski made Nov 12 at 2015 10:07 PM

2015-11-12T22:07:52-05:00

I was fortunate to retire while stationed in the Washington, DC area in June 1991. I retired with a group of a dozen or so NCO's and Officers from the DC area. The ceremony at Ft Myer, VA, was magnificent with an honor guard from the 3rd Infantry "Old Guard" and the the Army's Drum and Fife in Colonial uniforms. In addition to receiving our Retirement Certificates we also were presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander-in-Chief. I felt proud and privileged to be so honored upon retiring.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-12-14T16:44:36-05:00

I just got my DD214, retirement papers, flag, from the civilian guy who just printed them off in the printer in five minutes and was off on my way. I am pretty bitter at the end of my career, but will do something with my family to celebrate this event.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made May 5 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-05-05T15:29:09-04:00

"The Cold War's over; we won; now we gotta get rid of a million of you." With those words, George H. Bush started paring down the Navy. Anything they could do to get you out, they did. "Who here has 12 years or more in?" Half the squadron raised their hand. "We're counting it as twenty; you're out." Within seconds, half the squadron was out of the Navy with full retirement benefits. Being the admin officer, I got the lovely pleasure of typing all the DD-214's and other sundry pieces of paper. Me? I was on medical hold and had been pulled off my Submarine in November of 1988. I knew my chances weren't good. Upon arriving back to Group headquarters I was told my ID card was expired and that I was on medical hold and therefore "out". Being a pencil pusher, I reminded them that I had to have a medical board. Oooops. That was scheduled and on the day after New Years' 1989 I flew to Washington DC for it. Me and two guys who were on medical hold with broken arms. All three of us got automatic/instant medical retirement.

Flew back to Charleston and was given my "blue" retired ID card. "Where do you wanna go son?" asked the base commander. "London, England" I replied. "Well son, we don't have money for that. All we're required to do by law is send you back to where you joined the Navy. Now where'd you join son?" "London, England." Ooops. Navy got pissed. They were broke from getting rid of too many sailors. So I hung around Charleston waiting for the Navy to scrounge up the money. Collecting a pay check of course while sitting at home. Then the day came. I went to PSD (Personnel Support Detachment) and received my final check, my leave check (four years worth!!!!!!!!) and a check to move myself and family (wife and dog) to jolly old England. Shook the LT's hand and promptly left the building. Three years later got my "thanks for serving" letter signed by President Clinton and a retirement certificate from the Navy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-07-07T20:45:39-04:00

I didn't have one.....like many of the new generation of retirees......after being treated like shit for the last year of my career the last think I wanted was a ceremony.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 19 at 2017 4:20 PM

2017-03-19T16:20:36-04:00

My retirement ceremony in 1991 was standard for US Transportation Command staff officers. I was fortunate to have all three of my children, two grandchildren, and my wife attend. The J3, then-Maj Gen Walt Kross, officiated. I received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, letter of appreciation from GEN Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Air Force retirement certificate. My wife received a certificate of appreciation from the Air Force. I gave my wife a bouquet of flowers and smaller bouquets for my two daughters. My grandson, who was about 2, started to fuss and his Mom and Aunt (my girls) couldn't control him, so one of the officers from my Branch took him out of the ceremony. The guy was a Marine Major who had two boys of his own. We always teased the grandson that it took a Marine to control him. My oldest daughter was a SSgt in the Air National Guard and attended in uniform. I remember making a short speech thanking Gen Kross and my family. All in all about the same as hundreds of other retirements at large commands every year.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Mar 21 at 2017 12:40 PM

2017-03-21T12:40:54-04:00

Really didn't want anything big. My family (Mom, Dad, brothers) flew out from Oregon to help me celebrate. My wife and two youngest sons were in attendance as were people I worked with. Since I wasn't in a normal unit, almost all Civilians, they hadn't really done one before. One of the best memories is that my brother was my retirement officer.

Joined while I was in high school (didn't want to go to college), waited almost a year to go in and then spent 26 1/2 years in the USAF Security Police career field.

What a great career I had.

Response by SFC William Jones made May 12 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-05-12T20:15:38-04:00

My retirement ceremony was like my enlistment ceremony, but in reverse. I started at Red Lobster and then went home.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 12 at 2018 9:04 PM

2018-05-12T21:04:46-04:00

Damn Sad, it was part of a XVIII ABC retirement ceremony, 5 of us in front of the Corps Staff, HQUSAG, HHC, and attached units.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Oct 6 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-10-06T14:55:18-04:00

Ha. I received a retirement certificate in the mail, asking me if I wanted a ceremony. In a few days nothing. As I had been in the Navy and Army, I wanted all my medals combined. The Army sent me a Combat Wounded certificate, via fax, for being hit in the Navy, and a WW2 medal for being in Tokyo Harbor in 1945... I was not even born. But, ceremony or not, now 100% disabled, I have no regrets... 5 years in WESTPAC (Yankee Station) and chasing Abu Sayef in the Philippines. Ceremony or not, I am very happy.

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Oct 9 at 2018 11:12 AM

2018-10-09T11:12:04-04:00

***Retirement ceremony of SGM Gregory Tarancon IV (Update) ***

– Without a doubt it the retirement ceremony was great way to end a 32 year career. Above all my family was recognized and they really enjoyed the moment! I had had family fly in from all over the country to include my son (CPT Gregorio Tarancon V) who was o deployment from Egypt!

The ceremony was presided over by Special Forces officers and NCO that I have known for years and have a lot of respect and admiration. The both the presiding officer and narrators were former Company Commanders and made some touching comments.

My chain of command at USSOCOM really when above and beyond in coordinating the ceremony; I was humbled by my former teammates that made it to the ceremony as did many colleagues. I was truly something to remember!
DOL

Response by SSG Robin Lawson made May 7 at 2019 4:51 PM

2019-05-07T16:51:32-04:00

No Ceremony my unit was deployed. Got my paperwork in the mail. Kind of a let down after 25 years.

Response by SPC Dan Gettemy made Mar 17 at 2020 9:39 AM

2020-03-17T09:39:45-04:00

I WAS JUST TOLD THAT I COULD GO HOME.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 24 at 2020 10:46 PM

2020-03-24T22:46:36-04:00

I will remember and never forget my retirement ceremony. It was arranged and set up by the lower enlisted of my company. They arranged with the DFAC NCOIC to have it in the mess hall as a surprise and it was one heck of a surprise to me. I got a call from the DFAC NCOIC that there was a problem which needed my immediate attention. When I walked in, all my enlisted soldiers were in their Dress Greens with their spouses or girlfriends, no officers (sorry Sirs) and my wife at the time even knew about it and showed up with our 2 kids. My soldiers had a banner, tables set up and everything. They even paid the DFAC out of their pockets for the food. There was only one problem. I was the only one in BDUs. Was I suprised, I was flabbergasted, because I was always death on them, but fair and treated each one of them with dignity, courtesy and respect, which shows it goes a long way. After I retired, I ran into one of my soldiers at For Knox Ky. Before I retired she was a E-4 (SPC), but when I saw her, she had been promoted twice and was now an E-6 (SSG).

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jul 5 at 2022 8:58 PM

2022-07-05T20:58:53-04:00

You had a ceremony?

Response by CPT David McDonald made Nov 12 at 2022 11:27 PM

2022-11-12T23:27:04-05:00

Never had one at Ft Riley, KS.
That was the least of my 10 year retirement nightmare. Finally retired correctly in 2022 after 3 boards and much fighting with the Subject Matter Know Nothings from G-1 to RSO.

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Sep 22 at 2023 7:57 AM

2023-09-22T07:57:21-04:00

I felt like used, undeserving my Command cared less, I had racist solders in my section and the only NCO gave me a little going away party was my neighbor who was a Mtr Sgt in the building a few feet apart from my building..