I'm finally retired - Another Chapter Closes

[1Birddog!]

Congratulations, I know exactly how bittersweet you feel and a trip is the best thing to do at this point. I also worked for the government as an 1811 and hit my mandatory retirement age of 57. At the time, I would have happily stayed, but by law, it was time to go. No regrets! Yes, it will be an adjustment but worth it. Not supervising anyone, no idiot bosses and no more TS-SCI was liberating. I traveled the world and started a business. You will soon realize how lucky you are to be blessed with a great pension, TSP and the healthcare. It gives you the freedom most retirees can only dream about. Welcome to your new life!

 

[BeeMaa]

Congratulations my friend on a wonderful career. Enjoy what you have earned.

 

[Fatback]

Congrats on a great career. Thank you for the service to our country. Hopefully we will all be reading about your close encounters with cape buffalo and how your new Rigby sorted him out.

 

[Nyati]

Felicidades Oscar

Now take your time and go hunt a nice buff !

 

[Red Leg]

Well done! But stay busy.

 

[DieJager]

Congratulations. Real milestone. Now you certainly have the time to write a great report after hunting that buffalo. Enjoy!

 

[SETH RINGER]

REALLY HAPPY FOR YOU. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

 

[wesheltonj]

Congratulations

 

[WyoBull]

Congratulations to you and thank you for your service. Enjoy your retirement!

 

[Ridge Runner]

Congrats on your (and your wife's) retirement.
From one vete to another Thank You for your service.
Looking forward to your hunt report on getting a buff with your new to you rifle.

 

[John Wasmuth]

Congratulations

 

[WAB]

Well done sir!

 

[TOBY458]

Congratulations!!!! Let me know how it goes. I’m thinking of hanging it up in 2026 if all goes well.

 

[Skshyk]

Congratulations and thank you for your service!

 

[Trogon]

Sincere congratulations on your service, thank you! I hope you find time to work in plenty of fun stuff!

I'm envious, having several more years before pulling the pin myself.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

What a ride! Well, the date finally arrived, as of yesterday (30 Jun 2024) I am no longer employed by the Federal Government, and I am officially retired. It's a bittersweet feeling, but I believe the time was right to pulled chocks as we say in the Air Force. My parents were able to witness the closing of this chapter in my life, and I couldn't have been happier. They saw me spread my wings and join the Air Force in 1983 and leave the safety of their nest to serve and defend this wonderful Nation that graciously opened her arms and embraced us as one of her own. Here I am at 62 1/2 years old, and they were here to witness this special events.

What's in the future you may ask? Well, I'm not sure yet. But I do have a huge laundry list of honey dos from my wonderful Mrs. PARA45. Will I get another job, well, I may in the future, but for now, I don't think so.

It has been an honor to serve, defend and protect this wonderful Nation. I hope the young NCOs I mentor will carry this torch and continue to defend and protect our fragile Nation.

As a going away, my wife said yes to purchase a rifle from @krish, so I was able to purchase a beautiful Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby. She also said that if we could afford it, to hunt a Buffalo with the new rifle. I'll post pictures of the rifle later on. Here are some pictures of the festivities. Enjoy!

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My Superintendent making his presentation.

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My mom next to me, my commander, Mrs. PARA45 in white, my dad behind her, my best friend a special ops (PJ)_and who officiated my retirement ceremony, and lastly my brother in law.

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My Certificate of Service, and my wife's Certificate of Appreciation for her unconditional support.

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Table with all the gifts. I need to up my drinking game, and anyone is welcome to help me kill some bottles or smoke some cigars.

Congratulations sir! Enjoy it! Thank you for your service!!!

 

[Doug3006]

Congratulations and thanks for your service! December 31 is my last day and I’m counting’ em down.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

Congratulaciones on retiring from your successful and rewarding career!

Safe hunting

 

[Siennacoyote]

Congrats . I’m 18 years out

 

[PARA45]

Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. Yes, I'm planning on staying busy around the house and with my wood projects. I am also planning on reloading every piece of brass I have, and that should keep me busy for quite some time. Also, once the weather gets a bit cooler (90+ is not fun in Middle Georgia), I'll be busy shooting all the reloads, so I can start the process all over again.
I'm schedule to go to the Eastern Cape next year, and my friend @Tundra Tiger will be there during that time. I convinced a good friend to go on his first safari, and he is also joining me. I will hunt a Buffalo in the Cape, and hopefully later on I can go to some wild place and chase Buffalo and hopefully other critters. I'm also thinking of visiting @Tundra Tiger in Alaska for maybe Moose & Bear. We shall see. Wife wants to go to Argentina to visit a niece, and if we do, I'll figure out a way to hunt Argentina. So, we have lots of plans.

@TOBY458, I'll let you know brother. BTW, I woke up at 0530 this morning, and I was out walking the dogs and drinking a cup of coffee at 0700 hrs. LOL. No sleeping in for this old Airman. LOL!