Is it usually par for the course that once out of sight out of mind for retirement awards?

MSG Tim Gray — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:36:39 -0400

After retiring with 23 years and several deployments, I never received a retirement award. Not that I can even get a cup of coffee with one-but what mindset allows this?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 6:02 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:02:56 -0400

It really depends on your unit. I have been in one that did a very good job of ensuring all awards were out even if exceptionally late, but another that decided that if it wasn't on time it wasn't going to happen. Even in that unit, actual retirement awards still happened, but anyone separating or even transferring didn't get theirs if it wasn't processed quickly enough.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 29 at 2015 6:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:41:16 -0400

I got a flag in a box and my DD 214.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 7:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 19:53:30 -0400

Military courtesy is taught throughout a soldier's career, it's a shame that it's forgotten at the end of his career.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 29 at 2015 11:27 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 23:27:30 -0400

I'm sorry to hear it, MSG Tim Gray. There's no accounting for the mindset of some. Although I did get a DMSM, it came in the mail eight months after I was assigned to the Retired Reserve. All it had with was a sticky note saying they were sorry it took so long. I didn't know the person who wrote it and, of course, never even wore it on my uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 11:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 23:42:37 -0400

Unfortunately I've seen it before in a couple units for both retirements and regular ETS. I picked up my ETS award 4 or 5 months after getting off active duty when I was back for a friends promotion. Extremely disrespect to the service member who gives some many years to the military.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jul 30 at 2015 7:48 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:48:10 -0400

When I retired in 2010 after 24 years, I received all the certificates and Letters of Appreciation but no MSM. My chain of command didn't consider it since I didn't have my Community College of the Air Force degree.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Jul 30 at 2015 8:36 AM

CW3 Stephen Bacon — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 08:36:22 -0400

Tim: Once a month I look at my bank account and see my retirement award! I did not get one either, and at the end of the day, when I drove out the gate I swore to myself I'd never go back. 11 years Later, I haven't. I miss the kids, the good NCO's and I try to stay in contact with a few select individuals. Other than that, I am a civilian through and through.