After you retired or got out, what is the one military thing that you will always keeps that's special to you?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:22:58 -0400

Pics of them if possible, would be great too :)

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made May 30 at 2016 11:27 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:27:18 -0400

I was given a coin from the Analytical Control Element (ACE) that was done as a playing card with the Ace of Hearts. Has my SPC rank on it. Will cherish that forever.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 30 at 2016 11:40 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:40:02 -0400

I hang onto my Deep Freeze Double Gradient sunglasses. It's a unique item that I'm putting in my shadow box... once I get around to it.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 30 at 2016 11:55 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:55:33 -0400

The P-38 on my keychain.

For many years I carried a mushroomed .45 slug as a pocket piece that I had picked up in the field in Viet Nam, but eventually I lost it through a hole in my pocket.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 00:40:16 -0400

I have my first set of silver jump wings that was pinned on my chest almost 20 years ago, somewhere along the way I got the bright idea to use them as a keychain. don't look pretty anymore but still mean a lot to me picking them up everyday.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2016 1:32 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 31 May 2016 01:32:38 -0400

Plaque from the First Class Mess USS California CGN-36

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2016 1:36 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 31 May 2016 01:36:03 -0400

My Shadow Box from my retirement from my Shipmates on the Arkansas CGN-41 and the Flag that my Friends the Signalmen Provided was the one that flew over the Ship when I became a Golden Shellback crossing the Date Line at the Equator.

Response by SrA Steve Susumu Monas made May 31 at 2016 3:46 AM

SrA Steve Susumu Monas — Tue, 31 May 2016 03:46:32 -0400

SFC Golden it's the integrity and attention to detail. Personal physical items mine was my Dog tags. But lost them several years ago. Don't really plan on needing g them.. The chevrons and Attaboy'd help.

Response by SSG Matthew Hamrick made May 31 at 2016 8:23 AM

SSG Matthew Hamrick — Tue, 31 May 2016 08:23:23 -0400

Easy question here, as an Infantry soldier I kept and still use my poncho liner.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 31 at 2016 11:07 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:07:48 -0400

I kept every piece of Marine Corps memorabilia I acquired. But the thing I carry in my wallet everywhere is the coin I received in Boot Camp. It's a constant reminder of when my life changed.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 31 at 2016 11:23 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:23:07 -0400

The cased flag with my name and rank on it that USARC gave me when I returned from OIF.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jun 6 at 2016 8:52 PM

SGM Joel Cook — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 20:52:13 -0400

I actually have two things hanging on the wall at home. The first is my BN Staff photo from when I was assigned as the CSM of a Signal BN in Korea for six months because the old BN CSM retired and the new one couldn't report until after his graduation from USASMA, even though I was never awarded the CSM star and reeth. The second item is a lesson in irony. It is a framed copy of three letters I received while in my newly assigned 1SG slot in about a 21 day period in Oct 1995 at Fort Drum, New York. The first letter I got was a General Officer Memorandum of Concern from the Post Commander. It is similar to a letter of reprimand. It stated I broke one of his post policies for allowing a non-infantry MOS soldier to run on the six mile ruck march timed qualification. The soldier had never met the time limit without running but could easily meet the time running. The soldier was flagged for no favorable actions because of this rule. I made the decision to personally grade the soldier on a Saturday morning so the flag could be lifted. The CG and his Aide caught us as we crossed the finish line running. The flag was lifted but I was labeled a non-conformist dirt bag for allowing the running. The second letter was a letter of thanks addressed to me, through the Post Commanders Office, from the daughter of a WWII American POW. I had attended her father's funeral as part of the Funeral Detail and passed her the American flag as military custom and manuals dictate. It was my first funeral detail and very emotional all around. The third letter is a Memorandum of Appreciation from the same Post Commander who had labeled me as a non-conformist dirt bag. This new letter told me I was among the most dignified and professional 1SGs under his Command, performing all my duties in an exemplary manner. I guess he thought he could have it both ways! Irony!