Retirement Ceremony

F

flowerss

PEB Forum Regular Member
Just out of curiosity, has anyone placed on TDRL actually been offered a retirement ceremony? I've reviewed the AFI on it, and it does mention TDRL's should be offered by the Commander a formal ceremony but does it actually happen...at least for those with less than 20? After the torment this unit put both me and my wife through for the last 18 months since I went to Mental Health for PTSD, I like to think of it as my way of sticking it to them by making them pretend to be nice and drop a few dollars for a plaque and catering at the club. While I find pleasure in knowing that in 20 days I'll no longer have to put up with the shenanigans of those who are protected by the UCMJ from hearing what I think of them, it would be a real cout d'etat to enforce this regulation as they've enforced all the regulations on me they've (mis)interpreted since seeking help. I know I could just let it all go and get on with my life but there's still a part of me that wants to hold a tiny grudge. Experiences with or thoughts on if I should drop this into their laps?
 
You researched & it seems that you want want it, so why not?
 
The regulations are clear for those retired under Chapter 61:

AFI 36-3212:
4.13. Ceremonies and Presentations of Appropriate Certificates. Commanders will conduct a suitable ceremony before members retire or separate for disability. For an oversea member returning to the CONUS, hold the ceremony at the oversea base. If the oversea separation base does not do this, the MPF at the CONUS separation base arranges an appropriate ceremony before the member leaves that base. Present the retirement or discharge certificate, along with any awards and letters of appreciation at the ceremony.

Follow these guidelines:
4.13.1. Retirement. Commanders use AFI 36-3203, Service Retirement, as used for members who retire for age or service. When possible, the MPF gets a written statement from members who decline a ceremony.
Click to expand...

AFI 36-3203
6.1.2. Responsibility. Commanders must evaluate and recognize the contributions of their retiring members. Commanders will conduct a retirement ceremony for all retiring members unless the member specifically requests not to have a ceremony. At overseas bases for those returning to the CONUS for retirement, the overseas commander should hold a retirement ceremony, presenting the DD Form363AF, Certificate of Retirement, at the overseas base. If the ceremony cannot be held at the over-seas base, the ceremony will be held at the CONUS separation base. As part of the advance noticerequired by paragraph 2.5., the overseas MPF must tell the CONUS MPF that the ceremony must beconducted at the CONUS base unless the member does not want a ceremony.
Click to expand...

While I am completely aware that this regulation, specifically the part about the member requesting to not have a ceremony, is highly unlikely to pan out as such in reality I think the regulations clearly back you up in having a retirement ceremony.
 
Oh I don't for a minute doubt I'll meet anything but resistance and if any attempts are even made to meet the AFI requirements, they'll be half-assed. I was just curious if anyone had actually received the "retirement honors" that are due them.
 
There are a couple of ways to look at this, as I have also addressed the issue in my own mind.

I feel that as a E-9 with 30 years put on the TDRL that I should have received many things; a retirement ceremony, a retirement award (an LOM is customary for retirement at my grade), a flag, lapel pin, certificate, spouse recognition, etc. Not to mention a Purple Heart once the injuries were made a matter of record by the Formal LOD's. Having said that -

I had been transferred out of my unit due to deployment and medical hold, so it wasn't on anybody's radar. I wasn't slighted by anyone, they just happened to be fighting a couple of wars at the time. To me, the bottom line is this - I didn't serve for medals or recognition. I served because I could, and it was the right thing to do, and it was an honor to do so.

Again, just my humble opinion.

CSM (RET)
 
I was offered one but decided not to have it. At the time I had a little over four years in the Air Force and I just didn't feel that a retirement ceremony was appropriate for me. That was my decision based on my personal experiences and my personal beliefs. However, everyone should be given the opportunity to make that decision.
 
I know this forum is old but thanks for posting this information. I am being retired with 18 1/2 years and would like a retirement ceremony but am being given a hard time by my unit. They have already told me I would not be receiving an award. This was due to my being unable to pass PT due to the injury that got me med boarded in the first place. Still it would be wonderful for my retirement certificate and my childrens' certificates to be presented. I just wish units used more compassion and greater understanding to those of us that did not choose to be put in this situation.

At least now I know that they cannot tell me know and so once again I really appreciate the information listed here.

YM
 
I think by regulation you are authorized a ceremony. Nice to see we keep screwing our own people... I don't know the retirement regulation off hand but you might want to dig through it.
 
ym244,

Branch of service?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top