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I knew someone recently who retired and was really treated poorly by his boss - who capped it off by denying the guy ANY kind of medal/award, even though he busted his butt and had plenty of justification (mostly confirmed by co-workers, they were all PO'd too).
Basically he wanted to tell this POS where to get off and had thought about it the day of or day after his retirement, but was paranoid about some legal snag that could get you in trouble - I haven't spoken to him since he retired but it had me wondering, is there some kind of "cooling off period" specified in military contracts to prevent such things?
If I remember right, I was told that you were still under orders for a period of one month from your date of seperation to prevent just this sort of thing. Not sure if the time is right or if it is actually true, but that's what they told me.
He's retired now; I'd just let it go and move on. There's a whole wonderful world awaiting after you take your uniform off!
Letting go is the right thing to do. Here's the rationale: What goes around, comes around. Or, if you will; karma. If that won't suit you, try the "golden rule." You see, so many folks get tunnel vision and lose sight of the bigger picture: A military career isn't forever, it WILL end, sooner or later. The legacy left behind is far more important than the politics of backstabbing your way to the top. The minute you retire, nobody on the "outside" gives a rip about your "I love me" wall, certificates and awards. It's a new ball game, and the good you did for your troops will be the only satisfaction that matters.
Did he have a retirement ceremony? If so unit leadership and above would have been asking many questions as to why someone is retiring and not receiving a decoration. Basically a lot of flags would have been raised. I wonder if there is more to the story?
The minute you retire, nobody on the "outside" gives a rip about your "I love me" wall, certificates and awards. It's a new ball game, and the good you did for your troops will be the only satisfaction that matters.
Actually thats not true at all! I've had neighbors and employers comment on some of my awards and wanted to know the story behond them. Almost always they tell me "good job" or "thanks". It makes me very proud of myself.
I got out in 99, well before the new push to support our troops and never met anyone that didn't "give a rip" about it!
Randy Travis Said It Best (Hope You're A Country Fan, Sir)
Quote:
Originally Posted by SVTLightning
Actually thats not true at all! I've had neighbors and employers comment on some of my awards and wanted to know the story behond them. Almost always they tell me "good job" or "thanks". It makes me very proud of myself.
I got out in 99, well before the new push to support our troops and never met anyone that didn't "give a rip" about it!
"I guess it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, It's what you leave behind you when you go." While his subject matter was considerably more serious than the topic of this thread, SVTLightning, it still holds true. Thank you for your service, sir.
Good point, SVTLightning! The truth is probably somewhere inbetween. While I have had friends, coworkers and others express interest in my military "souvenirs' when they come to the house or when I tell them I served. And certainly I'm glad that our being involved in the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan has brought military service back in fashion (unlike after Viet Nam...) But I've also heard the stories about other ex-military that couldn't "take their uniforms off'; you know the type: Always wanting to work in a "war story" to the conversation. Seems inflexible, resistent to change, etc. I've also heard the comments from those that never served about my "fat cat" pension or how I'm "double dipping" because I have a second career.
In all fairness, none of the above is really that big of a deal in my life. I'm glad I served, wouldn't change a thing about my career and I'm enjoying my retirement immensely. Life is good!
cant speak for service retirement have not done it but for civilian civil service smart move is to keep walking you are not out til you clear the parking lot dont look back say nothing -- many a guy has dropped the ball 5 yards from the goal post. just cash the monthy check that is your medal. buy your own gold watch with the money.
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Let It Go And Move On...
