Well one last kick in the ass on the way out. I spoke with my supervisor and I wont even get a damned flag for my retirement! 20 Years total. 18 good guard years and of those 15 for active service and now i'm being told dont get my hopes up for even a flag. this is against AF regulations! I'm glad I'm a guardsman and dont live near my unit anymore. I dont think my commander is happy that the PEB and MEB found me unfit. just uncool. My retirement date is 23 April.... do I have any recourse what so ever? 60% dod 100% VA P&T for SA
Retiring, declined ceremony and now no recognition
- Thread starter Russ35057
- Start date
Retirement is Retirement.
See Jason Perry's post number 5 at this LINK <----
This thread reminds me of my experience.
I had a regular (20 year) retirement in 1991. I was coming out of Germany and did not request a retirement ceremony. I also did not receive a flag, but that is my own fault...I did not pursue the matter.
Good luck to you.
Ron
See Jason Perry's post number 5 at this LINK <----
This thread reminds me of my experience.
I had a regular (20 year) retirement in 1991. I was coming out of Germany and did not request a retirement ceremony. I also did not receive a flag, but that is my own fault...I did not pursue the matter.
Good luck to you.
Ron
I declined a ceremony when I retired out of Alaska, but was offered to be part of a ceremony at any installation of my choosing. All I had to do was to contact the Retirement Service Officer at Ft.Stewart,GA and that was it. I would talk to the RSO close to you, all Army installation have one ,they are most likely sitting in the welcome center or the Soldier Readiness building.
Me neither brother but I ordered a shadow box and it looks gorgeous on my wall I recommend you do the same.
@Russ35057 you are still owed all the benefits according to the AFIs... you are able to decline a ceremony, but all certificates and awards are still processed and mailed to you directly or maybe received by you picking it up in person. Let me go find the AFIs, and I will drop them here in another reply.
USAF Retirements
6.1. Recognition of RegAF, AFR and ANG Members Being Retired. 6.1.1. Tradition. One of the oldest traditions of military service is to recognize members who are retiring from a career of long and honorable service. Military members should retire with a tangible expression of appreciation for their contributions to the Air Force and our mission. They should retire with the assurance that the AF continues to view them as members of the Air Force family in retirement.
6.1.3.5. If the member chooses not to participate in a ceremony or if leave, hospitalization, or other reason prevents participation, the member’s commander or an officer designated by the commander will personally present the DD Form 363AF, AF Form 1344, retired lapel button, US Flag and any awards or honors that express appreciation for the member’s service. Do not mail the retirement certificate to a retirement address unless all other means of presentation have been exhausted.
USAF Awards and Certificates
6.1. Recognition of RegAF, AFR and ANG Members Being Retired. 6.1.1. Tradition. One of the oldest traditions of military service is to recognize members who are retiring from a career of long and honorable service. Military members should retire with a tangible expression of appreciation for their contributions to the Air Force and our mission. They should retire with the assurance that the AF continues to view them as members of the Air Force family in retirement.
6.1.3.5. If the member chooses not to participate in a ceremony or if leave, hospitalization, or other reason prevents participation, the member’s commander or an officer designated by the commander will personally present the DD Form 363AF, AF Form 1344, retired lapel button, US Flag and any awards or honors that express appreciation for the member’s service. Do not mail the retirement certificate to a retirement address unless all other means of presentation have been exhausted.
USAF Awards and Certificates
That is an excellent set of procedures...if followed.
Opinion: The military is just like any other organization in that there are some excellent leaders; some average leaders; and some below-average leaders. My question would be:
Where is the senior NCO involvement in this matter?
Around 90 days prior to their departure, I used to send a memo to the NCO leader of any solider leaving our command. He/she was instructed to submit their recommendation for an award (or reason why an award is not recommended) for the departing soldier...NLT xxxxxxx (date). The commander did the same for officers.
I wrote the award recommendation for my boss...a LTC.
Ron
Opinion: The military is just like any other organization in that there are some excellent leaders; some average leaders; and some below-average leaders. My question would be:
Where is the senior NCO involvement in this matter?
Around 90 days prior to their departure, I used to send a memo to the NCO leader of any solider leaving our command. He/she was instructed to submit their recommendation for an award (or reason why an award is not recommended) for the departing soldier...NLT xxxxxxx (date). The commander did the same for officers.
I wrote the award recommendation for my boss...a LTC.
Ron
From the outside, all we can do is empower those with the knowledge and hope to persuade people to make the right decisions.
From my experience, there is a lean towards "me" and not "us/them" decisions. And not in general, very local as I mean. I still believe the intent is what is best for us. But I have many friends in other units that feel that retirements/separations are becoming reserved to show case "the best" and others just get to leave the service. I hope I just have the worst case scenario in examples.
From my experience, there is a lean towards "me" and not "us/them" decisions. And not in general, very local as I mean. I still believe the intent is what is best for us. But I have many friends in other units that feel that retirements/separations are becoming reserved to show case "the best" and others just get to leave the service. I hope I just have the worst case scenario in examples.
I know the AFIs because I do not want a ceremony, I have had my reasons and it isn't because of toxic leadership or supervision. I just do not want a ceremony for personal reasons, but I also helped my self and continue to question the development of my awards and recognition. Do I believe I have to push my own packages? No, but I have come to learn you need to look out for yourself if you have an interest in any project. Just because it is "their job" doesn't mean it will get done they way YOU want or need.
Sorry to hear you having the unfortunate experience with your leaders. I told my people I want to go out of the military like I came in, on the run from the cops! But I had a guy I know make me a awesome retirement case. One day I’ll figure out what I want in it. I’ll post a pic when I get home.
One of my guys gave me a “retirement plaque” before he left. It actually has more meaning than a traditional plaque lol.
One of my guys gave me a “retirement plaque” before he left. It actually has more meaning than a traditional plaque lol.
The AF and perhaps other services have cancelled all promotion and retirement ceremonies. That does not mean you should not receive the certificates, flag or pin. Just no ceremony with a crowd.
You are entitled to a retirement ceremony 100% if that's what you'd like. Even a service member over 8 years and med retired can request a ceremony. But like chap said, doubt anyone is able to do so with COVID. Let me know if you haven't found the instruction, and I will assist in finding it. I can't recall off the top of my head what instruction it was exactly.
Edit: Your commander does need to provide you a reason for disapproval of a ceremony. MILPERSMAN 1800-010
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Contact your local RSO and they should get you the flag or at least put you on a list to get one when available.
My SNCO is afraid the commander is getting ready to boot him too.... so he's trying not to rock the boat
I found tooth and nail for mine. I wanted the presidential certificates, CMSAF certificate, the flag, all that stuff. I ended up emailing my unit several years later, I was retired via the AFBCMR, and they forwarded it to the First Sergeant who in turn ordered everything and had it sent to me. He even obtained a flag and had it folded by the Base Honor Guard and got me the lapel pin. Don't give up.