What awards are appropiate to give for retirement?

The individual soldier reserves the right to refuse any award at any time for any reason. When retiring, my command wanted to give me an ARCOM for 23 years of service with 3 deployments (all three with leadership roles at or above my grade). I received ARCOMs for each of my deployments to Iraq and a JSAM for my deployment to Bosnia. I told my 1SG (who wrote my award) that I didn't care what he put me in for, but not to waste the paper if it wasn't at least an MSM. Any award less than an MSM for a retiring soldier regardless of rank is a slap in the face. Although, the regulation allows for it, an award should be based on the individual's achievements and performance, not on their grade. After our discussion, my 1SG fought to get me the MSM that I ended up with. Though we didn't always see eye to eye, he was one of the best 1SGs that I had in my 23 year career. He fought for what he thought was right regardless of his personal feelings on the matter.

The most egregious concern is why in the world he/she was denied a retirement flag to represent faithful service (I suspect because an admin NCO skipped that part of the retirement checklist). Beyond that, retirement ceremonies are optional and the SM generally bears the cost of the refreshments. As to awards, the most appropriate should be the one that is commensurate with the Soldier's accomplishments (to include rank & deployments) and length of service. Keep in mind that, according to regulation, anyone with "knowledge of" can write the award recommendation. Sometimes leaving that to the Commander or First Sergeant is problematic.

Depending on the soldier's prior awards and duty assignments, an MSM and perhaps Legion of Merit are appropriate awards SSG Byron Hewett.
If the soldier served in a joint billet a Defense Meritorious Medal could be appropriate.