Old soldiers never die they just fade away

Yesterday was my last day with the National Guard. This month 34 years ago I was sworn in, now I fulfill a promise to Jan I made years ago, "After I make my "3" I will retire.  Through several medical evaluation boards I finally got to go to the school I needed to attend, several more medical boards after I got back and now almost 8 years after moving to California am I keeping that promise.

 So now I go back to my normal job at the VA, hope to run into a few people I know from here, and or neighbors of mine.  I look forward to that extra weekend a month and those two weeks every summer that I give up.  I have done my time, and I hope my leaving is an opening for a younger soldier to move up.  I will miss the camaraderie, having coffee with "Sarge,"  some of the people as well. But I won't miss the hurry up and wait of the military, nor the dumb ideas that come down to frack up the whole weekend. Those weekends can be in the pursuit of hobbies I enjoy, spending some time on the water, camping side of a stream, or riding up and down Highway 1. Either way I feel I have earned it.

So with heavy heart I washed and put the uniform away for the last time. dusted off the old boots, and put my cover away. These are things that I will miss, the tradition, the honor, and the friends. To those who have served, you know what I am talking about.  No better friends will you ever have as those who have stood side of you in peace and war.

Kevin Storm
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (R)
 

Congratulations and thank you for your service.

Bravo Zulu Sir !!!
Thank you for your service !!!

Vic

Thankyou from one of those not able to serve. Good health and long may your 3rd weekends last!!!

Thank you for your service sir! There are still us that appriciated it.

Congratulation.  Well deserved permanent R&R.  This ex Army guy salute you for your service.

I can't say how you feel first hand but coming from a military family I have a good idea how you feel. I can agree you have done you time and then some, more than most. Thank you for your service and God bless.

Congratulations Sir.

Congratulations Sir.

I have worn that stuff, looks all to familiar...lol

Thank you Chief.

Thank you for your service and please give thanks to your family for their sacrifices as well
Former sailor USN..Viet Nam

(from 24yr Coastie).  Like you said it is time for the younger ones to carry the load.  I get told thank you for your service from now serving Coasties; but, I remind them it is now your turn and tell them thank you.

congrats and thank you, cameron

Congratulations Sir.

I have worn that stuff, looks all to familiar...lol

LOL ! Hoped you would like it. I did that when I was on my last days in Okinawa Japan. 1986 . Miss a lot of my buddies from the Marine Corps. Hurah !!!