Questions RE: Military Retirement

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Is there anyone around here who can share either their experience with military retirement ceremonies/parties or can direct me to information about them?

My husband is retiring in the next couple of months and I know we're planning on giving him a party. Beyond that, I need to figure out what else to expect.

My husband is in the Air Force, BTW. I know he'll have a fini flight, and then there is some sort of ceremony to follow at the base. I haven't ever been to one of those ceremonies.

I know how to give a party. That's no problem. My problems come with knowing what wives traditionally do for their husbands at retirement--during the ceremony, afterward, etc...

 

[kc10family]

Congratulations on his retirement!!!!



Just tossing out a few things I have seen





-Slide show from beginning of career to now (include family)

-Invite as many family and friends as you want

-Spouse will receive a certificate and gift (flowers etc)
-Lots of talking from the commander and others.
-Dh should have is Bio read during ceramony
-DH should get all his medals and awards together for the sq to put in a shadow box
-Children may or may not receive a gift (given by your DH if he wants)

-Squadron will have a flag folding ceremony (DH will receive this)

-Many parting gifts will be given to him from his Sq.

-You and your family can present DH with a gift during the ceremony if you’d like





If you have a reception after the ceremony, you should provide snacks and drinks. The sq normally provides the cake but check with them.off the top of my head that is about it.

 

[tiggerlover]

Congratulations to you and your DH on his upcoming retirement.

Some good information from kc10family. My DH retired from the Navy a year and a half ago and a lot of what was posted was true for us. The more family and friends the more special it is, especially if those family and or friends help participate in the ceremony. DH had a special presentation for his parents, including flowers for his mom, something special for me and for DS. During his speech DH thanked DS and I and said a lot of special things, I received a certificate and flowers and DH presented DS with his first Navy hat. There were special guests of people who touched DH's career and many friends participated. In the Navy you can chose a place to have your retirement flag flown, DH chose the USS Constitution, so he got a certificate and flag from that and he paid to have a beautiful shadow box made where the flag was encased and all of his medals and achievements showcased. We had the ceremony at the officers club and had a catered affair right there afterwards. Then that evening we had another party at the hotel that our out of town guests were staying in there banquet room. It was a very emotional and memorable day.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

We're already getting emotional about it at our house.

I've been in contact with the commander's exec to start getting information. He said they'll send out invitations, but we have to get the list together of people we want invited.

I think we'll do a small reception at the squadron immediately following the ceremony, and then we'll have a great big party at our house (100 or so) afterward.

 

[6mouskateers]

Congratulations to both of you! DH retired from the AF two years ago. We BOTH got doused with champagne at his fini-flight so beware! I got to hose him down first and it was a riot.

We had his ceremony at a local air museum with a reception afterward--we had it just before lunch so folks could come over then have a sandwich and cake etc. It was so nice. Then we had the big blow out at home that weekend.

One of things he did was have a shadow box made-like most folks do. DH's turned out so nicely-a friend of his custom made it. It holds a flag (flown by his squadron over Afghanistan) all his rank and decorations. It is very different from the "off the rack" ones because his buddy built it for him, plus has lots of sentimental value.