I had never been to a military retirement ceremony before, so I had no idea what to expect. It was pretty neat. It began sort of like a wedding processional. We (as the family and guest of honor) were asked to wait in a separate room while everyone else got ready. My mom lead the pack, then me, then each brother in descending order (oldest to youngest). My mom and I were escorted by a couple of really cute Airmen (this was my favorite part, ha!).
(Here's a picture of me and my escort that my brother snapped on the way out.)
We were taken to Pop's hanger. Our seats were labeled with our names and relation, in the front row of a sea of about 85 people.
Once we were in our seats, they asked each of us to stand to welcome the guest of honor. Pop was the last to march in right after his commander.
When we were all in our places, a member of Pop's fighter wing sang the national anthem, and the wing chaplain gave an invocation. Then we were seated and Pop's commander gave a history of Pop's career including his promotions, achievements, accomplishments, and individual stories about how he personally affected others' lives. Needless to say, this was a long one but it was still interesting to hear all that he had done with his career.
Every time Pop would get a new assignment, it would come in the form of "orders." After the history, one of Pop's colleagues who had worked with Pop on multiple bases, read his retirement orders. I could see Pop getting a little emotional about this time, receiving his last assignment. I know this is going to be hard for him because he loved his career!
After the orders were read, Pop was presented with several awards. Here's Pop after receiving his meritorious service medal:
When we were all in our places, a member of Pop's fighter wing sang the national anthem, and the wing chaplain gave an invocation. Then we were seated and Pop's commander gave a history of Pop's career including his promotions, achievements, accomplishments, and individual stories about how he personally affected others' lives. Needless to say, this was a long one but it was still interesting to hear all that he had done with his career.
Every time Pop would get a new assignment, it would come in the form of "orders." After the history, one of Pop's colleagues who had worked with Pop on multiple bases, read his retirement orders. I could see Pop getting a little emotional about this time, receiving his last assignment. I know this is going to be hard for him because he loved his career!
After the orders were read, Pop was presented with several awards. Here's Pop after receiving his meritorious service medal:
And some more awards.
And Mom even got an award.
(Mom receiving her military spouse's medal)
Then Pop presented Mom, me, and Becca (my sister-in-law) with flowers to show his appreciation for our support.
(Becca, Mom, and Me with our flowers at the after party)
Then there was a flag ceremony, after which the color guard presented Pop with the flag. This was fun to watch. I wish I had thought to video it.
Then finally, Pop gave his remarks. I felt so proud of him!
(Becca, Mom, and Me with our flowers at the after party)
Then finally, Pop gave his remarks. I felt so proud of him!
After Pop's remarks, the ceremony concluded and we had cake and chatted with Pop's guests. We also went back into the hanger to snap some family photos with the airplanes.
(Becca, Casey, Me, Pop, Mom, Launce, Jason)
And just for fun:
Youngest to oldest. Tallest to shortest.
Happy retirement Pop!
And just for fun:
Youngest to oldest. Tallest to shortest.16, 23, 25, 27
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels
Happy retirement Pop!
I love your family! Your dad seems like a gem. Congrats to him!
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