Do Your Awards Still Mean Something To You After Leaving The Service?

2016-04-25T20:36:20-04:00

When I served in the Army, my medals and awards were a sense of pride for me. Now that I am retired, they are simply some colored ribbons that I have in a display case in the den. I don't hold the same pride I had in them as when I was in the service. Do you believe that medals and awards only hold the pride that you assign them? Do you still feel pride in them now that you are out of the service?

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Apr 25 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-04-25T20:38:58-04:00

I do. I feel an immense sense of pride when I look at my shadow box and remember all the blood, sweat, and tears it took to earn mine.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 25 at 2016 8:40 PM

2016-04-25T20:40:29-04:00

MSG Anthony DiFondi ROGER THAT. Now that I am retired I am proud of all my medals in order with the utmost respect and honor. I am honored to have earned these prestigious medals. I have a lot more, these are my best.

Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
French Commando Badge
Parachutist Badge
Combat Action Badge

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 8:42 PM

2016-04-25T20:42:17-04:00

I had a nine year break in service and, for me, explaining some if the awards gave me moments of pride that was greater than the day awarded. I can't speak about retirement and maybe it just feels different. Perhaps, you could share the story about the one that means the most to you currently?

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 25 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-04-25T20:54:59-04:00

My medals and awards not that many really only did three years enlisted hang in my garage storage area I'm the only one that sees them good for the memories,but do take a little extra pride in the CIB that reminds me of my brothers from a long time ago

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 25 at 2016 8:56 PM

2016-04-25T20:56:44-04:00

I am not proud of the medals themselves. I am proud of the service, dedication, teams I served with, and sacrifice they represent. I'm also reminded that good leaders recognize the actions of others, by them.

Response by PO3 Ellsworth Allen Westgate made Apr 25 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-04-25T21:02:05-04:00

I don't have the same pride ...very low in fact. I'm more proud of my Dad WWII medals in which He never knew about. I feel some - Civilians treat military medals like a high school track award or those who never served if your lucky. My cousins seem to never respect them, they have more respect for
for a weekend baseball game than someone who served it seems.
I hate to admitted it but I've gone as far to throw them away - only to realize I want them back. Got them back then donated to the Historical Society and my Dads Medals to, hoping they will have some significance of there meaning towards maybe a some High School trip to the museum or someone reminiscing about the past. That is if the Historical Society will ever display them . But in my Heart I'm very proud and 100% proud of those like yourself. Make peace with yourself the pride is there otherwise you wouldn't have posted something.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 25 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-04-25T21:04:14-04:00

Many of my citations hang in my shop. When I look up at them I remember the events leading to the awards. Maybe some day I will get off my ass and make a shadow box and hang the medals. Yes I'm proud of them, the things I've done the people I served with.

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Apr 25 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-04-25T21:09:17-04:00

That would be very loud "HELL YES", my thoughts will never change about seeing a single ribbon or a chest full. Must be different for other Services , most of the retired Marines that I know have them in their office, or over their fire place in a position where it's the focal point of the room. Now we don't go around bragging on what awards we have, that is not the Marine way.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 25 at 2016 9:24 PM

2016-04-25T21:24:55-04:00

There's definitely some pride I feel when I look at mine, but never as much as when someone asks what they mean or what they are for and takes the time to listen to you tell them. It's a pretty cool feeling to see the look on the face of your child or your neice, nephew, friend, or whoever when they start hearing that and realizing that a soldier isn't just some guy that marches around and scrubs garbage cans.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Apr 25 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-04-25T21:46:29-04:00

Yes, they are the "true" accounts of your contributions throughout your career. That DA Form 638 tells the story on your behalf. I have actually taught soldiers when putting together their resumes how to pull things from their Awards (citations and bullets) and from their NCOER(s). We often times get hung up on job titles and duty descriptions and forget the important things we done - which is usually captured in our award(s). So, yes they are an important part of who we are even after the service.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Apr 25 at 2016 10:11 PM

2016-04-25T22:11:00-04:00

I now have what few that I have in a shadow box in the den but I had been out for years before I did that. Until then they were just in the bottom of a dresser drawer. The only ones that actually mean anything are the EIB and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Many of the ones that everyone gets today didn't even exist in the sixties and seventies.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Apr 25 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-04-25T22:47:10-04:00

I think that some of the luster is gone now that they're no peers around to appreciate them like I did.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-04-25T22:47:31-04:00

i agree the medals lost their luster. I think all the reminders I have of my service are the good and bad memories.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 25 at 2016 10:51 PM

2016-04-25T22:51:18-04:00

yes

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made Apr 25 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-04-25T23:40:15-04:00

Truth being what it is, I don't have a shadowbox, I can't afford one, they are probably on the floor of my garage. I'd be more proud of them if the final couple of years in were better.

Response by Sgt Vaughn Sizemore made Apr 25 at 2016 11:47 PM

2016-04-25T23:47:32-04:00

I probably couldn't name all the medals and ribbons I received (I'm sure there's a good conduct and a national defense in there and probably some unit awards and some supposed individual medals that we all received), but it's been 24 years since I got out. I can remember my 6th award rifle expert though and that one of those was a company high 248. The rest were just awards for being in the right place at the right time and had very little to do with anything special on my part. I'm sure if I had earned anything bronze star and up it would be significant to remember.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 12:03 AM

2016-04-26T00:03:04-04:00

MSG Anthony DiFondi I have a shadow box that contains my ribbons and medals and my fathers pilot wings, name tag, and dog tags. These items and a mounted picture are the only items that I have of my father who served in Korea and WWII. When I look at the box, it reminds me of my father who was killed in a training accident crash when I was seven years old. When I look at my items, I am reminded of several close friends that were killed, and members of my former unit that have died since. Looking at the box brings me comfort, pain, and pride. My shadow box means a great deal to me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 12:13 AM

2016-04-26T00:13:05-04:00

Im still active and all of my awards bring me some sort of pride....but the one that means the most to me besides my AGCMs is an AAM that my ncoic recommended me for when i was a young E6 at 10th BSB at Fort Drum NY. I was just doing what i love to do, which is helping Soldiers the best way i know how. I didn't realize the impact I made until it was presented to me.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 26 at 2016 12:24 AM

2016-04-26T00:24:12-04:00

Now I didn't have the pleasure to serve as long as most veterans, but I am still just as proud of the ribbons and medals I was awarded. Enlisting with the Marines was the hardest thing I've done with my life and every little achievement was a personal victory against the naysayers who didn't believe in me. Even today I cherish all the little pieces of my time in the service and hope to share them with my girls someday to show them anything is possible with determination.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Apr 26 at 2016 12:52 AM

2016-04-26T00:52:10-04:00

Fantastic topic! Thanks.
I am proud, not of the awards, but of the unique opportunities I had. In my view, my awards were mostly for "being there" and doing what I figured needed to be done. In fact, the best things I did, the things that I'm proud of, that saved lives or solved real problems, were rarely recognized at all.
But sitting next to me, closer than my coffee, is a large wooden plaque holding my father's medals. I made it when he was in Vietnam. The Bronze Star with V, Purple Heart, POW medal, CIB, and medals from WWII, Korea, and VN. He lived in a VA Alzheimer's ward for five years before he died. I think a few people might want to read about his real life in the Army, so I am writing his biography.
My own awards are just reminders of adventures from my glory days. Maybe some day I'll display them. My ribbons are in a drawer, at the ready. My certificates and team photos are in a file, being organized. I live alone, retired, so I don't anticipate showing them off anytime soon. I also have wooden model planes that I also hope to show off someday. Each one was custom made to represent a particular aircraft from one of my "war" stories. My advice, during your service, shoot photos EVERYWHERE you go. Date them and note the names of the people you know. You'll be happy you did.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 26 at 2016 1:29 AM

2016-04-26T01:29:51-04:00

The other day I was putting medals away when my daughter asked me about them. We had a nice daddy daughter story telling. The medals remind me of stories, great leaders, and tough deployments. I don't feel the need to display them in a case. To me that phase is gone. I always look forward to when the kids ask me to explain what a certain badge or medal means. I let it be their curiosity.

Response by SGT Jacob Graves made Apr 26 at 2016 3:49 AM

2016-04-26T03:49:03-04:00

I'm proud of what I've gone through and done not the medals. After serving in units where you got the same award as the person who didn't leave the fob and never put their life on the line or encountered possible life ending situations i have lost the pride for them. I'm sure if I hadn't had that level of laziness or incompetence in my leadership things might be different.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Apr 26 at 2016 4:07 AM

2016-04-26T04:07:16-04:00

My shadow box is on the dresser and there's some award citations on my I love me wall. I still feel a sense of pride when looking at them and remembering the awards ceremonies.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Apr 26 at 2016 6:12 AM

2016-04-26T06:12:35-04:00

I never really cared about awards for me while I was in. Always seemed like a pain in the ass that cost me money (I liked those ultrathins). I guess they actually mean more to me now that I am retired because they act as a reminder of a great career. The awards that really meant something to me were the ones the Sailors I led earned!

Response by SGT Patrick Jackson made Apr 26 at 2016 6:15 AM

2016-04-26T06:15:58-04:00

Yes, even after almost 20 years, (dang hadn't thought about that) since retirement I still feel a great sense of honor whenever I view/discuss the awards I received when I was on Active Duty. I have the distinct pleasure of working with Active Duty Soldiers on a daily basis so when we have discussions about my time in the Army, the Awards verify to them of my dedication to duty while on Active Duty and even now. To have that in common with those that serve is immeasurable. And for people in the civilian sector, they see my Awards as a Testimony to my Dedication and Service to our Nation

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 26 at 2016 6:29 AM

2016-04-26T06:29:32-04:00

I am very proud of the time I served and would do it again. Each medal and ribbon from the lowest to the highest have special meaning and I honor the people that thought that I was deserving of them.

Response by SGT Patrick McClellan made Apr 26 at 2016 6:35 AM

2016-04-26T06:35:52-04:00

I do not believe in females serving in Combat Arms positions. I am not chauvinist, just why I believe. There are things men can do, that women can not. There are things women can do that men can not. We compliment eachother.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Apr 26 at 2016 7:28 AM

2016-04-26T07:28:14-04:00

During my time, 1975 - 1995, awards were given for PCS. other than that maybe an aam or arcom for a leader after a big exercise or inspection. I never went into actual combat zones. So to me awards were not much value other than promotion poin5s and a short burst of ego. I am proud of my parachutists badge and air assault badge ,and have always been. Those are not giveaways. You have to earn them and with the units I served we used the skill. The biggest disappointment about any of my badges/awards was in Alaska the Commander awarded impact award for a vehicle recovery on the highway mountainside. He wanted to award me the E-7, not the E-4 wrecker operator that done the job. I rebelled. The E-4 received his aam. I was talked bad about by the other senior NCO's.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 7:59 AM

2016-04-26T07:59:17-04:00

Since I retired I still am proud of all my Awards I earned over the time of my military career.

Response by SFC Chad Primeaux made Apr 26 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-04-26T08:29:04-04:00

I do still have a sense of pride in them but no one else does so it only something I take pride in. My family while supportive of my career while I served are how should I say only appreciative of that service when it offers them some kind of discount.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 8:35 AM

2016-04-26T08:35:27-04:00

I view them in the aggregate. Collectively, they represent nearly 30 years of accomplishment, service and occasionally enduring profound stupidity. Overall, I view them positively.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-04-26T08:56:43-04:00

Yes of course they mean something to me. They represent a specific period of time in my life. More often than not they remind me of the people I was with at that point. Some of those memories are more important than the little piece of cloth itself.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 8:58 AM

2016-04-26T08:58:44-04:00

The award I am most proud of is my CIB I will always be proud of it because I know that my unit and I earned it during deployment I think the medals and awards you earn through hard work are the ones you'll always be proud of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-04-26T09:36:54-04:00

Awards never really meant a lot to me during my career, I saw a lot of awards degraded due to people having to be in a position, certain rank, or so on, we all saw it. I take pride in the accomplishments that I left behind that are still evident. My Soldiers and NCOs that still serve tell me thank you and continue to advance and be better than I was. I can ask no more than that!

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Apr 26 at 2016 9:51 AM

2016-04-26T09:51:34-04:00

They mean a great deal. I still feel that they are some of my lifes most important accomplishments. Even after 30 years.

Response by MSgt Rena Schmidt made Apr 26 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-04-26T11:51:11-04:00

No they don't even when you apply for a federal position nobody even asks I have many also. It does however show you have dedication and are proud of your service time.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 26 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-04-26T11:53:38-04:00

I do. They represent the fact that someone cared enough about what I was doing to take the time and put me in for them.
Each one also represents the hard work, accomplishments, and fact that my Soldiers were disciplined enough to draw the attention of someone.
I owe my stripes and medals to my Soldiers and that's what I think of when I see them on my wall display. If they hadn't followed well and supported the program I wouldn't have gotten them.
My badges on the other hand, I earned through my effort, skill and competition against the Army standard. So I'm proud of those because I made the cut.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 26 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-04-26T12:47:54-04:00

The ribbons and awards are not meaningless but they don't carry nearly the same weight as then had when I was still in. When we de-mobbed after OIF, we were all given a flag in a case with our name and rank on it. That's probably the best thing I ever got from my service and its the only thing from my service displayed in the house.

Response by SFC Joseph Marcotte made Apr 26 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-04-26T13:00:57-04:00

My medals mean almost as much to me now as they did then including my Combat Action Badge and my Bronze Star. I served 33 years to include being in a combat zone on a FOB. The sad part is that when I retired I received nothing from my unit, my Bn, or my BGE not even a hand shake or a thank you for my service. I still look at them as a reminder of my service.

Response by SFC Jimmy Hernandez-Benitez made Apr 26 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-04-26T13:04:29-04:00

Unless you are dealing with a Veteran employer, those award don't mean crap to any civilian employer. You will go to the bottom of the list unless you have a Master degree and even with that, good luck.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 26 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-04-26T14:28:04-04:00

I am proud of every award I have. they mean something to me.

Response by MSgt Anthony Youngblood made Apr 26 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-04-26T14:38:31-04:00

Yes they do. I have a shadow box that my dad wanted of my medals, ribbons and badges so he could hang them in his shop for all to see. He was as proud of them as I was. He finally retired last year and sold his business, so he gave me the box and I have it hanging in my office at work and sit back and look at it and let the fond memories of each medal come back to me and how I earned it, or a deployment, or something about it. Many people ask me about them and I always answer their questions with pride.

90% of my co-workers have never been around or know anyone that has served in the military, so it is an excellent opportunity to be a cheerleader for those that have served, serve now, and will serve.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 6:26 PM

2016-04-26T18:26:40-04:00

i spent 31+ years in the service, i earned every ribbon and medal i recieved and some mean more than others but i'm proud of my service and will display all when i can afford it

Response by Cpl Ricardo Toledo made Apr 26 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-04-26T18:34:42-04:00

MSG DiFondi, your medals and ribbons you have earned, will only ever have true value to you, and for those of us that have served. Civilians and Civilian jobs do not care or just don't understand

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 27 at 2016 1:04 AM

2016-04-27T01:04:45-04:00

This is the only one that still means anything to me. The rest are simply dust in the wind.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 27 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-04-27T09:44:02-04:00

If I ever get one, I'll let ya know.
;-)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 27 at 2016 8:20 PM

2016-04-27T20:20:46-04:00

I'm more in the proud to have served camp but otherwise have moved on. For memories, nothing beats worn photos and artifacts from yesteryear. Medals represent how someone else felt about you, not how you felt doing it or even fighting the dragon afterwards in some cases. That said, the medals are the first thing pointed at by the kids because they connect to them more readily than my double gradients. Bottom line, each piece in the shadow box will tell a story.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 1:15 AM

2016-04-28T01:15:00-04:00

The ones that meant something to me while I was AD, still mean something to me now. The ones that didn't mean anything - or were recognized as jokes or gimmes... they still mean nothing.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Apr 28 at 2016 4:44 PM

2016-04-28T16:44:02-04:00

Other than the MOH they are just some fancy ribbons that are meaningless to almost everyone in the civilian world. I'm not sure if that is a good or a bad thing

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Apr 30 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-04-30T12:51:10-04:00

Yes, they do. They represent the men I served with and the long military tradition in my family. My shadow box hangs with my father-in-law's box showing his service in the Philippines during WWII and my son-in-law's reflecting his current service as a MGySgt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 1:07 PM

2016-04-30T13:07:54-04:00

They'll always mean something to me. One of the "projects" I plan on accomplishing once I retire is to build my own shadow box with all of my awards, and badges. Thanks to the new ASU's and the new colored metal unit badges, I plan on getting one for each unit I served in. It will be proudly hung in my house for all to see.

Response by SSG Vik Polivka made May 18 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-05-18T10:42:15-04:00

No, not really. Out of everything, I do like the GAFPB, it looks cool, and the one that I do take pride in is my first FWS-SSI. The rest of it was just something else to measure, and add to the headache for Class A's/ASU. I think the most it did was to get people to leave you alone at the center of the universe, the land of tabs, and badges. Alice? Who the f...

Today, it's on a bookshelf, because my wife made a display, after finding it in an old demo box. I think friends, and family get more of a kick out of it than I ever did.

Now, if we're talking prized possessions, please allow me to direct your attention to exhibit A.

Response by LTC Mark Maitag made May 21 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-05-21T18:40:50-04:00

I never did anything in my career for a medal...sometimes someone thought I deserved one and made a recommendation. After seeing the disparity of how they are awarded, based on rank or some other test having little to do with the achievement itself...I became quite cynical about the hunks of metal and colored ribbons. in no way am I downplaying those that have received valor awards, but when it comes to PCS, deployment, and retirement awards...I have seen some very good people get stiffed. My SFC was awarded not one, but 2 Soldier's Medals...he retired with an MSM instead of a LOM because he was a SFC. He had risked his life twice in Kosovo while a flight medic, navigating a mine field to rescue a fellow soldier...and he gets an MSM when he retires. I'm sure he didn't care about the award (like most of us), but it chaffed me.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 21 at 2016 6:58 PM

2016-05-21T18:58:25-04:00

I'm marine I served in a peace time military, the only thing I'm proud of is my jump wings. My Uncle Danny on the other hand was Marine too , he was on Iwo Jima and like thousands a Purple Heart veteran. Can't imagine losing 20,000 Marines killed and wounded in a month. I'm proud of his service,

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-05-21T19:10:16-04:00

My medals somewhat lost their luster after a bad experience. My end of tour award, along with many other Soldier's awards, were arbitrarily downgraded by my own Brigade. I ended up getting a lower award than what I successfully got for my PSG and SLs.

I am proud of my Order of Saint Maurice however. To be awarded that as a Lieutenant is rare. I'm also proud of my Pathfinder Badge. Less than 1% of the Army is Pathfinder qualified.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made May 21 at 2016 8:18 PM

2016-05-21T20:18:48-04:00

To be Honest Every decoration I have are still in the original box they came in. I took the orders to the clothing issue and bought the ribbons or appropriate device and the appropriate bar I needed and use it. Now the whole thing is in a brief case in my attic. In my unit ribbons didn't mean anything. Some had to bust a hump to get ribbons some just had to get out of their rack it depended on who you were and who liked you. For the most part I am proud of what I accomplished while I was in service but the metals were tarnished by the ones that put their buddies in for any thing they could just for being there and not necessarily putting in the the ones that did the work to deserve them.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made May 21 at 2016 8:27 PM

2016-05-21T20:27:47-04:00

I am extremely proud of my service and for what I was recognized for her. Granted, I have only been out in years, but it seems as if I am increasingly proud.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 21 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-05-21T20:45:52-04:00

The memories of the actions associated with each one is very vivid in my mind. I find it nice to walk back there once in a while...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-05-21T21:04:58-04:00

Of course my awards give me a feeling of pride and accomplishment. My BSM while serving in a MP Co. in Vietnam, is an award of great pride. As well my MSM's remind me of very hard work completed with excellence and received recognition thereof upon departing those assignments.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-05-21T22:07:58-04:00

I'm very proud of my accomplishments while I was in the Army and especially Vietnam. I am proud of the badges and medals I earned. Whenever I look at them I am reminded there is a story behind each one. I want my grandchildren to know what I did and why.

Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
Aviation Badge (Basic)
Bronze Star With "V"
Air Medal (Pre -1968)Air Medal (Pre -1968)Air Medal (Pre -1968) Army Commendation Medal Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Parachutist (Basic)
Rifle
Auto Rifle
Machine Gun
Army Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made May 21 at 2016 11:22 PM

2016-05-21T23:22:09-04:00

I don't really look at them anymore. They bring back memories some good others bad.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 21 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-05-21T23:40:47-04:00

MSG Anthony DiFondi Great query. When I received a MSM as a retirement award, I was rather impressed. Now, when I read of green hornets and other awards being common place, I think; Gee Whiz, I didn't receive much of an award!

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 21 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-05-21T23:45:31-04:00

Everything that I wore on my uniform means something to me and they are all very special to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 1:44 AM

2016-05-22T01:44:56-04:00

I am still active so I can only speculate but I think I will be just as proud if not more when I'm retired for the simple fact that I have completed that chapter in my life. Some awards more than others. Believe it or not an AAM I received from General Cucolo, he was my Brigade commander back then, means the most to me. I was extremely lucky to have such an amazing Brigade commander at my first duty station. He definitely set a high standard for me to compare to the last 16 years.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made May 22 at 2016 3:40 AM

2016-05-22T03:40:07-04:00

Like many people I have framed my awards with relation to different assignments/deployments. They are attractive enough displays that my wife wanted to hang them throughout the house rather than in one room. My source of pride comes from 10 year old son or friends who have not served who ask me about each one

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made May 22 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-05-22T07:09:56-04:00

I fully understand the lack of pride someone have surrounding of the awards they have received. During my career, I was the recipient of 11 Army Achievement Medals, and Army Commendation Medals. All of these downgraded from higher recommendations, as I put it, attendance baubles. But, what I remember is those I served with when I received them. That is the pride comes from. I have been, nor will be, a person that seeks recognition. Just let know I am doing a good job, give me my pay and leave me alone my off time.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made May 22 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-05-22T14:11:24-04:00

I didn't join for medals or for college money. Those that do are an insult to the military. The only one I am proud of getting is my Combat Medical Badge. I didn't even know it existed until I had earned it and my LT came and told me I was getting it.
It's unique to my MOS and shows the difference in Medics who've been in combat and treated wounded people and those that have not. Some of you may be a "Combat Medic" by title but you're not a Combat Medic. You don't have to get the CMB to be considered one; it is a bonus that we should be proud of should be get awarded it. No combat experience, not combat.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-05-22T19:18:32-04:00

They don't especially when they withhold a Meritorious Service Medal from E-4 and below. The ones recommending awards act like they're paying for them out of their own pocket.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 4:05 AM

2016-05-23T04:05:16-04:00

Other than the " I was there" or the" I kept my nose halfway clean", the only awards I received were the ones that my men busted their asses and they gave me a Navy Achievement Medal. As soon as the Skipper pinned it on, I saluted, turned around and told my mechanics that the award was as much theirs as it was mine. I tried to do the best thing for them in their evals. A letter of appreciation from the command meant more. When I retired, I only asked that the ceremony be held at the "eternal flame" outside the gate at Oceana. The other 1st class pitched in and got a shadow box with my Army ranks on the left and the Navy ranks on the right. Right below the flag, they put both Army & Navy medals as they were on my uniform. They also flew the flag over the POW/MIA Eternal Flame before they presented it. To be perfectly honest, I had more pride in my men and fellow NCO's and Petty Officers, than I did in medals. My heart will forever be with the 58,397 who did not come home. Their families are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made May 24 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-05-24T09:33:58-04:00

I received my first NAM for filling a Gunnery Sergeant's billet as a Lance Corporal for a year and a half. During that time, I took a unit that failed every command inspection and revamped it. When I talk about my successes as a Marine, I go back to that time when I was the sole financial manager supporting 10+ individual accounts. I knew I did good, and I'm proud of that.

My second NAM was for an audit shot down from GAO. I fulfilled every request (50+ accounts) they gave me in two days. Little I knew that I had over a month to complete it. I thought I was just doing my job.

My medals, though as few as they are, were results of my hard work. No one can take the pride of that away from me, and it makes it easier when negotiating job offers when I have proof of my accomplishments.

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made May 24 at 2016 1:32 PM

2016-05-24T13:32:50-04:00

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Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 24 at 2016 9:14 PM

2016-05-24T21:14:37-04:00

As a retiree my awards mean an awful lot to me. I haven't done the shadow box thing yet. For me, they serve as mile markers for my career. I wear my uniform once a year on Memorial Day and on July 4th and Veterans Day I wear my mini-medals.

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jun 3 at 2016 8:54 AM

2016-06-03T08:54:06-04:00

Pride is dependent on the individual.

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jun 3 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-06-03T08:55:26-04:00

Pride is dependent on the individual.