20 years and done pics added

[S&W Fan]

This is my older son's final weekend in a military uniform after 20 years. My level of pride, forgive me, is beyond description. 10 years as a Combat Medic and 10 as a Flight Medic plus the last few as NCOIC. 5 deployments and you can probably imagine what he's been through.

He turns 40 in July and is also a firefighter/paramedic with a large area FD. The retirement ceremony will be a few weeks out.

His first tour, CSC Scania Iraq 2005-maybe 2004, E4


3rd tour, first as a Flight Medic, Afghanistan E5


His last tour, Afghanistan, two years ago, second to the end on the right, E7

 

[Beemerguy53]

God bless your son, and best wishes to him for a long and healthy retirement.

 

[Old&Retired]

God bless him in all his endeavors!
23 years myself so I know all the sacrifices he's made over the years.

 

[fiasconva]

A huge thanks to him for his service. He has definitely earned a well-deserved retirement. Well done! You have every right to be as proud as you are, dad.

 

[moosedog]

Love it. You and the wife raised him right. Congratulations.

 

[s&wchad]

People like your son make this country great.
God bless...

 

[Lee Barner]

thank him for his service. I can't believe I will be retired 34 years in July. still miss it. Lee

 

[Truckman]

thank him for his service. I can't believe I will be retired 34 years in July. still miss it. Lee

Yes...My USAF service ended 55 years ago, so if I had stuck it out like you, and S&W Fan's son I could have been living in the lap of luxury over 30 years myself...

Now that the laughter over that last remark has died down, I am grateful that some of our young people still step up to the firing line for our country......Ben

 

[Maddog 521]

Thank your son for serving.

I can say that those years you speak of are sometimes difficult on the person putting in the time and it is also difficult on the parents and families waiting back at home. I'm sure y'all are very proud of your son. I wish him well in his next adventure.

 

[S&W Fan]

Thank you all. Just got off the phone with him, a new battalion commander announced so they're all heading out to a combo short celebration. He said it definitely is a little bittersweet but commented he's doing well especially considering all that he experienced in the sandbox and is eager to move on the next phase of life.

He has three great little kids-10, 6 (both boys) and a 4yr old girl (the boss lol). We've got a little getaway scheduled in a few weeks when the boys are on spring break, it'll be great.

 

[bk42261]

Give him a HUGE hug from me and the Mrs.- MUCH appreciation

 

[mckenney99]

God bless your son. May he have a long retirement.

 

[sheepdawg]

Tell him many thanks. May God smile upon him the rest of his life.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Congrats to you both.

When my dad processed out after 23 years he said: "damn, now I have to work for a living".

 

[Rudi]

Congrats to him!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kozmic]

A heart-felt thanks for his service and sacrifice.

 

[jscheck]

Outstanding! Congratulations on his retirement! My son retires mid June from the Air Force.

 

[S&W Fan]

Outstanding! Congratulations on his retirement! My son retires mid June from the Air Force.

Well done Pop! Send my congrats.

 

[Keith Brown]

You should be bursting with pride ! Please thank him for his service, and may God protect him in his further work. Those who step forward to serve are very special people.

 

[SMSgt]

Congrats to your son--and you! I retired in '91 when I realized how badly the "Me" generation had infiltrated the service and how the leadership was more concerned about supporting their "self esteem" rather than good order and discipline. My son, a Navy Lt Cmdr, retired for the same reasons also. If your son managed 20 years under today's military environment, good on him.