Putting on the uniform for the last time...

[kelmac07]

Well today is the day...I officially put my Army Combat Uniform on for the final time. This morning I will sign out and officially begin my retirement ater 23 years and two months of service to this great nation. Who would have imagined that this young kid from Tyrone, Pennsylvania would have stayed in the Army this long??? Not me, my mother, my friends...LOL!!! I can honestly say that this was a VERY SMART decision for me. I have met a ton of great people, traveled to many beautiful (and not so beautiful) countries, had the opportunity to protect this great nation, and made life lasting friendships in the process. I had some great and not so great jobs...my favorite being the 32 months I spent as being a First Sergeant and being able to personally take care of over 500 Soldiers (yeah, it was the largest company in the brigade). I have met thousands upon thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines throughout the years...all giving their best to support this great nation we live in. While I am saddened to "hang the boots up", I am excited to turn the page and adventure out into the "new" (civilian) world. This old Soldier (not as old as Tobii) is extremely grateful for the time served and would not trade it for all the money in the world (well maybe for all the money i the world). For those continuing to serve, be it in harms way or not, remember why you serve and always keep your head up and those shoulders back. You truly are appreciated and envied for serving in the most rewarding job a man or woman could ever have.

1SG Mac out

[blooz4u]

Incredible post man. Thanks for all of your years of service. Congratuations Mike!

Enjoy a really special smoke tonight!!

[elderboy02]

Incredible post man. Thanks for all of your years of service. Congratuations Mike!

Enjoy a really special smoke tonight!!

:tpd: I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you Mike :usa

[newcigarz]

:usa:salute::usa

[DPD6030]

:usa Congrats Mike. Enjoy retirement and thanks for your dedicated service to our beloved country. :usa

[taltos]

Congratulations Mike and thank you.:tu

[ahc4353]

Congratulations Mike.

Thank you for so many years of service.

Enjoy your retirement.

:salute:

(P.S. Nobody is as old as Tobii. :D)

[68TriShield]

You have my gratitude Michael :usa

Tyrone PA,my Brother has in-laws in and near there.Talk about small town America :tu

[Volt]

Mike, thanks for your service and pass on to Kelly thanks to her as well for hers. I loved my 20 years in the Navy, glad I did it, would do it again, and glad I'm done. Enjoy the start of the next phase or your life.

[WildBlueSooner]

I just started putting on the uniform because of great people like you. Thank you for all you have done in proudly serving the USA!

[pnoon]

I salute you, Sir. :salute:

Thanks just doesn't say enough.

[rennD]

Thanks for the great service buddy!

:salute::usa

[DougBushBC]

Thanks Mike, and congrats on the beginning of the next part. Tonite we will all smoke a good one in your honor.

[14holestogie]

I salute you, Sir. :salute:

Thanks just doesn't say enough.

:tpd:

:salute:

[Col. Kurtz]

Thanks for your service! Happy Retirement, you've earned it.

[akakirby]

Thank you for your service mike! You have earned that retirement!

[SmokeyJoe]

God bless you, Michael. As Peter said... "thanks for your service" just doesn't cover it, but just know it was deeply appreciated by many.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Hope I have the privilege of lighting one up with you some day. :usa :salute:

[icehog3]

Thank you for 23+ years of service to this great country, Mike. :usa

Enjoy your retirement, Sir. :salute:

[loki]

Congratulations Mike.

Thank you for so many years of service.

Enjoy your retirement.

:salute:

(P.S. Nobody is as old as Tobii. :D)

I agree with al on everything he said here....





(though al maybe older then tobii...we're waiting on the carbon dating to come back)

[TheTraveler]

Thank you. :usa

You spent your time on the wall protecting this country and your fellow citizens. I wish you all the best.

[skullnrose]

Very touching post. Thank you for your dedication in serving this country. Enjoy your retirement.

[Sailkat]

Thank you so much for your service :usa

Best wishes as you start this new chapter of your life!!

[JohnnyKay5]

today I salute you old friend

[chippewastud79]

Thank you for keeping us safe throughout the years, enjoy your retirement :usa

[kelmac07]

Thanks!!! Gonna light up something special tonight!

[Mugen910]

This old Soldier (not as old as Tobii) is extremely grateful for the time served and would not trade it for all the money in the world (well maybe for all the money i the world).
1SG Mac out

:r

Congrats 1SG...welcome to the civilian world. :tu

[Bruzee]

Congrats on the retirement bro! Thank you for your 23 years of service, I for one appreciate it! :tu

[kelmac07]

:r

Congrats 1SG...welcome to the civilian world. :tu

It's been awhile...hoping for a smooth transition. Thanks!

[Old Sailor]

1SG Mac :salute::salute:

[kelmac07]

Thanks for all the kudos guys...much appreciated!!

[mojo65]

Im humbled by your service! :usa

[loki]

It's been awhile...hoping for a smooth transition. Thanks!

we'll drink and herf your ass back into shape....

[ade06]

Thank you for your service!!!

[yourchoice]

Thank you sir! You have my utmost respect and gratitude.





even though you are a Mets fan! snicker snicker

[alley00p]

Mike, I have to thank you for your 23 years of service to the U.S.! :usa

I spent my 4 in the Air Force, but decided to go back to my civilian life afterwards. I enjoyed all my time while I was in, so I can appreciate what you wrote in your OP. There's been times that I have wondered how another tour (or more) could have brought more to my life's experiences. I'm so glad you have enjoyed your career!

Welcome to civilian life again! I know you will enjoy your retirement... :D

:salute:




:dance:

[floydpink]

Thank you so much for your service and may the rest be the best.

[Trace63]

Lame or not, you almost made me tear up a bit.

Thank you for everything you have done. And Thank You for fighting, and letting us live the way we do today!

-Kamil

[Waynegro1]

Congratulations and thank you for your service, 1SG.
I'm sure you made a lasting impression on many a young soldier. I've been out for some time now and still think (daily) of so many great men that I had the honor of serving with, through good and bad. I'm sure they will all miss you and think of you often for many years to come.
I salute you, enjoy your retirement and good luck (on the outside). :usa

[Azpostal]

Congratulations 1SG Mac! Thank you for your service and I hope you enjoy life as a civilian.

[kelmac07]

Thanks again for the kudos guys...

[tobii3]

Just remember, 1SG, you CAN'T take civilians to the woodline for counseling!!!!

:D

If and when I retire, they're gonna have to drag me away, kicking and screaming (okay, at my age, groaning and wetting myself)

Congratulations on an amazing career, 1SG!!!!

[TripleF]

WOW, there's just nooooooooooooooooooo words large and powerful enough to say what I want to.

Thanks Mac! Thanks very, very, much!!

Here's to a continued long and happy life!! God bless!

-

[kelmac07]

[QUOTE=tobii3;429360]Just remember, 1SG, you CAN'T take civilians to the woodline for counseling!!!! :DQUOTE]

Tobii...looks like I will need to be re-trained then!!! What do the civilians call that...corporate education?

[trader1974]

Thanks for all the years of service, for keeping us safe and protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy! Congrats on your retirement and good luck in the future!

[hotreds]

HUGHRAH, brother! Thanks for your service, best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement!

[OLS]

I HAD NO IDEA! I just thought you were Johnny on the spot with the things no one else had the stomach for.
I guess it all makes sense now. You bought ACIDs cause there was a need amongst the men. How could I
not see you were once a First Sgt? Congrats. I know my friend Lee in the service stayed on past 4 years
and told me he was going career. I was thinking he was nuts. Man, I would have been out 9 years ago
AND had a lil pension to boot. Who was the real idiot.

[nozero]

I salute you, Sir. :salute:

Thanks just doesn't say enough.

:tpd:

[kelmac07]

Thanks again for all the kudo guys!!!

[Col. Kurtz]

[quote=tobii3;429360]Just remember, 1SG, you CAN'T take civilians to the woodline for counseling!!!! :DQUOTE]

That's sig worthy!

Tobii...looks like I will need to be re-trained then!!! What do the civilians call that...corporate education?

Coaching and mentoring :rolleyes:

[kelmac07]

[quote=kelmac07;429742]

Coaching and mentoring :rolleyes:

Thanks Jerry...I will see how that works!!! :fu

[ucla695]

Thanks for your service!! :usa:

[Opusfxd]

Thanks for your time in service! It is the most valuable gift you could give us.

[huero71]

Congratulations! :usa