What's Your Most Important Piece of Paper?

2016-02-23T10:21:09-05:00

I just received in the mail the most important orders from Army I've ever received: MY RETIREMENT ORDERS
I just sat for a moment and look at the paper, reread it. They even sent me an additional piece of paper explaining my retirement packet was received and accepted and the final sentence I was "officially" thanked for my years of service.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 23 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-02-23T10:28:13-05:00

Those and DD214 form!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 23 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-02-23T10:28:53-05:00

Congratulations on receiving your retirement orders SGM Mikel Dawson.
My DD214s and my Commision from West Point rank at the top.
This October I expect to receive notification that I am fully retired. That is a day and piece of paper I am looking forward to. I am looking forward to turning in my pink retired reserve ID card for a blue-gray fully retired ID card.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-02-23T10:31:59-05:00

Congrats! Enjoy being a civilian.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 23 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-02-23T10:34:09-05:00

Just wait until you and spouse get certificate signed by BHO.

Congrats SGM. Do you have your VA claim submitted?

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Feb 23 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-02-23T10:35:38-05:00

HooHa....next will be confirmation of retired pay.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 23 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-02-23T10:40:12-05:00

Marriage Cert, DD214, and my son's Birth Cert.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-02-23T10:45:32-05:00

It's all about the Benjamins...Dolla Dolla Bill Yo!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-02-23T10:54:04-05:00

My Twenty-Year Letter, my Retirement Letter, and my two Certificates of Appreciation, one from President Nixon for Vietnam service, and the second from President Bush (43) on my retirement from the military.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-02-23T10:57:50-05:00

My (2nd) marriage cert, my daughters' birth cert......still got some time to go before my retirement orders.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 23 at 2016 11:04 AM

2016-02-23T11:04:18-05:00

SGM Mikel Dawson Congratulations. Finally! Now for the pay deposits and Tricare for Life.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Feb 23 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-02-23T11:18:37-05:00

From the Military: DD 214 is the most important piece of paper received.
Civilian: Concealed Weapons Permit, Fishing/Hunting License, Voter's Registration

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-02-23T11:19:52-05:00

My most important piece of paper is my Bar Card. I would say marriage license and daughter's birth certificate, but the paper is not the person.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 23 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-02-23T11:24:17-05:00

My citizenship papers, my college transcripts/diplomas, my commission and soon to be my DD214.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-02-23T11:34:42-05:00

Happy trails, SGM Mikel Dawson!
My most important piece of paper is my 20 year letter. I carry it around everywhere, just in case.

Response by CSM Frank Graham made Feb 23 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-02-23T11:35:18-05:00

DD 214.

Response by COL David Turk made Feb 23 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-02-23T11:59:44-05:00

My most important letter, but not my most valuable, was my notice to report for my draft physical at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY. It changed my entire life. All my plans (well most of them) went out the window.

The direction it took me, with all the bumps in the way, worked out great for me, which is why it's so important.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 23 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-02-23T12:08:41-05:00

My BS Degree from Boston College because I dropped out in my freshman year. I didn't make the hockey team and was doing poorly in class so I left Boston College, and enlisted in the Marines. Then just before my release from active duty, I decided to go back to Boston College but was told that I would not be accepted after quitting. But the Marines gave me a Letter of Commendation and pulled some strings with BC. The Marine Corps helped me return to Boston College because they had a long relationship with this college. And the second time around at Boston College was much better than the first after 3 years in the Marine Force Troops FMF at Camp Geiger.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:11 PM

2016-02-23T12:11:29-05:00

Military wise, it has to be my DD214.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-02-23T12:21:49-05:00

My 50% rating from the VA...lifetime medical....which complies with Obama care (which we are all so proud of)...:(. Then my Retirement order when I get it...:)

Response by PFC Claude Cooper made Feb 23 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-02-23T12:32:34-05:00

The most important piece of document in my opinion is my medical records, i have heard of people and the government (VA) losing these and it becomes somewhat impossible for soldiers and veterans getting the proper care and benefits they deserve.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-02-23T12:35:04-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Response by CSM William Payne made Feb 23 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-02-23T13:33:05-05:00

I agree, it's up there. Congratulations Sergeant Major on your retirement. Well deserved I'm sure. May you live a long life a wear out those retirement checks. Thank you for your service to our great country. Soldier for life.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 23 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-02-23T13:37:21-05:00

SGM Mikel Dawson Congratulations Brother.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-02-23T15:43:35-05:00

Congratulations on this awesome milestone SGM Dawson. I felt that bitter-sweet feeling while reading your orders as if it is mine.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Feb 23 at 2016 6:05 PM

2016-02-23T18:05:20-05:00

SGM Dawson, Congratulations Sir, A treasured Document.. I don't have much to post on a wall, however, I am Very pleased to display my DD214, its not a degree, but I was proud to have served this country to the best of my ability, and I would do so again..

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-02-23T18:21:52-05:00

Congratulations and thank you for your service. I'd like to stay until they kick me out, but we will see. I am just over 21 years.

Response by SPC Wade Griffiths made Feb 23 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-02-23T20:45:33-05:00

My most important piece of paper is the one I use to wipe my ass with. After that, my retirement orders, my retirement letter, all the process papers for the retirement and yes, all of my 3 DD 214's. I also have 2 DD215's, an NGB 22, and an NGB 23, and my VA letter of disability. But, fuck it! Enough about me, what's in your folder?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-02-23T23:40:02-05:00

Enlistment Documents (DD4), DD214,NGB22, 20 Year Letter and "soon" Retirement Orders, and medical documents.

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Feb 24 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-02-24T11:07:27-05:00

20 year letter.

Response by SFC Rob Hawkins made Apr 26 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-04-26T21:48:43-04:00

My retirement orders, followed by Bachelors Degree at age 40, and my VA disability papers!!! Looking for my law enforcement retirement papers (in 10 years), and I am set! Just hit 20 in LE...