What would be a good gift for a former Medic?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:47:20 -0400

My wife's Uncle has cancer and the outlook is not good. He was a medic in the Army many years ago. I was looking for some ideas for a gift honoring his service. Anyone have any thoughts?

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 9 at 2016 10:05 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:05:39 -0400

My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family CPT Private RallyPoint Member. Shadow boxes are great, a print with a small plaque commemorating his service or a video with friends he served with could be nice too. GL and God Bless!!

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 9 at 2016 10:06 AM

SFC Richard Giles — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:06:10 -0400

Shadowbox if he doesn't have one

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 10:41 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:41:05 -0400

See if you can get a hold of his personal medals and ribbons, then buy some patches and ranks to flesh out a military shadow box. I've done a couple in much the same circumstances and they we're greatly appreciated.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 9 at 2016 11:21 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:21:47 -0400

Maybe see if any of his former unit fellows are still around. Maybe set up a meet and greet, or, failing that, perhaps they have some pictures they might share that he would like.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 9 at 2016 11:22 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:22:38 -0400

It just depends on the service members wants and needs.
If they collect and appreciate memorabilia the shadow box is a nice idea. If that is not there thing, a framed pic of them in uniform at a special place, be it while deployed or at home on leave.
Pic of a promotion to a particular rank or by a specific person?
Many other possibilities and one final thought..
And please take this as intended, well meaning and positive...
Memory of service is not welcome to all..Some have personal reasons for not wanting to dwell, or remember, not memorizing or just not making it a focus point. As clearly you are doing this FOR him, and not yourself (thank you, nice gesture) ask yourself, is this something HE wants?

Response by CPL Armando Armijo made Aug 9 at 2016 6:46 PM

CPL Armando Armijo — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:46:16 -0400

you can start out with a challenge coin from his unit / division, then get started on that shadow box

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 11:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 23:10:45 -0400

How about an old school First Aid Pouch.
You could embroider something encouraging on the outside.
I bet he'd love it.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Aug 15 at 2016 12:44 AM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:44:40 -0400

LT.....Once a Medic ALWAYS a Medic. Just like once a Soldier, always a Soldier. If it was a big influence in his life, then get him something that brings attention to the MOS. I would love a challenge coin myself. I'm sure the guy is more than that. I'm sure you can come up with something else to go along with it. You can give him a big "Thanks for your service!" from a fellow Medic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 8:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 08:27:27 -0400

Thank you everybody for all the ideas, however unfortunately he passed away last night. He was surrounded by family and loved ones really, that's all we can hope for in the end.

Response by SGT Amy Tribou made Aug 20 at 2016 8:33 PM

SGT Amy Tribou — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:33:20 -0400

Wood carved CMB

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 9:11 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:11:32 -0400

Personally I have found that unit guide arm in a nice display case is really nice. The Shadow Box and Medals, or coins on display is nice as well. Honestly though when I look back over the years those things are cool an all, but its the pictures that matter most. Lucky for me there is facebook because I have found pages for my old units, images from a lot of people went there and I plan to use those to make a display.

Remembering the people and the "Suck" we shared means the most to me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2016 11:25 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 11:25:37 -0400

They have some pretty awesome statues and 3d plaques and things