Army retirement package

by Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.

After a three year period, I FINALLY received my United States Army retirement materials. When I left the Army in August of 2011, there was no fanfare, ceremony or recognition from my unit. Honestly, it was a huge letdown after 27 years of military service in both the United States Air Force as an enlisted airman and the United States Army as an Armor and Adjutant General officer. Despite the lack of recognition from my unit, I did think the Army would eventually send me my retirement certificate. It did not happen.

If you read the comments below this post, you will find that “online scammers” have used my images to con folks out of money and to charge recent retirees to receive this package. You do not have to pay for these documents. If anyone asks you for money, tell them to go pound sand, contact your battalion S-1, and ask for their assistance to receive your own, well earned and free, retirement certificates.

Several weeks ago, I noticed that my unit’s major command was promoting their Facebook page for retirees. I decided to drop them a message about my disappointment and lack of materials. A response was almost instantaneous. My request was quickly researched and an apology sent. Within two weeks, a box was on my doorstep. It arrived on a bright Saturday morning. I was elated as I held a warm cup of coffee in one hand and reached down to grab the package with my other. It was like Christmas morning.

I’ve conducted several unboxing of gadgets, but today I present the most important unboxing yet. The unboxing of my United States Army retiree package!

The box

I love the box and the title:

Celebrating Your Legacy of Service…

This is not a cheesy, nor cheap box and is an item that needs to be displayed. I’ll have to give that some thought.

Box side panels with army values

Army values play an important part of an Army officer’s career. Having them emblazoned on the box is a nice reminder that they are still appropriate in my civilian career and in life.

Want to know more about the seven army values? Check them out here.

Opening the box

Let’s get down to business and see what is inside.

The box is now open

Time to see what is included in the box.

What’s in the envelope?

Let’s open it up and see what’s inside.

A document

Inside appears to be a letter.

The letter

The included letter describes the contents (spoiler alert!) and serves as a letter of gratitude for my service.

My certificate of appreciation from the POTUS

That’s my certificate from the president of the United States (POTUS) and our commander in chief.

Certificate of Appreciation from the CAR

Certificate from the Chief Army Reserve (CAR).

Certificate of retirement

This is the most important document in the box and is from the United States Army chief of staff.

Certificate of appreciation for spouse

Outstanding! This is the second most important document in the box and goes to my wonderful wife, Nikki. She was incredibly supportive of my career and deserves so much more than this document; however, it is a nice touch. Must get this framed for her office.

Removing the documents reveals…

On the top-left is a DVD. In the center is a lapel pin. On top-right is an Army Retired sticker. At the bottom is a United States flag. Not sure, but wonder if this is the flag that will be draped on my coffin for my military funeral?

DVD

Let’s see what’s on the DVD.

Video from DVD

I ripped the DVD and uploaded it to YouTube so you can view. It’s a great video that demonstrates the impact the Army has on the lives of its soldiers.

Lapel pin

I have another one of these I purchased at AAFES. Might make this one part of a hanging display along with the backing ribbon.

One last image of the box lid

All I have to say here is:

#Hooah!

How true that statement is. I WILL ALWAYS BE A SOLDIER!

While the wait was three years, I have to say, it was worth the wait. Time to get these certificates framed and up on my wall at the office. It has been a great day of reflection on my military career.